Junior School News 

Year 6 Sacrament of Confirmation

Congratulations to all of the Year 6 Candidates who celebrated their Sacrament of Confirmation last weekend. It was a beautiful Mass with Father Mark and Deacon Patrick. Thank you to all of the Choir students who volunteered their time, teachers and parents. 

The Sacrament of Confirmation is the second of the three sacraments of Christian initiation. Confirmation completes Baptism, by which in the laying on of hands and the anointing with Chrism Oil, which first happened at Baptism, we are confirmed with the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

We are reminded of our participation in the ministry and mission of Jesus and strengthened to follow Jesus more closely.

"Snitches Get Stitches"

A recent important topic we have been talking with students about is the word ‘snitch’…and why students sometimes say nothing , and the consequences of staying silent.

In general, “snitch”, or "snitches get stitches" or “dobber”, is an unwritten rule among students in schools. It's a threat/teasing mechanism used against students who may want to report an incident to their parents or school staff. “Snitching” carries such stigma in schools that our students may instead, take the oath of secrecy rather than endure it.

The worst part is that children can also be labelled a “snitch” for trying to seek help for the hurt impacting them or others. That's especially true when it involves something as serious as bullying. The negative impact of negative behaviour and the silence culture are too dire to ignore. 

Reasons Kids May Choose to Suffer in Silence 

Shame and Embarrassment 

All people are at risk of being targeted and treated badly. However, children whose classmates perceive them as "different" are more likely to face this problem than others. 

Fear That It May Get Worse

Bullies and MOP (Mean on Purpose) people often have a stronghold on their victims, and they exaggerate their power. Students may feel that reporting to authorities will make their bullies angrier and vengeful. There's the fear that a parent's reaction may worsen things.

Silence Isn’t Always Golden: The Consequences of Not "Snitching"

While bullying has its adverse effects, the consequences of keeping silent are equally damaging.

We are empowering our students to speak up. The key to breaking the silence in schools is creating an environment that lets children know it's okay to report anything they consider unsafe or ‘wrong’. Students have assurance that things won't get worse, and they won't have to deal with name-calling when they do so. 

Teachers are also focussing on the difference between  ‘snitching’ and ‘telling’.

Students need to know that no one has the right to treat them badly. So, they must learn to stand up for themselves and others when anyone tries to hurt them.

Also, they aren't doing anything wrong in reporting harmful behaviour. Drawing an adult's attention to the situation means they're seeking help for themselves, and that's perfectly fine. 

Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT)

All of our students are currently embarking on the Progressive Achievement Testing in English and Mathematics.

The Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) provides objective, norm-referenced information to teachers about their students’ skills and understandings in a range of areas.

The intended purpose of PAT testing includes supporting teachers and school leaders to:

• establish and understand where learners are in an aspect of their learning at the time of the assessment;
• engage in intentional teaching and personalised planning for future student learning; and
• monitor and assess school learning programs and approaches against the system and school goals.

So many things happening this Term! Week 4 here we come!

Warm regards, 

Mrs Christine Pitman

Head of Junior School (Year 3 to Year 6)