25 August 2022

Newsletter Articles

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

Dear Parents, caregivers and friends,

BUILDING PROGRESS

I am pleased to confirm that the building work is progressing well. The foundations for the Year 5 & 6 pods are well underway. Staff are currently giving input into the furniture fit-out options in the anticipation that these new facilities will be ready for the new year.

STAFFING UPDATE

• WELCOME LAUREN JOHNS- CLERICAL

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs Lauren Johns to the administration team. Lauren will work on the front desk on Thursday and Fridays. We sincerely hope she finds her time at St Patrick’s a positive and enjoyable experience.

• FAREWELL MRS JONES- Changes to 1W & 6B

Mrs Amy Jones commences maternity leave next week, and we wish her the very best as she excitedly prepares for the impending arrival of her precious baby.

Arrangements have been made to ensure a seamless transition for our Year 1W class and consistency of curriculum delivery. This has been achieved with the appointment of Mrs Amber Deegan (currently working in year 6B) to the Year 1 team, to job share with Mrs Jessica Trappel for the remainder of the year. It should be noted that Mrs Deegan had already planned long-service leave in the last fortnight of this term, which will be covered by Mrs Kate Watt, who is well known to the children. I commend our Year 1 students for the flexibility and resilience they have demonstrated this year and thank all parents for your understanding and support of these arrangements.

Year 6B will continue to be taught on a full-time basis, by Mrs Jessica Smith, who has worked alongside Mrs Deegan in a part time capacity this year. I thank Jessica for her willingness to support the academic and social progress of Year 6 as they complete their final months in primary school. They are in good hands.

CALENDAR EVENTS

GRANDPARENTS DAY/ BOOKWEEK ACTIVITIES- Thursday 25th August

How wonderful to see so many visitors at St Patrick’s to celebrate Grandparents Day and a love of literature with Bookweek activities. Congratulations to all who enthusiastically took part in the day’s events.

TERM 3 IMPORTANT DATES

• Monday 15th August – Pupil Free Day Religious Education Professional Learning Day
• Thursday 25th August – Grandparents Day/ Book Fair/ Year 5 Liturgy
• Tuesday 30th August – Father’s Day Stall
• Wednesday 31st August – Friday 2nd September – Year 5 Great Aussie Bush Camp
• Friday 2nd September – Father’s Day Liturgy – See RE News Section In Newsletter
• Friday 9th September – Kinder Hunter Valley Wildlife Park
• Wednesday 14th September – Friday 16th September – Year 6 Canberra Trip
• Friday 23rd September - Last Day of Term 3
• Monday 10th October – First Day Term 4

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

TTFM SURVEY

Parents may recall that all schools in our diocese participate in the annual survey known as “Tell them From Me" that seeks feedback from all stakeholders to inform and improve each school. In the coming weeks we will be inviting students (Years 4-6), teachers and parents to provide feedback on their experience of our school using the online survey. The surveys are an important part of our whole school evaluation and planning process.

We would like to invite you to complete the Tell Them From Me (TTFM) Partners in Learning survey. The information you provide will be used to maintain our commitment to working together in partnership to further improve student learning and wellbeing at St Patrick’s Lochinvar. This initial information is to raise the profile of the survey and parent's awareness of the 2022 timeline. Sadly, last year, only 5% of parents responded. A sample of this size does not provide authentic feedback. Consequently, we have set a goal of more than 60% participation from parents to give rich feedback in relation to faith, learning, student engagement and wellbeing.

What did we learn from the 2021 survey?

As parents and carers of students in our school, we deeply value your feedback and encourage you to partner with us and complete this survey. The information we gather is critical to us and allows us to hear directly from you and gain insight into what you think is important about the work we do, how we communicate with you and where you think we need to improve.

You will have access to the parent survey on your computer or mobile device. The link will be sent via Compass next week.

The survey window is 5 September to 7 October 2022

HOMEWORK- IS IT WORTH THE EFFORT

St Patrick’s is undertaking a review of homework. We are specifically looking into the relevance, delivery methods, style, amount, and effectiveness.

Initial feedback and research indicates that homework in its current form has little benefit for students.

“We know from the research that homework has very little value in increasing educational outcomes, especially in primary school,” says parenting author and educator Maggie Dent.

The poor standing of homework is also backed by academic researchers Mike Horsley and Richard Walker who write in their book Reforming Homework, “homework has no achievement benefits for students up to grade 3 (and) negligible benefits for students in grades 4-6”.

John Hattie, Professor of Education and Director of the Melbourne Education Research Institute at the University of Melbourne, found homework appears to be more effective for higher-ability rather than lower-ability students, and for older rather than younger students. Child psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg said he was concerned by the trend that kids were spending an increasing amount of time on homework, and believes the trend is linked to higher levels of anxiety. “I actually think less is more with homework, because there seems to be so much stress around school,” he said.

In spite of the research, parents often demand homework from schools. Clearly, homework is one of the most contentious issues in the primary school setting.

Our teachers feel that there are some clear benefits of specific homework strategies, but also recognise the changed nature of family life and the challenges many parents face to support meaningful homework experiences. 75% staff at St Patrick’s feel that homework activities should not be an expectation for all students and could be offered as optional tasks yet list the following as non-negotiables.

ES1 & Stage 1

• Oral reading skill practice (fundamental skills of decoding, fluency and comprehension)

Stage 2 & Stage 3

• Rote Learning and consolidation of Multiplication Facts
• Reading for pleasure

We seek parental input to the following questions, to assist us to review our current practices and develop an updated whole school approach.

Please follow the link below to give your view.

Please find attached a letter regarding the planned Industrial Action for the Early Education Sector for Wednesday 7th September 2022.

ORGANISATION AND MANAGEMENT

GOVERNANCE MATTERS

MOBILE PHONE USE

Many of our older children bring mobile phones to school. While the school discourages primary school aged children from having mobile phones, we understand some children require them for messages and safety after school. If your child does have a mobile phone, it must be delivered to the school office in the note bag each morning for safe keeping. If you have an urgent message for your child, we encourage you to ring the school office and the message will be passed on.

MANAGING ATTENDANCE

St Patrick’s uses a text messaging system to inform parents of all unexplained absences prior to 9.30am on that school day. An automated text will go out at 9.30am each morning, informing families of a recorded absence for their child on that day. If you receive an alert and you believe your child should be present at school, please immediately call the office for clarification. This system is designed first and foremost to keep students safe.

Each Thursday & Friday, our office administration staff will be following up on unexplained absences incurred during the week. It is the responsibility of parents to explain all absences (via Compass) and our school will pursue outstanding absences to ensure that accurate records are maintained.

NATIONAL CHILD PROTECTION WEEK (4-10 SEPTEMBER 2022)

Every Child in Every Community Needs a Fair Go

National Child Protection Week is about the ways that we can all work together to build communities that support children and families.

Children are safest when they are listened to, respected and believed.

All adults can play a part by ‘tuning in’ to children in everyday situations about small worries; then they are much more likely to feel comfortable telling us if something big is wrong.

Talking with children about safety:

• Support children to identify trusted adults (both within the family and outside) they can talk to, if they are worried, upset, or don’t feel safe. Make sure these adults know they are on your child’s list.
• Remind children that they can talk to you or a trusted adult about anything, no matter how big or small their worry might be.
• Talk to children about how they know when they feel safe or unsafe. Help them to listen to their early warning signs (how their body feels), and to trust their feelings and instincts.
• Use everyday activities as opportunities for conversations (e.g. preparing meals and snacks, going for walks, playing, shopping). If children are used to having lots of communication, it can make it easier to talk when big or tricky issues come up.
• Be open to talking about all kinds of feelings, including anger, joy, frustration, fear and anxiety. This helps children to develop a ‘feelings vocabulary’.

National Child Protection Week is a great time to start conversations with children and families about feeling safe.

