Week 10 Term 2 Newsletter

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

Dear Parents, caregivers and friends,

FAREWELL MRS CHRISTINE QUINN & MRS ELIZABETH MURRAY

This week we acknowledge and celebrate the extraordinary work and contribution of two staff members, who have dedicated much of their adult lives to education and to St Patrick’s Lochinvar. Both Christine and Liz have enhanced the lives of many students, parents and colleagues, sharing their expertise, passion and commitment to a life of service in schools.

We will gather tomorrow, Friday 30^th June, to farewell these wonderful ladies and wish them every happiness in their retirement. Please see the reflections below, provided by Christine and Liz.

Mrs Laura Atkins will return from maternity leave in Term 3 to job-share with Mrs Chloe Williams in Year 5. Mrs Helen Hartcher will continue the work of Christine in supporting our EALD students.

The End of an Era- Mrs Christine Quinn

It is with a sense of sadness but also pride that I retire from teaching and especially from St Patrick’s Lochinvar. For 31 years, I have been involved with St Pat’s, which literally equates to half of my life! During this time my family and I have worked within the school and parish and along with many others, I think we have made a lasting contribution. During the initial twelve of those years, I was part of a supportive and close-knit parent body playing a part in the education and development of my own four children throughout their primary years. From working in the canteen, being a reading mum and transporting groups of students to swimming lessons, netball and soccer galas. Our eight-seater van was a bonus to the organising teacher.

I served for years on the P and F committee as secretary and president and this kept me in close contact with the school, the teachers and Sr Genevieve Henderson, the principal.

For many years, I supported Chris, my husband, as he served as the first lay principal of the school, sharing the constant delights and struggles of the students and their teachers. For many years to follow, I thoroughly enjoyed teaching at St Patrick’s, working day-to-day casual and small full-time blocks for a week, a term or even a year wherever there was a need. Since 2012, I’ve job shared in a permanent 0.5 position which has been both challenging and rewarding.

Before moving to Lochinvar, I worked in many roles in Diocesan schools. My first appointment was as Year 5/6 teacher at St Benedict’s Edgeworth. We moved to Denman for my husband’s first principal role, and I worked at both St James Muswellbrook and St Joseph’s Denman in part time roles.

From a young girl, I always wanted to be a teacher. I have loved the role and am grateful to all the students, staff and parents who have shared the journey with me.

A look back on my teaching career- Mrs Liz Murray

I was appointed as a full-time teacher at St Patrick’s Lochinvar in 2000. My first class was a Year 4 group and over the years I was fortunate to teach students from Year 2 to Year 5. I began teaching in a log-cabin, progressed to a demountable and finished my career in the beautiful modern Pods that our school has today.

The school when I started at St Patrick’s was a single stream school with a staff of ten. Today it is a thriving three-stream school with a staff nearing 70.

I was privileged to hold different roles during my career at St Patrick’s. In 2007 and 2008 I was a Learning Support Teacher, assisting students and teachers to develop individual education programs to have access to the curriculum, be safe in the school environment and to develop social skills.

I was also trusted with the Acting Primary Coordinator role from 2012 to 2017. In this role I worked closely with the Executive Team to promote curriculum standards, sporting opportunities and extra curricula activities.

As Sport Coordinator I organised school sport, Regional Swimming and Athletic Carnivals, All Saint Cluster Netball Gala Days, Jump Rope for Heart events and Gym-matrix.

It was great fun to work with Prue Duma to produce a celebration of dance and music for all the students at St Patrick’s. Our first dance concert was in 2012 and was held in our school hall. As our school grew, so too did the need for a bigger venue with us performing at The Maitland Town Hall. Finally, as we became a triple-stream school, our concerts moved to the Cessnock Performing Arts Centre. COVID didn’t even stop us in 2020 as we screened, “Environment”, at the Heddon Greta Drive-In.

It was also an honour for me to help produce our annual Yearbook from 2011 to 2020. I was rarely seen without a camera in my hand during this time!

I have been blessed to be part of the St Patrick’s school community, teaching many wonderful children and working with committed and talented colleagues.

As we approach the July School holidays, we ask for God's blessings for a successful term and a wonderful break from school.

For the challenges, the successes, and the mistakes from which we have learnt.
Be with us as we spend our time with family and friends.
Give us strength and courage to do what is right: and to be witnesses of our faith.
Help us to appreciate what others do for us, to give time and effort to help others.
To be peacemakers in our family.
Keep us safe in our activities; give us good rest.
Bring us back refreshed and ready for a new term.
We thank you for our teachers and a school community that cares for all.
May we always be conscious of you in our lives.
Amen

Wishing you all a safe, relaxing and enjoyable break. School will resume for Term 3 on Monday July 17.

CALENDAR EVENTS

Term 3 Dates

• REGIONAL ATHLETICS CARNIVAL- Tuesday 18^th July (Week 1)

• NAIDOC Week celebrations - 27 & 28^th July (Week 2)

• INFANTS ATHLETICS CARNIVAL- Fri 28^th July (Week 2 11.30am)

• ST VINCENT DE PAUL WINTER APPEAL- Friday 4^th August (Week 3). In support of the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal students are invited to donate a gold coin for the privilege of wearing PJs or Winter Woollies to school.

