Week 10 Term 4 Newsletter

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

Dear Parents, caregivers and friends,

As I finalise end of year processes, it is with very mixed feelings that I sit with the news that I will not be continuing in the role of Principal in 2024 at St Patrick’s Lochinvar. Just days ago, I received confirmation that I have been successful in my application to the role of Assistant Head of Primary Schools for the Diocese of Maitland Newcastle, providing ongoing and strategic support to principals in their important work, across 47 schools.

Mr Dennis Nolan, current Assistant Principal, will take on the Principal role in an acting position for the 2024 school year. Mrs Maryanne Hacker will move to the role of Acting Assistant Principal and Ms Cassie Dennis will undertake the Acting REC role. This will be a wonderful opportunity for these staff members to share their strengths and skills, for the benefit of this great school.

Reflecting on the last 8 years, I am extremely proud of the impact of my work at St Patrick’s. I am a teacher first, and teaching has always been much more than a job for me. Indeed, this has been my vocation and I have been truly blessed to spend a large portion of my working life in the company of great colleagues (who I regard as friends), beautiful families and the children, who bring joy and wonder to every day.

I have always had a keen belief that my work life is an extension of my faith. As such, I believe I have been called to a “life of worth”, not merely a life of work. It is here, in this wonderful school, that I have experienced great fulfillment and satisfaction. I have grown as a leader and gained from every encounter with each family and child and have been privileged to walk alongside many of you in your brightest and darkest moments.

Over the past 8 years, we have seen the realisation of our master plan as we worked through 3 stages of construction. We have experienced immense change as we successfully transitioned from a 2- stream to a 3- stream school, one of the largest in our diocese. In this time, we have reimagined St Patrick’s, whilst remaining true to the charisms and legacy of the Sisters of St Joseph.

Together, we have created an environment which supports academic learning and social and emotional growth for nearly 600 students. With the development of our school came an expansion in staff, now totaling over 70, to support all areas of school life. These are the people and the relationships that have sustained, challenged, inspired and nurtured me in my work and my leadership.

In my leadership, I have always sought to be considered in my thinking and responsive to the needs or demands presented, whilst acting with integrity and for the common good. Standing before those gathered at the End of Year Mass earlier this week (knowing that this would be my last official engagement, but unable to acknowledge it) took great fortitude. I have been honoured and privileged to serve and will cherish my time with you all.

I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to each and every one of you for all you have contributed to our school.

• To our parent community, thank you for your generosity, your cooperation, your feedback, your time, and particularly your partnership in the education of your children. Thank you to those who volunteered in support of the many school events. Thank you for your donation of money or goods, gifts for raffles and time; it is very much appreciated.

• To our students; thank you for your enthusiasm for learning, your courtesy and friendliness and your spirit of hospitality when welcoming others into your classrooms, your games and your play. Thank you for trying hard and accepting feedback. Thank you for your cooperation and loyalty to our school and respect for your teachers. I hope you have a restful and fun Christmas break.

• To the staff at St Patrick’s thank you so much for the care you demonstrate to our students every day and your genuine interest in their learning progress. Thank you for your passion for learning and your extraordinary organisational abilities. Thank you for caring about the children as you do.

Finally, may the Lord grant you and your loved ones joy, peace and goodwill this Christmas and New Year! We particularly think of families who have faced specific challenges or lost loved ones; you will not be far from our thoughts this Christmas.

God bless you and your family.

Sincerely,
Jacqueline Wilkinson

CALENDAR EVENTS 

IMPORTANT DATES FOR 2023

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 administration building to the carpark (outside the front entrance), effectively creating a ‘tunnel.’

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.

NB: If you intend to collect siblings from hall gate, please contact the office and class teachers prior to Friday, so that arrangements can be made for the 2.55pm hall gate collection.

IMPORTANT DATES FOR 2024

IMPORTANT MESSAGES FOR PARENTS

COMPASS

Please be aware that if your child is leaving St Patrick’s Primary School (including year 6 students) you will lose access to all of your child’s St Patrick’s reports. Please ensure that if you would like copies of these you print these off prior to your child’s last day.

REPORTS

Semester 2 reports will be available via Compass from Thursday 14 December 2023. Should you wish to discuss your child’s report with the class teacher/s please contact them via admin@lochinvarsp.catholic.edu.au.

FEES PAYMENT NOTIFICATION FOR 2024

All parents will have an event set up in compass to nominate your fees structure for 2024. This is a couple of questions under your eldest child’s name on how you intent to pay your fees in 2024. If you can please take the time to complete this section to allow us to set your payment preference at the beginning of 2024. If you have any questions please contact the school office.

OUTSTANDING FEE BALANCE

All school fee balance payments were due to be completed by 30^th November 2023. If you have not finalised your fee balance this is now an overdue balance and Mrs Grant will be in contact with you if you have not already made contact and a payment agreement.

2024 Fees will be issued in the first couple of weeks of term 1. Payment options for 2024 fees are:

• Annual payment option – Balance must be paid prior to 30^th June 2024.
• Weekly/Fortnightly/Monthly payment option – You must have commenced a regular payment plan by the 30^th March 2024 and maintain regular payment towards your fees as per the payment option you selected. All payments must be paid by the 30^th November 2024.

STAFFING UPDATE 2024

Thank you for your ongoing patience as we worked to confirm staffing arrangements for 2024. Congratulations to all who join the team or renew their roles at St Patrick’s for the year ahead.

Key announcements

Learning Support Team

• The Learning Support Team will be supported by Cate Lawler, in her newly appointed full-time role as Learning Support Coordinator.
• Tegan Cunningham (0.8), Bettina O’Heir (0.4) and Lauren Agapiou (0.6) will work as Learning Support Teachers, joined by Lisa Owens (0.4) and Helen Hartcher (0.4) as Intervention Teachers.
• Tracey Collins has been appointed to the role of Pastoral Care Worker. Tracey is well known to our school, having served our community for many years as a valued Learning Support Assistant.

Sadly, the year’s end also presents us with farewells.

• After many years serving the communities of Abermain and Lochinvar, we bid farewell to Mrs Cathy Dodds, who commences her retirement. Cathy’s commitment to Catholic education has been captured further in this newsletter.
• We farewell Mrs Gemma Baker, who has accepted a permanent classroom teaching position at St John’s Maitland and Mrs Fiona Stretton who also moves on to St John’s Maitland in the position of Religious Education Coordinator. We wish them both the very best for the next steps in their careers and thank them for their contribution to St Patrick’s.
• We wish the very best for Ms Ashleigh Grach, whose focus moves from the classroom to preparing for the safe arrival of her first baby.
• I also extend my thanks to Mrs Cheree Baus Smith and Mrs Louisa Ramsey who worked in temporary Learning Support Assistant positions during 2023. Thank you for your support of our students.

Farewell Mrs Dodds- Congratulations on your retirement!

My school career spans over 26 years. I started doing volunteer reading groups, assisted in the canteen and was active on the P&F when my first child started school in 1997 at Holy Spriit Infants at Abermain.

I officially started work at Holy Spirit in 1998 after being prompted by the staff there. I worked on intervention programs and with children with special needs in a Kinder to year 2 setting. I loved working with the little ones and being able to be with them for the three years that they were in infants and forming a bond with them and their families. Also being able to help them learn the way that was best suited to them, before they moved on to the primary school at Kurri Kurri. I still remember every student’s name that I have had the privilege of working with and being a part of their school journey.

After being at Holy Spirit for 12 years and funding being scarce at Abermain, I was approached by Peter Treloar, who was Principal at St Patrick’s Lochinvar at the time, to come and set up the SWELL Literacy program, which Abermain had been a pilot school in implementing. He also told me that they had 2 children starting that year who had very high support needs. Who knew the impact that those two children would have on me and still have to this day. So, 2010 saw me begin my time at St Patrick’s and the rest they say is “history”. In the 14 years I have been here I have seen this school grow and transform into what it is today with lots of changes in teaching and learning. I also received the Monsignor Coolahan Award for School Support in 2003.

I would like to think that I have made a difference to every student’s life with whom I have worked, as I know they have made a difference to mine.

Being a Teacher’s Aide to me is being kind, supportive, fair, honest and respectful to both students and teachers. I think I’ve given all of those things over the years along with my love, friendship, energy and enthusiasm and you know what all of that has come back to me and for that I feel truly blessed and grateful.

