Drying Out After Last Week's Rain

I hope this message finds everyone well. Following the significant rainfall we experienced last week, I know I'm still in the process of drying out!

My journey home was quite an adventure, as I navigated around numerous potholes that had emerged on the roads. It was also a vivid reminder of how fortunate I was not to encounter any actual water hazards, as a considerable amount of water was lapping right at the edges of the roads. I also heard that Walcha received plenty of rain while I was away.

It certainly highlighted the impact of the recent wet weather across the region. Here's hoping for clearer skies and smoother travels ahead for everyone.

Last week, an announcement was made regarding my upcoming role as Acting Principal at St Mary's Primary School in Armidale for the remainder of this term. I will commence this new position this coming Monday, and I confess there's a mix of anticipation and apprehension about the decision.

I will certainly miss our wonderful learning community here. However, I have every confidence that Mrs Makeham will do an outstanding job acting in my role during my absence. I know that life at our school will continue as usual, and while my time away is brief, I will genuinely miss everyone.

Please take care, stay safe, and enjoy the upcoming long weekend. I hope you and your families have something exciting planned. I look forward to catching up with everyone when school resumes for Term 3.

A Warm Welcome to Anish!

I am delighted to welcome Anish, who joined our school community this week! Anish has started in Year 5, and we are all very excited to have him with us.

I hope Anish quickly feels at home here at St Patrick's and settles comfortably into his new class and surroundings. We wish him all the very best during his time with us and look forward to seeing him thrive as part of our school family. Welcome, Anish!

Catholic Schools Week Celebrations

Yesterday, St Patrick's Primary was proudly represented at a significant event for the Catholic education community in Armidale. Our School Captains, Sports Captains, and myself had the privilege of attending the Catholic Schools Week Mass held at the De la Salle Chapel in Armidale.

The Mass was a celebration, bringing together students, staff, and leaders from various Catholic schools across the diocese to acknowledge the unique spirit and mission of Catholic education. It was an occasion that underscored the values and community that define our schools.

Following the Mass, we also had the opportunity to attend the Spirit of Catholic Education Awards. This event recognised individuals and initiatives that exemplify outstanding commitment and contributions to Catholic education. It was inspiring to witness the dedication and passion of those honoured for their efforts in fostering faith, learning, and service.

Reflecting on National Sorry Day

This past Monday, May 26th, Australia observed National Sorry Day, a significant occasion for remembrance and reflection on the historical injustices faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

National Sorry Day commemorates the tabling of the "Bringing Them Home" report in Parliament on May 26, 1997. This landmark report detailed the devastating impact of past government policies that led to the forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families and communities, now known as the Stolen Generations.

The observance provides an opportunity for all Australians to acknowledge the pain, suffering, and intergenerational trauma caused by these policies. It serves as a crucial step in the ongoing journey towards healing and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

By reflecting on the past and understanding its ongoing consequences, National Sorry Day encourages a collective commitment to building a more just and equitable future for all. It highlights the importance of truth-telling, empathy, and working together to address the legacy of these policies.

Diverse Opportunities for Year 5-6 Students Next Week

Next Tuesday, June 3rd, marks an exciting day for many of our Year 5-6 students, as they engage in valuable transition and taster experiences at two different locations.

A group of our Year 5-6 students will have the opportunity to participate in the Walcha Central Taster Day. This program is designed to give students a hands-on insight into secondary schooling at Walcha Central, allowing them to explore various subjects and activities offered at the high school level. It's a fantastic chance for students to familiarise themselves with a new learning environment and begin thinking about their future educational pathways.

Concurrently, on the same day, some of our Year 6 students will be attending the STEP Day at O'Connor Catholic College in Armidale. The STEP (Secondary Transition Education Program) Day is a dedicated initiative aimed at assisting Year 6 students with their transition into Catholic secondary education. Participants will engage in activities designed to introduce them to the college environment, academic expectations, and extracurricular opportunities available at O'Connor Catholic College.

Armidale Catholic Schools Rugby Trials Tomorrow

I wish Digby and Tom the very best for tomorrow as they participate in the Armidale Catholic Schools Rugby Union Trials/Gala Day in Tamworth. Good luck, boys!

ICAS Assessments 2025: Key Dates Approaching

The annual International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) are just around the corner for 2025, offering students an opportunity to challenge their academic skills in various subjects. These online assessments are designed to recognise and reward academic excellence, encouraging higher-order thinking and problem-solving abilities.

ICAS Assessments cover a range of subjects, including:

Digital Technologies
Writing
English
Science
Spelling Bee
Mathematics

For many subjects, the main sitting windows will occur in August 2025.

ICAS provides a valuable benchmark for students, allowing them to see how their performance compares against peers nationally and internationally. All participating students receive a certificate, with top performers also eligible for Distinction, High Distinction, and even medals.

How to participate in ICAS 

If you wish for your child to participate in ICAS this year, please: 

read about ICAS subjects and prices here: (icasassessments.com/products-icas) 
go to Parent Portal to purchase tests here: https://shop.icasassessments.com/pages/parent-payment/YHA639 
enter the parent’s access code – YHA639
enter your child’s details, select the tests you would like to purchase, then proceed to payment.

Term 2 Staff Development Days (PD Days)

Please find below the three staff development days that will be occurring in the very near future.

Friday 6th June (Week 6)

Tuesday 10th June (Week 7)

Wednesday 11th June (Week 7)

The Winner of 'Wearing Uniform With Pride' Award Is.......

I am pleased to announce that Miley is this week's recipient of the 'Wearing Uniform With Pride' award. Our congratulations extend to Miley for her consistent demonstration of pride in both her school and sports uniform.

Semester 1 Reports

As this term is approaching its halfway point, our teachers are beginning to collect data as well as completing various student assessments in preparing for this semster's reports. These reports will be on Compass parent portal. Should you have any questions after reviewing your child's report, please feel free to contact their class teacher during Week 10.

The Semester 1 Report provides parents with an overview of their child's achievement and development in all key learning areas, as well as their level of engagement and social interaction.

The government requires a five scale grading system. In place of the A-E grade, a new language is being used to describe the level of knowledge and skills demonstrated by each child. This is comprehensively explained in your child's report.

SCHOOL HOURS

Supervision of students commences at 8:30am, there is no supervision prior to this time, therefore no students should be onsite.

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 Assembly

We will be having our school assembly on Friday 20th June at 2.40pm in the Year 5-6 room. We hope to see you then!

School Assembly for the 2nd Term Dates

Jelly Bean Cup