Week 6 Term 4 Newsletter

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

Dear Parents, caregivers and friends,

Our Year 5 students will soon take part in the Student Leadership Program, reflecting on what makes a good leader and will be looking ahead to their potential involvement as a school leader at St Patrick’s for 2024.

Learning to be a leader is a valuable part of school life at St Patrick’s. It recognises each student’s individual strengths and provides them with opportunities to develop their skills in their area of leadership. Our leadership program explores traits of respect, compassion and collaboration as some of the important elements needed for a good leader. We will be joined by Marty Ogle, the founder of MJR, (MAKE JESUS REAL). Ongoing class activities in Year 6 will support the children to grow in confidence and self-assurance, preparing them for life after primary school.

The 2024 student leadership application process begins this week. Successful candidates will be presented to the school community at the End of Year Thanksgiving Liturgy, to be held on Tuesday, December 12.

Badges are presented at the Opening School Mass at the beginning of next year. I would like to congratulate the students for their courage and commitment in applying for the various leadership positions.

CALENDAR EVENTS

TERM 4 DATES

With the end of the school year almost upon us, we have much to celebrate - our students, our year together and Christmas. Please mark the following dates on your calendar.

MISSION DAY- FRIDAY 17/11

12noon- 1.30om

Parents and visitors are welcome

St Pat’s Bucks are required to take part. The day will conclude with picnic lunch at 1.30pm. 

YEAR 5 LEADERSHIP DAY 22/11 – PRESENTER MARTY OGLE

In the coming weeks, our current Year Five students commence their journey towards student leadership in 2024. Our students will come together to reflect on the meaning and challenges of leadership and begin the process for election.

BISHOP MICHAEL KENNEDY TO VISIT – 1/12

FINAL AWARDS PRESENTATION- 6/12

Our final assembly to present the End of Year Awards will be held on Wednesday, December 6th at 10am. All parents are welcome to gather for this ceremony to be held in the hall at MacKillop Place, St Joseph’s College Lochinvar.

P&F AGM- 7/12

9.30am in the library, following assembly. An online option will also be provided via ZOOM.

St Patrick’s P&F is now calling for your attendance at the Annual General Meeting and nominations for vacant committee positions on the 2024 Committee.

What you can expect at the meeting

Our forum will recap on key initiatives and activities in Term 4, as well as reflect on the accomplishments of the year and any plans already underway for 2024.

The AGM

As per our constitution, all members of the P&F executive will retire from their roles and stand for re-election at the AGM. Some members of the P&F executive have indicated a willingness to continue but remain completely open to and welcome interest from any parent wanting to join the executive in 2024 to help lead our school community as we transition to the FACE (Family and Community Engagement) model in 2025.

CHRISTMAS CRAFT DAY- 8/12

Children are invited to wear their Xmas clothes and engage in Christmas themed art/craft activities. NO COST

Parents are invited to assist but must be pre-approved and comply with volunteer obligations. See information provided in the newsletter and Compass or contact the office for assistance.

YR 6 GRADUATION & THANKSGIVING MASS

12/12 Our Thanksgiving Mass including Year 6 Graduation will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 12 commencing at 11am in the hall at MacKillop Place, St Joseph’s College Lochinvar. This will be our final whole school celebration for the year.

THE YEAR 6 GRADUATION LUNCH

(for students and staff ONLY) will follow this event and be held in our school hall. Year 6 children will engage in social activities with their peers, including the use of a photo booth and music. They will also enjoy a sit-down lunch provided by a catering company.

CHRISTMAS PICNIC FAMILY NIGHT- 13/12

Time – Gates open 5pm, Carols from 6pm.

We are very excited to host the return of another whole school community event. Families are invited to come together for a family picnic and join in the spirit of Christmas as we sing communal Christmas carols and songs. Each grade will lead their favourite song.

STEP-UP DAY- 14/12

Students will move up to the next classroom with their allocated class group for 2024.

