From the Assistant Principal

From the Assistant Principal,

Welcome to Term 4. Term 4 is always a very busy term as we prepare for the end of the year. I would like to say wind down, but that never seems to be the case.

APPLICATION FOR LEAVE - 5 DAYS OR MORE

Consistent school attendance is very important and the procedures and expectations regarding extended leave, particularly for travel during the school term is a compliance requirement.

In accordance with the Sydney Catholic Schools Attendance Policy and relevant NSW legislation, families are required to submit a formal application for any planned leave of 5 or more days during the school term. Approved extended leave may be granted for reasons such as:

Family travel
Cultural or religious events
Medical treatment
Other exceptional circumstances

Applications for extended leave must be submitted at least 2 weeks in advance and must be accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation, such as a travel itinerary or statutory declaration. Approval of such leave is at the discretion of the Principal and is not guaranteed.

While I understand that family commitments and travel opportunities may arise, I strongly encourage families to schedule these during school holiday periods. Extended absences during term time can significantly disrupt a student’s academic progress, social development, and overall engagement with school life.

I respectfully ask for your cooperation in minimising non-essential absences. Please refer to the attached guide for instructions on how to complete and submit an extended leave application.

Should you require further information or assistance with the leave application process, please do not hesitate to contact the school office.

Below is a reminder of how we as a school describe attendance. You are able to see on Compass the number of days your child has been absent from school this year.

TURNING CIRCLE REMINDERS

Turning circle can be a very busy time. Just a reminder to ensure students exit cars in the morning from the curb side door. All students should be able to exit vehicles unassisted as drivers are not allowed to exit vehicles in turning circle.

Like in the afternoons, please only use the school side of Belmont St to drop off.

Students should not be dropped off on the parish side. Many cars are making illegal u-turns after dropping off rather than coming around the whole turning circle. Also please use all of the space at the turning circle rather than stopping at the school gate or where the teacher is standing.

Please also be patient when in the turning circle line. Some of our younger students require a little more time to enter or exit vehicles and ensure their seatbelt is done. up. We are all very busy, but taking the time to be patient with each other helps in the long run.

BYOD 2026

BYOD continues in 2026 for students in Year 3-6. All devices MUST be Chromebooks. If you need advice on the choice of device or the specifications required, please come and speak to me at any time. Students make use of devices each day at school so it is essential that students have their own device. For hardship advice and options, please contact the office.

STUDENT LEADERS FOR 2026

Leadership carries with it an important responsibility to serve others. As young leaders, students at St Patrick’s Primary School are encouraged not only to develop their own leadership skills but also to inspire and assist other students to do the same. We believe good leaders develop leadership in others.

Our student leaders at St Patrick’s aspire to:

Uphold and promote Catholic values
Demonstrate pride in the school
Make a positive contribution to their school
Being a role model for other students by upholding the school rules
Show initiative and demonstrate organisational skills
Communicate effectively and be able to speak to an audience confidently

Over the coming weeks our Year 5 students will nominate to be leaders for 2026. Of course, not all students can be leaders, but collectively our senior classes uphold all of those qualities at all times as all students are expected to show leadership qualities and be role models to others. We look forward to welcoming our student leadership team for 2026 before the end of the school year.

DOGS ON THE PLAYGROUND

Just a reminder that dogs are NOT PERMITTED on the school grounds. If you bring your dog during dismissal you need to wait outside the gates and ask your child to come to you. Please inform other family members who collect students after school of these procedures.

Have a great week.

Jim Heelis

Assistant Principal