COMPLAINTS RESOLUTION

St Patrick’s Primary School, the Catholic Schools Office (CSO) and Schools in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle are committed to providing a positive, safe environment for all staff and students. We work very hard in partnership with parents to attend to concerns and grievances. There are occasions however, when members of our schools and wider community are concerned about something happening at a school that appears to be unsatisfactory or unreasonable. If you have a complaint, please follow this procedure to assist the achievement of a positive resolution.

Complaints Resolution and Feedback - Catholic Schools Office, Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle (mn.catholic.edu.au)

Parents are reminded that the temptation to air their views on social media does little to resolve the problem and may in fact be in breach of the Diocesan Community Code of Conduct.

RE NEWS

FATHER’S DAY LITURGY

Date: Friday 2nd September
Time: 9:00am start – please ensure you are seated in the classroom of choice before 9am

Our Father’s Day Liturgy is being led by Year 3. Fathers, grandfathers and father like figures are invited to join us in celebrating all of the wonderful things about our dads. Visitors can visit classrooms from 8:30, and then join with your child’s class, for the liturgy from 9:00am.

The liturgy will be led by Year 3, in their classroom, and shared with the other grades via zoom.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

Congratulations to the following children who are making their First Holy Communion this month:

• Jake Hedges
• Kye Hedges
• Tate Dunning
• Zoe Mason
• Miles Cavanagh
• Jayan Paris
• Cooper Armstrong
• Andrew Crawford
• Mitchell Fantin
• Owen Fantin
• Celeste Harding
• Ellee Johnson
• Alivia Sagorny
• Lachlan Mitchell

Eucharist is the sacrament that completes the process of initiation and is when one can fully participate in the Eucharist by receiving Holy Communion.

Eucharist is unique among the sacraments as it is at the heart of our faith. For Catholics, the Eucharist, or Mass, is the most powerful way we encounter the real presence of Jesus Christ.

Catholics gather to celebrate the Eucharist, the ritual in which, by the power of the Holy Spirit, bread and wine are transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ. We who celebrate are also transformed, becoming Christ’s presence to others, and recognising the presence of Christ in others.

CURRICULUM NEWS

WORKING TOWARDS SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT

Every year, we develop a School Improvement Plan (SIP) detailing our priorities across 4 domains (Catholic Formation and Mission, Learning, Leadership and Wellbeing and Partnerships) for that calendar year. As previously communicated, our 2022 SIP priorities are focusing on:

• Developing a Formation Framework which reflects the formation needs of the students and the staff at St Patrick’s, builds staff capacity and inspires students, staff and families to have a deeper relationship with Christ
• Embedding the Leading Learning Collaborative (LLC) framework to
     - Build teacher capacity and ownership of the school improvement agenda
     - Develop a culture of continual feedback for professional growth
     - Engage and educate the parent community in relation to their child’s learning
• Rigorous engagement of students in the Writing curriculum with an expectation of at least 12 months growth in at least one specific targeted area of writing as evidenced on the learning progressions/ NAPLAN

All professional development undertaken by staff this year have been in support of achievement of these priorities. Most notably, has been our work as a Leading Learning Collaborative (LLC). Staff have been integrating the research of Dr Lyn Sharratt to make learning visible.

We have created our school watermark which illustrates our values and beliefs, and acts as a driver of all that we do. We are keen to introduce the school watermark as “BELIEVE, ACHIEVE, SUCCEED”

CLASSROOM NEWS

DANCE CONCERT

Congratulations to Prue Duma and all our students for their wonderful effort in creating an extravaganza of dance, colour and costumes as they performed at Cessnock Performing Art Centre. It was wonderful to see smiles on the student’s faces and feel their excitement as they waited to perform on stage for their parents and families.

We would also like to thank the story tellers for their efforts and enthusiasm in delivering the script connecting each dance to the theme. These students include Ethan White, Maddie Anderson, Erin Kelly, Sayuri Nolasco, Brad Henman, Jaxon Harold, Samantha Lawler, Sakura Nolasco and Millie Cronin.

