Getting Back Into The Swing Of Things!

Hi everyone, I hope all of you have had a great week so far. I have to admit I am struggling to get back into the routine of school again, as we haven't had a full week back at school yet, as it was a two-day week for the students in the first week. Last week we had a half-day public holiday for the Walcha Cup and tomorrow, we will be finishing this week off with our school swimming carnival. Knowing me by the time I get back into routine, it will be the start of the next set of school holidays.

Beside my struggles, it is a relief that all of the classrooms have gotten into their normal routines, and from my visits and taking small groups, I can see all of the students are firing on all cylinders. As Mrs Makeham and myself will be discussing at the upcoming Parent Information Night, one of our goals for this year is a focus on regular assessment and greater analyse of the data produced that will enable all of our students to work in small instruction groups tailored to their individual learning needs. We are still in the process of administrating these tasks and for some subjects, these small groups have already commenced.

Anyway, I hope to catch up with everyone either tomorrow at our swimming carnival or at the Parent Information Night this upcoming Tuesday. Take care and I will see all of you soon.

School Fees for 2024

There will be a modification in the school fees structure for the 2024 academic year. This year an excursion levy will be included in the fees. However, now families will have the option to pay off the levy in installments over the year. Families will not be required to pay for excursions organised by the school, unless they are associated with a Diocesan or Polding sporting event. To facilitate the payment of school fees, Compass, BPay, and Eftpos options will be available at the office.

Kindergarten Parent Best Start Interviews

A letter was sent home to all of our Kindergarten families with a report of their child's Best Start Assessment results earlier this week. Ms Wilson will be sending home an invitation for Kindergarten parents to attend a Best Start Interview for their child. Please respond with your preferences and Mrs Pittman will confirm your interview time.

Parent Information Night-This Upcoming Tuesday 20th February

This year, we are pleased to announce that our annual Parent Information Night will be held this upcoming Tuesday, February 20th, starting at 5.30pm in the library. During this event, we will cover a range of important topics including our Annual Improvement Plan, the targets we aim to achieve this academic year, the structure and procedures of different learning areas, and discussions on agreed practices for homework and other related matters. We encourage all new and existing families to attend and participate in these informative conversations

Once the Information Night component has concluded, the P & F will be having their Annual General Meeting and this will be followed by a Welcome Barbecue for all of our community members. More information about this night has been sent to all families via the COMPASS app.

2024 National Servicemen's Commemoration Day Service

On Sunday the 11th of February, the Armidale and District National Servicemen's Association organised a Commemoration Service at the National Servicemen's Monument located in Central Park Armidale.

This solemn event aimed to honor the memory of the national servicemen (conscripts) who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War 2 and Vietnam. Additionally, it paid tribute to those who lost their lives while serving their country and those who have since passed away after fulfilling their military duties.

Our school captains, Angus and Lilah, along with their families and I, took part in this event by placing a wreath. It is worth mentioning that both Angus and Lilah should feel a sense of pride as they represented St Patrick's Primary School exceptionally well and served as outstanding ambassadors.

Ash Wednesday and Beginning of School Year Mass - Wednesday 14th Feb

Our 2024 student leaders were commended for having their badges blessed during yesterday's Mass, where they also recited the student pledge for 2024. These exceptional leaders are already exemplifying remarkable leadership qualities across all areas of our school. We applaud their outstanding achievements.

Swimming Carnival - Tomorrow Friday 16th February

Earlier today, the Oxley (Red) and Apsley (Blue) house groups convened to rehearse their chants one last time and finalise their arrangements for the upcoming school swimming carnival tomorrow! I extend my best wishes to both houses and may the most deserving team emerge victorious!

I know tomorrow will be one of my highlights for the day and it is going to be a great day! . My final advice to all of the students is: to keep yourself hydrated, apply sunscreen, and above all, enjoy every moment! Best wishes to all the swimmers, and may this swimming carnival create lasting memories for everyone. I look forward to seeing all of you at the poolside tomorrow, and let's make a big splash!

2024 Staff Development Days (PD Days)

All schools within the diocese have been granted a total of eight staff development days for this year. These designated days aim to improve the teaching capabilities of the staff, with a specific focus on the curriculum. Additionally, they provide an opportunity for the staff to implement the new teaching syllabus for the upcoming year. So far, we have already utilised two of the allocated staff development days. To minimise any inconveniences caused to our families who need to arrange care on days when the school is closed, I have scheduled the remaining six PD Days to occur either on the last few days or the first few days of each term. Below are the dates when the remaining six staff development days will take place.

Friday 12th April (Last day of Term 1)

Monday 29th and Tuesday 30th April (First two days of Term 2)

Monday 22nd July (First day of Term 3)

Monday 14th October (First day of Term 4)

Friday 20th December (Last day of Term 4)

NAPLAN

NAPLAN testing will take place in Weeks 7, 8 and 9 (Wednesday 13th March- 25th March) of this term. Students in Years 3 and 5 will sit tests for Writing 13th March, Reading & Language Conventions 14th March and Numeracy 19th March. Please refrain from making appointments during school time on these tests days. It is important that your child is available on the day unless they are unwell. In the case of illness students will be able to sit the test on Thursday 21st March until Monday 25th March.

Further information for parents and carers can be found here:

https://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/parent-carer-support

I encourage all parents of students in Years 3 and 5 to explore the Public Demonstration Site with your child (click on button below). Here you will find sample questions for each of the areas assessed.

https://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site

Click below to see a short video showing how to navigate the Public Demonstration Site.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ElaxjY7xKzPkl4QijbH_YPs9IRtkr8FU/view

Contacting Your Child's Teacher

Teachers welcome contact from parents, if you need to talk with staff please either contact the class teacher by phoning the school – 67772328 or email the school at spwadmin@arm.catholic.edu.au.

Classroom Gallery

What have the students in Years 3-4 been up to?