Mr Hyatt
Welcome!
I would like to formally welcome all of our existing and new families to the brand new school year! I hope all of you have had a wondering Christmas, a Happy New Year and also a fantastic break that hasn't been impacted greatly by COVID. I have to admit that I am quite nervous typing up this message for the first edition of this school newsletter for 2022 as I am still refamiliarising myself with the role of being the school principal again. I know that I have very big shoes to fill, as Mrs Burton did a marvellous job holding the fort during her time here at St Patrick's and I know that she will be missed greatly. As soon as the new playground equipment is installed (hopefully) sometime during the second half of the year, Mrs Burton will definitely be visiting us to be the very first person to test the new slide!
Anyway, hasn't it been a strange start to the school year already? I have to admit, I am definitely over COVID but when you think we are near the light of the tunnel, COVID rears it's head again. Thank you to all of the parents and staff members who have picked up their Rapid Antigen Tests so promptly. More information concerning the protocols and procedures associated with testing is included further on in this newsletter.
Earlier during the week, I had the opportunity to host a forum with the students in gathering their thoughts and opinions on what we could do to ensure that St Patrick's Primary is the best school in NSW. A lot of great ideas and suggestions were made and hopefully when these restrictions are lifted next month, I will be able to conduct something very similiar like this with our parents as to further enhance our school, it is crucial that all members of the school community have an active work in assisting us to establish our short and long term goals this year.
It is lovely to see all our students and staff back at school. We welcome to St Patrick's: Ms Megan Wilson, who is the leader of the 3-4 clasroom as well as our new Kindergarten members: Brayden, Fergus, Harry, Mackenzie, Isabella, Darcie, Mila, McKenzie, Evie, Levi, Oscar and Shane.
Walcha Races
Walcha Race Day this tomorrow, Friday 4th 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 11:30am.
Beginning of School Year Mass - Monday 7th February 11:30am St Patrick's Church
Our first K-6 School Mass for 2022 will be our Beginning of School Mass, Monday 7th February in St Patrick's Church beginning at 11.30am. Our new School Captains and House Captains will have their badges blessed by Monsignor Ted and be formally commissioned. Unfortunately due to the current restrictions with associated with COVID, no parents and/or parishoners are not allowed to join us celebrating this Mass.
Swimming Carnival - Tuesday 15th Feburary
Our Swimming Carnival will be held on Tuesday 15th February. A Swimming Carnival Note will be sent home very soon to all families outlining the details. Can you please ensure that the note is completed through Compass ASAP? As a lot of organisation is needed to ensure that our swimming is a great success.
Parents please make sure you are familiar with the COVID restrictions. We are asking that parents stay on the entrance side of the pool and the children on the opposite side of the pool. This is to ensure we maintain the social distance from all children - apart from your own.
Communication
There are a number of ways to keep in touch with what is happening at school. It is really important to read the weekly newsletter. The Newsletter can be found electronically on COMPASS.
Importantly, all families need to subscribe to our COMPASS portal. Regular information comes from this site to families. Each family is given a login. If you have lost your login details or are having difficulty logging in please call our Front Office staff for assistance.
Family Information Paperwork
A package will be sent home this upcoming Tuesday with all children. 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 Friday 11th 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 Friday the 11th 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 are asked to inform the school if their child is absent from school. Please contact the school by phone, email, compass attendance note. A SMS reminder will go out if a student absence is not recorded by 11am.
Being on time for school is really important. At the beginning of the day, teachers set the plan for the day and give reminders. We ask that families make every effort to be on time. Students who arrive after the bell must sign in at the Front Office so our attendance data is accurate.
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 2:55pm and assemble in the COLA area for messages & dismissal. Students are dismissed at 3pm.
Buses are loaded at 3pm, pickups are taken to the front gate at St Patrick's Church, walkers are seen across Apsley Street.
STAFFING 2022
I would like to welcome Ms Megan Wilson, Megan is our new Year 3-4 Classroom Teacher.
Kindergarten Mrs Elizabeth Makeham Monday – Friday
Year 1 / 2 Mrs Anna Flanagan Monday – Thursday, Mrs Jessica Healey Friday
Year 3 /4 Ms Megan Wilson Monday – Friday
Year 5 /6 Mrs Meggie Davey Monday – Friday
Library & Release from Face to Face Teacher (RFF) Mrs Jessica Healey Tuesday & Wednesday
Education Assistants -Mrs Donna Harrison K to Yr 6 Monday – Friday, Mrs Sarah-Jane Hoy K to Yr 6 Monday – Friday
Leader of Pedagogy – Mr Dallas Hyatt
Principal - – Mr Dallas Hyatt Religious Education Coordinator – Mr Dallas Hyatt
Inclusion Support Teacher - Mr Dallas Hyatt
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
Cleaning – TBA
NECOM Music Teachers - Mrs Nicole Mackson/ Mini Minstrels & Mr James McKay Primary School Band.