Mr Hyatt

Welcome Back to a Brand New School Year! 

I extend a formal welcome to all our current and new families as we embark on a fresh academic year. I trust that each one of you had a delightful Christmas, a joyous New Year, and a rejuvenating break, despite its fleeting nature.

We are eagerly anticipating collaborating with all individuals who are part of our St Patrick's Learning Community. This upcoming year at St Patrick's holds great promise for excitement and success. Our staff has meticulously established specific targets and strategies in our 2024 Annual Improvement Plan, guaranteeing that we will accomplish our objectives.

All of the students have had a fantastic beginning to the academic year. Today, we dedicated some time to discussing ways in which each individual can contribute towards making St Patrick's Primary the top school in NSW! Our conversation revolved around the importance of maintaining high standards in behaviour, adhering to the school uniform policy, and giving our utmost effort in class to reach our full potential. Additionally, we emphasised the significance of allowing our teachers to fulfill their role of providing quality education.  

The staff expresses their gratitude for your support in upholding these standards throughout our school community. We appreciate your efforts in ensuring that all children attend school daily in their complete St Patrick's school uniform and that good manners are consistently reinforced at home

Finally, I would like to welcome Ella, Imogen and Palesa who had their first day at St Patrick's today. Imogen is in Year 3 and has joined us from St Joseph's Primary School, Glen Innes, while Ella (Year 2) and Palesa (Year 5) have joined us from Walcha Central School. All three students have already settled into their classroom routines very smoothly and I know they will definitely enjoy their time with us.

Update on Major Drainage Works

For various reasons, our primary drainage works did not commence during the holidays. Tomorrow, I have a scheduled meeting with the project manager and representatives from the Catholic Schools Office to conduct a site inspection and finalise the scheduling of each stage of this project. I expect that the work will begin before the end of February. To minimise disruptions to the classrooms' daily operations, we have decided to start the major project with Stage 3. This phase will involve the installation of new playground equipment, the creation of an artificial creek, and reinforcing the bank at the bottom end of the top playground. Once I have the confirmed start date and any other relevant information regarding this project, I will promptly inform all members of our school community.

First Day for Kindergarten Students on Tuesday!

We are eagerly anticipating the arrival of Harry K, Alfie, Anna, Amelia, Harrison, Millie, Stirling, Eden, Alice, Evelyn, Wallace, Harry M, Heidi, and Eve on Tuesday morning as they embark on their first day of Kindergarten. It feels like it has been quite a while since all of you completed our Transition Program at the end of last year. I am confident that every one of you will have a fantastic day on Tuesday!

Parent Information Night-Tuesday 20th February

This year, we are pleased to announce that our annual Parent Information Night will be held on Tuesday, February 20th, starting at 5.30pm in the library. During this event, we will cover a range of important topics including our Annual Improvement Plan, the targets we aim to achieve this academic year, the structure and procedures of different learning areas, and discussions on agreed practices for homework and other related matters. We encourage all new and existing families to attend and participate in these informative conversations

Once the Information Night component has concluded, the P & F will be having their Annual General Meeting and this will be followed by a Welcome Barbecue for all of our community members. More information about this night has been sent to all families via the COMPASS app.

2024 National Servicemen's  Commemoration Day Service

The Armidale and District National Servicemen's Association will be holding a Commemoration Service on Sunday the 11th February commencing at 11am at the National Servicemen's Monument in Central Park Armidale.

The service is in remembrance of the national servicemen (conscripts) who were killed in action during World War 2 and Vietnam, who died during their service and those who have passed away since completing their military obligations.

St Patrick's have been invited to lay a wreath in memory of the departed national servicemen during this ceremony. Expressions of interest were sent out to our school leaders to take part in this service earlier today.

Covering of Students' Books

All classes will be sending your child's workbooks home tomorrow afternoon for covering over the weekend. If it is possible, could you please cover these books and return them to school by Monday, February 5th.

 I understand that many parents are busy over the weekend, so if you are unable to cover the workbooks, please still return them to school on Monday. You can make arrangements with your child's classroom teacher to have the workbooks sent home on a more convenient date.

Change To Wearing Sports Uniform Days This Year

At the start of the new academic year, I would like to notify everyone about a modification in our sports uniform schedule. Unlike last year, sports uniform days will now take place every Wednesday and Friday. This alteration was necessary to accommodate the changes in teaching days for some of our staff members and to ensure minimal disruptions to our literacy and numeracy block throughout the first two days of the week. On Wednesdays, certain classes will have different teachers, with Mrs. Hoy instructing Kindergarten and myself overseeing Year 5-6. Additionally, all primary grades will participate in band lessons, and each class will have their library lesson on Wednesdays as well.

I do apologise for any inconvenience that the change of wearing sports uniform on the Wednesday instead of Tuesday may cause our families.

Walcha Races

The Walcha Race Day is on Friday 9th February. This is a half day holiday. Buses will collect students at 11:20am, other students need to be picked up 11:20 - 11:30am.

School will be closed from 11:30am.  

Ash Wednesday and Beginning of School Year Mass - Wednesday 14th February 11:30am @ St Patrick's Church

Our first K-6 School Mass for 2024 will be the Ash Wednesday and Beginning of School Mass, Wednesday 14th February in St Patrick's Church beginning at 11.30am. Our new School Captains, House Captains and School Leaders will have their badges blessed by Monsignor Ted and be formally commissioned.  Everyone is invited to join us.

