St Patrick's Primary School Newsletter

From the Assistant Principal

Dear Families, 

 

At our recent parent group meeting, we had a conversation around some of our school procedures. Many parents at the meeting were unaware of some of the things we do at school and we thought our newsletter might be a good way to disseminate some information to help you better understand what goes on at school, especially when your child comes home with the response 'nothing' or 'good' when you ask what they did at school today or how was school today? 

 

What happens at recess and lunch time?

 

Research shows that regular breaks from learning assists students to re-engage with lessons in a positive way. At St Patrick's we have two 'brain break' style lesson breaks throughout the day. The first is a brain break in class at 9.50am. They class might play a quick brain break game, solve a puzzle together, have a crunch and sip break so that they can quickly re-enter a lesson soon afterwards. At 12.20 we have a 'movement break' where grades go out together and play a game together. This is an outdoor break and goes for 10 minutes.

 

At recess and lunch we also offer students a wide range of experiences, as we know, not all children enjoy being on the large outdoor space, which can often become noisy and overbearing. 

 

Students in Kindergarten, currently have all of their breaks on the Quad. Year 5 and 6 do the same in the Stage 3 playground. Students in Years 1-4 rotate around the COLA, Asphalt and Grass areas to give them opportunities to play different types of games in different areas. 

 

Playgrounds are unstructured, unpredictable places where many children  struggle to follow and join in the numerous social interactions surrounding them. For those students who do not particularly like these areas a number of 'passive' areas where quieter less movement focused games occur. These include:

  • the tables outside 1M and 2N 
  • the covered area near the canteen for mostly Kindergarten students, but sometimes Year 1 and 2 join them.
  • the newly opened area behind 1M and 2N in between these rooms and the Stage 3 playground (mostly for Year 5 and 6 students)

Other passive options include 'Passive Play' which happens in the library at recess and lunch following eating times. Students colour, draw, play with Lego and read in this space. The library is open to ALL students from Kindergarten to Year 6.

 

Teachers are also rostered on for 'Lunch Clubs' at lunchtime. Lunch Clubs have been very popular since they were introduced last year. Many other teachers also volunteer to run additional Lunch Clubs when they are not on playground duty. Lunch Clubs currently include: card games and board games, colouring, yoga, mindfulness, bucket drumming, choir and Science. In the past we have also had coding club, origami, chess and even a netball coaching club. 

Students are reminded daily that the clubs are operating and are asked to meet the lead teacher on the stairs in the Quad after eating time to be escorted to the place where the club takes place. These clubs are open to all students from K-6.

 

 

TURNING CIRCLE REMINDERS

 

Just a reminder of a few important requirements:

  • Children must enter and exit vehicles from the passenger side.
  • Students should not be accessing the boot of the car at any time.
  • Drivers should NOT leave the vehicle during turning circle pick up. 
  • Your family surname should be clearly displayed on the front windscreen of your car. A surname card will be sent home for your family from the office this week, there is one sheet with 2 names in case you have two cars. 
  • Cars enter the queue at the roundabout end of Flora St. Out of courtesy for those waiting, do not turn right into the school grounds or come up from the library end of Belmont St.
  • Please remind grandparents and other family members of our expectations so that turning circle runs smoothly.

ST PATRICK'S CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL CENTENARY

The following message went out on Compass earlier this week. 

 

 

ATTENDANCE REMINDERS

 

This week, some of you may have received a note regarding an unexplained absence. If you did, we kindly ask that you insert a reason on Compass for the absence on the day in question, so that it does not become an unjustified absence.

 

As well, Sydney Catholic Schools policy states that any pre-arranged leave 5 days or more eg holidays, needs to be approved by the principal.

 

Application forms can be obtained digitally by emailing the office, or is available on our school website. Here is the link to the website to make it easier.

 

 

 

PARENT GROUP CONSTITUTION

Yesterday the final draft of the parent group constitution was shared with you on Compass. If you have any feedback on the constitution, please direct correspondence to Mrs Burfield at principal@stpsutherland.catholic.edu.au

 

 

 

Have a great week,

 

Jim Heelis

Assistant Principal