And now it is with a sense of sadness and pride that after 14 amazing years here of fun, laughter and learning with some wonderful students and staff. It’s now time for me to take some time for family and travel.

ORGANISATION & MANAGEMENT

Sincere thanks to the P&F committee of 2023 who have remained unwavering in their support, and generous with their time and energy to ensure our community flourishes. Gratitude to Jess, Alison, Daisy, Erin, Belinda and Yolanda.

Next year we will be supported by a new committee to represent the parent body. Welcome to the following parents who have agreed to actively work for the good of our school in 2024, before our transition to the Diocesan FACE or PEG model.

Executive Committee 2024:
President – Daisy Farmer
Vice President – Belinda Rodd
Treasurer – TBC
Secretary – Jessica Weiland & Toiha Knight

Other Positions Filled:
Federation Delegate – Kristy McNally
Social Media Coordinator- Jess Spanos

GOVERNANCE MATTERS

eSafety Gift Guide

Christmas is fast approaching, and it is about this time when parents start looking for tech gifts for their children. It is important to remember that the gadgets you choose do more than entertain; they can influence personal safety and the wellbeing of your family. So, how do you choose tech gifts that are both fun and safe for your kids?

Check out the eSafety Gift Guide to help you choose gifts wisely this holiday season.

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

XMAS STORY ART COMP

Thank you to all the schools who entered artworks in the Lower Hunter Region Christmas Story Art Competition, coordinated by St Patrick’s Lochinvar.

Our judging panel met last Friday morning and had the very difficult job of choosing the winners and highly commended artworks for each grade. A huge thank you to our judges: Ryan Gato (Acting Assistant Head -RE&S), Lizzie Watkins (Family Engagement Officer, CSO), and Rebecca Piefke (Youth Coordinator – Chisholm Region (on behalf of Fr George)). The artworks were judged on both their artistic appeal and the reflection that accompanied it. I know that Ryan has some feedback that he wanted to provide to you which I am sure he will do when he has a moment. The artworks will be displayed in St Joseph’s Church, East Maitland over the Christmas period.

The winners are as follows:

Kindergarten – Madi Nash – Rosary Park, Branxton

Year 1 – Archer Pooletti – Holy Spirit, Abermain

Year 2 – Mackenzie Kamholtz – St Patrick’s, Lochinvar

Year 3 – Joe Mozhar-Perry – St John the Baptist, Maitland

Year 4 – Josie Lawler – St Patrick’s, Lochinvar

Year 5 – Emma Gothard – St Joseph’s, East Maitland

Year 6 – Amaya Martin – St Joseph’s, East Maitland

The Highly Commended artists were:

Kinder – Theodore Punch – St Joseph’s East Maitland
Year 1 – Addison Hahn – St Patrick’s, Lochinvar
Year 2 – Aviella Gbenoba – St John the Baptist, Maitland
Year 3 – Elke Bereza – Rosary Park, Branxton
Year 4 – Evie Thompson – St Aloysius, Chisholm
Year 5 – Madeline Parkes – Rosary Park, Branxton
Year 6 – Emily Rose Ayton – Rosary Park, Branxton

See the MNNEWS article below

On Tuesday, as part of our End of Year Liturgy, the formal student leadership positions for 2024 were announced.  Congratulations to the following students who were chosen to work with and for our school community next year. Introducing the 2024 Student Leadership Team:

Our MJR leaders are:  Oliver McNally, Mila Cooper
Our Social Justice leaders are: Nevaya Liva, Harrison McIntyre
Our Stewards of Creation leaders are:  Andrew Crawford, Lachlan Mitchell
Our Engaging Community leaders are: Bella Sligar, Leura Russell
Our Junior AEC Group leaders are: Gracie Ryan (AECG President) and Indy Bullen (Vice-President)

Our House Leaders are:  

• Dirkin: Phoenix Russell, Ky Hedges
• Mackillop: Emerson Gibson, Angad Bhatti
• Tenison: Cooper Armstrong, Nateisha Michel
• Murray: Owen Fantin, Armanii-Lee Mason

The presentation of badges will take place at the Opening School Mass 2024

CURRICULUM NEWS

XMAS CRAFT DAY

What a wonderful way to celebrate Christmas in the company of our enthusiastic volunteers. The involvement of so many helping hands made for a great day.

