Term 2, Week 10 2024

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

Dear Parents, caregivers and friends,

THANK YOU MESSAGE

As we come to the end of this term, thank you for your support and partnership in your child's education. Your involvement in your child’s education plays a crucial role in the success of our school community.

This term has been filled with growth, learning, and spiritual development. We are grateful for the many ways you contribute to our school community, whether through volunteering, attending events, or supporting our initiatives.

We wish you a happy winter holiday period. Please find below, the term 3 calendar of events. We look forward to the many ways you will be able to engage with our school community throughout the term.

SVDP WINTER APPEAL

St Patrick’s will take part in Pyjama Day tomorrow to raise money for the St Vincent De Paul Winter appeal. We are requesting a gold coin donation to wear pyjamas on Friday. SVDP has a long history. It’s important to understand the origins of the organisation so we are aware of their work throughout our world. Please find information below in our Religious Education section. This work very much aligns with our Social Justice leadership at St Patrick’s, shown through the work of Mary MacKillop who had a ‘Special Love for the Poor’.

ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

Thanks to Mr Crich and his team for the wonderful organisation and running of our school Athletics Carnival on Monday 24/6. The carnival ran so smoothly and the children enjoyed their day. The all-weather track enabled us to go ahead with the event. Thank you also to our P&F volunteers and helpers for operating the canteen on the day.

DISCO- YEARS 3-6

Years 3-6 children had the best night on Friday 21st June at our disco. They all went home exhausted after an evening of dancing and having fun with friends. Thank you to our P&F group of parents for their organisation around the disco prior to the event and on the evening. Thank you also to the many staff members who supported with supervision. We look forward to another great night on 2^nd August when our K-2 children have their turn.

HOUSE BANNERS

Please see below our hall banners that were spoken about in the week 8 newsletter. These banners reflect our house colours, the person linked to each house, and the Josephite value connected to it. The banners have been ordered and will arrive at school soon. I’d like to acknowledge the work of Ms Dennis in designing the banners and the Sisters of St Joseph who supported us in obtaining the images for the banners.

With best wishes,

Dennis Nolan
Acting Principal

CALENDAR EVENTS 

IMPORTANT DATES  - LOOKING AHEAD FOR 2024

RE NEWS

HISTORY OF SVDP

St Vincent de Paul Society was founded in France in 1833 by a group of dedicated Catholics who put their faith into action to support the poor in their community.

Today, the St Vincent de Paul Society is active in 150 countries through 800,000 members and 1,500,000 volunteers. The Society helps over 30 million people every day.

A CHANGING SOCIETY IN FRANCE

Paris of the early 19th century was in the grip of great upheavals. During and following the French revolution of 1788 to 1799, Paris was profoundly affected by social unrest. A new type of society was being formed – a republic based on liberty, equality and fraternity.

The 1830s brought the collapse of the old Bourbon monarchy which had dreams of strengthening the throne with the support from the Church. Religion was on the decline and atheism increasing.

Large numbers of the country people were moving to the cities to find work in the factories. Many arrived to discover there was no work, little pay or that the factories were closed due to revolution.

In 1832 an epidemic of cholera swept through Paris killing up to 1,200 people each day. Large slum areas were forming in Paris where thousands of people lived without work, some without clothes, and many suffered from the abuse of alcohol. Homelessness, disease and starvation were common.

FAITH IN ACTION

During this time in 1832, a young student named Frédéric Ozanam walked through the poorer suburbs of Paris on his way to university lectures each day. He soon became deeply moved at the hopeless state of families who had been left without the support of their breadwinners after the epidemic.

It was the taunt of an anti-religious opponent in a student debating society that stung him to action: ‘You are right Ozanam when you speak of the past! In former times Christianity worked wonders, but what is it doing for mankind now? And you, who pride yourself on your Catholicity, what are you doing now for the poor? Show us your works.’

Frédéric Ozanam gathered a few friends and on 23 April 1833, they met to decide what they could do to assist the poor. After the meeting, Frédéric and his flat mate took the remainder of their winter wood supply and gave it to a widow.

These young men attracted the comment:

“What can seven young men hope to achieve in alleviating the suffering of Paris? ”

Fortunately, Ozanam paid little attention to their comments. He was determined to satisfy his own conscience that he was doing what he could to bear witness to his Christian upbringing by assisting those less fortunate in the community.

