CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 26th May-1st June

Today, our 3-6 students gathered at the De La Salle Chapel in O'Connor Secondary College, joining schools from the Armidale Deanery for Mass. This week presents a chance to acknowledge the significance, worth, and impact of Catholic education on both the Church and the global community. Catholic Schools Week is dedicated to promoting awareness and honouring the unique qualities and achievements of Catholic schools.

In order to further commemorate the numerous success stories that occur on a daily basis within all Catholic schools in our diocese, the school will once again be hosting a House Challenge Day tomorrow, similar to last year. This event will witness the Red and Blue teams reigniting their rivalry as they partake in various challenges throughout the day. Parents, grandparents, and caregivers are invited to attend and observe the competitions, and they may even have the opportunity to participate in some of the challenges. Considering that Winter is approaching, I am hopeful for a pleasant day. However, the weather forecast for tomorrow is not promising, with a showery day expected.

POSSIBLE CHANGE TO SCHOOL UNIFORM SURVEY

The survey concerning the suggested modifications to our school uniform is currently available for all families to express their views and feedback on the proposal discussed during the previous term's School Advisory Council Meeting. We appreciate the participation of the thirty-eight families and staff members who have already provided their input. If you have not yet shared your thoughts on the possible uniform changes, you still have the opportunity to do so as the survey will close at 3.00pm tomorrow.

Reconciliation Week

Reconciliation Week is an important time for us to come together and reflect on the shared history of Australia. On Monday, to mark the occasion, our school embraced the theme of "Now more than ever" and "Together as one" by collaborating with our Aboriginal Education Assistant, Jenny to create, each class created their own artwork.

The students eagerly participated in this project, using their handprints and other symbols to express their thoughts and feelings about reconciliation. Through this creative process, they were able to delve into the significance of unity and understanding between all Australians. By working hand in hand with Jenny, the students gained a deeper understanding of Aboriginal culture and history. They learned about the importance of acknowledging the past and working towards a future of inclusivity and respect.

The artwork produced during this project serves as a powerful visual representation of the values we hold dear as a school community. Each handprint and symbol tells a unique story, reflecting the diverse perspectives and experiences of our students. Through this collective effort, we emphasized the message that we are stronger when we stand together, embracing our differences and celebrating our shared humanity.

St Patrick's Primary recognises the significance of Reconciliation Week not only in honoring the past but also in shaping a more harmonious future. It is a time for us to acknowledge the injustices of the past and commit to creating a more equitable and understanding society for future generations.

MESSAGE STICK ARRIVING SOON THIS SUNDAY!

The Message Stick for the Catholic School NSW Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Education conference will be coming to our parish and school on Sunday, June 2nd. It will travel to each parish and school community from Term 1 to Term 4, concluding its journey at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment & Conference Centre for the conference.

The message stick will be handed over to the host of the Catholic Schools NSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Conference, with the Armidale Diocese set to host the significant educational gathering from October 22nd to October 24th, 2024.

The Message Stick will travel across the diocese spreading the message of this year's conference theme: “Spirit on Country: Learning Together, then, now & always”.

The school will be conducting a liturgy and run various activities to acknowledge and celebrate the message stick's time with us before it continues it's journey to the St Joseph's Parish of Uralla on Sunday 9th June.

Best wishes to Digby, Harriet, Lucy and Phoebe for this Sunday

This Sunday, we have the joy of celebrating a special occasion as Digby, Harriet, Lucy, and Phoebe receive the sacrament of Holy Communion for the first time. It's a momentous step in their spiritual journey and a time of celebration for their families and the entire community.

First Holy Communion is a significant event in the lives of many young individuals. It marks the first time they will receive the body and blood of Jesus Christ in the form of bread and wine. This sacred act is a fundamental part of the our faith and is often seen as a rite of passage for children as they become more integrated into the church community.

We extend our best wishes to our four students as they partake in this sacrament for the first time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their families.

Let's Hang It Art Competition Finalists

Congratulations to our three finalists: Mackenzie L, Isaac and Ryan.

We are thrilled to inform you that the following students are amongst a group of 60 finalists in the 2024 University of New England School Acquisitive Art Prize. This is an amazing achievement given there were 553 art entries this year from 46 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 students of their success and extend our congratulations.

Infants: Mackenzie Larkings, Yr2, ‘Cathead, Penguin body in the dark’, pencil, watercolour, marker

Primary: Isaac Olrich, Yr3, ‘Swirling Couch’, watercolour, crayon

Primary: Ryan Partridge, Yr5, ‘One Eye Pete’, posca pen, sharpie

Diocesan Rugby Trials Tomorrow

We wish Angus, Bentley, Digby and Tom all of the best for tomorrow as they will be participating at the Diocesan Rugby Union Trials/Gala Day in Tamworth. Good luck boys.

School Advisory Council Meeting This Tuesday

This term's School Advisory Council Meeting will be taking place this upcoming Tuesday 4th June commencing at 5.30pm in the library.

Monday 10th June - Public Holiday

I hope all of our families will be able to enjoy some family time on Monday 10th June.

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

Eden has been chosen as the recipient of the 'Wearing Uniform With Pride' award for this week. We would like to offer our heartfelt congratulations to Eden for consistently demonstrating pride not just in her school uniform, but also in her sports uniform.

2024 Remaining Staff Development Days (PD Days)

Monday 22nd July (First day of Term 3)

Monday 14th October (First day of Term 4)

Friday 20th December (Last day of Term 4)

Semester 1 Reports

As we head towards the end of the term, all teachers are working hard finalising assessments and writing Semester 1 reports. The reports will be sent home electronically via the Compass parent portal & hard copies will be posted home at the end of Week 9 (Friday 28th June). If parents have any questions after they receive their child's report they can contact the class teacher in week 10.

As a result of the introduction of the updated English and Mathematics Curriculum for our students in Years 3-6 this semester, modifications have been made to the semester one reports to incorporate the additional areas of emphasis outlined in both curriculums. However, the format of the reports for students in Kindergarten, Year 1, and Year 2 remains unchanged from previous years.

The Semester 1 Report provides parents with an overview of their child's achievement in terms of knowledge and skill in each key learning area and their level of engagement; the degree of attention, curiosity and interest they show when learning.

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:

Working towards the expected level of achievement - this is split into two sections - Working towards (D) and Working Well Below (E) the expected level

Working at the expected level of achievement (C)

Working beyond the expected level of achievement - this is split into two sections - Working Beyond (B) and Working Well Beyond (A) the expected level

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 REHEARSAL with Ian Jefferson

Date: Wednesday 31st July

Time: 9.00-10.15am

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:

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.

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