YEAR 6 FINAL RITE OF PASSAGE- Friday 15th December 2023

Time: 2.20pm

Detail: Staff and students in Years K-5 will assemble on the path leading from the canteen to the administration building (within the school), and from the

Parents and family members are invited to gather in single file along the concrete path which runs outside the black fence and connects the administration building at the front of the school to the base of the hall car park off Gregory Rd.

The Year 6 students will continue their procession along the path, being celebrated by their loved ones as they go, completing their journey at the end of the path, where their Year 6 teachers will be waiting to meet them to escort them, through the carpark, to the hall.

Following the procession, parents will be asked to collect their Year 6 child from the hall carpark gate and;

1. Promptly leave the school site or

2. Move to usual dismissal points to collect siblings.

IMPORTANT DATES FOR 2023

IMPORTANT DATES FOR 2024

IMPORTANT MESSAGES FOR PARENTS

REMINDER TO PARENTS

Whilst we love to see the spirit of Christmas alive and well in the month of December, we ask that parents refrain from sending their children to school with candy canes, lollipop treats and Christmas cards. Whilst this practice sounds like a great idea, the added sugar is unnecessary and the increase in scrap paper waste and discarded cards and envelopes, is an eyesore.

I ask that you consider donating to the St Vincent de Paul instead, to assist those in need. This is the true meaning of Christmas and a great opportunity to show your support for a worthy cause.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL CHRISTMAS APPEAL- Out of Uniform Day- Monday 4th December.

This appeal aims to assist many households from our local community that are frail, aged, people with a disability, carers in need and those who are socially and/or financially disadvantaged.

St Patrick’s will be collecting suitable items, both food and personal in nature, which will be provided to the St Vincent de Paul society to distribute as needed.

Further information will be provided in the coming week.

You are invited to pre-purchase a gift card at Woolworths or Coles, to help lighten the burden for families this Christmas. Gift cards can be donated to the St Vincent de Paul society by dropping them to school before Friday 8th December. Your generosity, no matter how big or small will help to share the Christmas spirit. 

We will also be holding an Out of Uniform Day on Monday 4^th December. Collected gold coins will go towards this charity.

ORGANISATION & MANAGEMENT

STAFFING 2024

I am pleased to announce class teacher placements for St Patrick’s for 2024. We are blessed to have a committed and talented team who are dedicated to improving educational outcomes for students, building a connected community, working collaboratively with colleague teachers, and imparting a love of learning.

There are still several pieces of the puzzle to confirm regarding support personnel. I will provide this information as soon as it is finalised.

 I would like to send out a big THANK YOU to the special mums, dads and grandparents who have volunteered their time helping in the school canteen. Your efforts are very much appreciated. We cannot keep up with demand without parental assistance. Due to work and family commitments, we will be needing more assistance in 2024, so please get your volunteer paperwork in order and consider helping just one day a month.

GOVERNANCE MATTERS

VOLUNTEERING & THE CHRISTMAS CRAFT DAY

If you would like to volunteer for the Xmas Craft Day (17/11/23 from 11.30-1.30pm), you MUST complete an online application, and be approved by VERIFY NOW and the Catholic Schools Office, prior to the date. This is a mandatory requirement for those working in this capacity.

Parking for approved and registered volunteers will be at HALL GATE ONLY. Parents will need to walk along the pedestrian pathway, alongside the black fence, to enter the administration office at 11.30am. Office staff will check approvals, before entry is provided.

TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT, PARENTS ARE ASKED TO ENSURE THAT THEIR VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION PROCESS IS COMPLETE PRIOR TO REGISTERING INTEREST IN THE CHRISTMAS CRAFT DAY. ONLY APPROVED VOLUNTEERS WILL BE PERMITTED TO TAKE PART.

SAFEGUARDING at St Patrick’s means...

The Catholic Schools Office promotes an absolute commitment to the safety, welfare and wellbeing of all children, particularly those attending the Catholic schools of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.