A painting of a gentlemen in his forties with brown, collar-length hair and a brown moustache and beard. He is wearing a formal black jacket, white shirt and black tie.

FROM LITTLE THINGS, BIG THINGS GROW

The small group decided to adopt the name 'The Society of St Vincent de Paul' after Saint Vincent de Paul, the Patron Saint of Christian charity.

They sought the advice of Sister Rosalie Rendu, a Daughter of Charity who was visiting poor families in one of the poorer districts. Sister Rendu introduced the young men to people they could assist. They agreed to meet weekly to strengthen their friendship and to respond to the needs of those they served.

Not long after, other good citizens of Paris noticed the charitable works of the students and within a year membership had expanded to 100. They split into three separate groups, called conferences, to continue delivering their services across the city.

At the same time, other conferences sprang up in Parishes around Paris. In its first decade, The Society spread to 48 other cities in France and Italy with over 9,000 members. The Society extended to Rome (1842), England (1844), Belgium, Scotland and Ireland (1845), the United States of America (1846) and Australia on 5 March 1854.

We continue their work today. Let’s make a difference.

CURRICULUM NEWS

YEAR 6 NEWS

In Year 6 this term, we have been practicing our debating skills and learning how to write effective and engaging music reviews. Our students focused on the song  "From Little Things Big Things Grow" and studied the impact Vincent Lingiari had in relation to Aboriginal rights in Australia. We explored this topic further throughout our History unit and looked at what life was like in the 1960s for Indigenous Australians. 

Last week, we asked the children what our school motto, "Grow By God's Gifts", meant to them and here are some examples:

Owen Fantin - I think Grow By God's Gifts means that you have to be better and learn from your actions. Be resilient and keep going and be stronger. Learn from others and grow.

Phoebe Smith - I think Grow By God's Gifts means to grow with God and follow him. It also means that we are Gods Gifts and we need to grow beside each other.

Celeste Harding - I think that our school motto, Grow By God's Gifts, has multiple meanings but one stands out the most. I think it means to learn and grow from other people in our school community. In life, we all make mistakes and that's okay but we as a community can all learn from them. So, I think Grow By God's Gifts proves that we as individuals need to be in a community so we can learn and grow form each other. That is what I think our school motto means.

ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER NEWS

ORGANISATION AND MANAGEMENT

KINDERGARTEN & YEAR 1 TERM 3 GYMNASTICS LESSONS

In Term 3, Kindergarten and Year 1 students will participate in weekly gymnastics lessons run by Hunter Valley Gymnastics. Lessons will be 40 minutes in duration. During this time students will be given opportunities to develop their gross motor skills as well as their coordination. Students will work alongside qualified coaches, engaging in fun and challenging activities aimed at teaching students new skills in a supportive environment. We look forward to sharing this experience with your children!

PB4L REWARD AFTERNOON

To support our school’s approach to Positive Behaviour 4 Learning (PB4L) this year, we have introduced rewards for the colour house that collects the most Shamrocks each term.

Shamrocks for Term 2 were counted, and the winning house was MURRAY with an outstanding 742 shamrocks!! Congratulations to our Murray students.

On Monday 1^st July, the children in Murray house enjoyed their reward afternoon where they were able to choose between a creative art-based activity or some sport activities. The students had a great time and are already confident that Murray can win again in Term 3!

IMPORTANT MESSAGES FOR PARENTS

PYJAMA ASSEMBLY

We have a scheduled assembly on Friday 5^th July, the final day of term 2. Parents and Carers are most welcome to join us. You can even wear your pyjamas if you want to so you can get into the spirit of the day. Even Ugg boots would be good to see.

SPORT DAYS TERM 3

WHS

BUS SAFETY

GETTING TO AND FROM THE BUS STOP

• Families are responsible for getting their child to and from the bus stop safely.
• Always supervise your child until they are at least 10 and hold their hand when walking to and from the bus stop and when crossing the road.
• When waiting for the bus, hold hands and wait as far back from the passing traffic as possible.

GETTING OFF THE BUS

When travelling by bus, your child is most at risk in the minutes after they get off the bus.

Meet your child AT the bus stop after school. NEVER wait on the opposite side of the road and call them across. If you cannot meet your child, organise for a trusted adult to take your place. Always wait until the bus has gone, then use a safe place to cross.

