Faith, Justice and Formation
Year 5 Belonging Day
For most boys, Year 5 is a period of adjustment and change. Generally speaking, St Patrick’s College is a new and very different school environment, one that requires a fairly rapid orientation to routine and structure. While we know through experience that this type of environment is one that brings out the best in the boys, it is usually an environment that is outside their previous experiences of school and may take a little adjustment.
To assist our boys in their first year at the College, we will be holding a Belonging Day for Year 5. This day is designed to enable our boys to experience, in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere, a day of activities and structured free time that will build a sense of confidence and community in them. The activities will develop team and group consciousness, form and strengthen relationships with others and raise awareness of collective needs. It will also commence their ongoing Formation program at the College. The title for Belonging Day is Jesus, Edmund and Me which taps into the EREA Touchstone of Gospel Spirituality. There will be timetabled free time to give the boys the chance to meet and be with boys they may not have spent much time with. The forming of friendships is arguably one of the most important factors in a happy orientation to a new environment such as St Patrick’s.
At the heart of Belonging Day is our recognition of our Catholic identity and tradition. The day will emphasise the essential presence of God in our daily lives. We aim to strengthen the links we have with each other as a Catholic community and an Edmund Rice ministry, and to begin to engender a genuine feeling of belonging in the boys.
| Activity Description | Year 5 Belonging Day |
|---|---|
| Location | 5 Blue, 5 Gold, 5 Green, 5 Orange travelling to Holy Name of Mary Parish Hall, Hunters Hill 5 Black, 5 White, 5 Red travelling to St Patrick’s Cathedral Parish Hall, Parramatta |
| Activity Date | Thursday 18 May 2023 |
| Activity Time | Departing the College at 8:30 AM and returning by 3:10 PM |
| Uniform/Clothing | Students are to wear appropriate casual dress on the day |
| What to Bring | Boys are to please bring their own recess and lunch |
| Travel Arrangements | The students will be transported to and from the venue by bus, departing the College at 8:30 AM and returning by 3:10 PM. This will be a normal school day for the boys.Boys who have sports training on this day will need to bring their sports clothes in their sports bag. |
Participation in the event is compulsory for Year 5 and parents/carers are asked to register their consent via the TASS Parent Lounge. Full instructions have been emailed to parents/carers of Year 5.
Adam Leslie
Acting Director of Identity