Week 6 Term 2 Newsletter

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

Dear Parents, caregivers and friends,

I returned to school last week after extended long service leave to undertake home renovations and attend the State Catholic Principals Conference in Wollongong. This conference was themed New Hope, New Growth and provided a wonderful opportunity for leaders to renew their commitment to the mission and vision of Catholic schooling. As Catholic educators, we are called to enter into a truly human encounter, to be leaders of hope and witnesses of faith. We are all called to reveal the face of God as we focus on our mission to deliver Christ centred education. I think of this calling as I undertake each of the Kindergarten enrolment interviews for new families seeking enrolment in 2024 and am guided by the words “Every Catholic school is a sacrament of hope” and in us “God’s mission has a Church.”

This conference, twice postponed, invited the attendance of educators, researchers and guest speakers from around the world. Contributors included Ben Walden (London), Prof. Andy Hargreaves (University of Ottawa), Jacinta Collins (NCEC), Assoc. Prof. Pak Tee Ng (Nanyang University, Singapore), Phil Billington, Br. David Hall (Dean, La Salle Academy), and Dr Paul Kidson (ACU). Together with colleagues from across our Diocese and the state, I was inspired to lead the faith, learning and wellbeing agendas as together we strive for continual improvement.

I am grateful for the staff of St Pat’s for creating the environment in which I could leave my school as my attendance at this conference was only possible in light of my faith and confidence in my executive team, and all members of St Patrick’s who have stood up in my absence to work hard and pull together. I am indebted to them all, particularly Mr Nolan who filled the role of Acting Principal during this time.

CALENDAR EVENTS

Friday 9^th June – Year 2 Excursion to Tocal Homestead
Monday 12^th June – Kings Birthday – Public Holiday
Thursday 15^th June – School Photos (full winter uniform required)
Friday 16^th June – Year 3 excursion to Civic Theatre
Monday 19^th June – School Athletics Carnival (2 – 6, Maitland Athletics Centre)
Friday 23^rd June – Pupil Free Day
Wednesday 28^th June – Year 4 Excursion to Goat Island
Friday 30^th June – Last Day of term 2
Wednesday 30^th August – 1^st September – Year 5 Great Aussie Bush Camp
Wednesday 1^st – 3^rd November – Year 6 Canberra Camp

IMPORTANT MESSAGES FOR PARENTS

IMPACTS OF ILLNESS

A reminder that despite all precautions, common illnesses are easily spread as the children work and play in close contact with each other. Although it may seem obvious, children should not come to school when they are contagious to others, when they have a fever and when they’re too sick to learn. Childhood illnesses are easily spread when children are in close contact in the school setting. As we navigate through the winter months, many students (and staff) are falling victim to winter ailments. I would like to remind parents that sending a child to school when they are clearly unwell is likely to prolong the illness for that student as well as unnecessarily exposing other students and staff to potential illness. 

Parents are urged to keep sick children at home until they are fully recovered. Parents should be aware that they may receive a phone call to pick their child up if they are unwell at school.

If your child is sick and is taken to the doctor, parents should ask for a certificate, which clearly indicates the period for which the child is not fit to attend school. This will greatly assist in minimising any risk to other students and staff. 

In the best interests of all students and staff I seek the support of parents in this very important matter as illness is significantly impacting our community, with notable staff and student absences. Unfortunately, attempts to secure casual teaching staff are also difficult during these periods and classes may need to be split.

PLEASE HELP US TO STAY WELL AT SCHOOL- Please use the guide below to monitor illness

Hand Hygiene: Hand hygiene is one effective way to control the spread of infection and germs. Please encourage your children to regularly wash their hands with soap and water.

Head Lice: Exclude from school immediately. May return the following day if effective treatment is undertaken.

Diarrhoea: Exclude until there has not been a loose bowel movement for 48 hours.

Conjunctivitis: Exclude until discharge from the eyes has ceased.

Vomiting: Exclude until there has been no vomiting for 48hours.

Colds & flu- exclude until the person is symptom free.

Hand, foot & mouth disease: Exclude until all blisters have dried.

BY EXCLUDING ONE ILL PERSON, YOU CAN PROTECT MANY OTHER PEOPLE FROM BECOMING ILL.

Source: National Health and Medical Research Centre

UNIFORM EXPECTATIONS

All students should now be in FULL WINTER UNIFORM. 

The school uniform is a distinguishing symbol of belonging to St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School and it is expected that students wear it with pride at all times. The assistance of parents and staff is sought in maintaining a high standard of dress and presentation by all students. Students not wearing the correct or incomplete uniform are required to provide a note from a parent or carer giving reasons why and letting us know when the uniform will be corrected. If students continually choose to wear the incorrect uniform or ignore our dress code a letter will be issued and a parent meeting requested.

In addition to the uniform we ask that:

• Students maintain acceptable hairstyles. Extremes of hairstyle have no place at our school. Hair that is collar length or longer is to be secured or tied back with a white or dark blue ribbon or school hair accessories.
• Minimal jewellery is permitted- Bangle, religious medallion on a fine chain, small signet ring, plain sleepers or plain studs only. Students who wear inappropriate accessories will be asked to remove such items, secure them in their bag or take them to the office to be collected at the end of the day.

