2024, Term 1, Week 2 Newsletter

Acknowledgement of Country

St. Patrick's School acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work, the Koroitch-gundidj people of the Maar Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. 

Principal's Message

Dear parents and carers,

What a wonderful second week it has been, thanks to each and every one of you contributing to the joyful and optimistic culture around the school!

The Catholic Education Theme for the 2024 school year is "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer".

Romans 12:12 reminds us of three important things that everyone can relate to.

First, to "stay hopeful." Even when things are tough, holding onto hope can give us strength. Second, it tells us to "be patient during hard times." This means staying calm and knowing that challenges don't last forever. Lastly, it encourages us to "keep praying." Whether we're happy or struggling, prayer can bring us comfort and help us feel connected to something bigger than ourselves.

Romans 12:12 teaches us to stay hopeful, patient, and connected through prayer, no matter what life throws our way.

As we embark on our journey together in 2024 as a whole school community, let's consider the deeper significance of these teachings. In times of uncertainty and change, maintaining hope can be a beacon of light, guiding us through challenges and reminding us of brighter days ahead. Patience during difficult times allows us to persevere with grace and resilience, knowing that every setback is temporary. And through prayer, we find strength, fostering a sense of unity and support within our community.

With these principles in mind, I hope we can approach the year ahead with optimism, perseverance, and a strong sense of togetherness. Together, let's support one another, celebrate our victories, and navigate any obstacles that come our way, knowing that we are stronger when we stand together.

Wellbeing Barometer Survey

See further below in this newsletter for information about the Wellbeing Barometer Survey.

Your participation in the Wellbeing Barometer survey is crucial in helping us gain insights into the mental health and wellbeing of our students. Your input this year will aid in identifying both strengths and areas for improvement, allowing for early intervention strategies to be implemented.

This survey is part of a longitudinal study aimed at tailoring support for students and families. Your responses, which remain anonymous, will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of students' experiences over the past year.

We kindly ask you to take a few moments to complete a survey for each of your children. Your feedback will guide us in providing the best support possible in the months ahead. Should you have any concerns or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your participation and ongoing support.

Naplan Testing 18th-20th March

NAPLAN Testing is coming up. There will be a scheduled ‘catch up’ testing day to be held on 25th March. Please see your child’s classroom teacher/s if you would like more information or have any questions regarding NAPLAN testing.

Learning Walk - Tuesday, March 12th 

You are invited to join me, along with Mr Tony Dalton, on a Learning Walk through our school on Tuesday, March 12th at 9.30am.

See the flyer below for more information.

We would love to see as many interested families as possible come along, especially new families to our school. It is a great opportunity to see learning in action at St Pat's. All parents who have participated in the past have found it a worthwhile experience.

If you're interested in coming please fill in the RSVP link .

I hope everyone has a lovely weekend!

Tegan McDonald

Principal

Structured Literacy Project - Sunlit

We are thrilled to announce that our school and many others have joined the Diocese of Ballarat's Structured Literacy Project. St Patrick’s has adopted the Structured Literacy approach in our junior classrooms and after seeing the growth, we are rolling it out across the entire school

What is the structured literacy project?

It is an evidence-based approach to Literacy instruction, which is the approach endorsed by the International Dyslexia Association, the International Literacy Association and the Australian National Inquiry into the Teaching of Literacy.

The Science of Reading and Learning tells us that a systematic, explicit approach to the teaching of the alphabetic code and the grammatical rules that underpin written English offers our students the best chance at becoming confidently literate. 

Our whole staff group will be working closely with the Structured Literacy team from the Catholic Education Office over the next few years, to learn more about the principles, elements and characteristics of a Structured Literacy approach. 

As part of the project, student data will be collected. If you do not wish for your child's data to be used in the study, please complete the attached form and return it to school at your earliest convenience.  If required, a printed copy can be obtained from the office.

School Closure Days 2024

A number of School Closure days have already been booked for 2024. Please note these for your diary.

Wednesday 21st February - Structured Literacy

Friday 22nd March - ECSI data analysis

Friday 17th May - School Review Preparation

Monday 20th May - School Review Preparation

Monday 24th June - ReLATE

Tusday 20th August - Structured Literacy

In addition, the school takes Thursday 2nd May as the designated Public Holiday for our Local Government Area for the May Racing Carnival.