Our school is committed to fostering a community of safety and care. We acknowledge the legal, moral and spiritual responsibilities to care for and uphold the dignity and rights of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

“Protecting children is one of our most sacred trusts.”
(Bishop Bill Wright, 2012)

RE NEWS

PRAYERS FOR EDEN

Our school community continues to offer prayerful support for Eden Birch, Year 4B who is currently a patient in John Hunter Hospital. Whilst improvement has been recognised, Eden has a long way to go. Eden’s family is grateful for the positive messages and acts of kindness that they have experienced. 

SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION PARENT INFORMATION MEETINGS

Our Parish communities wish to support families who would like their children to be Confirmed and receive their First Holy Communion in 2024. 

If your child has been baptised a Catholic and in Year 3 or above in 2024 and would like to receive the other Sacraments of Initiation next year then we would like to invite you to attend two mandatory Information sessions, one in December this year and one in February next year.

Please contact the Parish office before attending these meetings if your child is not baptised in the Catholic faith via email: SOIchisholm@mn.catholic.org.au

It will be necessary for at least one parent or caregiver to attend both information sessions for their child to receive the sacraments next year.

2023 Session 1 at this session an overview of the process will be presented. Our preparation is parish based, family centered and school supported. After you have heard what is involved, and if you feel your child is ready we ask parents and caregivers to attend Session 2 where resources for the Sacraments will be given.

• Tuesday 6pm on 5th December at St Paul’s Church Rutherford OR
• Wednesday 6pm on 6th December at St Joseph’s Church, East Maitland, OR
• Thursday 6pm on 7th December at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Beresfield.

2024 Session 2 you will be required to bring a copy of your child’s Catholic baptism certificate to register your child in the preparation process.

• Tuesday 6pm on 6th February at St Paul’s Church, Rutherford OR
• Wednesday 6pm on 7th February at St Joseph’s Church, East Maitland OR
• Thursday 6pm on 8th February at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Beresfield.

These meetings are for families from the eight churches of our region:

• Our Lady of Lourdes, Cnr Delprat Avenue & Anderson Drive, Beresfield
• St Joseph’s, Cnr King Street & Newcastle Road, East Maitland
• Immaculate Conception, Cnr George & James Streets, Morpeth
• Holy Family, 11 John Street, Largs
• St Columba’s, Cnr Church & Prince Streets, Paterson
• Sacred Heart, New England Highway, Campbell’s Hill
• St Paul’s, 10 Young Street, Rutherford
• St Patrick’s, 55 New England Highway, Lochinvar

Our parishes have an abiding commitment to promote the safety, welfare and well-being of children. More Information can be found via our website: https://maitlandcatholicparishes.org.au/

On behalf of Fr George and the Sacramental team.

CURRICULUM NEWS

YEAR 6 CANBERRA EXCURSION

ASPIRE

Recently auditions for ASPIRE 2024 took place at the Newcastle Exhibition and Convention Centre over four days.

Please see below those students who were successful in their audition for ASPIRE 2024. 

• Monique Traub-Rehm- Dance (Yr 5)
• Armani Sherbon Garland- Vocal (Yr 6)
• Erin Kelly- Dance (Yr 7)
• Sakura Nolasco- Dance (Yr 7)

EALD REPORT – CULTURE NEWS

Year One have been investigating the different holidays people celebrate around the world. Four of our Year Four students recently acted as special guest speakers for Year One.  

Sreeya Bommareddy and Divyajot Kaur presented a slideshow to students all about Diwali. They even wore their beautiful traditional clothes for them! Sreeya and Divya explained to Year One that Diwali is the festival of lights that symbolise good over evil. They taught the students about the decorations, food and clothing that are all a part of the five day celebration. Sreeya and Divya also brought in some Indian food and special items to show Year One.  

Allan Shinoy and Mia Akhil presented a slide show about Onam, an Indian cultural and harvest festival. They explained to Year One how flowers and decorations are used and about the many curries and different types of food that are eaten. The Year One students also enjoyed hearing about the games that are played during the celebrations and the beautiful clothes that are worn. Allan and Mia showed the students a video of a dance that they had learned and then performed during Onam celebrations. They ran an Onam themed colouring in competition for the students and provided excellent feedback on the entries and the winners.  

Thank you for sharing your culture with us! 

