NEWSLETTER 25 - 16th August 2022

“Proclaim the Joy” is the theme for this week’s Catholic Education Week.  Joy, a feeling of great pleasure and happiness, is somewhat subjective, however, we more often than not refer to family and personal pursuits – often relationship based - as providing us with intrinsic joy. Every one of us usually started our relational life looking for someone; babies stare at faces trying to make a recognition and to determine for ourselves what it is to be a human being. Jesus quoted words from a passage of Deuteronomy referring to loving with all our heart (emotion), soul (depth of self, innate individuality), mind (rationality) and strength (we are bodies) – leading us to consider humans as being an irreducible combination or complexity that relies on each of these four aspects of our relationship with God, and each other. By loving with ALL our heart, soul, mind and strength to become more than what we are, however, we can easily live our days at work or at home, using only one or two of these four ‘complexities’, denying ourselves opportunities for growth and joy. 

According to a 2021 study by Monash University, 99% of phone users experience ‘nomophobia’: the fear of being without our phones.  Andy Crouch, in his book, “The life we are looking for; reclaiming relationship in a technological world’ explores the spiritual costs to ourselves and our communities when we seek connection through our devices, rather than in each other, with one of his key arguments being our smart devices are designed for ‘my’ needs, with these needs being ‘shrunk to the size of me.’ Crouch draws on substantial international research which implies this narrowing of our engagements of ‘heart, soul, mind and strength’ is not a healthy way of living and is a preoccupation with self that is reflected in his term, the ‘Superpower Zone’ where ‘I push a button’ and forces are being marshalled to undertake ‘my needs’, never adequately providing me the benefit of developing ‘my capabilities’. He states that the trade-off of relying too much on technology is that it often leads to a lack of an appreciation of our own capabilities, not allowing an extension of ourselves, with many people preferring online interactions over face-to-face interactions because of the notion of control and predictability.

Crouch provides a balance to what critics may consider a Luddite perspective of technology in that he does not argue that we give up on technology – rather that we discern our use of technology as an instrument to engage in heart, soul and mind to ensure that the last thing we engage with before sleep and the first thing we engage with upon waking is not our online device; to use technology as an instrument of strength, used by people and not replacing people’s understanding of the world. He argues that we are making worlds for ourselves that greatly exaggerate ourselves and our importance – getting outdoors humbles us, presents ourselves as smaller in the context of the extent of creation places our needs and preferences in the context of ‘others’ rather than exaggerating our importance; so much of creation goes on without us, despite ‘me’ and ‘my preferences’.

A ‘personal world’ (looking for someone who is looking for us) vs a’ personalised world’ (associated with an online device) offers a high fidelity in some ways, but Crouch argues is inadequate to our need to know and be known by others. Apparently one of the hardest schools to get into in the Silicon Valley catchment area (enrolments come from executives of Google, Apple, Facebook) is a Montessori school – a school that does not have technology. If we wish to ‘Proclaim the Joy’ that is a reflection of a person who loves with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, we need to discern what we consider to be a ‘right balance’; in our lives, which implies being reflective and critical of our own engagements in the choices that we are granted – we have much to be grateful for in our lives to be in a position to be able to make what we consider to be ‘right choices’ in this regard, as we discern the incorporation of any choices that we make for ourselves which influences others.

As difficult as it was in deciding to resign as principal of St Patrick’s at the end of the 2022 school year, my discernments very much were influenced by the need for a ‘right balance’ of heart, soul, mind and strength – I have been greatly influenced by the opportunities to engage cooperatively with so many people of character, participate in so many opportunities to collectively support staff welfare and student outcomes, and to appreciate the rich blessings that emerge from being part of a community of people whose vision of the future is tempered by a respect for time-honoured respectful traditions. I am, and will remain, deeply grateful – thank you.

Regards   

Rod Linhart (Principal)

Term 1 - Thursday 3rd February - Thursday 14th April

Term 2 - Monday 2nd May - *Friday 8th July

Term 3 - Monday 25th July - Friday 30th September

Term 4 - Monday 17th October - Thursday 15th December

*Student Free Day Friday 8th July 2022

August 

September

Last Thursday the Year 6 students enjoyed the experience of visiting The Hive in Ulverstone where they were immersed in scientific learning all about Space. They approached the day with enthusiasm and curiosity and displayed the WEST qualities and leadership throughout the day. Here are some snippets of our day.