Statement from DOBCEL regarding Student Free guidelines and procedures:  Student-free days are days where students do not attend school within the gaxetted attendance period but are designated for staff professional development, school professional development activities, planning and/or report writing. Each year, the first day of term one and the last day of term four will be a student-free day in all schools. 

In exceptional circumstances, the Executive Director of Catholic Education Ballarat or delegate can approve days beyond the normal 6 Student Free Days.

School Photos

School photos this year are on Wednesday 6th March.  Please see flyer below for ordering details (hard copy will go home next week).

School TV - The Wellbeing Barometer 2024

The Wellbeing Barometer survey has proven to be an invaluable tool for schools, providing insights into the state of youth mental health and wellbeing. Whilst last year’s results focussed the spotlight on areas of concern, there were also many highlights that demonstrated the resilience and adaptability of students and emphasised the necessity of prevention strategies.

Participating in this year's survey, will assist in identifying areas of strength and concern, as well as pinpointing opportunities for early intervention. Previously gathered information has helped support families as they navigate difficult conversations that enable understanding and foster connections to build relationships.

This survey is part of an ongoing, longitudinal study, with the results being instrumental in tailoring support for students and their families. Participation is strongly encouraged, as it provides a comprehensive view of students' experiences, challenges, and achievements over the past year. Its aim is to capture a comprehensive picture of young people's lives, allowing for a tailored approach to enhance mental and emotional wellbeing.

We encourage you to take a few moments to complete a survey for each of your children. This will help us determine the nature and extent of your concerns and how best to support families in the months ahead. Responses remain anonymous and will only be reported on an aggregated basis. You are asked to base your responses on observations made in the last 12 months.

Acquiring the skills for future independence, taking healthy risks, and giving young people the opportunity to emancipate from parents, are key developmental tasks that are essential if we are to stave off the impact of mental illness in the future. Please reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback. If this raises any concerns for you or your child, please reach out to the school or seek professional medical advice.

Access the Wellbeing Barometer Special Report here https://spkoroit.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-wellbeing-barometer-2024-au

Term 1 Learning Letters

Learning Letters are now available for each classroom.  These contain information from your child's classroom teacher about this term. You will find information about Learning Topics and classroom routine reminders. The purpose of these Learning Letters is to help you engage with your child's learning at St. Pats.

These documents can also be accessed from the "Learning Letters" tile on the SZApp.

Parent Teacher Interviews

Parent Teacher Interviews will be held on Monday 26th and Tuesday 27th February.  We will notify via SZApp next week when bookings are available.

Assembly Schedule - Term 1

Learning Walk

Parents & Friends

Sub Committees

We are still looking for someone or a couple of people to coordinate the Koroit Irish Festival sub committee!

Thanks to Mick and Celeste Lane for taking on the Port Fairy Folk Festival coordination role, Amy Atwell for Picnic in the Paddock and Mel Lilley for Student Engagement.

If you would like more information or to coordinate the Koroit Irish Festival, please contact me as soon as possible. Happy to discuss options or role sharing. It’s not as daunting as it seems and I am happy to help in any way! You won’t be alone.

The four coordinators would meet with the principal perhaps termly and as needed throughout the year as needed in preparation and reflection of fundraising activities.

Catering Help Needed

Our school is hosting an in service on Monday 19th February and the P & F require assistance in serving food on the day.  The food will already have been prepared, you will just need to get it out.  Your help will attract a credit to your volunteer levy.  If this is something you could assist with, please contact Tammy Langdon on 0428 466 129.

Folk Festival Volunteers

It's not too late to sign up to volunteer at the Folk Festival.  Use the link below to register your details:

https://forms.gle/CooLXBHGPprBcnJDA

Opportunities to be involved

Please see details below for opportunities to connect with families and to get involved in P&F activities.

Picnic in the Paddock RSVP link: https://forms.gle/JjpBvBoKjk2KcXKy8

BBQ Picnic RSVP: https://forms.gle/J4fZxYzWqCHzrLbb6

Canteen & Cake Raffle Rosters

Thanks to those who have already signed up for the Canteen & Cake Raffle Rosters.

