Week 2 Term 1 Newsletter

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

Dear Parents, caregivers and friends,

As Acting Principal of St Patrick’s Lochinvar, it is my pleasure on behalf of all our staff, to extend a warm welcome to every one of you. Whether you are returning students, new enrolees, parents or guardians, we are delighted to have you as part of our St Patrick’s community. A special welcome is extended to our new Kindergarten students and families to the school.

At St Patrick’s, we are committed to fostering an environment where every child feels valued, supported and inspired to reach their full potential. As a Catholic school, we are dedicated to nurturing the mind, body and spirit of all children in our care.

As partners in your child’s education, we encourage open communication and collaboration between home and school. We value your input, support, and involvement in our school community and look forward to respectfully working together to ensure the success and well-being of every child.

It has been many years since we commenced a school year with no construction or changes to playground areas and roads around the school site. We are so very lucky to be settled into our beautiful new school with our building work having been completed.

Once again, welcome to St Patrick’s. May God bless you and your family as we embark on this 2024 school year together.

Dennis Nolan

Acting Principal

Please find a link to our 2024 staff:

CALENDAR EVENTS 

IMPORTANT DATES

Refer to Compass for more information on each event:

ORGANISATION & MANAGEMENT

PARENT INFORMATION EVENING

Parents are invited to St Patrick’s on Wednesday 21/2/24 for an information evening about organisation and expectations in all grades. This provides an opportunity to meet your child’s teacher. The evening will be structured as follows:

6pm- 6:30pm- Information session in all classes/ grades
6:30pm- 6:40pm- changeover time
6:40pm- 7:10pm- Previous information session to be repeated to allow parents with multiple children to attend

For parents with only one child at the school, you can choose which half hour session to attend. Please note that the evening is a general information session and not an individual meeting with your child’s teacher. If you require a more individualised meeting, you are welcome to contact your child’s teacher at a later date.

COMPASS CALENDAR

In terms of events happening at school, Compass is our true Calendar source. The Compass calendar can be accessed using the app on your phone or using Compass on a PC. It is essential that parents keep up to date with the calendar to ensure nothing is missed. We will continue to send our Compass notifications as reminders as well as provide an updated list of dates in the ‘Important Dates’ section of the school newsletter each fortnight. If you do require assistance with Compass related matters, particularly access, contact our clerical staff. 

POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT (PBS- NEW STRUCTURE)

A new Behaviour Support structure has now commenced at St Patrick’s this year. Our goal with this structure is around providing more support for students, teachers and parents in relation to student behaviour.

The structure is as follows:

Please note the following:

• The emphasis is on the word ‘Support’
• Parents are directed as the first port of call to the classroom teacher. If parents contact the school via email or by phone to the school office, they will be directed to the classroom teacher
• If additional support is required, the level 2 staff aligned to your child’s grade will be the support person who is contacted
• If further support is required, level 3 staff will assist
• Level 2 and 3 staff along with our school psychologist and Pastoral Care Worker will be meeting halfway through each term and at the end of each term to review behaviour data to determine support for students, teachers and parents based on the data.

ASSEMBLIES

This year our fortnightly assemblies will be held on Fridays under the COLA at 8.50am. The first assembly will be held on Friday 8th March (Week 6). Parents are always welcome to attend.

UNIFORM EXPECTATIONS

Thank you for your effort in ensuring that your children are wearing the correct school uniform and are equipped, ready for the school year. You are reminded that all uniform items are to be purchased from our official provider, Patrick at Ken Lane Menswear in the Maitland Levee precinct. The introduction of items purchased elsewhere, though similar, do not accurately match our school colours and design, and serve to dilute our exemplary standards.

One of the sources of frustration is the appearance of incorrect footwear, particularly in relation to sport uniform. Parents are reminded that shoes and laces are to be ‘predominantly white,’ OR ‘predominantly black’ not fluoro or brightly coloured, and correct socks are to be worn.

Other matters may relate to;

• Wearing of incorrect clothing items
• Failing to wear the school hat
• Failing to wear the school tie/ tab tie
• Wearing non-standard Jewellery items/ Makeup/ Nail polish/ Hair accessories
• Extremes in hairstyle
• Hair not adequately secured

If there are reasons why items of the uniform are not currently being worn, parents are asked to provide a written explanation for the variation.

In cases where attire does not meet our code, parents will be contacted to undertake a ‘uniform adjustment’. If the issue is not promptly resolved, parents will receive formal communication.

