Junior School
As we steadily march towards the end of the first term of the 2022 school year, I would like to take this opportunity to reinforce the high standards and level of expectation that our staff want all students in the Junior School to try and reach. Our students are encouraged to always strive for excellence and in all facets of their education. While that does not mean every student is expected to be the best, all students have the opportunity to do their best - a very important distinction!
The culture of a school is often defined by the ‘little things’ that represent what lies beneath the surface of the organisation. This can range from the way a student wears their uniform, to acknowledging a passing car which may stop to allow a boy to cross the road. Rightly or wrongly, it is some of these elements upon which our students are often judged, both within and beyond the College gates.
Over many years, the Junior School boys have proven themselves to be more than capable of rising to and exceeding staff expectations. Lately, our teachers have been emphasising the importance of all students aiming for a greater standard in everything they do at school, rather than lowering the high expectations the College sets for its youngest members.
The College’s ‘Commendation and Infringement’ system, as part of the Student Behaviour Management Program, is outlined in the 2022 Student Diary. As a staff, we are always keen to recognise and celebrate those moments when students go above and beyond, or when they slowly and gradually persist with the sometimes unglamorous tasks that lead to continual improvement. On the other hand, if your son receives an infringement slip for not behaving as expected, then it is our hope that he can learn from any mistakes made so that they are not repeated in the future.
As the term draws to a close and the gradual build-up of tiredness starts to set in for many students, our boys are reminded to please ensure they are getting enough sleep at night so that they feel well-rested for the next day of learning. Research clearly points to the fact that sleep is vital for a child’s overall health, development, and wellbeing.
You might like to read this article from Kids Helpline for some parental insights on the importance of sleep for a young person and how to create and maintain healthy sleep habits.
Considering this, I would like to remind all parents/carers that as stated in the 2022 Student Diary, Junior School boys should be completing a maximum of 50-60 minutes of homework per night, including reading. If homework is causing undue stress or is taking your child too long to complete, a simple note to the teacher from a parent/carer in the Student Diary is acceptable. If the amount of time your child spends on homework each night becomes a regular issue, please speak with his relevant teacher who can assist in problem-solving the situation.
On another note, MacqLit (the Macquarie Literacy Program) is an explicit and systematic reading intervention program for small groups of students. It provides teachers with a comprehensive sequence of lessons that includes all the key components necessary for effective reading instruction - phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Various Year 5 and 6 students enrolled in the program have already commenced MacqLit for 2022. This excellent, evidence-based program makes a real difference for boys who have had some difficulties with reading, and we are very pleased to be able to offer this program to selected students at St Patrick’s College. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Sarah Tatola, the Junior School Learning Support and Enrichment Coordinator, in addition to the wider members of the Diverse Learning Team across the College, for their tireless effort in identifying candidates for the program, in addition to organising the various sessions held throughout the week. Their dedication and professionalism truly goes a long way to ensuring the additional literacy needs of our students are being met!
Finally, our Pastoral Care Program (PCP) sessions are held on a fortnightly basis for each grade in the Junior School throughout the year. This term, our students have been unpacking the five dimensions (academic, emotional, physical, social, and spiritual) that compromise our Wellbeing Framework which is implemented across the College. During these PCP sessions, our students will continue to explore themes associated within each dimension to gain a greater understanding of all elements of the framework, as well as its application in their daily lives.
This week, the Year 5 students will also meet their Year 10 student mentors for the first time before beginning a formal Peer Support Program in Term 2. During these collaborative discussion occasions, our boys will hopefully gain a deeper level of knowledge and understanding of the different aspects that comprise their own wellbeing and how this is purposefully promoted at St Patrick’s College.
As always, 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