Mr Hyatt

A Busy Time of Year!

So far it has definitely been a very busy week! On Sunday I was very privileged to be a spectator at the New England Sings Performance held at the new auditorium at the Armidale Secondary College. The organisers of this concert need to congratulate themselves as the show was incredible and we have a number of very talented performers in our region. Our three students who took part in the performance: Athena, Claire,  and Georgina should be proud of themselves for the way that they performed as well as being great ambassadors for St Patrick's. Well done! Also a big thank you needs to go out to all of the parents who made the big commitment of ensuring their children were able to take part in the number of rehearsals on both Saturday and Sunday as well as the performance.

On Tuesday I was in Tamworth for a Mathematics Specialist Teacher Meeting in which a large majority of the schools from the diocese had taken part.

Brain Olympia

On Wednesday I was back in Tamworth again with our school team consisting of Annie, Athena, Bentley, Connor, Georgina, Hamish, Hugo and Nate at the Brain Olympia Trials. Our team competed against a number of larger and smaller schools in the diocese in a range of academic activities that included: general knowledge, mathematical problem solving, public speaking as well as planning and performing a drama skit. This was the first time that any of our students had taken part in a competition like this. St Patrick's came 1st in the Small Schools Section and fourth overall and this is a fantastic achievement as we were one of the smallest schools who had taken part. Again well done to everyone who assisted in any manner as all of the students had a very enjoyable day. Our team will now be competing at the Brain Olympia Final at St Francis Xavier's Primary School, Narrabri on the 9th November. I am trying to work out the logistics of getting our team to Narrabri as we will need to be there early in the morning to start at 9.00am. Once this is all finalised, I will let everyone know what is happening.

School Facebook Account

As mentioned previously, our School Facebook account will be released in the very near future. To ensure that this mode of communication is successful as well as respecting the privacy of all members of our school community, no student's names will be published and we will only be using images of students to which parents and/or caregivers have given consent. Earlier today, a note went to all of our families via COMPASS asking if they give or give not permission for the school to use their child/ren's images on our Facebook account. I can fully understand if you would prefer your child not to be included as everyone has the right to protect the privacy of themselves and their loved ones. Thank you to all of the parents who have already replied to this request, it is very much appreciated. If you haven't indicated as yet, can you please do so at your earliest convenience? Hopefully this time next week, our Facebook page will be up and running.

School Satisfaction Surveys

Last week, I received the results of the St Patrick's school satisfaction surveys.  This survey, conducted by an outside provider, surveys parents, staff and students across the schools in the Armidale diocese.  The results were strongly positive and affirming of our school from our parents: 

Parents responded very positively with the educational opportunities provided for their children and commented on the safe & happy school environment.  There were numerous positive comments, including: 

Great environment and Family friendly. The focus on uniform and pride in themselves. Friendly and family orientated and great outcomes. Positive environment for children to meet their full potential, academically and mentally. Students receive extra attention if needed.The empathy the children show each other The friendly and welcoming atmosphere that all staff convey. The staff all care about the children The children feel like they aren't just a number. They are all nurtured. That our teachers are supported by their principal. The staff are genuinely interested in improving the academic outcomes for ALL students. St Patrick's is a place where all students feel safe and happy. The welcoming nature of all staff and students. Safe Friendly and welcoming staff. Is the Kind, welcoming and nurturing environment for my children. The teachers. It's like a tight community where everyone gets along. Kind and caring The wonderful communication connection between principal and students. It's a small school. Everyone is treated as an individual The supportive/inclusive environment and caring attitude shown from all children to each other and from staff to children. Also the extra effort and changes Mr Hyatt is making to our school.  Smaller class sizes meaning more one on one with teachers.

Our student satisfaction surveys were completed by students in Years 4/5/6 and were also very positive.  Comments include:

The opportunities we are exposed to A.ll the opportunities we get and all the friends we make with the lower years. All my friends are here and they always support me. My friends. The sport we do in our sport sessions. I have different opportunities with in learning and outside games. The fact that we abill to play handball. It has a lot of opportunity and choices. That there is not many students, so we get better attention in learning. The learning opportunities everyone has. There is enough resorses for all children. The chromebooks. That the school library has a variety of books and fun principal.

The staff surveys expressed a pleasing satisfaction working at St Patrick's:

The overall feel of the school. The comradery amongst staff, professional staff, student/family focused, well equipped, approachable leadership team. We all strive to ensure the children are safe and happy The staff are happy. We are like a family; The adoption of the Living Well, Learning Well framework has reframed the old Discipline/Behaviour policy into a more positive mindset.

Along with the positive feedback came some constructive suggestions on how to further improve our school which will be useful moving forward into 2023.  I would like to thank the parents, staff and students for their feedback, providing us with data on which to reflect and plan for the future.

Change of Days Wearing Sports Uniform

Due to our basketball program that has commenced, the students will need to wear their sports uniforms this upcoming Monday (31st October, and the 7th November) instead of the normal Tuesday. The students will go back to normal with the wearing of their sports uniform in Week 6 (Tuesday 16th November).

End of Year Presentation Night - Wednesday 7th December @ WCS 6pm

This will be the first time in a number of years that we will be able to have our Annual End of Year Presentation Night without any restrictions associated with COVID-19. This year we will be having our Presentation Night at the Walcha Multipurpose Centre on the 7th December commencing at 6pm. The first part of the night will take approximately an hour, where recognition will be given broadcasting the large number of highlights that we have had over this academic year as well as a number of performances. The second part of the night will be a barbecue, where all members of our school community are invited to join us. More information concerning this event will be released soon.

CRAZY SOCK AND HAIR DAY - Tomorrow: Friday 28th Oct for Catholic Missions Fund Raising.

It is CRAZY Sock and Hair Day tomorrow, wear something crazy in your hair, bring a GOLD coin for the Mission appeal. 

OCTOBER - World Mission Month

Each year in October we participate in fundraising for Catholic Mission. Catholic Mission is a fundraising aid agency for Pope Francis. This year funds raised will be going to support families in Ethiopia facing malnutrition and food insecurity. 

Our Mini Vinnies students have already commenced conducting some fun activities to enjoy during Mission Month with the Guess the Mystery Item Competition as well as Crazy Hair and Sock Day that will be on tomorrow!

Crazy Hair and  Sock Day - Friday 28th October - GOLD COIN Donation

Guess the Mystery Item Competition - Started Monday 24th October- $1.00 will get you TWO guesses!  

Duct Tape the Principal Day!- Monday 31st October- $1 per strip of duct tape!

2023 School Advisory Council Nominations

The Annual General Meeting of the School Advisory Council will be taking place on Tuesday 15th November in the library commencing at 5.30pm. The School Advisory Council are always looking out for more members. 

Please consider nominating for the  School Advisory Council for 2023.

Please read the Process of Discernment, Nomination and Election information below.

Please see the following SAC Page in the newsletter for the nomination form & the 

responsibilities of the SAC. School Travel Pass Applications for 2023

Students who need a School Travel Pass for 2023 can apply now. A new application will need to be submitted if you are applying for a Pass for the first time or if requesting an additional entitlement as a result of shared parental responsibility. Students who changed address or school or received an expiry notification from Transport NSW for their travel entitlement should renew or update their details before the end of Term 4. This ensures schools can endorse applications before the new school year. School Student Transport Scheme information and application portal has moved to transportnsw.info

SCHOOL OFFICE HOURS

Our School Office hours are from 8:30am -3:30pm Monday to Friday. 

If the school phone is unattended please leave a message on the answering machine.

In emergencies outside Office Hours you can also phone the school mobile 0428772328