Term 3, Week 8 2024
FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK
FOUNDATION DAY- SISTERS OF ST JOSEPH
The 141st anniversary of the sister’s arrival in Lochinvar occurred on 3/9/24 during week 7. The 4 young sisters arrived from Perthville, led by Sister Ambrose Joseph Dirkin. This is a special day for the sisters every year as they remember the significant impact they have had over many years and continue to have. We are the beneficiaries of their dedication and service. At St Patrick’s Lochinvar, the sisters continue to be a major part of our community, and we welcome them to participate in the life of the school whenever possible.
SCHOOL TV
I encourage you to continue reading about SchoolTV as it is a useful to have as part of a parent toolkit. All parents at St Patrick’s Lochinvar have access. Because parenting doesn’t come with instructions, SchoolTV is a wellbeing resource that can support you in the challenges relating to modern-day parenting.
This resource helps build relationships, foster connections, enable understanding and break down barriers to navigate a pathway towards better mental health and wellbeing for young people. It can assist in starting conversations on topics that are sometimes awkward or difficult to tackle.
SchoolTV topics are conveniently arranged into a number of series. Topics feature interviews with leading youth wellbeing experts and researchers from around the world offering hours of relevant and practical information. Additionally, each topic includes a compilation of related resources from key organisations providing a comprehensive stream of content. Resources include informative fact sheets, articles, apps, books, podcasts, websites, and other videos - all related to a single topic, in one place for easy access!
To access School TV, simply go to our St Patrick’s Lochinvar website and click on the Parent Information along the top. Then click the first tab on the dropdown which is School TV. Alternatively, click on the following link to take you straight there-
FATHER’S DAY THANKS
What an amazing morning we all had to celebrate Father’s Day. We enjoyed a sausage sandwich together followed by a beautiful liturgy led by our Year 1 staff and students. I have never seen so many fathers attend school for Father’s Day celebrations. The dads just loved it. A real sense of community was evident in all rooms as the dads (and mums) engaged with their children following the liturgy.
With best wishes,
Dennis Nolan
Acting Principal
CALENDAR EVENTS
IMPORTANT DATES - LOOKING AHEAD FOR 2024
Looking Ahead | |
Week 8 | Summer Uniform Discretion Period |
9/9 – Peer Support @ 1pm | |
10/9 – Stage 3 Soccer Gala Day | |
11/9 – Gymnastics – Kinder /Yr 1 -Canberra (Year 6) | |
12/9 - Canberra (Year 6) | |
13/9 – School Assembly - Canberra (Year 6) - Polding Athletics | |
Week 9 | Summer Uniform Discretion Period |
16/9 – Pupil Free Day (Staff formation Day) | |
17/9 – Kinder parent Meet & Greet/ Information Night | |
18/9 - Gymnastics – Kinder /Yr 1 -P&F; Uniform Shop (5.30pm), meeting in the library (6.00pm) | |
19/9 – Regional Public Speaking @ Chisholm -Singleton Netball Gala Day | |
20/9 – 9.30am Parish Mass – Lead by year 6, Kinder attending | |
Week 10 | Summer Uniform Discretion Period |
23/9 – Peer Support @ 1pm -House rewards afternoon | |
25/9 – Gymnastics – Kinder /Yr 1 | |
26/9 – Yr 1 History Day | |
27/9 – School Assembly -Term 3 concludes | |
RE NEWS
STAFF FORMATION DAY
A reminder that next Monday, 16th September, is a Pupil Free Day. During this day our staff will be participating in our Annual Formation and Spirituality Day.
We are excited to have Mr Mark Spencer presenting with the focus of this day being Who am I?
“You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14)
The Catholic Church teaches that each person is a sacred being, created by God, with a unique calling. This profound question encourages staff to reflect on who they are and who they can be, as an individual, in relation to the world in which they live. Staff will explore the concept of spirituality from a range of perspectives and will develop their own understanding of themselves as valuable and valued individuals.
In exploring the profound question ‘Who am I?’ staff will investigate the following sub-questions:
- What does spirituality mean to me?
- Who am I called to be?
- How can I serve others?
- What is my social responsibility?
FUN FACTS FOR RELIGIOUS LITERACY
In this edition of Fun Facts for Religious Literacy, we’re exploring the seven sacraments, an essential part of our Catholic faith. These sacred rituals are special moments of grace that guide us on our spiritual journey from baptism to the anointing of the sick. Let’s take a closer look at what these sacraments are and how each sacrament helps us grow closer to God.
To make this section of our newsletter more relevant to our school community we want your thoughts and ideas on what we should focus on each newsletter! Please head to the form or use the QR Code below to let us know what things you want to know about the Catholic faith and traditions or the specifics of Catholic schooling.
ORGANISATION AND MANAGEMENT
PUPIL FREE DAY
A reminder to all parents that this coming Monday, 16/9/24 is a Pupil Free Day. Students do not attend school on this day. All staff will be participating in a staff spirituality day.
YEAR 1 HISTORY DAY
On Thursday 26th September 2024, Year 1 will be immersing themselves in a History Day to consolidate their learning for their History unit, ‘Present and Past Family Life.’ This exciting day will take place at school.
Students are asked to dress in clothes from the past to add to the atmosphere of the experience. Please do not feel the need to go out and purchase items, utilise what you have around the house.