Talk with your child about what to do:

• if you are delayed and cannot meet them as usual
• if they catch the wrong bus
• if they get off the bus at the wrong bus stop.

CROSSING THE ROAD

Together, choose the safest place to cross the road and talk about:

STOP! one step back from the kerb

LOOK! continuously both ways

LISTEN! for the sounds of approaching traffic

THINK! whether it is safe to cross

Keep checking as you cross the road.

ATTENDANCE

Attendance is reviewed regularly at St Patrick with weekly reviews of unexplained absences and requests to update compass with reason for absence. A mid term (week 5) and end of term (week 10) review of children’s absence percentages is completed and actioned.

We are required by Catholic Schools Office to review attendance and actively be in contact if absences are below the set guidelines; It is a Diocesan expectation that attendance is kept at 90% or above. We are aware of the high number of illnesses in the community. In reviewing the term 2, week 10 data these illness circumstances will be taken into consideration. Please be aware that if your child’s absences are higher then expected you may still receive a letter in relation to this.

A reminder: If your child will be on leave for over 10 school days, you are required to complete a request for leave form, please contact the school office and student services will issue you with this form, you must then complete this and return to the school office or email to admin@lochinvarsp.catholic.edu.au  with the required attachments.

GOVERNANCE

HELPING YOUR FAMILY TO STAY SAFE ONLINE  

Learn how to keep your family safe online, including:

• why online safety is important 
• how eSafety can help 
• setting up family online safety rules 
• conversation ideas and tips. 

View the 2 minute video by clicking this link- 

RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIPS

SPORT NEWS

REGIONAL ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

Congratulations to the following students who represented St Patrick's at the Lower Hunter Regional Athletics Carnival on July 2nd:

Sienna Atkins, Kara Bottomley, Myah Burgess, Sophie Cant, Nicholas Conditsis, Charles Cooper, Keegan Cooper, Finn Cooper, Isabella Crouch, Scarlett Crouch, Max Crowther, Finn Dwight, Charlotte Echentille, Harper Enright, Armani Garland-Sherbon, Kensi Gibson, Addison Hahn, Amelia Haines, Sophie Harris, Kye Hedges, Cayleb Hodgson, Sam Horan, Harper Jackson, Ari Kemp, Aston Longbottom, Kiarna Marko, Nash McGregor, Harrison McKenzie, Lainie Redgrove, Quinn Redgrove, Maddox Riley, Cooper Robins, Hughston Robinson, Nixon Rodd, Leura Russell, Phoenix Russell, William Sagorny, Allan Shinoy, Mia Smith, Austin Smith, Mitchell Summers, Phoebe Toeava, Arabella Trelease, Eli Unicomb, Sophia Unicomb, Levi Uren, Taj Ward and Josie Wood.

CANTEEN NEWS

Thank you to all our lovely volunteer parents and grandparents who have helped in the canteen over this term. 

PYJAMA DAY

On Monday we have celebrated Pyjama Day early with breakfast for lunch. Our volunteers have also been busy making these sleepy bear cookies for recess. Bear cookies will be available again on Friday, along with hot Milo’s to keep the children cosy in their PJ’s.

VOLUNTEERING

Once again, thank you to everyone who has helped in the canteen over the last two weeks.  if you have ever considered coming to help in the canteen, please complete your registration then come in and give it a go.  Volunteering is a terrific way to be involved in your school community, meet new people, and get the kids excited about having you at the school.

FOOD HANDLING CERTIFICATE

Remember if you are or would like to volunteer at canteen there is a free Food Handler Basics Training Course provided on the NSW Food Authority website.

The course takes approximately one hour to complete. Although you can still volunteer without the certificate, it is a fantastic way to get an update on the basics. The training can be accessed following the link 

NEW FRIDAY SPECIAL

Commencing this week I have introduced a new special to Friday’s menu.  The special will change each week and will be advised on Compass.  There will be limited numbers of each week, so get in early if you don't want to miss out.

VOLUNTEER ROSTER

The volunteer roster will be emailed to registered volunteers this week.  Please email me your preferred day and times.  If you are unable to do the whole day let me know so I can fill the roster accordingly. 

A reminder to contact me ASAP if you can’t make it on your chosen day.  This gives me plenty of time to find a replacement.

If you are not receiving emails or no longer want emails, please make contact and I will update your preferences.

PARENTING PAGE

P AND F NEWS

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.