• Diocesan Leaders Annual School Visit- Mon 14^th Aug (Week 5)
• BOOK WEEK EVENTS including the Book Fair- Monday 21^st August- Fri 25^th August (Week 6)

• REGIONAL PUBLIC SPEAKING COMP @ Abermain 22^nd Aug

• GRANDPARENTS’ DAY & BOOK WEEK PARADE- Thursday 24^th August
  Theme: The CBCA Book Week theme for 2023 is "Read, Grow, Inspire." As in previous years, children are invited to plan a costume to celebrate the theme, linked to a chosen book. This is a favourite community event that is usually very well supported by students, staff and parents. Get creative!
  

• AUTHOR VISIT, REGIONAL DEBATING- Friday 25^th August
• STAGE 2 SOCCER GALA DAY - Monday 28^th August
• STAGE 3 SOCCER GALA DAY - Tuesday 29^th August
  
• GREAT AUSSIE BUSH CAMP EXCURSION for Year 5- Wed 30^th Aug- Fri 1^st Parents are advised that numbers will need to be finalised at the beginning of next term. Due to the significant financial outlay by the school for buses, site activities, accommodation, and food components, we must have accurate numbers. It is expected that all children take part in this event, which addresses key aspects of the curriculum. If there is a genuine reason why your child will not be attending, this must be advised in writing by Friday 28^th July. After this date, no refunds will be provided for non-attendance. Please make contact with your child’s class teacher/s or the Learning Support Team, if further discussion is required.
• YEAR 1 HISTORY DAY (SCHOOL) – Tuesday 5^th September
  

• PUPIL FREE DAY - System Formation for Teachers. Friday 8th September (Week 8), Students DO NOT attend school on this day.
• STAGE 2 & 3 NETBALL GALA DAY – Friday 13^th October
  

IMPORTANT MESSAGES FOR PARENTS

OOSH SCHOOL HOLIDAY CLOSURE

St Nicholas OOSH Lochinvar has advised that the service will be Non-Operational for the July School Holidays, due to staffing constraints.

Information and programs for both Rutherford OOSH and Branxton OOSH will be available from the Lochinvar OOSH Service for families.

We apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause. Queries should be directed to contactus@stnicholasmn.org.au

ATTENDANCE

Some parents will recall receiving a letter addressing attendance rates. Parents have legal responsibilities related to regular attendance for their children at school. It is also a Diocesan requirement that attendance patterns are monitored by each school and explanations sought in cases where absenteeism presents a potential concern.

Whilst we understand that there are many factors that govern attendance and illness often impacts rates, our school is required to undertake twice termly attendance reviews and seek explanations as part of our legal responsibility. 

I thank you for your understanding and compliance with this new procedure.

LOST PROPERTY

Once again lost property is overflowing. The onus is on your child to look after their belongings. Please remember to label everything. The school holidays are a good time to clean out the school bag and if you notice your child has an extra jacket or hat, please return it to the rightful owner next term.

BMP OVERVIEW

Schools are dynamic ‘people organisations’ and as a school community we all have a vested interest in the well-being of the school. The working relationship between the home and the school is a vital link, ensuring a positive and productive education for every child.

As Principal, my number one priority is the happiness and safety of every child. Children who are feeling happy and safe are receptive learners. If you have concerns about your child, please contact your child’s class teacher in the first instance to raise your concerns. There are times when a member of the executive may be engaged to provide further support. One such instance is when concerns are raised about behavioural expectations and interactions.

Parents are reminded that the most appropriate way to raise concerns is by respectfully contacting the school to investigate an issue or request a phone or face to face meeting to discuss the matter. In most cases, concerns can be addressed promptly, and the matter improves.

One area that does cause consternation for parents, is often a result of a misunderstanding of processes, and parents sometimes claim that ‘nothing is being done’ when it comes to dealing with behaviour and perceived bullying. In my experience, school processes are being followed, but often parents are not afforded information related to management strategies and consequences for other children. The staff of St Patrick’s takes seriously our commitment to protect the privacy of students and families and the often complex behavioural, social or emotional demands at play.

At St Patrick’s, the 4M pastoral Framework is used, which articulates behavioural expectations, management strategies, rewards and consistent consequences for behavioural breeches. The PBS framework for preventing, reducing, and replacing problem behaviours supports the majority of students in mainstream education (classified as Tier 1). In all instances, our whole school approach covers positive behaviour interventions and supports, which involves the direct, explicit teaching of appropriate student behaviour and social skills, conflict resolution, relationship building, resilience training and bullying minimisation as part of Religious Education and PD/Health.  