(Photos taken at the dress rehearsal)

ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER NEWS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

We acknowledge the Wonnarua people as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this land who have walked and cared for this place for thousands of years, and their descendants who maintain their spiritual connection and traditions. We thank them for sharing their culture, spirituality, and ways of living with the land in this place that we now call home. We pay our respects to the Elders past, present and emerging. May we continue to walk gently and respectfully together with each other.

BUDDING INDIGENOUS ARTISTS SEND A MESSAGE STICK TO THE PARLIAMENT OF NSW

During the last school holidays, the Parliament of NSW called on young Indigenous Australian artists and story tellers, from Kindergarten to Year 6, to enter the Parliament of NSW NAIDOC Week Message Stick Competition.

Message sticks have been used for thousands of years as a form of communication between Aboriginal nations, clans and language groups to pass on or share a message from one community to another.

To celebrate this year’s NAIDOC Week theme, “Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!”, our students were invited to design their own message stick and write a message to the Parliament of NSW.

IDEAS AND/OR THEMES FOR THE MESSAGE STICKS INCLUDED THE FOLLOWING:

Recognition of the Oldest Living Culture in the World
Looking after Country
Looking after family and friends
Respect for our Elders
Respect for our Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Cultures

BREANNA MEYER, CHLOE MEYER AND SAM BONSER WITH THEIR MESSAGE STICKS SENT TO THE PARLIAMENT OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

STUDENTS IN YEAR 2 EXPLORE THE DREAMING STORY: DUNBI THE OWL

Dunbi the Owl, a sacred animal of the Bardi people of Western Australia is a story of a great flood sent down by the Creator to punish the people for hurting his son. After exploring and discussing this Dreaming story’s theme and content, the students in Year 2 created their very own artwork to illustrate this tale from long, long ago.

OUR FIRST AEC (ABORIGINAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE) MEETING FOR TERM 3

On Friday, 5th August, the students involved in Saint Patrick’s Lochinvar Aboriginal Education Committee, held their first meeting for Term 3. Agenda items included the Acknowledgement of Country, feedback from NAIDOC week celebrations, our Bush Tucker Garden re-vamp, our Native Beehive, and review of the book ‘The First Scientist: Deadly Inventions and Innovations from Australia’s First People’ by Corey Tutt. Each of these projects are intended to be transformed into ‘real’ action within the next few weeks and months. Below is an image of the book ‘The First Scientists’, which is highly recommended for anyone interested in First Nations scientific knowledge.

LOOKING AFTER COUNTRY WITH FIRE

For over 65 000 years, the First Nations of Australia have carefully managed the land with fire, a concept described in the Western world as ‘firestick’ farming.

Burning knowledge in Australia has in fact been a part of our Indigenous peoples’ culture for many generations, with fire being used as a tool to promote the healing of plants and trees by burning the land at the right time, and creating ‘cool’ fire with gentle, white smoke. This ‘cool’ burning helps to cleanse, regenerate and keep the Country balanced by reducing the density of vegetation, thus promoting a greater variety of plants to grow and establish themselves. This in turn creates homes and a diverse food source for many animals.

In different parts of our country, ‘Looking after Country with Burning’ is enjoying a resurgence as a form of land management with support from organisations such as Firesticks Alliance Indigenous Corporation, National Parks and Wildlife, Rural Fire Services, Local Aboriginal Land Councils, and non-Indigenous peoples who have begun to use this ‘practice’ on their land.

Below is a recent publication in a picture book format, which explores Aboriginal burning knowledge and I quote, ‘one that offers a respectful way forward for future generations to understand different ways to manage our landscapes’.

Source:

Looking After Country with Fire: An Aboriginal burning knowledge with Uncle Kuu, Victor Steffensen and Sandra Steffensen, Hardie Grant Explore, 2022

The First Scientists: Deadly Inventions and Innovations from Australia’s First Peoples, Corey Tutts, Hardie Grant Explore, 2021

Firesticks Alliance; Cultural Burning: Healthy Communities, Healthy Landscapes -

RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN LAUNCH

Hundreds gathered from around the Diocese and its agencies to launch our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) on Thursday 18 August 2022.

