Especean

Junior School

A Simple Lenten Reflection

In many ways, observing the season of Lent is a counter-cultural experience these days. We frequently receive the message from mainstream and social media that a good or full life is one in which your every need and desire is met right away. By contrast, in the season of Lent our ancient tradition calls us to moderation, to self-denial and to focus on the other, as we prepare to engage with the mysteries of Holy Week and Easter.

 

Your boys will be regularly reminded at assembly and in class that in Lent we are called to PRAY, FAST and GIVE ALMS. It will be great if these messages are heard at home too, and if each family makes some commitments to observe these traditions together this Lent. I know for some of you this will come as naturally as breathing, but if this is new for you, I hope you will be inspired by your boys to take this on. Every small commitment matters and every small effort brings us a little closer to God!

‘Standards’ at St Patrick’s College

After a very warm and supportive welcome to all our new and returning students, we have come to the time of term when we need to get serious about communicating and insisting on students meeting the Junior School’s ‘standards’. Here are just a few examples:

  • When you pass a teacher, acknowledge and greet them.
  • When you are instructed to sit or stand quietly or silently, do so.
  • Be sure your tie covers your top button.
  • Use the Student Diary daily to remember equipment and events.
  • Get dropped off and picked up in the right place, every time.
  • Have an Opal card if you intend to catch the bus.
  • When you are set homework, complete it (ask for help if you are not sure about it).

Over many years, the young boys of the Junior School have proven themselves more than capable of rising to and exceeding our expectations. Lately, we have been emphasising that boys need to rise to our standards until they become THEIR standards – we will not drop the standards to accommodate sub-standard behaviour. 

 

If it should come to pass that your son receives an Infringement for not rising to our expectations, I hope and trust he can rely on your support to pull his socks up. Believe me – he can and he will.

Year 5 Belonging Day and Welcome Liturgy

Tomorrow is a big day for Year 5, with their first College formation day experience, Belonging Day. I ask all in the community to say a prayer or two for the Year 5 students on this important occasion.

 

A link to the Welcome Liturgy will be sent to Year 5 families this evening in readiness for tomorrow evening’s online celebration. Although we are not able to gather all together in the Chapel, I know we will all be together in spirit. We remember Jesus’s reassurance from Matthew’s Gospel that when two or more gather in his name, he is with them.

Instrumental Program Begins

The Year 5 Instrumental Program kicked-off for the Blue, Black and Gold classes last Thursday. It was great to witness the excitement so many students were feeling as they lined up outside the Duffy Music Centre before their sessions. We look forward to hearing the fruits of their practise come the end of Semester 1. Best wishes to Dr David Taylor and all the music tutors as they guide our Year 5 students.

Uniform Shop Reminder

A reminder that students are NOT permitted to leave class to attend Uniform Shop appointments. Please do not ask or expect the terrific staff in the Uniform Shop to send for students if you have inadvertently (or deliberately) made an appointment during class time.

 

Ben Munday

Director of Junior School

 

Junior School Student Reporting 

In 2020 we trialled the inclusion of a 'Student Reflection' in Mid-Year and End of Year reports. Students drafted, conferenced and published a reflection based on their academic and co-curricular pursuits. I encourage Junior School families who can give feedback on the inclusion of student voice as part of the reporting process in the Junior School, to email daniel.fields@spc.nsw.edu.au with any comments or feedback to refine and improve this process for the current academic year.  

 

Daniel Fields

Junior School Curriculum Coordinator