Mr Hyatt

Welcome to Term 4

Welcome back! I hope you all had a restful and enjoyable break and are ready for the exciting new term ahead. As we begin this term, I would like to take a moment to extend a warm welcome to all our students, staff, and families.

I have to admit that I am still getting over my holiday as a number of our staff members have recently completed a pilgrimage trek in South Korea and for some strange reason, my body, especially my legs is struggling to recover. Anyway, the trip was fantastic and I would encourage anyone to walk around Jeju Island. 

Anyway, each new term brings with it a sense of renewal and opportunity, and I am confident that this one will be filled with growth, learning, and success. Our students continue to inspire us with their curiosity, enthusiasm, and resilience, and I look forward to supporting each and every one of them in their academic, social, and personal development over the coming weeks.

This term promises to be filled with a range of exciting activities and events, including various overnight excursions, the NSWPSSA Athletics Carnival, Real Talk workshops, First Reconciliation, as well as the continued dedication to our core focus—fostering a love of learning in an environment where every child feels valued, supported, and encouraged to achieve their best.

Anyway, that is enough from me. Hopefully, I will catch up with everyone very soon.

Real Talk Workshop for Years 4 and 6 students

On Tuesday 29th October, St Patrick's will be hosting the Real Talk Workshop. Our Years 4 and 6 students will be working with the students of  St Joseph's Primary, Uralla on this day. Real Talk is all about getting realon the topics of relationships and personal identity. Based on Christian values and using personal sharing from a team of dynamic presenters, 

Real Talk provides presentations, programs, and up-to-date resources and wants all young people to know their true value, worth, and dignity and to experience love for all it was created to be.

CRAZY SOCK AND HAIR DAY - Thursday 31st Oct for Catholic Missions Fund Raising.

October is Catholic Mission Month and this year the theme is 'Go and Invite Everyone to the Banquet' with a focus on the mission of building a stronger economy and society in Mongolia, where it is hoped that the vulnerable will be able to access social services.

Our Mini Vinnies team are in the process of organising and coordinating several fundraisers for this project and they have decided to have our annual CRAZY Sock and Hair Day on Thursday 31st October. Everyone is encouraged to wear something crazy in their hair, wear some crazy socks and bring a GOLD coin for the Mission appeal.

During the week spanning from October 28th to November 1st, the team will be also organising a book sale, with each book priced at $1. More information will be released in the next newsletter.

I am still traumatised from being taped to the wall last year. This year there is going to be a change, where the students are going to vote for a staff member (who have already agreed to be placed in this situation) to be kidnapped and taped to the wall by the students and fellow staff members on Thursday 31st October. I have a funny feeling that it is going to be me again as I have been informed that I am on most of the staff and student's hit list! Students are reminded that if they would like to take part in this and make the staff member's life uncomfortable, they are encouraged to bring in another dollar to pay for a strip of masking tape. Hopefully, I will be able to duct tape one of our staff members to the wall. We'll just have to wait and see! 

Guess what? Some of our students have created their own newspaper!

Today marks a significant milestone for eight young girls from Years 5 and 6, who have proudly unveiled the very first edition of their self-created school newspaper, Patty’s Paper. What started as a simple idea in the playground has blossomed into a fully-fledged publication, showcasing the creativity, teamwork, and journalistic ambition of these budding writers.

What makes Patty’s Paper special is that it’s entirely run by these eight young journalists. They’ve taken on various roles within the newspaper to ensure everything runs smoothly. From writers to editors and designers, each of the papers' founders has found their niche, contributing their unique strengths to make the paper a success. The girls have worked together to research stories, conduct interviews, and even gather artwork from other students to include in the publication.

The first edition of Patty's Paper was sent home to all of our families this afternoon.

Term 4 - Summer Uniform

The children look great in their Summer Uniforms. Please support the staff in ensuring your child/children are fully dressed in their correct uniform each day.  This includes the correct hat, shorts, socks and black shoes, blue/red hair ribbons.

St Patrick's has always had high expectations around the school uniform and it is an expectation that everyone wears the correct uniform with pride everyday.

Parents please make sure your child has the correct uniform on each day. 

Please send a note to school if your child has a reason for being out of uniform. 

SUMMER

SPORT

2024 Remaining Staff Development Days (PD Days)

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.