13 August 2020

Newsletter Articles

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

Dear Parents,

A BLESSING…

I have included a blessing for the staff of St Patrick’s, who despite the ongoing restrictions and changes to school life, have shown not only resilience in the face of great adversity, but also their genuine drive to love and support the children, young people and families in their care. It is your child’s teacher who is going out of their way every day, to create a calm and positive environment.

Blessed are you who are called to teach, for you walk in the footsteps of the Master.
Blessed are you who sow peace and harmony in your school, for yours will be the joy of the Lord.
Blessed are you when you share your faith with others, for your name will be written in their hearts.
Blessed are you who plant seeds of hope in youthful hearts, for your legacy will be the harvest.
Blessed are you who are sensitive to the cries of youth, for you will become their voice.
Blessed are you who anguish now when your students are difficult, for your effort will be their light.
Blessed are you when you leaven your teaching with patience and empathy, for this is to teach as
Jesus did.
Blessed are you when you reach out for your students, for you will find God and rejoice.
Blessed are you who lead your students in the ways of all virtue and love, for yours is the Kingdom of God.

STAYING HEALTHY

We have now witnessed the effects of COVID-19 in Australia for 6 months. I would like to reassure you of the safety of your students at St Patrick’s. We are continuing to be vigilant about taking all precautions for the safety of the students and adults in our school community. At school, we are constantly reminding our students and staff about washing hands, covering coughs and sneezes. We continue to have detailed cleans of the school each day. As a school we sincerely appreciate the support and understanding of our parent community as we remain focused on adhering to government advice and guidelines.

I encourage all parents to continue to observe physical distancing outside the school, particularly in the mornings and afternoons. I ask all parents to remain vigilant when waiting for their children and encourage you to minimise prolonged contact with others, ensure a distance of 1.5m is maintained and leave the school grounds promptly.

We continue to refer to the advice from the NSW Government and our own Catholic Schools Office who have requested that all non-essential adults not be permitted on school grounds or to attend school activities or school-based events. Furthermore any families who travel away on weekends need to be vigilant with the places they visit and ensure that they are up to date with the advice from NSW Health and follow it accordingly.

Thank you again for your support in keeping your children at home if they are unwell, and your diligence in seeking advice about undergoing COVID testing if they develop any flu like symptoms.

Sincere thanks as well to Sue Hawke and the cleaning crew who are working incredibly hard to keep our environment safe.

Sincerely,
Jacqui Wilkinson
Principal

IMPORTANT MESSAGES FOR PARENTS

PHOTO CHANGES FOR 2020

School Photo’s will be on 24th August 2020

UNIFORM REMINDERS RELATING TO HAIR AND JEWELLERY

We take pride in wearing our school uniform. It helps create an identity for our school and is an important part of being a student of St Patrick’s. Just a timely reminder on hair and jewellery expectations:

• Jewellery is not permitted other than a signet ring, a watch, a crucifix on a fine chain and one sleeper or plain stud earring in the lobe of each ear.
• Make-up or nail polish is not to be worn.
• Hair is to be of one natural colour, clean, tidy, neatly cut, out of the eyes and tied back. Radical hair styles are not permitted. Ribbons, hair bands and clips, if worn, must be navy blue or white or made from the fabric of the school uniform. Hair accessories in school colours can be purchased from the school office or via the Qkr! app. See the Uniform menu with photos of each available item.

ATTENDANCE

As we are aware, regular and consistent attendance at school is crucial to your child’s success with learning. Similarly, it is vitally aware that children are at school on time, every day. There has been an alarming increase in the number of students arriving at school after the bell time of 8.50am. Late arrival impacts on the students themselves, the class and the teacher, not to mention the valuable learning time they are missing if this is a regular occurrence.

Even small amounts of time missed on a regular basis add up over longer periods. Please work hard to develop positive routines and support us in ensuring your children arrive at school between 8.30am and 8.50am.

GRADUATION

CHANGES TO THE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

SINCERE THANK YOU

I was delighted to receive a package and letter in the mail this week from the grandparents of Mia and Isla Smith. I have included the letter for your information and a photo of the contents of the surprise package. This was such a generous gesture and greatly appreciated. I am certain the books will be enjoyed by many students over the coming years.

RE NEWS

FEAST DAY OF ST MARY OF THE CROSS (MACKILLOP)

Last Saturday we celebrated the Feast of St Mary of the Cross (MacKillop).

Each year on the 8th August we stop to give thanks for the vision of Mary MacKillop in wanting to make a difference in our world. Mary chose her mission to assist the children of poorer families in receiving an education that would improve their futures.

The works of the Sisters reach across our world, to corners including Peru, New Zealand, Ireland, East Timor, Scotland, Brazil and of course Australia.

Their mission has grown beyond education to include health, social work, ecology, parish ministry and aged care. The great gift that these Sisters have continued to give our world is their commitment to answering whatever is needed of them in contemporary times.

