28 April 2022

Newsletter Articles

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

Welcome to Term 2!

I sincerely hope all of our students and parents enjoyed the school holiday break and were able to relax and spend quality time with family and friends. I am looking forward to working alongside all students, parents and staff throughout Term 2.

Over the school holidays we celebrated Easter and remain in the Easter Season until the feast of Pentecost. Easter is the great celebration of Jesus' power over death. It is a time to know that in his resurrection we too can overcome all the 'little deaths' we experience throughout our lives. Those little deaths come at us in the form of our very own suffering when we experience shame, guilt, embarrassment, fear, the consequences of our decisions and the loss of friends or loved ones.

These 'little deaths' are never welcomed but in them we know the hope that Jesus gave us to overcome and grow into fullness. As Jesus rose to a new kind of life, we are saved in knowing that we can choose to rise to a new kind of life on a daily basis.

Children need to know and experience this rising every time life hits them with a little death. We cannot make smooth the pathway for children but we can help them to navigate a course by helping them to name emotions, realise the impact of how they respond to others in the midst of strong feelings and become aware human beings.

Hope and the choosing of life gives children healing and helps them to become all that God calls them to be.

On Tuesday, our special prayer focus was on ANZAC Day.

We commemorated all Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations and the contribution and suffering of all those who have served. This includes soldiers, nurses and also the families who have been affected by war.

Today we enjoy the freedom won for us by the ANZACS. As a school community we remember their sacrifice and pray that the gift of peace given to us by these brave people will be treasured and protected for generations to come.

I was delighted to join with our school leaders at the ANZAC Day ceremony held at Maitland Park Cenotaph on Monday. These students proudly and capably represented our school. A wreath was laid and a book donated to our school library.

And as we gathered, it was a moment to pause in solidarity not to champion war, but to pray for peace…in our hearts, in our relationships, in our families, our communities, and between all nations and all peoples across the world.

A prayer for Ukraine
Borders, barricades, bewilderment…
When the bargaining begins,
God please protect peace.
Sanctions, security measured in minutes and it’s scary…
When safety scatters,
God please protect peace.
War dresses up in peace-keeper’s clothes,
Troops amass, the ground trembles and so do people…
When the future feels fragile,
God please protect peace.
The littlest, the least likely to have a say,
Those whose lives are sanctioned and bargained over –
Violence always finds them first.
And the ‘oh-so-important’ political manoeuvres mean nothing to them.
They just want to live.
When the winners want to wipe them out of the way,
God please protect peace.
We will not turn away. We will stand together –
God give us the strength to protect peace.
Amen
by Sally Foster-Fulton, Head of Nations and Church Relations

CALENDAR EVENTS

KINDERGARTEN ENROLMENT INTERVIEWS 2023

Interviews for new families have been scheduled over the next 2 months to accommodate the increasing demand for enrolment places for Kindergarten 2023.

Current families who have returned enrolment paperwork will be invited to meet Cate Lawler, Learning Support Teacher for their pre-enrolment screener. Enrolment offers will go out to families on the last day of Term 2.

CHANGE TO WINTER UNIFORM

From the beginning of Week 5 (Monday 23rd May) all students should be in FULL WINTER UNIFORM. There is a transition period in the first few weeks of term, allowing students to wear full winter uniform as necessary if the weather becomes cold prior to the mandated changeover date.

Winter uniforms are available from Ken Lane Menswear in the Maitland Levee Precinct. Patrick reports that stock levels for some items have been impacted by supply chain issues. Parents may be aware that there was significant difficulty in re-stocking the school's fleecy zip-up jackets. The supplier, Flanagans of Cessnock, advised that the order is due to arrive at the wharfs on 29th April. All going well, new stock will be available very soon.

Patrick offered his sincere apologies for the unprecedented delay. Please know that they are working hard to maintain supply of all uniform items in a very challenging supply chain environment.

Opening hours are currently Monday-Saturday between 9am -1pm with online and layby purchase options.

Have you checked your child's sports shoes?

Many thanks for the respect you as parents and carers have for the school and the uniform requirements. It is such an important part of belonging to St Patrick's.

Just a gentle reminder that students need to wear predominantly white sports shoes with white laces on sports days. Also, please check that your child is wearing the correct above ankle, fold over, white socks and not low ankle socks.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

Happy Mother's Day for Sunday 8th May to all of the wonderful mothers and significant women in the lives of our students at St Patrick's. We thank you for your work in protecting, educating, nurturing and supporting your children. Enjoy your day.

Thank you to the P&F Committee who are busy organizing gifts for the Mother’s Day stall, which is always very well received. Your efforts are appreciated.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

COVID UPDATE: AMENDED GUIDELINES FOR CLOSE CONTACTS

On 20 April the NSW Premier announced that from 6pm 22 April 2022, close contacts (including household contacts) would be able to leave home isolation with certain exemptions in place. This update allows staff and students who are close contacts and have no symptoms to continue to attend school if they follow guidelines agreed with NSW Health.

Staff who test positive for COVID-19 or are unwell or showing COVID-19 symptoms must continue to isolate at home and will be granted sick leave.

Prior to considering whether your child should return to school, please use the below decision tree to assist with whether it is appropriate.

Close contacts attending school will need to adhere to the following in addition to the NSW Health guidelines:

• They must notify the school if they are intending to return under this provision.
• They should conduct a daily RAT and return a negative result each morning before attending school for 5 school days.
• Primary school students who are identified as close contacts are recommended to wear a mask indoors (except when eating or exercising).
• No student or staff member identified as a close contact will be permitted to participate in overnight excursions, including school camps.
• Any visitor to a school site who is a close contact is required to advise the school that they are a close contact before they come on site. These visitors should conduct a daily RAT and return a negative result before attending. They must also wear a mask indoors at all times. Schools should consider if the visit can be conducted virtually.

Catholic Schools NSW will continue to support and advise schools on the temporary use of additional COVID- smart measures for short periods of time based on localised risk assessments.

Staff and students at greater risk of serious illness, if they were to contract COVID-19, should speak with their health care professional to review their health support plan or COVID-19 action plan and speak with the school about any local considerations.

Additional RAT supply to support testing for close contacts

• An additional 5 RAT kits will be made available and to be used to support staff and families to comply with daily testing requirements for close contacts returning to school.
• This supply will contain 1 multipack of at least 5 RAT kits for every student and staff member.
• Based on availability, RAT kits sent to schools may be nasal swabs or saliva testing kits.
• Kits can be used for symptomatic testing or for daily testing as part of the close contact requirements.
• Beyond the provision of RATs, students and staff should continue to access PCR tests and store-purchased RATs when experiencing symptoms or when identified as a close contact.

When students and staff should use their rapid antigen tests (RATs)

Students and staff should use the RATs supplied to them in the following circumstances.

• When showing COVID-19 symptoms
• Any student or member of staff who develops even the mildest of COVID-19 symptoms should get tested for COVID-19. Symptomatic students and staff should use a RAT or get a PCR (throat and nose swab) test and isolate until they receive a negative result. (Refer to the NSW Government’s Rapid antigen tests for COVID-19 and Testing positive to COVID-19 fact sheets for guidance on what to do if you receive a positive RAT or if symptoms persist).
• When identified as a close contact and returning to school
• A student or staff member identified as a close contact may return to school if guidelines agreed with NSW Health are followed, including daily rapid antigen testing for 5 school days. Staff and students should complete a rapid antigen test and receive a negative result before attending school.
• NSW Health have advised that close contacts should not visit some settings such as disability care settings or hospitals.

Visitors on school sites

Schools and early childhood education and care (ECEC) services can invite visitors to their sites regardless of their vaccination status, in line with settings in the broader community.

Workers and volunteers must meet double vaccination requirements including:

• volunteers or staff operating uniform shops and canteens
• visitors supporting school operations and curriculum delivery
• allied health partners for the wellbeing of students
• university and TAFE students coming on school sites to complete their practicum or teacher training.
• Any visitor to a school site who is a close contact is required to advise the school that they are a close contact before they come on site. These visitors should conduct a daily RAT and return a negative result before attending. They must also wear a mask indoors at all times. Schools should consider if the visit can be conducted virtually.

It is important that we continue to work together and remain vigilant in our response to this virus. Your ongoing support has been very much appreciated. The safety of our community remains a priority.

VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION PROCESS- Please note changes

COVID-safe guidelines now allow volunteers into the school. To support this process, the 2022 Volunteer process is now online.

The online volunteer form can be found at

https://www.mn.catholic.org.au/people/volunteer/

Parents are asked to please complete the online application form and follow the instructions so your details can be verified by the Catholic Schools Office as a volunteer at St Patrick’s Primary School Lochinvar.

Once you have completed the online link, please copy the table below and send all completed details to admin@lochinvarsp.catholic.edu.au

Thank you for your support.

STAFF UPDATE

WELCOME- Jessica Smith began her appointment this week, job-sharing with Mrs Deegan in Year 6B (Thursday, Friday and every second Wednesday). Jessica will work an additional 2 days per week in Term 2 to support small groups of EALD students. This could extend into term 3 & 4, dependent upon the return arrangements of Michelle Harvey who is on Maternity Leave. Jessica is an experienced teacher who comes to us from the Diocese of Bathurst, having most recently taught at the Catholic Highschool in Orange.

We look forward to her contributions to our team. Sincere thanks to Alex Ma who has worked consistently as a casual in this role during Term 1.

Casey Blacklock has been appointed 3 days per week in the role of ATSI Education Support Worker (replacing Kiera Usher). Casey is a young indigenous woman with 15 years’ experience working with Aboriginal children and families. Her parents are from the Kamilaroi tribe which covers northern New South Wales. Casey will work at St Patrick’s on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. It is hoped that Casey will be soon joined by a new ATSI Education Teacher to replace Ms Jane Mosman.

A WORD ABOUT SOCIAL MEDIA

A few years ago, parents discussed successes or concerns with friends at the school gate or at the back of assembly lines. Today, with the internet, mobile phones and social media, discussions can reach a far wider audience than ever before. Social media can provide an enjoyable way to socialise online and keep us connected with what is going on in our school community. While these technologies can be great for sharing ideas and keeping in touch, comments can have a greater impact than expected and can have very real consequences for the reputations of individuals including teachers, principals, parents and students. The Catholic Diocese of Maitland Newcastle has a Code of Conduct for all stakeholders, and very clear expectations for parents and school staff. This Code of Conduct strongly encourages us to create a positive experience and the maintenance of respectful relationships, particularly when using social media.

As always, if you have concerns or queries, you are asked to firstly speak with your child’s class teacher. We are here to support you and work with you.

ORGANISATION & MANAGEMENT

SCHOOL DANCE CONCERT

In 2020, St Patrick’s introduced a significant change to the delivery of Dance Lessons and the Dance Concert, previously involving all classes K-6, every 2nd year. The change related directly to the delivery of lessons by Miss Prue Duma to students in Years 2-5 only. This change was necessary, to best manage the increasing numbers of students across 21classes. The change was tabled for discussion and approved by the P&F in 2019. In 2020, lessons took place, however public performances were not permitted. Instead, we were able to film and showcase the concert to audiences at the Heddon Greta Drive In.

Years 2-5 will again take part in lessons this term, and then (hopefully) showcase their talents in a production to be held over 3 performances at the Cessnock Performing Arts Centre later in the year.

Dance Timetable Years 2-5

In Term 2, in align with our school schedule, dance lessons will be held for all students in Year 2 to Year 5. Mrs Prue Duma will be our dance instructor, holding lessons each Wednesday and Friday. All students are asked to wear their sport uniform on the day of their lesson. The timetable is attached below.

SCHOOL PHOTO DAY INFORMATION

This year we will participte in the online purchasing of our school photo’s you will receive instructions and a link through compass to look at the package options for your child and be able to purchase the school photo’s online. Further details will be communicated for this.

GOVERNANCE MATTERS

Parents are reminded that the bus bay on Gregory Rd MUST NOT be used for dropping off children. This is a dangerous and illegal practice that puts your children at significant risk.

RE NEWS

REGIONAL KIDS MASS

The Regional Kids Mass is taking place on Sunday 1st May at 6pm, St Joseph's East Maitland.

At Kids Mass we are striving to create a regular Eucharistic celebration that is welcoming to families, including those with young kids: A Mass that is relevant while still being reverent. Our focus is outreaching, to make a place in our church for all young people.

At the Sunday Night Mass every week, we aim to provide a welcoming and accepting atmosphere, “younger” Mass music, a regular BBQ after Mass, and a place for everyone to meet Jesus. The regional Mass is held at St Joseph’s East Maitland each Sunday night at 6pm.

The first Sunday of each month, KIDS MASS, is especially focused on little people.

CLASSROOM NEWS

CLASSROOM REPRESENTATIVES

We would like to welcome and say a big congratulations to our Class Representatives for 2022. These students were elected by their peers to represent and be a voice for their classroom and for St. Patrick’s and wish them all the best for the year ahead.

NAPLAN 2022

Please see the details for Year 3 and 5:

10th May—NAPLAN online opens for testing.
20th May—All NAPLAN tests must be completed, including any make-up papers.

Please ensure that students in Years 3 & 5 will be at school during the period 10th to 20th May 2022.

One of the main features of the NAPLAN Online format is that it is a tailored (or adaptive) test. The tailored test provides a more precise assessment of your child’s performance in the areas of reading, language conventions (grammar, spelling and punctuation) and numeracy by adapting to responses. As your child progresses through the test, questions may be easier or more difficult, to better assess his or her ability. Your child should not be concerned if he or she finds the questions more difficult than expected – the pathway may be more challenging.

Many of the same questions appear in both paper and online tests, but not every student doing the online test will be answering the same questions in the same order.

Your child’s NAPLAN results and scores are based on the number and complexity of questions he or she has answered correctly.

NAPLAN Online is not a test of keyboard skills.

There are variations in how fast and well a student can type – just as there are variations in how fast and well a student can write by hand. Year 3 students will complete the writing test on paper.

To get an idea of what the online assessment looks like, visit the public demonstration site at nap.edu.au

If you have any questions about NAPLAN Online, please contact your child’s teacher.

BUDDY READING

PARENTING PAGE