Term 1 Week 4 Newsletter

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

Dear Families,

Welcome to our first newsletter for 2025. I trust you had a wonderful break and the school year has started off well. I warmly welcome all new families, especially our new Kindergartens and our new staff members, many of whom you will meet in this newsletter. I have been made feel very welcome by staff, students and parents and have had a lovely re-introduction to St Patrick’s. For those of you who may not know me or who were unable to be at the parent teacher night last night I’ll give a synopsis of my career and connection to St Patrick’s.

I came from Ireland with my parents and siblings at the end of 1986 and settled in Singleton, completing my senior high school years at St Catherine’s Catholic College. After completing the HSC, I went to the Australian Catholic University in Castle Hill, Sydney to train to be a teacher, completing a Diploma of Teaching in 1992. In 1993, I began working at St Francis Xavier Primary school at Singleton, where I met Mr Nolan, who was also a teacher there. I completed my Bachelor of Education through Charles Sturt University, Bathurst and went on to do a Master’s in Educational Leadership with ACU before being appointed as Assistant Principal at St Patrick’s Lochinvar in 1999.

I spent 7 years as AP here with Mr Nolan as REC, Mrs Hartcher as my executive release and Mrs Jordan as a mentor teacher on Kindergarten. My favourite memories are of taking my class to the nursing home across the road to spend time with the retired nuns and parishoners, parish school Masses in the church and using the computer lab at the high school before we had our own. I also enjoyed swimming lessons in the pool at the back of the high school and overnight leadership camp in the dorms. Mr Quinn went on renewal leave in 2004 and I stepped up into his role. I also did a term in 2005 at Dungog, relieving for Mr Treloar, also a past principal of St Patrick’s. After these experiences, Mr Quinn said to me – “you need your own school”… I hope it was because he thought I was ready and not because I was becoming a thorn in his side asking so many ‘but why’ questions…

Long story short, I applied for Principalship and was successful in getting my first school at Holy Spirit Infants school, Abermain in 2006. I loved Abermain and learned how to be a gardener, canteen operator, painter decorator, plumber, building site manager, clerical officer, Learning Support Teacher and Kindergarten teacher. It was an amazing 6 years and our new school was much loved by all. After 6 years, I moved to St James’ Primary, Muswellbrook in 2012. Bringing the focus back to learning and receiving recognition from the NSW Education Minister for our above expected growth in NAPLAN was a highlight of my time there. I had the privilege of returning to Singleton as Principal of St Catherine’s K-12 College in Term 4 2018. Not only had I been a student at the school, I began my career in Singleton, some of my past pupils were now teaching there, and my two children, niece and nephews were students at the time. It felt like I had returned home, and it was terrific to lead a K-12 school and learn the ropes of High School.

After six years at Singleton, I had a wonderful opportunity to look after a school in the Manning region. Last year I had a sea change and went to Holy Name at Forster. The school and community were amazing and the setting simply divine. What’s not to love about walking along the beach or over the bridge and seeing dolphins every day and enjoying a holiday lifestyle?

Coming back to Lochinvar has brought me full circle in my leadership. The school and community have changed dramatically in the last 20 years, but St Patrick’s still has a familiarity for me and the warmth and welcome is as strong now as it was back in 1999. I look forward to working in partnership with you to bring about the school improvements that have been highlighted in the Strategic Plan.

This year we will focus on:

•  Religious Education – Pilgrims of Hope/Teacher Efficacy

•  English Literacy Block K-2, 3-6

•  LLC - Assessment Waterfall

•  Data access and data interpretation – utilise data to drive curriculum differentiation and refine pedagogical practice in Literacy instruction.

•  Staff and Student Wellbeing – continuation of PB4L

Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns about the direction we are taking. As we morph from the P&F model at the end of the year into the FACE model of parent engagement, there will be more opportunities for discussion regarding the strategic direction of the school. Later this term we will be asking for your opinion on how the remaining P&F funds should be spent. I thank the P&F for their generous donations last year which we will be spending this year on Hall air-conditioning, literacy resources and Aboriginal dance.

Have a great weekend,

God Bless,
Niamh

CALENDAR EVENTS 

CURRICULUM NEWS

2025 TERM 1 CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

NAPLAN

Each year the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is sat by students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. Students will participate in tests for writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy. NAPLAN 2025 will take place from Wednesday 12 March to Monday 24 March. NAPLAN is just one part of our school’s learning assessment program. The tests assess literacy and numeracy skills your child is already learning at school, so the best preparation is their everyday classroom learning. Our school will also undertake activities to help students become familiar with the types of questions and tools available in the online tests. The public demonstration site (https://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site) is available for you to see the format of the online tests. Further information about NAPLAN is available on the NESA website (https://www.nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/nesa/naplan) and the NAP website (https://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/for-parents-carers). If you have any questions about NAPLAN, please contact your child’s teacher.

