Principal Report

Transitioning to year 7

Last week, we had a visit from Principal Stuart Ralph and Coordinators from St Brendan Shaw College. They spoke to our year 5 and 6 students about transitioning to year 7 and the opportunities offered across the curriculum. St Brendan Shaw offers a range of scholarships including the areas of the Arts and Sports, which over the period from years 7-12 covers fees to the value of $12, 000. Later in the year, the year 6 students will have an opportunity for a taster day where they can participate in curriculum opportunities that the school offers.

St Patrick

Friday 17th March marks the feast day of St Patrick, the patron saint of our school. Last Friday we had a fantastic day celebrating Mass with Father Jaison, green treats donated by parents and friends, a sausage sizzle cooked by Mr Atkins and Mr Angliss, as well as activities in the afternoon run by our SRC leaders. Below is information about St Patrick:

St. Patrick of Ireland was born in Roman Britain and when he was fourteen or so, he was captured by Irish pirates and taken to Ireland as a slave to herd and tend sheep. Patrick's captivity lasted until he was twenty, when he escaped after having a dream from God in which he was told to leave Ireland by going to the coast. There he found some sailors who took him back to Britain and was reunited with his family.

Patrick had a vision which prompted his studies for the priesthood. He was ordained by St. Germanus, the Bishop of Auxerre, whom he had studied under for years, and was later ordained a bishop and sent to take the Gospel to Ireland.

Patrick arrived in Slane, Ireland on March 25, 433. There are several legends about what happened next, with the most prominent claiming he met the chieftain of one of the druid tribes, who tried to kill him. After an intervention from God, Patrick was able to convert the chieftain and preach the Gospel throughout Ireland. There, he converted many people - eventually thousands - and he began building churches across the country.

Patrick often used shamrocks to explain the Holy Trinity and entire kingdoms were eventually converted to Christianity after hearing Patrick's message.

Patrick preached and converted all of Ireland for 40 years. He worked many miracles and wrote of his love for God in Confessions. After years of living in poverty, travelling and enduring much suffering he died March 17, 461.

Patrick died at Saul, where he had built the first Irish church. He is believed to be buried in Down Cathedral, Downpatrick. His grave was marked in 1990 with a granite stone.

Retrieved from

https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=89

Attendance

Most Australian students attend school regularly, however a closer look at data indicates that some students are missing school more than 10% of the time. This means that some students miss at least one school month per year. It is particularly noticeable in certain groups of students such as the early years of compulsory schooling, students transitioning to secondary school, remote locations or socio-economically disadvantaged areas.

As a school, we are required to notify parents when their children’s absences are over 5 days per year. A principal may discuss this with the parent or send a letter notifying the parent that a medical certificate is now required as per the requirements of the Education Registrar. In our attendance letters, we advise the requirements of the Education Act 2016 so that parents are aware of their responsibilities, as some may not be aware of these requirements.

If the absences continue, parents are again notified. The school is required to initiate an intervention process involving face-to-face contact with the parent/carer, with an emphasis on a plan to support the student’s return to regular attendance. This will involve the Tasmanian Catholic Education Office and the Education Registrar.

COMPASS is an app used in our school and system for the management of student and class information including attendance. This app allows parents to easily notify the school when their child is absent. Even if we are notified of days absent through the COMPASS app, the requirements are still to be followed up by the school. 

If you would like to meet with me to discuss your child's absences or need further clarification of the requirements by the Tasmanian Catholic Education Office and the Education Registrar please make an appointment through the school office.

Have a great week

Carmen Aylott

Principal