Mrs Makeham
Cultivating Resilience: Our Most Important Lesson
In the whirlwind of homework, extracurriculars, and busy schedules, we sometimes forget to focus on a skill more valuable than any grade on a report: resilience. Simply put, resilience is the ability to bounce back from challenges, to adapt in the face of adversity, and to grow stronger from difficult experiences. And when it comes to teaching our children this crucial life skill, parents and teachers are the ultimate team.
Think of it this way: our children's lives won't always be a smooth sail. They will face disappointments—a tough test, a lost game, a friendship conflict. While our natural instinct is often to swoop in and solve the problem for them, this can actually prevent them from developing their own problem-solving muscles. Instead, our role is to act as a guide, a sounding board, and a safe place.
As parents and teachers, we are laying the foundation for our children's future. By working together to nurture resilience, we are equipping them with the tools they need to navigate life's inevitable ups and downs with strength, confidence, and grace. We are not just raising smart kids; we are raising resilient, resourceful humans ready to thrive in the world.
Vale Joe van Eyk
Our school community was deeply saddened to learn the news that Joe van Eyk, a member of our St Patrick's School family passed away suddenly last week.
Joe was a parent here for 10 years, from 2009 to 2019. He was well-known and respected by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. His passing is a great loss to the Walcha and Uralla communities, as he was, quite simply, a really good man.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Steph, and their beautiful children, Hain and Abigail.
May he rest in peace.
School Audit
A team from the Armidale Catholic Schools Office will be visiting our school to conduct a comprehensive review on Tuesday August 26th.
This audit is a regular process, occurring every five years, and is crucial for ensuring we maintain best practice across all areas of the school. The team will be checking our adherence to various school operations, including our academic programs and our compliance with all school policies and procedures.
The insights gained from this audit are invaluable in helping us to continuously improve and ensure we are providing the best possible learning environment for your children.
Weekday and School Masses
As previously communicated, Father Anthony is taking time to care for his elderly mother, who continues to experience ill health.
During his absence, there will be no weekday or school masses. However, a visiting priest from Armidale will be celebrating weekend masses.
We extend our heartfelt well wishes to Father Anthony and his mum, and we'll keep them both in our prayers.
Lexus Melbourne Cup Visits St Patrick's School!
The Lexus Melbourne Cup visited our school for a special presentation by representatives from Victorian Racing last Friday.
To mark this momentous occasion, students showcased their creativity by decking themselves out in their best school-constructed racing millinery! (A big thank you to Elyce Laurie for her creativity and initiative in this regard).
From all reports it was a really special occasion and one of those things the children will remember forever.
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.
SCHOOL HOURS
Supervision of students commences at 8:30am. Students should not be on-site until after 8:30 AM.