Newsletter 18 - 7th November 2023

School Uniform Survey Update

Thank you to the many members of the school community who responded to our survey, as well as our students in years 2 -5 who voted on their preferences on the School Uniform options and change. The results are currently being considered by the Consultative Committee, School Board, and Leadership Team. The outcome of the survey and decision on any changes will be communicated to the school community shortly. 

National Office for Child Safety

The National Office for Child Safety recently launched ‘One Talk at a Time’, a national awareness raising and behavioural change campaign on child sexual abuse. 

One Talk at a Time aims to protect children and young people from sexual abuse by helping adults understand that child sexual abuse is preventable and encouraging them to have ongoing, proactive, preventative conversations with children, young people and other adults in their lives. 

The campaign is a key measure under the National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse 2021-2030 and fulfils a recommendation of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.   

Swimming / Carnivals

Last week, we held our North West Athletics Carnival and completed our 8 day Swimming program for our Year 2 - 5 classes. The students and staff did an amazing job, and we thank Ms Brown for all of her work at the pool and organising the students for the athletics carnival, as well as all the staff who supported the students during swimming and attending the carnival.  

The students have become a little tired and unsettled. As the year draws to an end, you may find your children easily frustrated and have less resilience, so a little more patience from staff, parents and caregivers may be required. 

Home Work, Home Readers and Library

At this time of year, we begin finishing off the year and start to pack up ready for the Christmas break. Please take note of the following:

• This will be the last week for home work.
• Next week, is the last week for home readers and borrowing library books. All books will need to be returned the week beginning Monday 4th December, for checking back into the library catalogue.

Aboriginal Artwork

Next week, Fiona Hughes, an Aboriginal artist and a support artist, Vicki Dewsbury will be at St Patrick’s to work with students in all year groups to create a new mural on the wall of the assembly hall. The mural will consist of flora and fauna found local to Latrobe. The students will learn about the many animals that have suffered from changes in environment and habitat since colonisation. The mural, along with other special days held during the year, forms part of St Patrick’s Annual First Nation’s Plan.

Fire Safety

A firefighter from the Tasmania Fire Service (TFS) is visiting our school next week to present a Home Fire Safety Program to our Prep to Grade 6 students. Kindergarten students, whilst not receiving a structured lesson, can expect a visit from the firefighter who will leave some free fun activities for the student to complete. The age appropriate program is designed to raise fire awareness in children and includes fun in class activities, videos, activity books, giveaways, and a new kids' website www.tfskids.com.au.

Parents and other family members are also encouraged to participate by reading the information and assisting your child with the after school activities.

The TFS aims to deliver appropriate fire safety education to every primary school child in Tasmania and is part of the TFS’s ongoing commitment to create a fire safe Tasmania.

Key Fire Safety Messages include,

Wake up - Install a smoke alarm in every bedroom

Plan and practice a home fire escape plan with the whole family

In a fire crawl low and go, go, go to the nearest exit

In an emergency call triple zero

Keep flammable material at least two metres from the heater

If your clothes catch fire, stop, drop, rock and roll

Keep matches and lighters away from children

Cooking - Turn it off before you turn away

Cool a burn under cold water for at least 20 minutes

Most house fires can be avoided. Make your home fire safe

More information for parents, carers and teachers www.tfseducation.com.au

Exciting new website just for kids www.tfskids.com.au

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Have a great week!

Carmen Aylott

Principal

2024 class book packs are now available for purchase from the school office. These can be purchased during office hours 8.30am - 3.30pm.