Newsletter 15/11/2021 Term 4 Week 37

From the Principal

Parent Communication

Parent Communication regarding students during School Hours

Parents are reminded that the protocol for communicating with the school should come through the main office to Deb and Bec. This is a matter of staff and student safety so that student movements, such as when leaving the school, can be recorded and monitored from the office. 

During school teaching hours staff will not reply to:

• Phone calls on their private mobile numbers
• Text messages to their private mobile numbers
• Notifications through class Dojo or other platforms

The Office can be contacted from 8.30am - 4.30pm on 03 55931962.

Entering St Patricks School Building

Smiling Mind Digital Care Packs

Smiling Mind Digital Care Packs: to support kids through COVID-19 and beyond
Smiling Mind have released Digital Care Packs which provide tips and guidance on how to build positive mental health in children, and offer a range of simple, evidence-based activities that can be used with children aged five to 12 years to provide immediate relief against worry and anxiety, or used to support a proactive positive mental health approach.

Each pack explores related topics and contains downloadable activities for children in the following age groups: 5-7 year old, 8-10 years old and 11-12 year old. To access the packs click on this link to complete a short form.

https://www.smilingmind.com.au/kids-care-packs

St. Patrick’s Colouring Competition

Over the coming weeks children will be completing the annual St. Patrick’s Colouring Competition which was won by Chloe Anderson last year. The winner will have their piece framed and displayed in the administration area of the school for 1 year. Children are encouraged to display their neatest colouring and to take care with their presentation. We wonder who will be our winner this year?

Remembrance Day

On Thursday for Remembrance Day, we honoured all of the people who served and died in wars and conflicts since World War 1. Our School Captains - Paddy Hassett, Lizzie Dennis and our Vice Captains – Harrison Glennen and Matea McKenzie carried out the Remembrance Day Service which all children viewed on screen in their classrooms. Paddy and Lizzie were also honoured to read poems at the Remembrance Day Service at the War Memorial in Camperdown where numbers were limited. The Camperdown RSL prepared a fitting service to honour the great men and women who have served our Nation through duty, bravery and sacrifice. We can do what we do now because they did what they did then. We are grateful for those who sacrificed so much for the freedoms that we have today and pray that they can now rest in peace. Lest we forget.

Arts Night–St. Pat’s Virtual Art Exhibition

Thank-you to families for viewing the St. Patrick’s Virtual Art Exhibition online for Art’s Night.

The children were excited to see their artwork displayed in the virtual rooms and loved showing their families the pieces of art that they created. Your positive feedback is very much appreciated and wonderful affirmation for the children. This exhibition is still available for viewing for a limited time.

Bike Ed -Monday 15/11

• Bike Ed will commence the week of 15th November.
• Children in grades 3-6 will need to bring their bikes to school asap if you have not already done this.
• (Parents are unable to enter school unless they are vaccinated please see the government requirements.)
• Please make sure your child's bike is roadworthy 
  
• Don't forget your helmet.

School Advisory Council vacancy

The School Advisory Council provides a forum for discussion and discernment, where the
parent/guardian voice and perspective are available to inform and support the decisions made by
the principal and parish priest for the good of school and parish where the wellbeing and outcomes
for students is paramount.

It is important that School Advisory Council members understand that their primary role is to
provide support and advice on important school matters to support the principal in the context of
the DOBCEL governance arrangements. School Advisory Councils do not have a legal identity and do not become involved in the day-to-day management of the school. The School Advisory Council must act within the parameters of these Terms of Reference.

We have one School Advisory Council position that will become vacant at the end of the year. If you would like to join our school council, please complete the form below.

Catholic School Culture

World Day of the Poor

Yesterday was World Day of the Poor which has the theme, “The Poor Will Always Be With You”. This day calls attention to people living in poverty all across the world. In his message for the day, Pope Francis says, “A different approach to poverty is required. This is a challenge that governments and world institutions need to take up with a farsighted social model capable of countering the new forms of poverty that are now sweeping the world and will decisively affect coming decades. If the poor are marginalized, as if they were to blame for their condition, then the very concept of democracy is jeopardized and every social policy will prove bankrupt.

With great humility, we should confess that we are often incompetent when it comes to the poor. We talk about them in the abstract; we stop at statistics and we think we can move people’s hearts by filming a documentary.  Poverty, on the contrary, should motivate us to creative planning, aimed at increasing the freedom needed to live a life of fulfilment according to the abilities of each person”. 

Condolences 

We wish to send our  condolences to the Wain Family for the loss of Colin,  Grandfather to Jeremiah, Isabella and Jonah.

We also send our condolences to the Pickles Family, for the loss of Max,  husband of Dianne Pickles who was a staff member at St Patrick's for over 30 years .

Our deepest sympathy to both families.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Evie Mahony on the arrival of her baby brother Jimi.  The family are very excited to welcome their new  member!

Covid Safe School Procedures

eSAFETY

With lockdowns and restrictions many children are spending more time online and watching streamed television shows and movies. It’s more important than ever to have conversations with your child about what they are watching online and the games and apps they are using, particularly if you become aware of something new and popular. Have you heard of ‘Squid Game’? Shows such as ‘Squid Game’ are intended for older audiences and contain scenes with strong themes and violence not suitable for younger people. Being exposed to this kind of content both directly through the streaming service - and indirectly through social media apps, games and pop-ups - can be distressing for children and young people.

School Wide Positive Behaviours Systems (SWPBS)

This week we will be looking to use equipment appropriately. This means bringing play equipment back inside after the bell goes. It also means using all equipment how it is supposed to be used both inside and out and at home and at school. 

Many thanks to everyone for all your help. 

Positive Partnerships

Positive Partnerships have a number of FREE upcoming webinars for school staff and families. These topics may be of interest as schools and families plan for students to return to school.

Students of the Week

Birthdays

Happy Birthday to the following students who celebrate their birthdays this week.

 Tess, William, Chance, Poppy G, Marlee, Amaya and Evie W.

COMMUNITY EVENTS