Principal's Message
Dear Parents/Carers,
The School recently received the Report from the Inquiry And Review that took place earlier this year.
Below are the commendations (those aspects that the Review Team highly praised) and the recommendations (what we can do to make St Patrick's Sutherland an even better school).
These recommendations will be used to help the Leadership team, and the Staff, create the next 3 - 5 Year plan for our school.
Steve Darcy (Principal)
The St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, Sutherland is affirmed for :
Religious Education and Charism
● Connection with the Presentation Sisters has been strengthened through the networking with other Presentation Schools around New South Wales. This was highlighted in the participation of St Patrick’s in the 150 year celebration at Domremy College, Five Dock in2024.
● The school works in close partnership with the parish. This is evidenced by the number of teachers facilitating the sacramental program.
Wellbeing Program - Berry Street Education Model
● The implementation of the Morning Circle has provided students and staff with a structured and supportive start to the day. The consistency of practice has been identified as a factor in creating a sense of calm in classrooms.
● Staff, students and parents have ‘ready to learn’ conversations when discussing behaviours that disrupt learning. This change in focus is a key factor attributed to a reduction in behavioural issues.
Consistency and Collaboration
● Through the innovation of a three week cyclic timetable, it has provided consistency in
school routines. There are less disruptions to the learning times and more opportunities for additional learning and collaboration.
● It is evident that there is a culture of collaboration as seen in the feedback from parents,
parish and staff. The LT is purposeful in the selection of teachers for grade teams to ensure collaboration is at the forefront of student learning.
Leadership
● There was a strong sense of support and collegial trust within the LT. Parents and staff
reported high trust in the ability and competency of the LT members.
● The members of the LT have a deep knowledge and capacity in their areas of expertise.
Student Engagement in learning
● There is a strong sense of calm in classrooms with students engaged in their learning. The use of consistent classroom expectations including differentiated work and the Bronze Award system were evident.
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES MOVING FORWARD
1. In partnership with the parish and parent communities, enliven the expression of the
school’s mission, vision and values to shape faith formation, enhance learning in Religious
Education and foster faith in action.
2. Build the data literacy capacity of staff to develop quality analysis and interpretation of
data, to enable sophisticated understanding of student assessment and data concepts, to
promote shared responsibility and accountability for student learning.
3. Develop a shared understanding of contemporary pedagogy and a schoolwide culture of continuous learning to create a consistent approach to curriculum differentiation for all
students.
4. Collaboratively evaluate and embed an evidence based wellbeing framework that responds to the diversity of all learners, enhances student learning and engagement, and a strong sense of belonging within the community.
For the benefit of staff, students, families and the school community St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School will work fervently to address the key improvement recommendations.
These will be carefully planned for, and enacted upon prior to their next School Review and Improvement cycle, as well as being documented in the school’s Strategic Improvement Plan and Annual Improvement Plans. With support from SCS Central Office staff, network colleagues and the broader community, it is anticipated that St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School will continue to flourish as a high quality educational institution.
LANGUAGE CLASSES (Outside Of School Hours)
A company called INTERFLOW LANGUAGES was contacted by a parent in the community about providing a language class outside of school hours. The cost is $22 per class billed each Term. ( 9 week Term is $198)
More information about the program can be found here.
Parents who are interested can complete the survey link.
If there is enough interest in this idea, the School will work with the Company to set up a program.
SCHOOL UNIFORM
The School's current contract with our Uniform supplier ceases at the end of the year. I would like to invite all our parents / carers to complete a short 5 -minute survey to help me understand what you like / dislike about the current supply arrangements. This is NOT about changing the uniform design or adding new uniform items.
To complete the survey please click here
INSTALLATION OF SECURITY CAMERAS
The St. Patrick's Parish will be installing security cameras around the Church, Church Offices and Church grounds (including the Parish Hall that is used for before- and after-school care). This project is sponsored by Multicultural NSW.
Signs will be placed wherever the cameras are located.