Swimming Carnival - Friday 16th Feburary

Our Swimming Carnival is scheduled to take place on Friday, February 16th. A notice regarding the Swimming Carnival has been sent home to all families via Compass, as well as a paper copy of the nomination form. We kindly request that you complete the consent process through Compass as soon as possible and return the nomination forms to the office by Monday, February 12th. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated as we put in a lot of effort to ensure the success of our swimming event.

Congratulations Annie!

I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Annabelle Patterson-Kane for being honoured with the Walcha Council's Junior Sportsperson Award during the Australia Day Ceremony held on Friday. On behalf of our entire learning community, we commend her outstanding achievement

The Australia Day award is a significant honour bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated exceptional talent, dedication, and sportsmanship in their chosen sport. Annie achievements in her respective fields have undoubtedly made her a deserving recipient of this accolade. 

Annie had a remarkable year, achieving numerous personal best times and emerging as the champion in multiple swimming and athletic events. She even managed to break some records at the St Patrick's Sporting Carnival. Annie's talents extended beyond swimming and athletics as she showcased exceptional skills in hockey as well. Her outstanding performance led to her selection to represent Polding at two NSWPSSA Carnivals.

Not only is Annie an exceptional athlete, but she is also a role model for her peers. She consistently demonstrates good sportsmanship, humility, and a strong work ethic. These qualities have not only contributed to her success but have also earned her the respect and admiration of her teammates and competitors alike.

Annie, you can take great pride in your accomplishments during your tenure at St Patrick's Primary. We extend our best wishes for your future academic and athletic pursuits. 

Communication

There are multiple methods available to stay informed about the latest happenings at school. It is crucial to stay updated by reading the weekly newsletter. The newsletter can be accessed electronically through COMPASS. 

It is essential for all families to subscribe to our COMPASS portal. This site regularly provides information to families. Each family is provided with a login. If you have misplaced your login details or are experiencing difficulties logging in, please contact our Front Office staff for assistance. 

Furthermore, our Facebook page is active and continuously updated with upcoming events that St Patrick's is involved in. A significant number of families are already following us. If you wish to access our Facebook account, the link is provided below.

Family Information Paperwork

A package will be sent home early next week with all students. The paperwork contains very important information, annual Update Family Details, Medical Plans, Media Permission (on Compass) & IT Code of Conduct. The notes need to be signed and any changes to details made, then return to school by  Monday 12th February.

We ask that you take time to go through the contents carefully and update information as required and complete and return forms by the date listed above.  

Please return this paperwork whether you have any changes or not by Monday the 12th February. THANK YOU

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 on spwadmin@arm.catholic.edu.au.

Attendance 

Parents must notify the school in case their child is absent from school. The school can be contacted through phone, email, or by submitting a compass attendance note. If a student's absence is not recorded by 11am, a SMS reminder will be sent out. 

Punctuality is highly valued at our school. At the start of each day, teachers establish the day's agenda and provide important reminders. We kindly request that families prioritize arriving on time. If students arrive after the bell, they must sign in at the Front Office to ensure accurate attendance records.

Students Arriving Late or Leaving School Early

PLEASE NOTE that all students arriving late, or being collected early for an appointment, MUST REPORT to Mrs Pittman at the Office to be signed in or out by a parent /guardian.

School Hours & Supervision

Teachers commence duty at 8:30am and finish duty when the last bus leaves St Patrick’s approximately 3:10pm.

Supervision begins at 8:30am in the COLA

School starts: 9am (Bell  - 8:50am)

Recess: 11:00am – 11:30am

Lunch: 1:30pm – 2:10pm 

School finishes: 3.00pm.

SCHOOL OFFICE HOURS

The school office hours are 8:30am to 3:30pm

Afternoon Process

Students are dismissed from class at 3.00pm and assemble in the COLA area for messages & dismissal. Students are dismissed at 3.05pm.

Buses are loaded at 3.05pm, pickups are taken to the front gate at St Patrick's Church, walkers are seen across  Apsley Street.

STAFFING FOR 2024

Kindergarten - Ms Wilson and Mrs Hoy (Wednesday)

Year 1 / 2 Mrs Flanagan (Monday-Thursday)

Year 3 / 4 Miss Cattelini 

Year 5/ 6 Mrs Davey (Monday-Tuesday, Thursday and Friday)

Mrs Davey  - Library every Wednesday for all classes.

Ms Wilson: MaST Coordinator

Mrs Hoy: Kindergarten every Wednesday, Release From Face to Face (Kindergarten and Year 1-2 on Thursday) and Year 1-2 on Friday.

Mrs Makeham- Release From Face to Face (Year 3-4 and 5-6) , as well as Leader of Pedagogy

My Hyatt - Principal, Religious Education Coordinator and Wednesday in Year 5-6

IST-Mrs Kym Didlick-Godwin (every Wednesday)

Education Assistants -Mrs Donna Harrison: Monday – Friday, Mrs Sarah Hoy: Monday and Tuesday and Ms Jenny Allen: Monday-Wednesday

Parish Priest – Monsignor Ted Wilkes

School Office Staff Mrs Sally Pittman Monday – Friday

School Finance Officer - Mrs Karen Rizzi - Wednesday & Thursday

Grounds – Mr Murray Blake 

NECOM Music Teachers - Mrs Nicole Mackson/ Mini Minstrels & Mr James McKay Primary School Band.