We thank you for your commitment and support.

STANDARD COLLECTION NOTICE

IMPORTANT MESSAGES FOR PARENTS

CHANGES IN CIRCUMSTANCES

There are times when families face changing circumstances. Where a change in your circumstances is anticipated or has occurred, for example, change of address or a change in spousal relationship such as separation or re-partnering, you are asked to let the office know, without delay.

This will ensure that contact details are correct in the event of an emergency, legal responsibilities can be met, and appropriate supports can be extended to children, if needed.

P&F

The Parents & Friends (P&F) Forum is a parent-run organisation within the school community. By definition, the parents of each child attending the school are members of the P&F. All parents are encouraged to be actively involved in its activities. General meetings are held twice each term, one morning meeting and one evening meeting. All parents are welcome to attend. This meeting is the place where you will learn about what is happening in your school, upcoming social and fundraising events, and opportunities for you to contribute by volunteering in your school community.

Volunteers are essential to the smooth running of P&F social and fundraising events. All parents are asked to consider volunteering to help with at least 1 event per year. We don't ask for a big commitment of time - a little or a lot - all support and assistance is valuable and appreciated. We will be calling for volunteers for varied events throughout the year. Please consider ways in which you may be able to contribute. Examples include the Easter Raffle, Mothers' Day/ Father’s Day Stall, Athletics Carnival Canteen.

Our first P&F meeting of the year is on Tuesday 13th February @ 8:45am in the school hall.

Please see the schedule below to help you plan your involvement.

MRS WILKINSON/ MRS DEEGAN FAREWELL

A farewell liturgy will be held for Mrs Wilkinson and Mrs Deegan on Friday 16/2/24 from 1:00pm- 1:30pm. Parents are most welcome to attend. Due to the sudden departure of Mrs Wilkinson and Mrs Deegan last year to their new roles, we were unable to conduct a formal farewell in 2023.

As previously communicated, Mrs Deegan has been appointed as Assistant Principal at Our Lady of Victories Catholic Primary School in Shortland. Due to this appointment occurring after the closure of school for 2023, Mrs Deegan did not have the opportunity to farewell the St Patrick’s community via the newsletter as Mrs Wilkinson did. Please see a link to Mrs Deegan’s farewell message for you to read.

MRS DEEGAN’S FAREWELL LETTER TO FAMILIES

As I bid farewell to the beautiful students, dedicated staff and supportive parent community of St Patrick’s, Lochinvar, I find myself reflecting on the remarkable journey I have been a part of. Witnessing the growth and evolution of St Pat’s over the last 11 years has been nothing short of inspiring. I feel blessed to have been part of such a strong community that has weathered challenges, celebrated triumphs, and nurtured an environment where every child has had the opportunity to flourish.

Over the years, it has been a privilege to watch the students I taught (around 360 in 11 years!), blossom into confident individuals, equipped with not only a desire to learn and succeed, but also a strong sense of what means to be part of a Catholic school community. I too have learned a great deal from the children whom I have worked with at St Pat’s, and I appreciate my time with each of them. I wish the children I taught in Year 1 in 2022 and the children who were in 4B last year a great year in Year 3 and Year 5! Both classes were very special to me, and I will miss seeing your faces each day.

Every day, I witnessed the dedication of the teachers and support staff. They foster an atmosphere of learning that is built on love and care in the pursuit of every student achieving their best. I thank each of you not only for your support and shared wisdom, but for your friendship.

To the families who have entrusted me with the education of your children, your partnership and commitment have been invaluable.

As I embark on a new chapter, I carry with me cherished memories and the profound impact working at St Pat’s has had on my life.

I truly have been blessed.

Thank you for everything.

Mrs Deegan.

GOVERNANCE MATTERS

COMMITMENT TO SAFEGUARDING- VOUNTEERING IN DIOCESAN SCHOOLS

The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle has an absolute and abiding commitment to promote the safety, welfare and wellbeing of children. As such, all volunteers must undergo the appropriate form of screening, based on the role they are volunteering for. The screening requirements are determined by the Diocese and apply to all agencies including Schools, Catholic Care, Catholic Development Fund, and St Nicholas Services.

Please follow the attached procedures if you would like to register as a volunteer to help within our school.

RE NEWS

SOCIAL JUSTICE INITIATIVES

New parents to our school may not be aware that a large part of our mission is to support the marginalised in our community and the world at large. This support comes in many ways; service, money raised and charitable donations.

