Mrs Makeham
Welcome back to Mr Hyatt who just survived his first day back at St Patrick's today.
Communication
In our ongoing commitment to fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for every little person in our care, I want to highlight the vital role of open communication and mutual respect within our school community.
When it comes to our students, their well-being and development are always our top priorities. It is crucial that we, as educators and parents, work together with a shared understanding and a gentle approach. Open, respectful communication is the cornerstone of this collaboration, allowing us to address concerns, celebrate achievements, and support each child’s unique journey.
We cannot affect what we do not know. If you have any concerns or worries about your child's education or well-being at school please contact Sally at the office to make a time to speak with your child's class teacher.
Behaviour and Discipline: The Living Well Learning Well Framework.
At St. Pat's we are fortunate to work with kind, respectful people - students, staff and parents. (Not all schools are so lucky.) Given this, we rarely have cause to invoke the system-wide framework which deals with discipline. That said, St Patrick's School works within the Living Well Learning Well guidelines, which is a support framework for all students, families and staff in Catholic schools in this diocese and simply dictates that all students, parents and staff are safe, respected, valued and cared for. This applies to all school relationships; student to student, staff and student and parents and staff. The rationale is that when all of these relationships are healthy and working as they should, all stakeholders have a better day because they are part of a team that is focused on learning and growth. This positive environment has ensured that we have very, very few behaviour issues. It is true to say that young people are unhappy not when much is expected of them but rather too little.
The following is a link to the Living Well Learning Well Framework:
Uniform Award
Congratulations to Edwina Lisle, who is this week's Uniform role model. Edwina always wears the correct uniform with pride. Well done Edwina!
Online Safety Controls
We understand that as a parent or carer, ensuring your children's online safety is a top priority. The eSafety Commissioner offers excellent resources to help you with this. The link below provides valuable tips and tricks on using parental controls and other tools to maximise online safety in your home.
Honours for Mackenzie Larkings
The University of New England School Acquisitive Art Prize (UNESAP) was established by the Faculty of Education at UNE with the purpose of promoting interest in the visual arts and encouraging talented young artists in regional New South Wales schools. Coordinated by the New England Regional Art Museum, the art prize is now in its twenty-first year.
In 2024, more than 550 artworks from 46 schools were submitted. A selection panel of art and education professionals from NERAM and UNE then selected 60 finalists. St Patrick’s had 3 finalists: Ryan Patridge, Isaac Olrich and Mackenzie Larkings. A professional artist judged the awards and selected the winners. These winners were announced last Friday evening. The exhibition artworks are now on display at NERAM.
Additionally the NECOM Director selected her favourite artwork from ALL categories. This year’s recipient was Mackenzie Larkings. Huge congratulations to Mackenzie for her artwork, ‘Cat head, penguin body in the dark.’
More highlights are in the Classroom Gallery section.
Remaining Staff Development Days (PD Days)
Monday 14th October (First day of Term 4)
Friday 20th December (Last day of Term 4)
Upcoming Event Term 4 - New England Sings 2024 Term 4 for Years 3-6
NEW ENGLAND SINGS! 2024 COMBINED PRIMARY CHOIRS REHEARSAL SCHEDULE Armidale and surrounding schools – outreach schools will have rehearsals scheduled at their own school. However, outreach schools are welcome to attend the Armidale workshops if possible.
This exciting event is beginning to take shape, 16 schools (with approx. 500 choristers) in the combined Primary choirs and 14 schools (with approx. 450 choristers) in the Secondary choir.
Ian Jefferson will attend the workshops throughout the year and conduct the Primary choirs at the final weekend of rehearsals and concerts.
St. PATRICK’S WALCHA REHEARSALS
FINAL REHEARSAL (all schools, including outreach schools to attend):
Date: Saturday 26th October (directed by Ian Jefferson)
Time: Primary Choir 9:00am – 10.45 am (arrive by 8:30am)
Venue: Lazenby Hall, UNE
CONCERTS: Date: Sunday 27th October (directed by (with Ian Jefferson)
Time: Primary Choir 11:00am – 1:00pm (arrive by 9:30am)
Venue: Lazenby Hall, UNE
St Patrick’s School is an outreach school for the rehearsals but we will attempt to attend two of the rehearsals in Armidale.
Parents will have to commit to the Saturday 26th October - Final Rehearsal and Sunday 27th October Concert. If they wish their child to participate in New England Sings.
A short video on what New England Sings! is all about is included below: