23 June 2021

Newsletter Articles

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

Dear Parents, caregivers and friends,

As we reach the end of Term 2 2021, I would like to sincerely thank you all for your continued support of the school, in the many and varied ways you do.

I would also like to thank you for your feedback, especially those who take the trouble to directly contact me, Mr Nolan or their class teacher, and I hope that we have successfully addressed any concerns you may have regarding your child(ren). Thank you also for the expressions of gratitude for aspects of the school you wish to commend. These are very much appreciated, as are the simple, unexpected expressions of appreciation that are sometimes received by staff. Your acknowledgement of our work has powerful impact!

As the term draws to an end, teachers and families look forward to the opportunity to rest, recover and renew. I will be undertaking Part 3 of the We Are Called: Faith Formation Program for Principal’s this week at St Joseph’s Kincumber (Wed-Fri). This is a wonderful opportunity for me to engage in deep conversation and reflection on the Gospels and my ministry as leader in a Catholic school.

I wish you a safe holiday.

School resumes Monday 12th July.

CALENDAR EVENTS

CLAIM THE DATE- BOOKWEEK/GRANDPARENT’S DAY

WHEN: Term 3 Week 7 (23rd – 27th August)
THEME: New World, Other Worlds
WHAT’S PLANNED:

• Illustrator visit to St Patrick’s - Liz Anelli coming to talk to all students
• Tuesday/Wed/Thurs- Author ZOOMS
• Bake a Book- more details to come
• Grandparent’s Day, including Dress Up Day unique to the theme- Friday 27th August

START PLANNING YOUR COSTUME NOW!

WHAT’S ON

• Wednesday 23rd June 2021 – Pie Drive Collection – School Library.
• Friday 25th June 2021 – Last Day Term 2 – Pyjama Day.
• Monday 12th July 2021 – First Day Term 3 – Students return for Term 3.
• Monday 9th August 2021 – Pupil Free Day – Staff only to attend. School Improvement Plan – Improving Students Outcomes in Writing.

IMPORTANT MESSAGES FOR PARENTS

ROAD SAFETY

Can I ask you to be mindful of safety when dropping off children in the mornings? Use of the hall carpark requires parents to REVERSE park and supervise their children to walk along the nominated pedestrian walkways on the fence-line and not through the carpark.

This area is not ‘kiss and drop’ and requires close monitoring so that children do not mistakenly get too close to cars. Parking along Gregory Rd and Station Lane requires parents to walk their children across the busy road.

Supervision on the road before school is the responsibility of the family.

SCHOOL FEES

A kind reminder for all parents to review your payment arrangements and ensure you are up to date.

Each person accepting enrolment at St Patrick’s, accepts the financial responsibility for the payment of fees and levies. While initial enrolment is not conditional upon financial capability, enrolment is offered in good faith with the understanding that there is a requirement for fees to be paid in the same manner as other financial commitments parents may have.

Each family is expected to meet its financial obligations to the school so that we can provide contemporary and effective educational opportunities now and into the future. Your attention to this is appreciated.

MANAGING ILLNESS AND INJURY AT SCHOOL

Our facilities for the treatment of minor injuries at school are adequate. We ask that if you are doubtful in any way regarding the fitness of your child for school on a particular day that you arrange for his/her care at home.

Should your child become ill while at school, and it is considered advisable that he/she be sent home, we will take the following actions:

1. We will contact you by phone before taking this step.
2. We may require the services of the nominated Emergency Contact Person

In the case of serious accident, an ambulance will be called to attend to the child at school or take the child to the nearest hospital. In all cases, parents will be contacted immediately.

ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION

Should students require occasional medication while at school (e.g. antibiotics) this should be left with the school office staff. A note from parents regarding the type of medication and instructions is required. Parents of children who need to use Ventolin inhalers or the like, must provide details to the school by completing an Action Plan. No child will be given medication unless written instructions are received from the parent/guardian. If it is necessary for your child to take medication for an extended period of time, Diocesan procedure must be followed. Several forms will need to be completed and these will be kept on file at school.

If your child requires an Epipen, Ventolin or any other emergency medication the office must have an Emergency Action Plan from your doctor and an Individual Health Care Plan completed by parents. Please note this action plan must be updated every year by your doctor regardless of whether your child’s condition or medication has changed. The Action Plan must be complete with a photo of your child.

Other medications such as antibiotics should be administered at home. Should your child require a one-off medication at school parents are asked to please bring the medication to the office and sign a medication authorisation form.

Medications must clearly identify the type, name of person for whom the medicine is prescribed, dosage and administration instructions.

If the medication is for regular or long-term use, individual dosages should be prepared by a pharmacist or medical practitioner and delivered in a blister pack by the parent/carer.

A medical action plan is to be issued by a medical practitioner for the treatment of asthma, anaphylaxis and other conditions.

DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILD TO SCHOOL WITH MEDICATIONS FOR PERSONAL ADMINISTRATION (apart from Asthma puffers for older students). It is not safe to have medication stored in school bags.

RE NEWS

PYJAMA DAY

On Friday the 25th June , St. Patricks are raising money for St. Vincent de Paul winter appeal. Please wear your comfiest, cosiest and fluffiest pyjamas and bring a gold coin donation.

There will be prizes on the day for the best dressed students and teachers.

Students MUST wear enclosed shoes and hats (they may wear slippers in their classroom if they wish).

Looking forward to raising money for this great cause.

From the Social Justice team.

WEEK 9 MJR

The MJR focus for Week 9 is “Attitude of Gratitude”. This means we need to be grateful for all that we have. We are very fortunate to live in Australia as we have much more than people in other countries. We should never take things for granted. We should always be thankful for what we have in life. So instead of complaining about what you don’t have, be grateful for the things you do have.

WEEK 10 MJR

The MJR focus for Week 10 is “Having a go”. This means to try new things. Don’t give up. If at first you fail at something you must keep on trying. Believe that you can achieve anything. Why give up when you don’t know what could happen without having a go? Pick yourself up from disappointments and have a go. Don’t feel sorry for yourself and don’t give up. Hopefully, you have a go in every opportunity that comes your way.

CURRICULUM NEWS

DID YOU KNOW?

St Patrick’s is a school built on Gospel Values. Bullying is not a part of our culture and is not tolerated. Procedures are in place so that children in our school are protected from bullying.

St Patrick’s uses a number of resources to develop a shared understanding of bullying behaviour that involves all forms of bullying including cyberbullying. We use preventative strategies and programs to promote student safety and wellbeing founded on our pastoral framework (PBL) and linked to clear expectations for conduct in the context of our Catholic school environment (MJR).

St Patrick’s uses the Alleged Bullying Initial Action Tool and Restorative Practices for thoroughly investigating and managing cases in which bullying is reported.

In the first instance, you are asked to direct any concerns to the class teacher or the SCHOOL EXECUTIVE If you have ongoing unresolved concerns, you are urged to contact the COMPLAINTS MANAGER, DIOCESE OF MAITLAND – NEWCASTLE or NSW School Liaison Police Service through the local area command.

THE POWER OF READING

Recently Mrs Helena Powell was invited to share the wonder of the school library, speaking to interested parents at the last P&F meeting and with principals who visited our school last week. The benefits of access to rich literature, modelling for students by enthusiastic adults, and the gains of children choosing their own reading material are widely documented.

As we move to the school holidays, I again highlight the proven benefits of reading with your child and hope that you are able to find the time to share these precious moments with your children.

Parents and carers who read aloud with children in a secure, safe and comfortable context motivate their children to read. Parents’ perceptions, values, attitudes, and expectations play an important role in influencing their children’s attitudes toward reading, and subsequent literacy development. When children share a book with someone who makes them feel special, the attitude that reading is pleasurable is transferred to other reading encounters.

Relationship building: At the core of reading is a relationship and it is the bond between children and parents that is enhanced through reading together. It only takes ten minutes a day to build this relationship.

Children’s reading improves: The research is conclusive- When parents successfully support their children’s literacy learning from an early age, everyone benefits. When teachers and parents work together to support children’s reading and academic success, learning outcomes for all children improve.

Children read more: Students who read with their parents are better prepared for school. They begin school with knowledge of book language and familiarity with concepts of print. They understand how books work and have many more exposures to text types and vocabulary.

Children’s self-esteem improves: Knowing someone cares enough to take time out of a busy schedule to give you undivided attention around a book makes a significant difference to how students perceive themselves as learners and readers. When parents show an interest in their children’s learning, children respond positively.

