17 November 2020

Newsletter Articles

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

Dear Parents,

SINCERE CONDOLENCES: Our school community was deeply saddened to hear of the sudden and unexpected passing of B-Jay Hughes at the end of last week.

B-Jay is the husband of Kya and much-loved father of Declan, Xavier (Year 2) and Logan (Kindergarten). As a faith community we extend our prayers and sincere condolences to B-Jay’s family and friends and offer our support and comfort to Kya and the children as they attempt to make sense of this tragedy, particularly in the lead up to Christmas.

May shared memories and stories of B-Jay, help to ease the pain of this devastating loss. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed - rest in peace.

SPECIAL EVENTS: This past fortnight, as a school community we stopped to reflect on two important events in Australia’s history and acknowledge the significance in our modern society. Despite restrictions to large gatherings we were able to respectfully acknowledge both Remembrance Day and NAIDOC week, in simple yet significant ways.

REMEMBRANCE DAY was commemorated last week (Wednesday 11th November).

I was honoured to accompany 4 of our student leaders to the service held at the cenotaph in Maitland Park. Although Remembrance Day was different this year, our students and teachers accessed specific resources to help commemorate the silencing of the guns of the Western Front on 11 November 1918, after four years of continuous warfare and the signing of the Armistice, which brought an end to the First World War.

Each year on this day Australians observe one minute’s silence at 11am, in memory of those who died or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts.

NAIDOC WEEK activities were held within classes and culminated in a whole school Zoom liturgy on Monday as a means for embracing the rich history of our country – a history which dates back thousands of generations.

This year’s NAIDOC theme: Always Was, Always Will Be, acknowledged that our nation’s story didn’t begin with documented European contact whether in 1770 with Captain James Cook, or in 1606 with the arrival of the Dutch on the western coast of the Cape York Peninsula.

The theme recognises that First Nations people have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were Australia’s first explorers, first navigators, first engineers, first farmers, first botanists, first scientists, first diplomats, first astronomers and first artists.

Our children were invited to explore key Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander perspectives, peoples, histories and stories and shared beautiful literature, available in our school library.

IMPORTANT MESSAGES FOR PARENTS

PUPIL FREE DAY: FRIDAY 20th NOVEMBER (THIS WEEK!) to enable staff to engage in faith formation. Students do not come to school on this day.

COMMENCEMENT DATES 2021

Term 1

Week 1:

Wednesday 27th Jan: Staff day
Thursday 28th Jan: Years 1-6 start

Week 2: Staggered starts for students in Kindergarten 2021

Further information will be communicated via SEESAW and COMPASS for incoming Kindergarten parents in the coming weeks, including preparations for the Term 1 start and your child’s allocation to Group 1 or 2.

CURRICULUM NEWS

LIBRARY NEWS

SPORTS NEWS

Congratulations to the following students who have been selected to take part in Diocesan trials in their chosen fields. We are so pleased that the easing of some restrictions has allowed these events to proceed and we wish them well.

TENNIS: Isabella Reichel
BASKETBALL: Ryley McKay & Max Proctor

COMMUNITY NEWS

PLAY EQUIPMENT

Exciting times ahead! Preparations for our new playground equipment begin this week. A huge thank you to the parents and friends of our community who have enthusiastically contributed to fundraising events over time. It is your involvement and support of school events and functions that has resulted directly in the availability of funds. Watch this space…

P&F AGM

St Patrick’s P&F is now calling for your attendance at the Annual General Meeting and nominations for vacant committee positions on the 2021 Committee. (Nominations will also be taken during the meeting). Your attendance at this meeting is vital to ensure a quorum is reached (7 members including at least 2 Executive members) and the meeting can take place. The agenda includes reports on all areas of activity undertaken by the P&F throughout the year.

Nominations are welcome for the St Patrick’s Lochinvar P&F for 2021.

Formal nominations are required for the following positions: · President · Vice President · Treasurer · Secretary · Federation Parent Representative

I,………………………….....................................hereby
nominate …………….………….............................................….…….. (name)

for the position of…………………………………….…………….……………………

on the St Patrick’s Lochinvar P&F Committee for 2021.

I understand that should there be more than one person nominate for the position then the election will be by secret ballot.

Name (of nominee) …................................................................................

Signature (of nominee): ..………………..……………… Date: …..................................

Proposed by……….……………………............….. Signature: ……………….……………

Seconded by………………………………............. Signature: ……………………………..

Please address your application in a sealed envelope to the P&F President St Patrick’s Lochinvar or return via email to: admin@lochinvarsp.catholic.edu.au

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