On Friday 7th August, the students of St Patrick’s joined a ZOOM Liturgy, prepared by Year 1 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the canonisation of Saint Mary of the Cross (MacKillop) and her life and mission. Her vision, faith, example and leadership have truly touched our world and made it better for each of us.

A message from the MJR Team

Week 3’s MJR focus was ‘be a winner and grinner, not a moaner and a groaner’. This means that even though you may lose do not get upset and give up, learn from what you did wrong and try to make it better next time. However, this does not mean that if you win you boast and show off to everyone else.

Week 4’s MJR focus is ‘teamwork’. This means to include everyone in what you do and work together as one. Do not take over and let everyone have a turn.

Over these two weeks remember the message: DO NOT GIVE UP WHEN THINGS GET HARD AND WORK TOGETHER TO OVERCOME CHALLENGES.

From your MJR team members, Maddy and Aiden

CURRICULUM NEWS

YEAR 4 EXCURSION UPDATE

Our Term 4 History excursion to Sydney has been cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns. Instead, the Year 4 teachers will be organising an incursion where the children will be able to come to school dressed ‘First Fleet style’ (e.g. convict, soldier, indigenous, officer, marine, free settler) and participate in different activities throughout the day. The date of our incursion is the same as original excursion, Friday 23rd October (Term 4, Week 2).

SEMESTER 1 MODIFIED REPORTS AND PARENT/TEACHER INTERVIEWS

Communication between the school and home is crucial on so many levels for the benefit of the students. Due to COVID restrictions, parent-teacher discussions will take place upon request through phone calls. This is another form of communication required in this unique year of 2020. These discussions provide a great opportunity to learn about the progress of your child (ren). It is important to listen to all the information as the good news can come in varied ways.

• Good efforts and involvement
  To hear that your child is applying himself/herself in class is outstanding. Students who develop good work habits at school and at home and maintain these throughout their schooling, often work to their potential.
• Behaviour and Relationships
  Good behaviour and forming positive relationships with peers and staff are commendable attributes. Forming lasting friendships through shared experiences at school is great for the soul. There are groups of adults who still have regular meetings with friends formed in Kindergarten. Being able to work through the diverse world of school – class, playground, sport, music, peers, adults – and form positive behavioural traits creates long lasting, trustworthy habits.
• Celebrate Successes
  Every child achieves success at school. This success could come in a particular key learning area, relationships with peers, behaviour choices, involvement in the life of the school, taking on responsibilities, being trustworthy, being a good role model to others, improvement in learning. Celebrate this success with your child. Children and parents have a unique and powerful bond. The positive and timely words of acknowledgement and praise from parents is invaluable, never to be underestimated.

ASPIRE AUDITIONS

The audition process is now open for ASPIRE 2021. To audition for ASPIRE you need to complete the online audition form which is on the ASPIRE website:

The audition process closes the last day of Term 3, Friday 25 September 2020. If you require further information please contact Anne Atkins on 4979-1331 or email: anne.atkins@mn.catholic.edu.au

ASPIRE ART COMPETITION EXTENDED- CALLING ALL INSPIRED ART STUDENTS!

Earlier this year ASPIRE launched this Art Competition as part of this year’s ASPIRE production The Pecking Order. Due to the current climate, the production will now take place in January 2021 and the closing date for this competition has been extended.

In honour of our feathered friends, the ASPIRE team would like to invite students, of any age, from our diocesan schools to create a model bird that will be displayed in the foyer during production week. The aim is to create a wonderful art exhibition at the Civic Theatre for the duration of the production to showcase the work of our talented Visual Arts students. These birds will also be displayed around the Catholic Schools Office during Term 4, 2020. The bird sculpture can be as realistic or as imaginary as you desire. Our only stipulation is that it be made from found objects e.g. recyclable and/or natural materials.

Create your own special bird or work together as a class to create one large bird! Teachers might like to make it a class project. A team from the ASPIRE committee will select the winners. There will be two categories: Individual student sculpture and Class/group sculpture.

The winner in the class category will receive free transport and tickets to the Friday evening performance of The Pecking Order and the individual student will receive a double pass to the Friday night performance plus an exclusive look behind the scenes at the Civic Theatre. All entries must be received at the Catholic Schools Office by Friday 16 October 2020. For further information contact Anne Atkins on 4979-1331 or email: anne.atkins@mn.catholic.edu.au

COMMUNITY NEWS

CONGRATULATIONS MRS PHELAN

Congratulations to Hilary, Bill, William, Emma and Connor Phelan who all became Australian Citizens yesterday.

FARWELL MISS DORN

On Friday, 4W farewells Miss Dorn. She has come to us from Macquarie University and has been working with us for the last three weeks. We thank her for her enthusiasm and professionalism in her time with us and we wish her well for the completion of her course and for her future teaching career.

PARENTING PAGE