We support social justice initiatives through the Diocesan Pastoral Contribution, Catholic Mission, Caritas Australia, St Vincent de Paul and other disaster relief agencies which may need our help during the year.

Next week, our Engaging Communities and Social Justice Leaders will be heading to Sacred Heart Cathedral with Miss Dennis to attend and represent our school at the launch of the 2024 Project Compassion appeal. A Project Compassion Box will be sent home for each family following this launch.

Our first fundraiser will be Shrove Tuesday (13^th February) where we will have our annual Pancake Breakfast. The money raised from this event will go towards our Project Compassion fundraising. Pancakes are available to be pre-ordered via Qkr.

ASH WEDNESDAY

Next week marks the beginning of the Lenten Season with Ash Wednesday. The marking of the ashes on our foreheads on this day is a public expression of our faith and humility.

We will gather as a school community for our Ash Wednesday Liturgy on Wednesday (14^th February) at 9:00am. Everyone is most welcome to attend.

OPENING SCHOOL MASS

To celebrate the beginning of our school year, we will be gathering for our Opening School Mass on Friday 23^rd February at 9:30am in our school hall.

As part of this Mass, our Year 6 Leaders will be presented with their badges. Parents of Year 6 students who have a leadership role are asked that at least one family member is available to attend to pin your child’s badge on during the ceremony. If there are no family members available to attend, please let Miss Dennis know, so a staff member can assist in your place.

CURRICULUM NEWS

GRADE INPUT IN THE NEWSLETTER

Each semester (every 2 terms), each grade will be given one opportunity in the school newsletter, to provide a snapshot of happenings with the grade. We look forward as we move throughout 2024, to hearing from each grade and providing parents with a little glimpse into school life within that grade. This will not commence until the newsletter in week 6.

 LIFE EDUCATION VISIT

Life Education has been supporting the physical, social and emotional wellbeing of children for over 40 years through delivering curriculum aligned programs to schools. 

St Patrick’s will host the Life Education Van from the 12th until the 20th February, with all students having the opportunity to participate in the program with their class.

Student programs will cover some of the following points:

• Self-awareness:  emotional literacy, identifying personal strengths, developing resilience.
• Self-management:  emotional regulation, managing stress, positive self-talk.
• Social awareness:  developing empathy, understanding social norms, appreciating diversity.
• Respectful relationships:  friendships, assertive communication, conflict resolution, resisting peer influence and pressure, consent, seeking and offering support, digital citizenship.

We encourage you to talk to your child following their visit to hear about some of the things they have learned.

NAPLAN

CANTEEN NEWS

Canteen orders have commenced this week- week 2 (8th & 9th February 2024) for Thursday and Friday only throughout the term.   
Monday meal deals will commence week 3 (12th February 2024).

CANTEEN SUPERVISOR MESSAGE

Welcome back to school.  I hope everyone is settling back into the school routine. I’m looking forward to another great year in the canteen.

Volunteer Contact Details

Over the last couple of weeks, I have emailed the term 1 roster to our wonderful canteen volunteers.  If you have registered but not received an email, please contact me at chris.jones@mn.catholic.edu.au so I can update the contact list.  If you would no longer like to receive emails, please let me know.

2024 Menu

Ordering is now available on QKR.  Some changes have been made, with some items available for one break only. 

Keep a look out for a copy of the menu in your children’s bag in the next couple of weeks.

QKR

Things to remember when ordering on QKR.

Orders must be completed by 8:30am sharp.  QKR will cut off in the middle of an order if not completed.

Remember to update your child’s class and year.

Double check you have selected the correct week for your order.  Two weeks are displayed on the app.

Food Handling

New food safety requirements have been introduced to all schools over Australia.  As part of these standards, volunteers are encouraged to complete a free Food Handler Basics Training provided on the NSW Food Authority website.

The course takes approximately one hour to complete.  You welcome to complete the course while at canteen.  You can still volunteer without the certificate but would prefer if most volunteers were trained in the basics.

You can complete the training using the following link 

once complete, forward your certificate to me.

What to wear

Related to the food safety standards, the following are required when volunteering at canteen.

If you are sick, please stay home.
Closed in shoes.
Long hair to be tied back.