At 9.20am we are inviting families to come and join in the fun and participate in playing some games from the past such as elastics, hopscotch, quoits etc. Year 1 families are then welcome to stay for a picnic lunch which will conclude at 11.20am. We ask that families park at the back of the school. Gates will open at 9.15am.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s Year 1 teacher.
IMPORTANT MESSAGES FOR PARENTS
A comprehensive calendar of Term 4 dates will be supplied to parents in the Term 3, week 10 newsletter. For the benefit of planning, please keep the following dates in mind:
- Monday 2/12/24- End of Year Awards ceremony commencing at 9:30am
- Monday 9/12/24- End of Year Liturgy commencing at 9:30am
- Friday 13/12/24- Year 6 Graduation- This year, the formal Graduation for Year 6 students and parents will be held at the East Cessnock Bowling Club from 5:30pm- 8pm. The evening will include a liturgy, meal, presentations and the Graduation.
More details regarding all of the events above will be provided as we move closer to the dates.
REGIONAL DEBATING COMPETITION
Our St Patrick’s Debating team competed in the Regional Debating Competition at St John’s the Baptist Maitland on the 29th of August. They performed with impressive confidence and skill, winning their first debate and were defeated in a close debate in the second. Congratulations to Eliza Dagg, Divya Kaur, Josie Lawler, and Sreeya Bommareddy.
TOURNAMENT OF THE MINDS
Congratulations to our St Patrick's Tournament of Minds team who participated in the Regional Competition at Newcastle Grammar School last Sunday the 8th September. They were exceptional in both the spontaneous and long-term challenge and were awarded Honours in the field of Language and Literature. This incredible achievement is a testament to the teams dedication, commitment and teamwork.
There will be an opportunity for the school community to view the 10 minute long-term challenge before the end of this term to enjoy the performance and celebrate their achievement.
The team consisted of the following Year 6 students: Armani Garland-Sherbon, Finley Catton, Bella Sligar, Andrew Crawford, Celeste Harding, Nateisha Michel and Oliver McNally
PUBLIC SPEAKING
Over the last couple of weeks, grades 1-6 have been participating in grade and stage public speaking competitions to identify one stage winner. Congratulations to the following students who have been selected to represent our school at the Regional Public Speaking Competition at St Aloysius on the 19th of September. Good Luck!
Stage 1- Evie Worth (2B)
Stage 2- Amelia McNally (4Y)
Stage 3 – Bella Sligar (6Y)
R U OK DAY
The rise of mental health concerns among young people, including anxiety, depression, and self-harm, is a pressing issue amplified by factors such as academic stress, social media, family dynamics and societal expectations. It is therefore crucial to prioritise early intervention, de-stigmatise mental health discussions, and provide accessible and effective support to address these concerns and promote the wellbeing of young people.
This year R U OK?Day falls on Thursday 12 September, an annual National Day of Action and a reminder that every day is the day to check in with your friends, family and colleagues.
R U OK? contributes to suicide prevention year round by urging people to invest time in personal relationships and empowering informal support networks to identify signs of distress. Families are encouraged to engage in this initiative, emphasising the importance of authentic human connections and reminding everyone to ask the essential question, "Are you OK?"
Parents, caregivers and schools all play a vital role in shaping young lives. Participating in R U OK?Day goes beyond classrooms, showcasing a commitment to holistic student development. By initiating conversations about mental health, schools create safe spaces, where children feel valued, understood, and supported. Parents can help by fostering an open dialogue, normalising emotions, identifying support systems, teaching active listening and addressing any stigmas relating to mental health.
GOVERNANCE
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE
Supporting positive school attendance is a shared responsibility - everyone has a role to play in promoting the regular attendance of students.
All children should be at school on time each day and remain until the conclusion of lessons in the afternoon. This ensures a consistent routine for students which helps children feel secure, as well as allowing children to learn and grow. Days off school not only contribute to significant gaps and lost opportunities in learning, it is also hard for children to establish, develop and maintain social connections.
We ask that you try to limit appointments through the school day where possible.
Frequent lateness should also be avoided, as children need to get into a good routine each morning.
If you are having difficulty getting your child to school on time, please talk to their class teacher.
CURRICULUM NEWS
YEAR 5 GREAT AUSSIE BUSH CAMP
KINDER EXCURSION
On Friday 6th September our Kinder students were very excited to go on their first ‘big school’ excursion. For some, it was their first time on a bus. We travelled to Newcastle and attended a performance of The Gruffalo at the Civic Theatre. Following the performance, we had time for lunch and a play at a park before we returned to school.
It was a big day for everyone!
YEAR 3 EXCURSION
ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER NEWS
SPORT NEWS
TOUCH GALA DAY
On Thursday of Week 6, 30 students from Stage 3 represented St Patrick's for a Touch Gala Day at Maitland Park. All teams showed great sportsmanship and inclusivity throughout the day. A teacher from another school commended our students on the way they played, as our children allowed students from other schools to score a try on multiple occasions. This is what sport is all about.
Well done and congratulations.
STAGE 3 SOCCER GALA DAY
On Tuesday 10th September students from Years 5 & 6 participated in the annual Stage 3 Soccer Gala Day. All teams showed outstanding sportsmanship and teamwork through the day. Well done, St Patrick's!
CANTEEN NEWS
Thank you to all who have contributed to running the canteen over the past two weeks.
The last two weeks of the roster has a couple of spaces to fill. If anyone is available, please contact me at chris.jones@mn.catholic.edu.au
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.