There are some instances in which additional supports are required to target individuals who have difficulty meeting behavioural expectations (Tier 2 interventions) which may include small group social skills training) or Tier 3 intensive interventions, for students with chronic or intense behaviour needs. This may include scheduled daily check-ins with a trusted adult, daily and weekly monitoring, individual contracts to target specific positive behaviours and goal setting, and implementation of an individual Behaviour Management Plan (BMP), with involvement of parents, executive staff and Learning Support Team.

It is important that parents work in partnership with the school to address these often-complex issues.

An overview of this the Pastoral Framework is shown below.

ORGANISATION & MANAGEMENT

UNIFORM SUPPLY ISSUES

I have been made aware that some parents are experiencing frustration in sourcing uniform items. I am in conversation with Ken Lane Menswear to gain more information about the factors contributing to these significant supply issues.

GOVERNANCE MATTERS

SAFEGUARDING AT ST PATRICKS 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)

CURRICULUM NEWS

Harmony Day Poster Competition – Northern NSW Winners

On Tuesday 20th June Mrs Harvey, Mrs Hawes and Mr Devorsine accompanied Kaitlyn Babaran, Ivy Chavez and Scarlett Whybrow of Year 6 (and their very proud parents!) on a trip to Sydney to receive their awards as Northen NSW Winners of the Harmony Day poster competition. We were also kindly accompanied by Peree Watson, who represented the office of Jenny Aitchison MP.

Upon arrival, we were given a history of the NSW Legislative Assembly and were able to watch our state representatives in action during a very heated Question Time. We all felt for the Speaker of the House, Hon. Greg Piper when he lost power to his microphone during a particularly heated question!

Following Question time we shared lunch with our local Maitland MP, Jenny Aitchison in the parliamentary restaurant. Jenny spoke to the girls about the importance of celebrating multiculturalism and embracing differences. She was very impressed by their poster!

In the afternoon we attended the NSW awards ceremony, where our girls represented St Patrick’s Lochinvar and the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle with such pride. They heard from the Minister for Multiculturalism, Steve Kamper, and received their awards from acclaimed Australian artist, Wendy Sharpe OAM.

The quality of the winning posters was extraordinary. Congratulations to Kaitlyn, Ivy and Scarlett on their impressive achievement!

Michelle Harvey - EAL/D Teacher

CLASSROOM NEWS

Year 2 Tocal Excursion

DIOCESAN SPELLING BEE

Congratulations to Phoebe who was a finalist in the diocesan’s spelling bee.

SPORTS NEWS

ATHLETICS CARNIVAL RESULTS

Congratulations to the following students who will be representing St Patrick's at the ASC Regional Athletics Carnival on July 18th. 

Phoebe Toeava, Quinn Redgrove, Sophia Unicomb, Sienna Atkins, Harper Enright, Amity Sandy, Scarlett Crouch, Sophie Cant, Mia Smith, Phoenix Russell, Leura Russell, Kensi Gibson, Sienna Proctor, Katie Uren, Mya Kendell, Mila Cooper, Armani Garland-Sherbon, Indya Lill, Isabella Crouch, Kiarna Marko, Erin Kelly, Shae Syron, Eliza Dagg, Jasmine Lovell, Jayla Parker, Hughston Robinson, William Sagorny, Maddyx Wither, Aston Longbottom, Colby Kelly, Levi Uren, Taj Ward, Sam Horan, Max Crowther, Nash McGregor, Kye Hedges, Eli Unicomb, Talon Chalker, Jake Hedges, Kenneth Nkrumah, Maddox Riley, Miles Cavanagh, Thomas Power, Allan Shinoy, Cooper Robins, Frederick Richardson, Charles Cooper, Joseph Hawke, Tate Dunning, Logan Hahn and Leo Cooper.

We wish them the best of luck!

ATHLETICS AGE CHAMPIONS

Congratulations to our Athletics Age Champions!

Junior Boys - Sam Horan
Junior Girls - Scarlett Crouch
11 Year Boys - Kye Hedges
11 Year Girls - Phoenix Russell
Senior Boys - Talon Chalker
Senior Girls - Sienna Proctor

GYMNASTICS- TERM 3

Dear Parents,

Each year, for one term, the children participate in a sport conducted by a professional instructor with the cost for these lessons included in the school resource fee. As such, this term the children have gymnastic lessons with Mrs Jen Kendall.

Due to a commitment from GymMatrics, our lessons will start in Week 4 of Term 3 and will finish in Week 4, Term 4. All children in the school will participate in a 40-minute lesson either on a Wednesday, Thursday or a Friday. The children are asked to wear their sport uniform on the day of their gymnastic lesson.

Below are two timetables explaining when the children have their lesson and when they are required to wear their sport uniform for gymnastics and on the day that they have their weekly PE lesson with their class teachers.

RUGBY LEAGUE GALA DAY

On 29^th of June, eight children represented St Patrick's at the annual 9's Rugby League Gala Day. The team worked together, played fairly, and scored a whole bunch of tries! Congratulations Jake Hedges, Kye Hedges, Mason Pankiw, Leo Cooper, Tate Dunning, Cameron Worrell, Astin Vadas and Nash McGregor. We are very proud of the sportsmanship you displayed and thank you parents for your support.

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