Hello from my hotel room in Tamworth

Greetings to all, and welcome to this week's newsletter edition. I am presently in Tamworth participating in the Principal's Conference. As I sit here in my motel room early in the morning, I am preparing my column for the newsletter prior to its distribution to all families later today.

Look at my Term 3 calendar next week is set to be quite busy with several events scheduled. Students will be involved in the Brain Olympic, Walcha Central School Taster Day, and the Transition Program for the 2025 academic year, in addition to our Book Week Celebrations. Furthermore, I remain hopeful that upon my return to school on Monday, all renovation work will be finalised, allowing students to enjoy our new playground.

I have just realised that I will soon be accompanying our K-2 students to the Gruffalo Performance in Tamworth on September 10th. Additionally, regarding significant excursions for our Year 3-4 and Year 5-6 classes, further details about both trips were recently distributed to families, indicating that it will not be long before I must start thinking about what I need to pack as I am looking forward to all of the activities that both excursions have to offer.

Anyway, that's enough from me, I am looking forward to catching up with everyone on Father's Day Breakfast, Grandparents Day and Book Week celebrations next Friday!

2024 Brain Olympia

This year, St Patrick's Primary School will be entering two teams in the Brain Olympia competition. The Brain Olympia offers our students the chance to participate in a variety of academic challenges against their peers from other institutions. The challenges include tackling a range of general knowledge and mathematical problems, engaging in public speaking, and performing a drama presentation on a chosen topic. Each of our teams, consisting of eight students from Years 4, 5, and 6, will compete against smaller schools with enrollments of fewer than 100 students in the Plains Cluster at St Edward's Primary School in Tamworth on Wednesday. If one of our teams achieves victory in the small schools' category, they will be invited to take part in the Diocese Final in Gunnedah on Wednesday, September 11th. We wish both teams the best of luck in their endeavors. We also express our gratitude to all the parents who have volunteered to transport our teams to Tamworth on the day; your support is greatly appreciated.

School Fees 2024

A friendly reminder that school fees are due 30th September 2024.

School fees are essential to the financial viability of our school. It would be appreciated if accounts are be paid in full by this date.

If you are unable to pay your fees by this date, please contact the office and talk to Mrs Rizzi to discuss options.

Please note: school fees need to be up to date for students to attend excursions.

Premier's Reading Challenge 2024

The Premier's Reading Challenge for this year is approaching its conclusion. Congratulations to all students who took part; it has been reported that a significant number of diverse texts have been read. Please note that validations will close tomorrow, Friday, August 23rd. Should you have any questions or concerns related to the reading challenge, do not hesitate to reach out to Mrs. Davey.

Save the Date: Friday 30th August

Next Friday, August 30th, promises to be a vibrant morning filled with various activities. We will commence the day with our annual Father's Day Breakfast.

Additionally, during the morning session from 9:15 am to 10:00 am, we extend an invitation to all grandparents to participate in Grandparents Day, which will feature several activities in celebration of this special event, including the highlight of the day, our 'Book Week Fashion Parade.' We encourage everyone to visit the library to explore our Book Fair Display, culminating in our annual Book Week fashion parade.

Bridget from The Herd Bar will be onsite throughout the morning, for those who wish to purchase a warm beverage.

This year's theme is 'Reading is Magic', and students are encouraged to dress up as their favorite book characters for the parade. I have sorted out my costume and it isn't anything like the Christopher Robin outfit I wore last year.

Should you wish to acquire a book and contribute it to the library, we would be pleased to accept your donation. The book you provide will feature a donation label affixed inside the cover, bearing your family's name, serving as a gift of reading to be shared with other children.

Kindergarten Transition Program Starting on Tuesday!

The Kindergarten Transition program is set to begin on Tuesday 9am to 3pm. We eagerly anticipate the arrival of our twelve Transition students as they embark on their first day at big school. This program will take place every Tuesday for the remainder of Term 3 and will continue for the first five Tuesdays of Term 4. Mrs. Hoy will be at the helm of the transition, having arranged a variety of enjoyable activities to be carried out during the program.

Transition Days for children are significant in helping children familiarise themselves with the school environment and helping to make the transition to ‘big school’ so much easier.

School Advisory Council Meeting this Tuesday

Just a reminder that the next School Advisory Council Meeting will be held this upcoming Tuesday 27th August commencing at 5.30pm in the library.

Canteen Helpers Desperately Needed!

Regrettably, we find ourselves in a predicament where the coordinators of the school's canteen are having difficulty securing sufficient volunteers to cover all the positions on the roster necessary for the canteen's operation every Monday and Friday. If anyone is in a position to offer assistance, we kindly request that you inform the school.

2024 School Improvement Survey

The Catholic Schools Office has once again collaborated with Survey My School in 2024 to facilitate parents in giving feedback on the practices and procedures of St Patrick's School. Please be aware the structure and several questions have been modified for this year's survey to ensure there is no repetition of questions as well as being more user-friendly. Parents can expect to receive these surveys via email from the beginning of next week.

The Winner of 'Wearing Uniform With Pride' Award For This Week Is.......

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Nina, the deserving recipient of this week's 'Wearing Uniform With Pride' award. Nina, you have every reason to take pride in your accomplishments, as the entire St Patrick's community consistently observes your commitment to wearing your school and sports uniform with great pride.

2024 Remaining Staff Development Days (PD Days)

Monday 14th October (First day of Term 4)

Friday 20th December (Last day of Term 4)

Upcoming Event Term 4 - New England Sings 2024 Term 4 for Years 3-6

NEW ENGLAND SINGS! 2024 COMBINED PRIMARY CHOIRS REHEARSAL SCHEDULE Armidale and surrounding schools – outreach schools will have rehearsals scheduled at their own school. However, outreach schools are welcome to attend the Armidale workshops if possible.

This exciting event is beginning to take shape, 16 schools (with approx. 500 choristers) in the combined Primary choirs and 14 schools (with approx. 450 choristers) in the Secondary choir.

Ian Jefferson will attend the workshops throughout the year and conduct the Primary choirs at the final weekend of rehearsals and concerts.

FINAL REHEARSAL (all schools, including outreach schools to attend):

Date: Saturday 26th October (directed by Ian Jefferson)

Time: Primary Choir 9:00am – 10.45 am (arrive by 8:30am)

Venue: Lazenby Hall, UNE

CONCERTS: Date: Sunday 27th October (directed by (with Ian Jefferson)

Time: Primary Choir 11:00am – 1:00pm (arrive by 9:30am)

Venue: Lazenby Hall, UNE

St Patrick’s School is an outreach school for the rehearsals but we will attempt to attend two of the rehearsals in Armidale.

Parents will have to commit to the Saturday 26th October - Final Rehearsal and Sunday 27th October Concert. If they wish their child to participate in New England Sings.

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.

Community Announcements