Reading unites families through shared stories: When a family reads together, stories form a common ground for communicating. Stories bind families and help students make sense of where they fit in the world. Not only does parent involvement have a specific and profound impact on children’s reading, but also on children’s language and literacy learning in general. It is through interactions with parents and carers that children learn new vocabulary, seek clarification of new understandings, and learn to comprehend their expanding worlds. Talk is the key to reading and writing success. Talking with children (walking to school, at the table, in the car, bedtime) has a significant effect on literacy learning in general.

(Adapted from Parents’ guide to helping children with reading and writing at home PEETA, 2019)

YEAR 4 EXCURSION

LIBRARY NEWS

CLASSROOM NEWS

BABY NEWS

Congratulations to Mrs Atkins and Mrs Harvey, who both delivered beautiful bundles of love in the last fortnight.

Leo William Atkins was born on Wednesday 9th June at 10.12pm, weighing 3.68kg and 51cm in length. He is the most perfect present for Laura and Todd.

Norah James Harvey was born on Wednesday 16th June, making her grand entrance at 2:04pm. She weighed 3.97kg (8lb. 12oz) and is 52cm long. Norah is a precious sister for Elliot and Isabelle.

Welcome to the family little ones!

STAFF UPDATE

Farewell Ms Gibson

I take this opportunity to extend my best wishes and deep appreciation for Kathleen Gibson and all that she has given to positively impact the lives of students at St Patrick’s. Kath will be leaving St Patrick’s at the end of this term to undertake a career shift.

Kath began her teaching career in 2000 at St. James Kotara before moving to Manchester England. Over the next period she undertook roles at Our Lady of Victories in Shortland, Sacred Heart Mona Vale, Our Lady of the Rosary in Wyoming and Corpus Christi at Waratah. Kath joined us in 2017, teaching Year 5 and 6.

We wish her every success in her new venture and thank her for the gift she has been for us all.

Farewell Mrs Mesina

Mrs Lyn Mesina will also finish her contract with us at the end of the term. Despite being with Year 5 for a relatively short time, she will be missed. We thank her for her work and calm presence in our school and wish her the best of luck for the future.

Moving forward

You may be aware, the Diocese, and indeed the state, is experiencing a critical staffing crisis, which has impacted our ability to secure casual teaching staff and qualified, suitable candidates for teaching positions, including replacements for Kath Gibson and Lynne Mesina.

To address this situation, I will be making some staff changes for Term 3. The changes documented also address the flow on effect created by staff movement.

Year 1Y

• Ms Amy Davis & Mrs Teagan Newson
  (Teagan will support Amy in a staggered return to work following illness)

Year 2Y

• Mon- Mrs Tracee Cinello
• Tues- Mrs Tracee Cinello
• Wed- Mrs Tracee Cinello
• Thurs- Mrs Tracee Cinello
• Fri- Mrs Tracee Cinello/ Mrs Cate Lawler (alternate 0.1)

Year 4W

• Mon- Mrs Tegan Cunningham
• Tues- Mrs Tegan Cunningham
• Wed- Mrs Tegan Cunningham
• Thurs- Mrs Chloe Williams
• Fri- Mrs Chloe Williams
  (Chloe is returning to St Patrick’s following maternity leave)

Year 6Y

• Mon- Mrs Angela Waters
• Tues- Mrs Jackie Manthey
• Wed- Mrs Angela Waters
• Thurs- Mrs Jackie Manthey
• Fri- Mrs Jackie Manthey

Year 6B

• Mon- Mrs Amber Deegan
• Tues- Mrs Amber Deegan
• Wed- Mrs Amber Deegan
• Thurs- Mrs Kate Sadaj
• Fri- Mrs Kate Sadaj

Year 5B

• Mon- Mrs Sarah Richards
• Tues- Mrs Sarah Richards/ Mrs Maryanne Hacker (alternate 0.1)
• Wed- Mrs Maryanne Hacker
• Thurs- Mrs Maryanne Hacker
• Fri- Mrs Maryanne Hacker

I thank the staff for their flexibility and willingness to take on additional hours in support of our school at this time. This situation is not ideal yet is the best response to the challenges being faced.

ABORIGINAL EDUCATIONAL NEWS

NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities, but by Australians from all walks of life. The week is a great opportunity to participate in a range of activities, and to support the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. It is a week of remembering and promoting the rich heritage and culture of Aboriginal People and Torres Strait Islanders, the oldest continuing culture on the planet.

St Patrick’s will hold our celebrations in Week 1.

