Mr Hyatt

Our Kindergarten students have arrived!

We have nearly completed our first full week back at school for the new year, and all classes are beginning to establish their regular routines. The fourteen Kindergarten students have made an exceptional start, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with them at different times. I must admit, there are moments when I envy Ms. Wilson, as all of our Kindergarten students are a joy to work with. In our newsletter's Classroom Gallery section, we have featured an article from Ms. Wilson, providing a summary of the activities and events that have taken place in the Kindergarten classroom.

Update on Major Drainage Works

On the previous Friday, I had a meeting with representatives from the Catholic Schools Office, Regional Project Managers Australia, and BuildMe Construction Group. The purpose of the meeting was to finalise the details for the upcoming major building works. I have received information that the mobilisation process will commence next week at this time. The focus will initially be on completing Stage 3 of the project. This stage involves stabilising and reducing the angle of the gradient of the ledge at the bottom end of the top playground. Additionally, it includes fixing the path to ensure compliance with safety standards, installing a new ninja course, as well as a new slide and climbing nets. Furthermore, there are plans to create an artificial creek to address drainage issues and enhance the entrance to the top playground.

The team aims to initiate and finalise Phases 1 and 2 of the project within the April school break (subject to weather conditions) to minimise any inconveniences. This will involve the installation of fresh pathways from the COLA to enhance accessibility to the middle and top playground areas, the establishment of a new sandpit and half basketball court, as well as the repair of the office in the library. Additionally, new concrete will be laid between the library and the classrooms for Years 3-6, among other tasks.

Once all the work is completed, there is no doubt that everything will appear splendid. However, it is important to acknowledge that there will be challenging moments ahead for me, as well as various disruptions, such as limited access to the top playground, for both students and staff members in the immediate future

I will ensure that everyone is kept updated on the progress of the works and will also address this matter in more detail at our upcoming Parent Information Night.

School Fees for 2024

This year will see a change in the structure of school fees. There has been an excursion levy attached to the fees. This will allow families to pay the levy off throughout the year. When the school are organising various excursions throughout the year, families will not be charged unless the excursion is associated with a Diocesan or Polding sporting event. School fees will be available to be paid through Compass, BPay and Eftpos at the office.

Parent Information Night-Tuesday 20th February

This year, we are pleased to announce that our annual Parent Information Night will be held on 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

The Armidale and District National Servicemen's Association will be holding a Commemoration Service on Sunday the 11th February commencing at 11am at the National Servicemen's Monument in Central Park Armidale.

The service is in remembrance of the national servicemen (conscripts) who were killed in action during World War 2 and Vietnam, who died during their service and those who have passed away since completing their military obligations.

Some of the school leaders as well as myself will be representing St Patrick's Primary at this service.

Walcha Races

The Walcha Race Day is on tomorrow, Friday 9th February. This is a half day holiday. Buses will collect students at 11:20am, other students need to be picked up 11:20 - 11:30am.

School will be closed from 11:30am.  

Ash Wednesday and Beginning of School Year Mass - Wednesday 14th February 11:30am @ St Patrick's Church

The Ash Wednesday and Beginning of School Mass will mark our first K-6 School Mass for 2024. This significant event will take place this upcoming, Wednesday, February 14th, at 11.30am in St Patrick's Church. During this occasion, Monsignor Ted will bless the badges of our new School Captains, House Captains, and School Leaders, formally commissioning them. We extend a warm invitation to everyone to join us in this special celebration.

Swimming Carnival - Friday 16th February

I would like to extend my appreciation to all the parents who have graciously volunteered their help for the school swimming carnival and have also nominated their children to take part in the various events planned for the day. Nevertheless, we kindly urge the remaining families to promptly fill out the nomination and volunteer sections of the information note that was distributed through Compass last week. Both sections must be completed by Monday morning (12th February) to ensure the seamless organisation of the day's activities. Your cooperation will significantly contribute to the overall triumph of the event.

Band for Years 3-6 Commenced Yesterday!

Yesterday, the band started for our Year 3-6 students, and it was evident that a significant number of our Year 3 students were filled with excitement as they received their instruments and had their inaugural lesson. It is important to remind all our students from Years 3-6 that they must bring their instruments to school every Wednesday.

Family Information Paperwork

A package was sent home today with all students. The paperwork contains very important information, annual Update Family Details, Medical Plans, Media Permission (on Compass) & IT Code of Conduct. The notes need to be signed, dated and any changes to details made, then return to school by  Monday 12th February.

We ask that you take time to go through the contents carefully and update information as required and complete and return forms by the date listed above.  

Please sign & return this paperwork whether you have any changes or not by Monday the 12th February. THANK YOU

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. Last week, we have already utilized 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)

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.