VIRTUAL ACADEMY

LIBRARY NEWS

ORGANISATION AND MANAGEMENT

STAFFING 2025

MEET THE NEW STAFF OF OUR SCHOOL

MRS CELINE LEES

Hi, I am Mrs Celine Lees and I am so excited to be teaching 6 Blue on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays in 2025. I come from Belgium and have been in Australia for 15 years. I hold a Masters degree in Primary Teaching and a Bachelor degree in Biology. I speak 2 languages: ​ English and French. I am a dedicated teacher, passionate about ensuring all students are actively engaged, achieve their goals and experience a strong sense of belonging in our classroom. ​When I’m not in the classroom, you will find me on our farm, with my husband and 2 children, looking after our animals, gardening, doing craft or catching up with friends for lunch.

MR DECLAN PARR

Hello, I’m Mr. Parr, and I’m thrilled to be teaching 1Blue in 2025! I can’t wait to have a fantastic year of learning, growing, and making great memories here in the school community. 

MS SARAH ORRETT

I am thrilled to be part of the St Patrick’s community this year. I am passionate about fostering a love of learning through creative, hands-on experiences that spark curiosity and celebrate each student's unique talents. Outside the classroom, I love spending time outdoors, and with my family and friends.

MRS JOANNE STANDING

Hello , I have been teaching since 1989 and I still love what I do. It is a pleasure to get to know the community. I have been made to feel very welcome. I live at Chisholm with my husband and son. I love to read, walk my dog and plan holidays for my family to take in our caravan.

MRS TIFFANY NOLAN

Hi, I'm Tiffany Nolan, I am now a Learning Support Teacher at St Patrick's, I have come from Rosary Park Branxton where I have been a Learning Support Teacher and Infants classroom teacher for the past 10 years. I enjoy working in Learning Support to provide support to children and their families. I have two young children and we enjoy going away together as family in our caravan. I am looking forward to get to know all of the children and families at St Patrick's. 

MR TONY KAY

Hi, my name is Tony Kay, and I’m excited to join St. Patrick’s Primary Lochinvar as the new school counsellor. I’ll be working alongside Chris Gabrielides, and available on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. With over 10 years of experience in counselling, I’m looking forward to being part of the school community and supporting students, staff, and families.

SCHOOL COMMUNICATION

All school notifications will be sent through compass to parents. Please ensure that you have compass on your phone or computer active to receive this communication. Should you have any problems with your compass log in please contact the school office.

School newsletters will be issued on a fortnightly basis on the even weeks of this term and will be issued as a compass notification and email. This is a great way to keep up to date with what is happening within the school.

Weekly blast are a screen shot of the newsletter to remind parents of what is happening each week. This notice will be issued through compass on Sunday.

Communication to the school should be by email admin@lochinvarsp.catholic.edu.au or phone 49307270.

ACCESSING ST PATRICK’S SCHOOL DOCUMENTS ON COMPASS

We have added forms and documents to Compass for easy access for parents. Please follow the below instructions if you would like to have a look through the documents available.

Locating Forms & Documents

After logging in to Compass, select ‘More’ in the bottom right-hand side of the screen.

Select ‘open in browser’. (First tile in the last row of large icons, as indicted below)

A variety of information is kept, such as previous newsletters, canteen menus and a current year St Patrick’s Handbook. Please take the time to familiarise yourselves with the information contained in the enrolment folder by clicking the ‘+’ button).              

CHANGES TO HOME ARRANGEMENTS

An email should be sent to admin@lochinvarsp.catholic.edu.au advising of changes prior to 2:30 pm. If your child is aware of the changes and you are just advising the office as a back up please notify the office of this.

If the change is a bus, please ensure you list the bus number. If your child is catching a bus for the first time or is not likely to remember where to get off, please advise the office of the details.

COMPASS CALENDAR

All events that are happening at school will be listed in our Compass calendar. 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.

MOBILE PHONES & SMART WATCHES

Phones and smart watches are discouraged from being brought to school. They are not to be used on the school premises and should be handed to the classroom teacher to go to the office in the note bag for the day. No responsibility will be taken for stolen for damaged devices.

ASSEMBLIES

This year our fortnightly assemblies will be held on Fridays in the hall at 9:00 am. The first assembly being Friday 7^th March 2025. Parents are welcome to stay from drop off 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, Ken Lane Menswear in Maitland Levee precinct. Please note that beaded bracelets and leather necklaces are not part of the uniform.

