Mrs Makeham

The Technology Conundrum

Devices and the internet are everywhere, and here at St Pat's, we recognise their place in education and our daily lives. However, it's crucial for all of us – children and adults alike – to understand the potential pitfalls and to actively seek the joy that comes from real-world connections and interactions.

The developing minds of young children are particularly susceptible to the effects of excessive screen time. While educational apps and programs can be beneficial, an overreliance on devices can hinder the development of essential skills. 

• Attention Spans: Constant stimulation and quick rewards from screens can make it challenging for children to focus on tasks requiring sustained attention.
• Social Development: Real-life play and interaction teach children vital social cues, empathy, and how to navigate complex group dynamics. These are skills that simply cannot be replicated by staring at a screen.
• Creativity and Imagination: While some digital tools can foster creativity, the passive consumption of content can stifle a child's natural inclination to invent, explore, and create their own worlds through imaginative play.

Beyond the developmental impact, the internet presents a unique challenge to our communication skills. It's far too easy to become a "keyboard warrior" – someone who types harsh or aggressive comments from behind the anonymity of a screen. This behaviour, unfortunately, can spill over into real-life interactions if we don't learn to navigate difficult personalities with grace and respect.

At St Pat's, we believe in fostering a community where everyone feels safe and valued. 

We're not suggesting we abandon technology entirely. However, let's embrace the benefits of the digital age while always remembering that the richest experiences and deepest joys often lie in the tangible, the interactive, and the truly human connections we make every day.

Confirmation

Our Year 5-6 students are working hard to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation on Sunday September 21st at 10:00 am Mass. Bishop Peter Murphy will be at school on the Friday before Confirmation to examine the canditates and visit all classes in the school.

Pyjama Day

On Friday September 12th we will all come to school in our Pyjamas to raise money for Australian Catholic Missions. (Gold Coin Donation)

Students can wear their P.J's to school with their joggers and a hat. Students ARE NOT permitted to wear nighties or onesies.

School Audit

 On Tuesday and Wednesday a team from the Armidale Catholic Schools Office  visited our school to conduct a comprehensive review.

This audit is a regular process, occurring every five years, and is crucial for ensuring we maintain best practice across all areas of the school. The team scrutinised our adherence to various school operations, including our academic programs and our compliance with all school policies and procedures.

I am very proud to report that we more than satisfied every area audited. The auditors commended the school on our work and were full of praise for our little school, our students and our wider community.

Thank you to the teachers who worked tirelessly to ensure all curriculum paperwork was in order and also Sally and Karen for their meticulous keeping of all things administrative.

What a team!

Well-being Initiative 

Research indicates that only a small number of students across Australia arrive at school ready to learn each day. We believe this is a challenge we can't ignore, and we want to do our part to change it.

On Monday, we launched a new initiative to help our students feel happy, positive, and ready to engage with their learning. We now start each school day with a 10-minute whole-school activity designed to welcome everyone with a smile:

•  Mug Day Mondays - (Warm Milo)
• Tuesday Grooves (a 10-minute dance party)
• Yoga Flow Wednesdays
• Walk and Talk Thursdays (a stroll and a chat with friends)
• Fitness Friday (a whole-school aerobic session)

A huge thank you to Cian Cattelini for her wonderful leadership in making this happen.

School Fees

Please remember that regular payments are required for all school fees. If your debtor account has a significant outstanding balance or no record of regular payments, students may be denied from attending excursions.

Thank you to families who have made regular payments or have paid their account in full.

Assembly - Change of Time - (9:10 am)

We will be having a whole school assembly on Friday Septhember 12th at 9:10 am. If you are able to make it; you're more than welcome! 

Mrs Flanagan 

Our prayers and thoughts go out to Mrs Flanagan as she cares for her lovely dad Ray during his last days. This is a very tough time for Anna and her family and they are all ever-present in our thoughts and prayers.

Mrs Sarah-Jane Hoy is assuming responsibility for the Year 1-2 class during Anna's absence; providing continuity in learning and consistency in approach.

Weekday and School Masses

As previously communicated, Father Anthony is taking time to care for his elderly mother, who continues to experience ill health.

During his absence, there will be no weekday or school masses. However, a visiting priest from Armidale will be celebrating weekend masses.

We extend our heartfelt well wishes to Father Anthony and his mum, and we'll keep them both in our prayers.

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.

SCHOOL HOURS

Supervision of students commences at 8:30am. Students should not be on-site until after 8:30 AM.