Our Reflect RAP is the start of our more formal reconciliation journey that recognises the work our staff and agencies are doing as we journey towards reconciliation.

The Reflect plan is centered on pillars of relationships, respect, opportunities and governance. it is endorsed by Reconciliation Australia and follows their framework. Find out more about the Reflect RAP and Reconcilation Australia framework here.

Committing to a Reflect RAP means scoping and developing relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders, deciding on our vision for reconciliation and exploring our sphere of influence. See the report below, written by our future leaders, Jasmine & Scarlet, who shared in the celebrations.

SPORTING NEWS

SOCCER GALA DAYS

We are into our third year of our ASC regional soccer gala day (minus our covid break). With increasing interest from schools over the years we have had to make some changes to the format of the day. All students across the region who are currently registered in a soccer team for this season have been invited to attend. As a result, our numbers have greatly increased.

So, we are excited to announce that we will now have two separate gala days. One being for years 3 & 4 and one for years 5 & 6. The focus of these days will be on participation and fun. Teams will be of mixed ability and across stage. Round games only, no finals.

STAGE 2 -WEDNESDAY 31ST AUGUST (TERM 3, WK 7)
STAGE 3 - WEDNESDAY 19TH OCTOBER (TERM 4, WK 2)

WHS

STUDENT & PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

A reminder to all our parents that school zones remain in place for the safety of our children and families. School zones operate on all gazetted school days, which are all days the school is open, even pupil free days.

WELLBEING RESOURCES

PASTORAL CARE AT ST PATRICK’S

Pastoral Care Workers (often called Wellbeing Officers or Chaplains) support the emotional wellbeing of students by providing pastoral care services and strategies of the broader school community. Within the context of Maitland Newcastle Diocese, Pastoral Care Workers affirm the Catholic culture, identity and mission of the school and provide Pastoral Care through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching. It is expected the Pastoral Care Worker operates in partnership with the Principal, teaching staff, parents, the Learning Support Team, school psychologist, allied health staff and the broader community to support students and their educational outcomes.

Mrs Lucy Sneesby-Tooth fulfills this role in our school. Lucy’s role is to provide support and guidance to students and their families on issues concerning but not limited to anxiety, grief and loss (SEASONS PROGRAM), friendships, relationships, self-esteem and family breakdown.

There is a focus on spiritual and physical well-being, inclusive of all diversity.

At present Lucy is working directly with students who have been recommended for social and emotional support at St Patrick’s. The overarching aim is to work to develop wellbeing strategies, support and plans that promote success, growth and resilience in our students.

PBS- ADDITION TO OUR WHOLE SCHOOL AWARD STRUCTURE

Last week, a new look BRONZE merit award was launched at the school assembly, celebrating a cumulation of 5 shamrock awards. This addition supports our whole school Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) system. The shamrocks acknowledge effort and achievement under the headings below, and the merit award captures consistent and ongoing focus on the goals.

• I am respectful
• I am safe
• I am a learner

As we move ahead, we will introduce Silver & Gold Awards as follows;

• Silver award- given for 15 accumulated Shamrocks
• Gold award- given for 25 accumulated Shamrocks

COMMUNITY NEWS

Maitland City Council and keynote speaker, James Tuma of Future State are excited to present Future Maitland on Wednesday 31 August, 2022, from 5.30pm - 8.00pm. Join us for an evening of engaging ideas, interactive activities and inspirational scenarios.

Future Maitland is a free, all ages event at Maitland Regional Art Gallery. Can’t make it on the day? Not to worry, the event will also be livestreamed, so you can choose to tune in from the comfort of your sofa.

On the evening, we will:

• Explore what’s happening on the cutting edge of jobs, skills, industry and mobility
• Consider the opportunities Maitland is primed to seize
• Be part of the conversation about Maitland's economic future

Future Maitland is open to everyone – families, students and businesses alike. Expect creative thinking, conversation and innovation along with local food and drink, all themed around the future.

PARENTING PAGE