Mrs Makeham

Phoebe's Most Excellent Adventure!

Principal  for the day

My name is Miss Grills and Monday was the day I was the St Patrick’s School Principal.

My day started by looking at new equipment for the sports shed. Mrs Rizzi has been a bit of a problem because she was hassling me about money and budgets!

I then went to Years 3 and 4 and told them that they were to get ten minutes of extra play.  Well apparently this was not enough! (Someone needs to be a little bit more grateful.)

My next stop was in Years 5/6 where I told them the great news and they were super happy. However, they  were a little bit distracted.

Kindy! Well, l walked in and saw Ms Wilson looked very worn-out, so l asked them had  they been naughty? Ms Wilson reported that they needed to learn how to keep their bottoms still and their hands to themselves! 

l said, “ Well, no ten minutes extra  play for you.”  They went silent.

Last of all l went to Years 1/2. From what I observed,  they need to be a little more talkative and contribute in class discussions. (Mrs Laurie you’ve still got your job.)

When the bell rang the handball tournament started. The girls and l were had so much fun. 

All in all I had a great day.

Let's Hang It Art Competition Finalists

Congratulations to our two finalists: Anna and Oscar.

Dear Educator,

We are thrilled to inform you that the following student is amongst a group of 60 finalists in the 2025 University of New England School Acquisitive Art Prize. This is an amazing achievement given there were 583 art entries this year from 50 schools. The selection committee commented that there was wonderful expression of creativity and diverse styles represented which made the selection process very difficult, given the high standard across all entries. Please inform the student of their success and extend our congratulations.

Student Name:   Anna Blomfield

Year:   Year 1

Category:   A. Infants

Title of Work:   The Windy Bush

Medium:   Watercolour, charcoal, oil pastel

Student Name:   Oscar Young

Year:   Year 3

Category:  B.Primary

Title of Work:   Hot Rocks

Medium:   Paint

ICAS Assessments 2025: Key Dates Approaching

The annual International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) are just around the corner for 2025, offering students an opportunity to challenge their academic skills in various subjects. These online assessments are designed to recognise and reward academic excellence, encouraging higher-order thinking and problem-solving abilities.

ICAS Assessments cover a range of subjects, including:

• Digital Technologies

   

• Writing

   

• English

   

• Science

   

• Spelling Bee

   

• Mathematics

   

For many subjects, the main sitting windows will occur in August 2025. 

ICAS provides a valuable benchmark for students, allowing them to see how their performance compares against peers nationally and internationally. All participating students receive a certificate, with top performers also eligible for Distinction, High Distinction, and even medals.

How to participate in ICAS  

If you wish for your child to participate in ICAS this year, please:  

1. read about ICAS subjects and prices here: (icasassessments.com/products-icas)  
2. go to Parent Portal to purchase tests here: https://shop.icasassessments.com/pages/parent-payment/YHA639  
3. enter the parent’s access code – YHA639
4. enter your child’s details, select the tests you would like to purchase, then proceed to payment.  

Term 2 Staff Development Days (PD Days) commencing tomorrow

Please note that the school will be closed for students over the next three school days due to staff development days, commencing tomorrow. 

Friday 6th June (tomorrow)

Tuesday 10th June (next week)

Wednesday 11th June (next week)

The Winner of 'Wearing Uniform With Pride' Award Is.......

This week Jack Mansfield has been awarded the 'Wearing Uniform With Pride' award.

Jack is being congratulated for consistently demonstrating pride in both winter and sports uniforms.

Semester 1 Reports 

Teachers are beginning to collect data as well as completing student assessments in preparing for this semster's reports. These reports will be on Compass parent portal. Should you have any questions after reviewing your child's report, please feel free to contact their class teacher during Week 10. 

The Semester 1 Report provides parents with an overview of their child's achievement and development in all key learning areas, as well as their level of engagement and socialinteraction.

The government requires a five scale grading system. In place of the A-E grade, a new language is being used to describe the level of knowledge and skills demonstrated by each child. This is comprehensively explained in your child's report.

SCHOOL HOURS

Supervision of students commences at 8:30am. Students should not be on-site until after 8:30 AM. 

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.