Junior School

Year 6 Camp

This week, Year 6 has been away in Canberra visiting a number of nationally significant sites. Throughout their time on camp, students steadily built their knowledge and understanding of various key concepts in areas related to science, history and the Australian government. Not to mention the other important learning aspects students took away from the experience as they formed new friendships and further developed important life skills. I trust that all boys enjoyed this unique camp opportunity to Canberra and will have many fond memories to recall in the future!   

Junior School Parent Information Evening

On Monday 20 February, we welcome all Junior School parents/carers to our Parent Information Evening which will be held in your son’s specific classroom, between 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM. This important event represents a fabulous opportunity for parents and carers to see their son’s classroom, learn a little more about all areas of life in Year 5 or Year 6 and of course, meet your son’s classroom teacher. We look forward to hosting those parents/carers who can attend this upcoming information evening!

Safer Internet Day

Safer Internet Day is a global event that brings together communities, families, schools, and organisations from more than 200 countries to help create safer online spaces. Recognised on Tuesday 7 February, the 2023 theme for Safer Internet Day is ‘Connect, Reflect, Protect’.

• Connect safely and with purpose – by keeping apps and devices secure and using social media in positive ways.  
• Reflect before we act – by taking a moment to consider how what we do and say online may affect others.  
• Protect ourselves with knowledge – by telling family and friends about the eSafety Commissioner and how they can help.   

As technology continues to play a significant role in our daily lives, it is important for our students to learn how to stay safe online. There are also some valuable resources available for parents in Australia to help keep their children safe while using the internet.

One such resource is the eSafety Commissioner's website, which provides information and resources on online safety, cyberbullying, and privacy. Another helpful resource is the Australian Federal Police's "ThinkUKnow" program, which offers practical advice and tips on how to stay safe online.

Technology has evolved dramatically in the last 20 years, creating huge benefits and opportunities. It has also exposed us to risks with real-world impacts. This is why online safety awareness is so important.  

We encourage all parents/carers in our Junior School community to take advantage of these resources and have open discussions with their children about online safety. The College is committed to providing a safe and secure online environment for all students, and we believe that this goal can be achieved through a joint collaboration between the school, parents/carers, and students.

2023 Junior School Staff List

Parents are invited to view the updated 2023 staff list for the Junior School. As previously mentioned, it is only through open and honest dialogue between home and the College that we can work together to make the year ahead an enjoyable and rewarding one for all boys. Please do not hesitate to contact the relevant member of our Junior School team should the need arise.

If you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me via email (glenn.stephenson@spc.nsw.edu.au) or phone (8705 9247) and I will endeavour to assist you in any way that I can.

May God bless you,

Glenn Stephenson

Director of Junior School

Identifying Student Needs

I hope that your sons have enjoyed their start at St Patrick’s College. As we begin to gain a deeper understanding of each student and their learning needs, I ask that parents/carers send through any information that will assist us in our planning. This could include cognitive assessments, pediatrician reports, psychologist reports or information about a diagnosis. Please send any documentation to sarah.tatola@spc.nsw.edu.au so that relevant information can be passed on to the class teacher. 

In addition, as a member of Catholic Schools NSW, we have started to receive Personalised Plans that have been transitioned from SCS Primary Schools. A member of our Diverse Learning Team will be in touch with families to discuss these. Thank you to the many families who supplied documentation with their enrolment, this has been very helpful in planning for your son’s education. 

Sarah Tatola

Junior School Learning Support and Enrichment Coordinator