NEWCASTLE PERMANENT MATHS COMPETITION

CLASSROOM NEWS

THE SEARCH IS ON!

I encourage students and parents to start the hunt for any library books or other books that need to be returned to school by the end of the school year. These books make their way onto bookshelves, under beds and to the bottom of toy boxes to name a few places I have found them in my house in the past!  Every year, we lose many of these resources and would appreciate your commitment to returning them.

MINDFULNESS

CANTEEN NEWS

What’s Happening 

As we approach the final weeks of term you may find that some items will no longer be available through QKR.  This is to reduce stored stock over the break and to allow time for cleaning.  Monday 28th November will be the last ‘Meal Deal Monday’ of the year.   

Reminders 

In the event you need to postpone your child’s order due to sickness or leaving early could you please contact the office prior to 8.30am.  After 8.30am we have begun preparation of your child’s order so we will be unable to move the order. 

Volunteers 

Thank you everyone who has volunteered over the last 2 weeks.   

The running of the canteen relies heavily on the involvement of volunteers.  As you can see there are significant gaps in the roster for the remainder of the term.  If you can help, even for a short period please contact me at chris.jones@mn.catholic.com.au  

Another option for volunteering would be to come in from 1230-3pm for recess and clean up.  We have some amazing helpers in the morning, but if you only have a short time to spare this would be a great help. 

If you have considered volunteering but have been reluctant, please do come along.  It’s a fun environment and the kids are great. 

CANTEEN ROSTER

ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER NEWS

SPORTS NEWS

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to the following students who have been selected to take part in Diocesan trials in their chosen fields.

BASKETBALL: Nevaya Liva, Tate Dunning & Cameron Worrell

We wish them the best of luck!

STAGE 3 NETBALL GALA DAY

WHS

BEWARE

Parents and visitors are asked to be vigilant as the weather warms and the prevalence of snakes increases.

Our school has 2 methods of snake management.

1. Calling for expert help from a registered snake catcher, and 
2. Installing specially designed snake repellers to dislodge and deter. These solar powered units emit a variable frequency vibration to deter snakes without harming them. Vibrations emitted by snake deterrents mimic the vibrations created by stomping of large animals. Ground dwelling snakes sense these vibrations through their nervous system (snakes don’t have ears!) as large heavy-footed animals.

SAFE CARE TRAVEL

ROAD SAFETY - The Five-Step Test

The Five-Step Test is an excellent tool for parents to assess if their child is big enough to safely use a seatbelt, without a booster seat. Ensuring that the child answers YES to all five steps is essential for their safety while traveling in a vehicle. 

1. Sit all the way back against the seat back. 
2. Bend their knees comfortably over the front edge of the vehicle seat. 
3. Sit with the sash belt across their mid-shoulder. 
4. Sit with the lap belt across the top of their thigh. 
5. Stay seated in this position for the whole trip. 

Please visit the Transport for NSW website for more information on road safety: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/parents/child-car-seats

COMMUNITY NEWS

ACTIV8 YOUTH FAMILY DISCO

Invitation to ACTiv8 Youth Family Disco at the Therry Centre:

You are invited to join us for a night of music, fun, and dance at the Family Disco 

Friday 17^th November

7pm - 8.30pm @ The Therry Centre, King St East Maitland 

- Snacks and drinks available for purchase (cash only).
- Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- DJ Chris from Majestic Music will be spinning tunes to keep the dance floor lively.
- A gold coin donation at the door is greatly appreciated.
- Don't miss the chance to win a prize for the best-dressed! Think sequins and tie-dye for an extra touch of disco glamour.

Get ready to groove and shine at the Family Disco. We look forward to dancing the night away with you and your family!

GOOD NEWS STORY FOR SAM

Sam entered the Festive Frames competition through Maitland Council a few weeks ago and the committee chose 2 of his photos to display on beanners over the festive season.

1 is his pony “Harry”; the second is of him on his Pop’s ride on mower with his Uncle Dave dressed up as Santa (he was Santa’s helper for the day because Santa was busy making toys).

Mayor Phillip Penfold posted about it on his facebook page.

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.