Roster

 CANTEEN MENU

ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER NEWS

ST PATRICK’S WINS MAJOR AWARD

A huge congratulations to our Aboriginal Education team in being presented with the Emmaus Award at our annual Called to Serve mass at the Cathedral on Tuesday evening 6/2/24. St Patrick's Lochinvar was the recipient of an Emmaus Award, recognising our Aboriginal Education Team and their significant contribution to our school community. The award is recognition of the dedication of the team comprising of Chris Devorsine and Eliza O'Neill in supporting our indigenous students and families within the community. We extend congratulations to Chris and Eliza on this significant achievement. 
The award was received by Mr Devorsine, Eliza, Mrs Hacker, Mr Nolan and 6 of our school leaders- Mila Cooper, Andrew Crawford, Harrison McIntyre, Oliver McNally, Lachlan Mitchell and Bella Sligar. Several members of our staff were in attendance at the mass.

ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER NEWS

SPORTS NEWS

SWIMMING CARNIVAL

Congratulations to all of our students who took part in our St Patrick’s swimming carnival at Cessnock pool on Friday 2/2/24. Thank you to Mr Crich and his dedicated team who assisted in the smooth running of the carnival.

Our 2024 Swimming Carnival was certainly a warm event this year. Children cheered on their friends, played at the Splash Pad and showed great sportsmanship throughout the day. 

As mentioned in the swimming note and the newsletter, there are qualifying times for the Regional Carnival. Students placing in 1st, 2nd or 3rd position have not automatically progressed to the Regional Carnival. We would like to congratulate the following students who have been selected to represent St Patrick's at the 2024 Regional Swimming Carnival. Bronte Allen, Oliver Cassidy, Daniel Latter, Nixon Rodd, Charlie Cassidy, Quinn Redgrove, Ava Sadaj, Harrison McKenzie, Jett O'Brien, Sophia Unicomb, Lainie Redgrove, Van Burgess, Sophie Harris, Madden Mason, Colby Kelly, Stella Paric, Isabella Amidy, Flettchar Bourke, Scarlett Crouch, Thomas Power, Chester Haile, Sam Horan, Mia Smith, Monique Traub-Rehm, Keegan Cooper, Charlotte Echentille, Lenny Flannery, Armanii-Lee Mason, Eli Unicomb, Rose Conditsis, Isabella Crouch, Ellee Johnson, Finley Catton, Miles Cavanagh and Lachlan Mitchell.

SPORTS UNIFORM DAYS

Students wear sports uniforms on the sports day for the year that they are in.

WHS

AFTERNOON DISMISSAL

All students travelling home via bus will exit the school at the administration gates.

All parents using the hall gate collection point are reminded of the following.

Children will be dismissed into the care of parents/caregivers at 2.55 and 3.10pm. The aim is to spread the traffic across a time period, so the congestion is reduced.

• Parents and caregivers are asked to walk up towards the hall gate at the nominated time.
• Please do not stand back in between other cars or expect your child to walk through traffic areas to be collected
• If delaying your departure from St Patrick’s due to the obvious traffic congestion, you are asked to closely monitor your children’s safety whilst in the carpark and KEEP THEM CLOSE.
• Children should not be running, climbing and playing in the area.

If you are currently collecting from Cemetery Gate, you are asked to park on Gregory Rd or Station Lane.

ST NICHOLAS GATE COLLECTION

This is the nominated pick-up point reserved for families with siblings enrolled at St Nicholas Early Learning Centre only

Important Rules Of Use

• Parents who have children enrolled at St Nicholas Early Learning Centre will have the option of nominating to collect their children from the grassed area between the church and the St Nick’s side fence (see map, marked with blue circle).
• Children will be supervised by staff to walk to this MUSTER POINT for collection.
• Parking in the St Nicholas Early Learning Centre carpark remains restricted ONLY to those parents who are also collecting enrolled children from this 0-5 years setting on the day of attendance.
• Parking in the Parish Church Grounds is NOT PERMITTED at any time.
• In the event of a funeral, every effort would be made to notify parents via COMPASS that this pick-up point would be unavailable, and the cemetery gate would be used instead.

COMMUNITY NEWS

PARENTING PAGE

Unless otherwise stated, the advertisements placed in this newsletter are placed by independent third parties who have no legal relationship with the Diocese. The activities or services of the advertisers are not supervised or controlled in any way by the Diocese. The Diocese is not in a position to endorse the advertisers or the services provided and makes no representation about those matters. Accordingly, the Diocese cannot accept any responsibility for the advertisers or the activities or services that are the subject of these advertisements.