• Wednesday June 23- NAIDOC Mass @ 10am celebrated by Fr John Purnell
• July 12, NAIDOC formal assembly @ 8:50am
• July 13 in class art activity- painting boomerangs
• July 14 Cultural lessons (in-class)
• July 15 Share a Story
• July 16 OUT OF UNIFORM DAY- Students are invited to wear black, red, yellow, and blue, white, green colours.

SORRY DAY WALK

On May 26, the staff and students at St Pat’s acknowledged National Sorry Day. Scarlet, Tiffani and I lead an assembly, then the whole school re-enacted the 2000 Sydney Harbour Bridge Walk. At the end of the walk, each child ‘planted’ a foot in what will soon be our Bush Tucker Gardens. The feet represent the footsteps we take towards reconciliation.

The members of the Aboriginal Education Committee helped with the organisation of this event. We look forward to sharing with you our NAIDOC Week celebrations.

We began our NAIDOC celebrations with a Mass on Wednesday, 23rd June. The Mass was celebrated by Father John Purnell who was a priest for many years in the Top End. We will continue our celebrations with a formal assembly, held at 10.20 Monday July 12, and a series of in-class activities throughout Week 1 of Term 3. Parents are welcome to join us for the assembly.

Kiera Usher.
Aboriginal Education Support Worker.

SPORT NEWS

ASC ATHLETICS CARNIVAL- Friday 25th June

Congratulations to the team: add names

KINDER/YEAR 1 ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

GYMNASTICS SCHOOL PROGRAM FOR TERM 3

Jen Kendell, professional gymnastic instructor, will teach gymnastics across the school in Term 3.

The skill outcomes for each stage are outlined below.

Stage 3 School Program

GYS3.10 Demonstrates coordinated actions of the body when performing gymnastics sequences.

MOS3.4 Refines and applies movement skills creatively to a variety of challenging situations.

Stage 2 School Program

GYS2.10 Demonstrates control in performing sequences of introductory gymnastics movements.

MOS2.4 Displays a focus on quality of movement in applying movement skills to a variety of familiar and new situations.

Stage 1 and Early Stage 1 School Program

GYS1.10 Performs basic movement patterns to show actions of the whole body.

MOES1.4 Demonstrates a general awareness of how basic movement skills apply in play and other introductory movement experiences.

All students will be required to wear their sport uniform on the day that they have been given for their gymnastics lesson. The timetable below indicates the day of the week the students will have their lesson and therefore the day of the week that we ask that the students wear their sport uniform.

In alignment with our COVID safe practice, all students will use hand sanitiser at the commencement and completion of each lesson.

Sport Team

COMMUNITY NEWS

POSITIVE FEEDBACK, CONCERNS and COMPLAINTS

St Patrick’s staff always welcome feedback and ideas from the parent community.

If you have any positive feedback, we’d love to hear from you! If you have concerns or complaints please do not hesitate to contact your child’s class teacher, our administration staff through the school office (49307270), or using the school email address admin@lochinvarsp.catholic.edu.au or P&F email address lop.pandf@outlook.com

Our school follows the Diocesan Complaints Handling Policy.

THE MASKED DJ

ASPIRE’s original production for 2021 is “The Masked DJ”. ASPIRE is an initiative of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle aimed at promoting and fostering the creative and performing arts in our schools. The ASPIRE program offers talented students the opportunity to develop and enhance their skills in seven ensembles: drama, dance, instrumental, strings, vocal, design and production. These seven ensembles have worked both discretely with their ensemble directors and have come together through the rehearsal process to create this year’s production.

“The Masked DJ”, is the result of over six months of hard work by over one hundred and seventy students from Years 5–12 from twenty-eight schools across our diocese. We are proud to offer you the opportunity to witness our tenth ASPIRE production in the magnificent Civic Theatre. Performances are Friday 23 July 2021 at 7.00 pm and Saturday 24 July 2021 at 7.00 pm. Purchase tickets NOW!

Civic Ticket Office
civicticketoffice@ncc.nsw.gov.au
4929 1977

Dates

• Wednesday 21 July 2021 11:00 AM
• Thursday 22 July 2021 11:00 AM
• Friday 23 July 2021 11:00 AM 7:00 PM
• Saturday 24 July 2021 7:00 PM

PARENTING PAGE

P & F MEETING

The next P and F meeting will be held on Friday 23rd July in the school hall at 9.00am. We welcome new faces and new ideas and encourage more families to take an active role in helping to support the school. This is a wonderful way to connect with others.