As you can see, there are still some spaces on the Canteen Roster for this term.  Please use the links below if you wish to sign up for a shift.

Canteen Sign Up Sheet - volunteersignup.org/WHHAM

Cake Raffle Sign Up Sheet - volunteersignup.org/PTFPM

CANTEEN ROSTER

Virginia Martin co-ordinates the canteen, arranging for the stocking of snack items and is happy to take questions from prospective volunteers  - 0419 883 657.

CAKE RAFFLE ROSTER (Term 1)

If you have any questions about the Cake Raffle, please contact Kate Dobson 0408 399 144.

Casserole Bank

The St Pat's community has a wonderful tradition of the "Casserole Bank" where families come together to provide a meal or snacks/lunchbox items for families within our school who are in need of support (for example, a new arrival, family illness or bereavement).

This year, the Casserole Bank will be coordinated through the school office.  If you are aware of a family requiring support, please contact the office.

If you are willing to help out during the year, please register your name details on the google form below & we will reach out when the need arises.  The more volunteers we have, the fewer times people will be called upon to help out.

Student Awards

Room 1

Ayla Clissold for settling into Foundation with ease. You have demonstrated what it means to be respectful, responsible and safe both inside and outside of the classroom. Congratulations Ayla and keep up the great work! 

Roy Wright for settling into Foundation with ease. You have demonstrated what it means to be respectful, responsible and safe both inside and outside of the classroom. Congratulations Roy and keep up the great work!

Room 2

Bodhi Lindrea for the responsible way he has taken to his new job of the sandpit toy monitor. Bodhi, you have demonstrated what it looks like to lead by example! Well done!

Leo Wright for the responsible way he has entered the classroom this week! Well done on being super brave Leo, I am so proud of you!

Room 4

Octavia Bidmade for being a very helpful, kind and respectful leader in room 4 this week. Octavia you have come into class smiling and ready to help anyone who needs a hand. Thank you.

Isla Lilly for leading by example for others to follow. You have been respectful and responsible in the way you have participated in classroom activities and been extra helpful around the classroom. Thank you Isla.

Room 6

Jonty O’Keefe for the responsible way that he has started his learning this year. Jonty, we are impressed with the way you quickly get what you need for the lesson and make a start. We are also pleased that you ask questions that help you complete your task correctly.

Eleanor Huckstepp for the respectful way that you treat other students and your teachers. Eleanor, you have lovely manners and a gentle nature and these characteristics make you a pleasure to work with.

Room 7

Dominic McEachern for the positive efforts made to demonstrate leadership in the classroom, in work tasks, given jobs and for the kindness and support shown to your Foundation buddy at recess and lunch.  A great effort this week Dominic.  

Isla Dobson for always being an outstanding role model for the SWPBS values of Respectfulness, Safety and Responsibility. Isla, thank you for being a calm, positive and happy member of our class. Keep being you!

Star of the Sea Parish Bulletin

Parent Education Opportunity

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to the students and staff who celebrated their birthdays this week Jackson O'Grady, Hattie Moyne, Eric Niklason and Mrs O'Connor.  We hope you have had a great time celebrating with family and friends.

Book Club

Book Club catalogues have been sent home this week - check out some great reading options!

TheirCare Newsletter

Family Assistance

We are reaching out to our wonderful community in search of families who could generously contribute to ensuring a student gets safely home each night until April. This role provides an opportunity for you to offset your volunteer levy and your help in this matter would be appreciated by both the student's family and the school.

If you can help in any way or have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the office.

Directwear Uniform

School Uniform is available from Directwear www.directwear.com.au  

Uniforms can be collected from the Directwear home address in Warrnambool or posted to you.

Tunics (Size 6-12) will available from the middle of Term 1.

Contact details for Direct wear are:

email info@directwear.com.au or phone Dion Jansz: 0412 654 406

Dates to Remember

REMINDERS

February

13th- Shrove Tuesday

13th- Picnic in the Paddock Meeting

14th- Ash Wednesday & Opening School Mass - 10am

16th - "Tea with Teagan"

21st- School Closure Day

22nd- Hockey Clinics

23rd- Coffee catch up at Noodledoof

26th & 27th- Parent Teacher Interviews

27th- Moyne Tennis/Hot Shots

Community News