CLASSROOM NEWS

2024 AWARDS CEREMONY

Last week, we celebrated the achievements of students across many areas of the curriculum. Congratulations to the following award recipients.

SHAMROCK UPDATE

In Term 4 the results were:

3^rd Place Tenison
2^nd Place Dirkin
1^st Place Mackillop

However, more excitedly the TOTAL for the whole year says:

4^th place Tenison 2311 shamrocks
3^rd place Murray 2414 shamrocks
2^nd place Dirkin 2632 shamrocks
1^st place Mackillop 2646 shamrocks

Well done to everyone for their help in creating a Positive learning experience for our students!

CONGRATULATIONS YEAR 6

Congratulations to our year 6 students on your year 6 graduation. St Patrick’s staff and students wish you all of the best with your future.

LEARNING WALLS

LIBRARY NEWS

ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER NEWS

SPORTS NEWS

POLDING REPRESENTATIVE SPORT AWARDS

Polding representative sports awards were presented to the following students who represented our school, diocese, and the northern part of NSW for a variety of sports, at the highest level within the state.

Congratulations to:

NSW Team

• Leura Russell

Polding Team

• Jake Hedges - Touch Football
• Phoenix Russell - Touch Football
• Katie Uren - Athletics
• Leura Russell - Cross Country
• Phoenix Russell - Cross Country

SWIMMING CARNIVAL NEWS

Our annual swimming carnival for children in Years 2 to 6 is being held on Friday 2nd February 2024 at Cessnock Pool. All other children will attend school as normal.

To help with the organisation of the carnival, all students’ nomination form and permission need to be completed via Compass by Monday 18th December. To do this, please answer all questions on Compass regarding your child's races and transportation. Children will be bussed to and from school within school hours, allowing for normal bus and transport arrangements. We ask children to be at school by 8:40am at the latest, for roll call and organisation onto buses. We also ask that if you intend to drive your children to and from Cessnock Pool, you indicate so via the questions on Compass. A small canteen for snacks will be available, however children are required to pack a nutritious lunch.

Children are to wear race swimwear. This means, Speedos or Skins equivalent for boys, one piece for girls. Children will need to wear full sport uniform to and from the carnival, including hat and sunscreen. They may wear additional coloured attire to support their team however, crepe paper and zinc is not permitted. Opportunity to use the Splash Pad will be provided at scheduled times throughout the day at the instruction of supervising teachers. NON-COMPETITORS will be given priority however these students must have appropriate swimwear and are not permitted to use the Splash Pad in their sport uniform. The Splash Pad is only available for students of St Patrick’s and will not be open for pre-school aged siblings.

Swimming caps are required to be worn when any student is competing. The colour of their swimming cap must be the same colour as their sporting house. Students are allowed to bring their own cap, or they can be purchased via the QKR app from January 22nd.

All parents and friends are reminded that our junior school sport events are a means for encouraging participation and celebrating achievement, whilst helping to establish a positive view of sport. We do not endorse the behaviour of parents who do not appropriately engage as spectators. Parents are advised that any form of coaching during a race will result in disqualification. This step is in line with other levels of representative sport competition.
Please note: There are qualifying times for the Regional Carnival. Students placing in 1st, 2nd or 3rd position will not automatically progress to the Regional Carnival. Successful students will not be notified on the day of the carnival, they will be notified the following week.

Thank you to those who expressed interest in volunteering on the day, all positions have now been filled.

COMMUNITY NEWS

FAMILY CHRISTMAS NIGHT

I would like to sincerely thank you all for your attendance at our fabulous Family Christmas Night. This was a wonderful community event, supported by many, despite the heat. To see the joy of our students, taking part in the carols, picnicking with family or playing with their friends, was a sight to behold. This was a brilliant end to our school year, made possible by our P&F committee and the involvement of our staff.

I sincerely thank all those that made this night possible, including Mrs Kleinman, who worked to ensure that we were all “performance ready”, and that the music and sound worked seamlessly.

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.