Mr Hyatt
Goodbye Summer!
I was informed by some of the students this morning that today is the last day of Summer and they were actually looking forward to the next few months as the weather will start cooling down! I have to admit that over the last three months, it has been warm, and since I commenced working at St Patrick's I am normally wearing a jumper by now. Looking at the forecast, it looks like Summer conditions will still be occurring in the very near future. I just wish we get some consistent rain as it is definitely dry at the moment.
The drainage works are now in full swing with work commencing on reducing the gradient of the bank at the bottom end of the top playground as the trees that were located in this area have now been cut down. Workers have now started pouring concrete on top of the slope. This has caused the safety fence to move closer to the older playground equipment, cutting off more playspace from the students. Currently, to access any of the equipment from the Sports shed, the staff have to walk around the outside of the presbytery to get to the shed, as all other access points have been blocked off. This has also caused each class to have to conduct their PE lessons under the 'COLA'. While this is not ideal, I want to express my appreciation to all staff members and students for managing these changes without complaint. I hope, in the coming weeks, that we will be able to access and utilise the top playground again.
Speaking of trees, I did create some angst among some of our students as at the end of last year, I was given a report from an arborist who recommended several trees on our site had to be removed due to ill health or causing possible safety concerns. One of these trees was the Japanese Elm located near the half basketball court, where several students used to read under and/or stay in the shade it provides on a hot day. Although this tree does provide shade, its root system has damaged the footpath and even though I am not a tree expert, I have been informed that it has not been healthy for a long time.
I thought I would be honest with the students and tell them this tree had to go. We'll I would never have guessed the repercussions of this announcement and soon a group was created in the hope that I would change my mind and save the tree. Creating placards, the group decided to protest by chanting 'Save our tree!' during recess and lunch breaks and even tying up some of their group members to the tree.
You have to admire and applaud their efforts but I have been instructed by the Catholic Schools Office that the tree has to go for safety reasons and this will be happening soon. I sort of hope this will happen on a weekend, so the students will not have to witness it. Just to reassure everyone that I plan to purchase a new tree that will replace the Japanese Elm. I don't know what type I will get yet, but hopefully, its replacement will continue to provide shade, as well as a suitable place to meet and read in the future.
If not, I know I am going to get into trouble.
School Crossing
Last week the Walcha Council Council contacted myself as they are currently undertaking investigations into what options are available for a pedestrian crossing located on South St towards the Fitzroy St roundabout intersection.
I have reviewed the current set of concept plans and provided feedback that will assist with the final set of plans being drawn up for construction.
The aim of this project is primarily to provide a safe point of crossing for school students walking from town to St Patrick's and vice versa. I have been informed that the planning and construction of the crossing will be completed by the end of this financial year. I will let everyone know as soon as I receive any updates.
Diocesan Swimming Carnival - tomorrow
Best wishes to Lilah, Henry, Angus, Albert, Tom L, Florence, Josie, Benji, Airlee, Will, Grace S, Grace F, Jessica, and Harry F as they prepare to represent the school at the Diocesan Swimming Carnival in Gunnedah tomorrow. We want to express our sincere congratulations to each of them and send our well wishes for success!
Parent Information Night Follow-Up
Thanks again to the parents who took part in our annual Parent Information Night last week. A wide range of topics was discussed and it allowed all of the teachers to present an information session on the general operation of their classrooms for this academic year.
I know due to various reasons a number of our parents were unable to attend the meeting and I have had some requests on whether we can share the slides used in the presentation with our families.
In the attachment below is a copy of the slides used last Tuesday.
International Women's Day- 8th March
Next Friday, 8th March marks International Women's Day. This day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality across every domain while celebrating women's achievements. Raising awareness about discrimination and taking action to drive gender parity.
Kindergarten Parent Best Start Interviews
A letter was sent home recently to all of our Kindergarten families with a report of their child's Best Start Assessment results. Compass parent portal is now taking bookings for Parent Teacher interviews.
Parent Teacher Interviews Years 1-6
The teachers very shortly (Week 7: Monday 11th-Thursday 14th March) would like to meet with parents for Parent Teacher Interviews to discuss how students have settled into school and set individual goals for 2024. Mrs Pittman has already contacted families via COMPASS with times available with your child's teacher. Please respond with your preference.
The Winner of 'Wearing Uniform With Pride' Award Is.......
Congratulations go to Phoebe who has won the first 'Wearing Uniform With Pride' award for the year. It was a hard decision to make as several students could have won this award for this week. Well done Phoebe, you thoroughly deserved it!
2024 Staff Development Days (PD Days)
All schools within the diocese have been granted a total of eight staff development days for this year. These designated days aim to improve the teaching capabilities of the staff, with a specific focus on the curriculum. Additionally, they provide an opportunity for the staff to implement the new teaching syllabus for the upcoming year. So far, we have already utilised two of the allocated staff development days. To minimise any inconveniences caused to our families who need to arrange care on days when the school is closed, I have scheduled the remaining six PD Days to occur either on the last few days or the first few days of each term. Below are the dates when the remaining six staff development days will take place.
Friday 12th April (Last day of Term 1)
Monday 29th and Tuesday 30th April (First two days of Term 2)
Monday 22nd July (First day of Term 3)
Monday 14th October (First day of Term 4)
Friday 20th December (Last day of Term 4)
NAPLAN
NAPLAN testing will take place in Weeks 7, 8 and 9 (Wednesday 13th March- 25th March) of this term. Students in Years 3 and 5 will sit tests for Writing 13th March, Reading & Language Conventions 14th March and Numeracy 19th March. Please refrain from making appointments during school time on these tests days. It is important that your child is available on the day unless they are unwell. In the case of illness students will be able to sit the test on Thursday 21st March until Monday 25th March.
Further information for parents and carers can be found here:
https://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/parent-carer-support
I encourage all parents of students in Years 3 and 5 to explore the Public Demonstration Site with your child (click on button below). Here you will find sample questions for each of the areas assessed.
https://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site
Click below to see a short video showing how to navigate the Public Demonstration Site.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ElaxjY7xKzPkl4QijbH_YPs9IRtkr8FU/view
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.