Sincere thanks to all families who have now transitioned to FULL WINTER UNIFORM. It is a delight to witness the effort and pride in uniform demonstrated by students. Uniforms are a costly investment, and we understand that some families face considerable financial hardship. Keeping up with rapidly growing children can prove to be quite an expensive exercise, which is why the second-hand uniform shop is of great value to our community. At the moment our supplies are limited. If you have St Patrick’s uniform items that are no longer of use and are in good condition, please donate them. All items should be sent through to the school office to be organised by our P&F committee for sale at reasonable prices.

If you are experiencing hardship and require assistance to meet the expectations of uniforms, I urge you to make an appointment with Mrs Wilkinson.

SCHOOL PHOTOS

Our school photo day is booked for Thursday 15^th June 2023.

Your 2023 school photos are now ready to order through the Compass Portal. You should have received a compass notification with the link to login for your 2023 photos.

All students are required to wear full winter uniform for school photos.

WE ARE COLLECTING AGAIN

Help St Patrick’s save plastic bread bags from heading to landfill. We will be collecting bread bags until July 7th. Empty out those crumbs, send in those empty bags, and help St Patrick’s receive some sporting equipment, as well as saving over 30kg of bread bags making their way into landfill.

Green Team and Stewards of Creation.

ORGANISATION & MANAGEMENT

FEE REQUIREMENTS

Did you know?

I bring to the immediate attention of all parents that a fee clearance is a requirement for enrolment at our diocesan high schools and, in the event of relocation, for any primary school in the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese. As such, parents must ensure that fee obligations are met, or suitable payment arrangements maintained. Without a fee clearance by St Patrick’s, enrolment in a Catholic high school setting may be at risk.

You are encouraged to check that you are on-track. If support is required, parents are asked to arrange a consultation with Mrs Sally Grant in the office to discuss options and arrangements.

FEE CONCESSIONS/ HEALTH CARE CARDS

Are you accessing all your entitlements?

If you have a Health Care Card or Parenting Payment Single (PPS) Pensioner Card and wish to apply for a discount, you MUST complete a discount scheme form and show your card EACH YEAR. Please contact the administration office for further information.

CANTEEN NEWS

Canteen roster for weeks 6,7 and 8.

GOVERNANCE MATTERS

AUDIT- CENSUS DATA

I take this opportunity to congratulate all staff involved in preparation for the Census Post Enumeration Audit, which was undertaken last week. The audit is conducted by external personnel from Sydney, representing the Department of Education and focused on a small sample of Diocesan schools, chosen at random. St Patrick’s Lochinvar was one of only 3 primary schools assessed.

This audit involved a comprehensive evaluation of all of our 2022 Census Data and evidence, encompassing Enrolment Information, NCCD, Attendance Patterns, and specific data / documentation relating to funding. The NCCD (National Consistent Collection of Data) component relates specifically to students with disabilities, and includes the following:

1. The student’s needs for adjustment have been identified and arise from a disability (as defined under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992);
2. Adjustments are being provided to address the student’s individual needs based on their disability;
3. Adjustments provided to the student are being monitored and reviewed; and
4. Consultation and collaboration with the student and/or parents and carers or associates has occurred.

I am pleased to report that we passed with flying colours, which means that there were no errors or inconsistencies and that all required evidence was available. The practices and processes being used to monitor these aspects were commended. I acknowledge the work especially of Sally Grant, Bettina O’Heir and Cate Lawler who have maintained consistent practices, and diligently oversee this important work.

SOCIAL MEDIA USE- PROCEED WITH CAUTION AND COMPASSION

St Patrick's takes its obligation to the safety and wellbeing of all children, very seriously. Class teachers encourage parents to raise concerns and welcome opportunities to enter into dialogue and constructive resolution of issues.

All concerns about negative interactions between students are looked into by teachers and members of the school executive, to ensure that we are able to establish facts, initiate restoration of relationships, teach social skills and enforce consequences, if this is indeed necessary. In cases where alleged bullying takes place, a thorough process is undertaken. Sadly, the use of the term 'bullying' is used by parents and children, often to describe social interactions that require support. Our focus at St Patrick's is on respect and inclusion, development of socially appropriate behaviours, upskilling and training children to navigate friendships and empowering them to build resilience. For this reason, I encourage you to raise your concerns in the right forum, with staff who are able to undertake steps to address the issues.

Facebook and other social media outlets are not the means through which we can address complaints and grievances. Publicly denigrating the school in this way may also be in breach of the Diocesan Community Code of Conduct and does little to foster positive partnerships. Speaking in online forums about staff, parents or students is counterproductive and sometimes even places the author at risk of slander. We teach our children that everything posted online has a digital footprint and can never be totally erased- and sadly the impacts can be long-lasting. This type of behaviour by parents is not illustrative of positive partnerships and must be avoided at every cost.