We thank you for your commitment and support.

MEDICATION

Any medication that is required for your child must be dropped to the office by an adult and the appropriate paperwork must be completed. Under no circumstances should a child have medication in their bags.

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 notify the school office 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.

FEES NOTICE

School Fee Statements will be emailed the beginning of March with 2025, this statement will show the annual fee amount.  Please review your balances and commence weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments with fees to be finalised by 30/11/2025.  Families who have opted to pay a lump sum are due on 30/06/2025.  Please call the Finance Officer on 0249 307 270 or email admin to discuss if needed.

Health Care Card and Pension Card Holders / Family Discount on Tuition Fee

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle offer a lower tuition fee to ‘means tested’ low income families such as Health Care and Pension Card holders. This rate is 50% of the Diocesan Tuition Fee full rate for each child.

If you are a fee payer and hold a current Australian Government Health Care Card/Pension card you may be entitled to a discount on your school fees, please contact the school finance officer to request the electronic form to complete and a copy of your card must be downloaded with this submission.

Schedule of Fees for 2025

2025 Tuition Fee, DFSBL and General Service Fee

ASPIRE

ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER NEWS

SPORT NEWS

SWIMMING CARNIVAL

Our 2025 Swimming Carnival was certainly a warm event this year. Children cheered on their friends, cooled off in the toddler pool, and showed great sportsmanship throughout the day. 

We would like to congratulate the following students who were selected to represent St Patrick's at the 2025 Regional Swimming Carnival. Evie Firth, Eadie Geronimi, Bronte Allen, Oliver Cassidy, Austin Smith, Isla Carrall, Daniel Latter, Finn Ramsay, Ruby Webber, Sadie Cunningham, Charlie Cassidy, Quinn Redgrove, Jett O'Brien, Sophia Unicomb, Lainie Redgrove, Jack Hulbert, Sienna Atkins, Nicholas Conditsis,  Van Burgess, Chelsea Wieland, Pearl Conway, Sophie Harris, Madden Mason, Stella Paric, Isabella Amidy, Scarlett Crouch, James Enright, Ned Cunningham, Thomas Power, Chester Haile, Sam Horan, Mia Smith, Monique Traub-Rehm, Keegan Cooper, Patrick Monk, and Charlotte Echentille.

REGIONAL SWIMMING CARNIVAL

Unfortunately, due to lightning in the area, the 2025 Regional Swimming Carnival was unable to proceed. The results were decided based on the times children swam at their school carnival. Congratulations to Eadie Geronimi, Sophia Unicomb, Van Burgess, Madden Mason, and Charlotte Echentille. These students will represent the Lower Hunter Region at the Diocesan Swimming Carnival on February, 26th. We wish them the best of luck!

SPORTS UNIFORM DAYS

CANTEEN NEWS

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Canteen orders have commenced for Thursday and Friday only throughout the term.

Monday meal deals will be available for the term.

Over the counter sales are available on Monday, Thursday and Friday for snack items. All lunch orders and meal deals must be completed through Qkr app.

Welcome back to our returning and new families.  At the canteen we have been busy baking and restocking our shelves ready for orders to start.  I have made a few changes to the menu and a hard copy sent home.

A Look at the Menu

There have been a couple of changes to the menu, to streamline the running of the canteen.

Garlic bread is now a 5” serving size.

Thompsons pies now make Pizza scrolls, Cheesymyte scrolls, and ham and cheese rolls.  They can be found on QKR on the lunch one menu.

Pikelets have unfortunately been removed but will be available for counter sales.

Volunteers

Please contact the office if you would like to join us as a volunteer.  It’s a great opportunity to meet other parents from the school and the children love it.  We would love to see some new volunteers this year. 

QKR Orders

Please remember that ordering through QKR cuts off at 830am, even if you’re in the middle of an order!  Be careful to choose the correct date for your order as some weeks there are 2 weeks displayed at a time.

No phone orders are accepted after 830am.  In the event you don’t get your order in before cutoff, you can order a cheese toastie and an apple slinky by contacting the office.

Sick Days

If your child is off sick, your child’s order can be moved to another day if the office is contacted before 830am. 

CANTEEN MENU

CANTEEN ROSTER

QKR APP

All canteen orders are processed through the QKR app. Orders must be completed by 8:30 am sharp.

Please ensure that you have updated your Qkr app to have your child’s current year and class in the app.

Double check you have selected the correct week for your order as the display shows the next two weeks in your app.

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.