St Patrick's Newsletter

Mrs Makeham

As Term 2 ends...

I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our entire school community for your incredible support. Our school thrives as a partnership, and we achieve our best when we all work together for the learning and well-being of our students. Your dedication, whether through volunteering, supporting learning at home, or simply encouraging our students, makes a real difference, doesn't go unnoticed and is greatly and sincerely appreciated.

 

Term 2 has been exceptionally busy, and we know that persistent winter illnesses and general fatigue can take their toll. The upcoming school holidays offer a much-needed opportunity to rest, recover, and recharge. Let's hope some of the bugs that have plagued us all make a hasty retreat over the break!

 

As yet, we have not been definitively advised when Mr Hyatt will be returning to St. Pat's. He is always on the phone asking after students and staff and I get the feeling he may even miss us a bit! Hopefully he will be back early on in Term 3.

 

Wishing you all a safe break! We look forward to welcoming you back, refreshed and ready for Term 3 on July 22nd.

Our Commitment to "Living Well, Learning Well"

Recently we have had several visitors to our school who have commented favourably on the behaviour of our students, the respectful way they approach adults and one another and the peaceful and calm atmosphere that exists at St. Pat's. These characteristics cannot be attributed to luck or coincidence; but rather they are the result of 

Living Well, Learning Well Framework that guides our daily interactions and shapes the vibrant learning environment here at St. Patrick's School and in fact all schools in the Diocese of Armidale.

You might be wondering what "Living Well, Learning Well" means for your child and for our school community. Simply put, it's our compass for ensuring every student feels safe, supported, and ready to learn. This framework isn't just a document that sits on a shelf; it's a living, breathing set of principles that govern how staff and students interact, how students interact with each other, and how we, as staff, engage with parents. It's embedded in everything we do, every single day.

At St. Patrick's, we are deeply dedicated to upholding the values and practices that create safe learning environments for all students. We understand that for students to truly thrive academically, their wellbeing, sense of connection to school, and positive behaviour are all interconnected and equally important.

The "Living Well, Learning Well" framework is built on a strong foundation of up-to-date research and evidence. It helps us understand the best ways to support your child's overall development. We look at a wide range of important areas, including:

  • How we teach (pedagogy): Ensuring our teaching methods are effective and engaging for all students.
  • Inclusion: Making sure every student, regardless of their needs, feels a sense of belonging and can participate fully.
  • Behaviour support: Understanding and guiding student behaviour in positive and constructive ways.
  • Student voice: Encouraging students to share their thoughts and ideas, and feel heard.
  • Connection to school: Fostering a strong sense of community and belonging for every student.
  • Student psychology: Understanding how children think, feel, and develop.
  • Student wellbeing: Prioritising the emotional, social, and mental health of our students.
  • Staff efficacy: Supporting our staff to be the most effective and supportive educators they can be.

This extensive research is directly reflected in the language we use, our school policies, our daily practices, and the ways we communicate. Our goal is to ensure that everything we do is informed by the most contemporary understanding of how young people learn and grow best.

Ultimately, "Living Well, Learning Well" is about creating a school where every student can flourish not only academically but also personally. It's about building a supportive community where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential.

If you have any questions about the "Living Well, Learning Well" framework, please don't hesitate to reach out. We are always happy to discuss how these principles guide our work and benefit your child.

 

 

Mini Vinnies Winter Appeal Tomorrow Friday 4th July 2025

Students can participate by wearing mufti day clothes to school on the last day of term.

Gold coin donation will go towards St Vincent De Paul winter appeal.

Pupil-Free Day

Just a reminder that the first day of Term 3 ( Monday, July 21st)  is a pupil -free day. Teachers and Educational Assistants will be hard at work wrapping their heads around the new New South Wales curriculum.

Congratulations to Our First Communicants!

 

Last Friday Archie King, Archer Clarke and Levi Williams received their First Holy Communion at our school Mass. This was a particularly beautiful Mass where families, the  school community and parish joined together to celebrate this very special sacrament and important personal milestone. 

After Mass the whole school shared the First Communion cake. 

 

 

 

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.  

Semester 1 Reports 

Semester 1 Reports have been sent out through Compass last week.

There will be no formal parent / teacher meetings this term; however, appointments can be made to discuss your child's progress by contacting the school.

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.

 

SCHOOL HOURS

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