ATTENDANCE MATTERS

Good attendance means that your child is in school at least 95% of the time or at least 195 days out of a total of 205 days.

Please take this opportunity to assess your child’s attendance patterns by referring to Compass.

If your child is generally well, but attendance is not as regular as it could be, you are asked to take the necessary steps to develop solid practices, a positive work ethic and a standard of excellence.

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)

Citizenship Changes to VISA Status

CURRICULUM NEWS

Decathlon

SPELLING & MATHS BEE

St Patrick’s has joined the Spelling and Maths Bee which is a competition open to schools in our Diocese. Our school has recently organised class/grade playoffs to determine 1 representative from each stage to go through to compete at the Regional final.

SCHOOL PLAYOFFS

5 representatives from each grade participated in stage payoffs across Stages 1, 2 and 3.

Congratulations to the GRADE COMPETITORS from each grade listed below:

REGIONAL COMPETITION

The winner from each STAGE will go through to Regional Finals. The final for the All Saints Cluster will be held on Thursday 8^th June (Week 7) at OLOL Tarro (Chapel). Parents are required to provide transport and are welcome to attend as spectators.

DIOCESAN COMPETITION

One student from each stage will be selected to represent each region, in the Diocesan Competition to be held at St Catherine’s Catholic College, Singleton on FRIDAY 23 JUNE, 2023.

EAL/D News

In wonderful news from the Culture and Wellbeing Room, we are thrilled to share that the Harmony Day Poster Competition entry submitted by Kaitlyn Babaran (6W), Scarlett Whybrow (6Y) and Ivy Chavez (6Y) has been selected as the Regional K-6 Winner in the Moving Forward Together NSW competition!

The girls we be travelling to NSW Parliament House in Sydney on the 20^th June to attend the state award ceremony and receive their prize from the Minister for Multiculturalism, The Hon Steve Kamper. 

We are so proud of Kaitlyn, Ivy and Scarlett! 

Here is their brilliant winning entry:

Congratulations to Scarlett, Ivy and Kaitlyn!

ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER NEWS

WHS

AXING ANAPHYLAXIS

We would like to remind you that children are not permitted to bring nuts to school in any form, to ensure the safety of students with severe allergies/anaphylaxis. Also, students are not permitted to share food.

ROBERT ROAD CLOSURE

Further road closures will impact St Patrick's for at least the next 3 months. As of Monday, 29/5/23, Robert Road will be closed from the New England Highway up to the corner of Gregory Road to enable road works to take place. When coming to the Gregory Road area of the school, you have the following 2 options:

• turn into the new estate at the traffic lights on the NEH and travel through the estate to Gregory Road.
  or
• turn into Station Lane near St Nick's and drive along to Gregory Road.
  
  Upon leaving the school from Gregory Road, you have only 1 option- drive through the new estate and exit via the traffic lights on the NEH.
  The road works to Robert Road are expected to continue through to at least August.
  Once again, we ask for patience from all road users as we navigate the challenges with upgrades to roads around the school. The safety of our children is our highest priority.

COMMUNITY NEWS

PARENTING TIPS

Being a parent is the most important job you will have in your life but one you do not receive any formal training. Our children are growing up in a society which is continually becoming more complex. It is our responsibility to assist them to develop the strength of character and the skills to navigate any situations they may encounter. I am not an expert in parenting (just ask my children) but I do refer to information shared by people more knowledgeable than me.

JOHN MARSDEN’S TIPS FOR PARENTS

1. Give children space. Back off. Let them roam. Let them be bored. Don't over-plan their lives. Cut way back on the after-school activities programs.
2. Keep away from all those ghastly, soulless, sterile playgrounds. Keep away from shopping malls. Look for real places. Wild places.
3. Be an adult. Say no to your children at least once a day. If the role of Adult in your family is vacant, then one of your children will fill it. And it won't be pretty.
4. Don't take up all the space. If you are dominating, loud, forceful, your children are highly likely to become passive, lacking spirit and personality … and/or sullen.
5. Believe about 40 per cent of the dramatic stories your children tell you of the injustices, corruption and satanic practices happening at school.
6. Teach them empathy. For example, after their jubilant victory celebrations when they win a sporting match, remind them that their jubilation was only possible because someone else – the losers – have been made to feel awful.
7. Help them develop language skills. Don't finish their sentences for them. Don't correct them when they mispronounce a word – they'll work it out sooner or later. Ask them open-ended questions, that need a detailed answer, not Yes/No questions.
8. Make sure they have regular jobs/duties at home and that those jobs are done to a consistently high standard.
9. Don't whinge endlessly about the miseries of your adult life. A lot of children now are fearful about growing up because their parents paint such a grim picture of the awfulness ahead.
10. Teach them to be very wary of people who Absolutely Know the Absolute Truth about Absolutely Everything! The colour of truth is always grey. Extreme positions are for the ignorant. Every creature, every person and every situation is complex. The universe is a wonderful mystery.   

PARENTING PAGE