We were at the planetarium to learn more information about space. What would you think the temperature in the core of the sun be? It may shock you to hear the sun is 15 million degrees at its core. What about the Milky way? Do you know how many stars there are in that galaxy? The milky way is made up of thousands of stars including the Southern Cross. Do you know how to find the Southern Cross? Just find the two bright stars that look like an arrow and they are pointing towards the Southern Cross. - Thomas Marshall

The darkness swallowed us as we entered the planetarium, scavenging to find seats to enjoy the show. The darkness was killed by the strong lights from the projectors. A few ‘wows’ were strung across the room when the show revealed itself. - Kyan Mayes

In the science lab we met Collin, a mad scientist. He taught us how bubbles and electricity in vinegar can release oxygen. He taught us about all the problems that come from living in space and how we can solve them. - Ryan Jackson

The rain was pouring down, although we weren’t getting wet even though we were looking up into the sky. This was because we were sitting in the planetarium learning about the sun. We learnt how to survive in space and what we would need. We found out how to lock carbon dioxide in water and how to get oxygen out of water. - Ruby Anthony

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Every day your child is out of school, for whatever reason, his or her learning achievement suffers.

Just being in school, however, is only the starting point. Researchers have pointed out a difference between the amount of time that schools allocate for learning, the amount of time during which students are engaged in learning, and actual learning time.

What can we do?

• We can start by eliminating as many classroom disruptions as possible. Every activity should be closely examined for its relevance to good learning.
• Teachers should ensure time in class is spent in active, engaged learning.
• You can assist by making sure your child is ready for school every day – rested, well-nourished and equipped –and is absent only when absolutely essential.
• That way we can all make best use of the learning time we have at our disposal and every student can make the progress we all are striving for.

Four reasons for assigning homework:

• To practise – Following up on the teaching of specific skills and procedures. This kind of homework can be the most boring so teachers need to vary and individualise homework.
• To prepare – Giving students background information for an upcoming lesson. Because it is a problem if some students don’t do the assignment, teachers need to set work at varied levels to get students actively involved.
• To extend – Activities that take students to higher-order thinking on a topic, like co-operative learning projects, research papers, and oral presentations, for example.
• As a creative outlet – Open-ended projects that allow students to express themselves creatively.

Homework can be helpful to student achievement, but only if it is:

• geared to students’ needs, learning styles, and achievement levels;
• related to standards;
• integrated with the classroom curriculum;
• using a wide variety of challenging assignments of varying length and difficulty;
• explained fully before students leave school, so they have the tools to succeed;

It is important that students have enough time to complete the homework and are held responsible for completed assignments. Where possible, homework will be assessed by the teacher so students get prompt feedback.

Congratulations to the following students who have received Student of the Week.

Prep: Violet Jago for her EXCELLENT application and attitude towards ALL learning tasks. Violet, thank you for being kind and caring towards others.

Year 1: Matilda Franklin for your hard work and outstanding improvement with reading. Wonderful work Matilda.

Year 2: Harlan Aherne For an overall improved focus on written tasks this term.

Year 3: Dakota Skipworth for her positive application and attitude towards completing her work.

Year 4: Violet Watkins for her positive attitude and application to learning tasks, especially her Google slide show on Mary MacKillop.

Year 5: Sophie Franklin for consistently trying her best and is always kind and respectful to others.

Year 6: Lincoln McQueen for his positive engagement and attitude on the Year 6 Science Excursion. 

Congratulations to our House Raffle winners this week: 

Dooley - Jaydah Blackwell  Martyn - Bentley McCrostie

Byrne - Eluka Woolley

This year the Devonport Basketball Primary Tournament will be held on Friday 23rd, Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th of September. The age groups open for this competition are Years 1/2, Years 3/4, and Years 5/6 for girls and boys. Games will be rostered from Friday night through to the finals on Sunday afternoon. This Tournament falls on AFL grand final (Saturday 24th). A letter was sent home last Friday (12th Aug) to all students in Years 1 to 6 a copy of the letter is included as a download. 

Registrations for this tournament close this Friday 19th August. 

Washington Irving stated, “"Great minds have purposes, others have wishes." With our celebration of Catholic Education Week we have much to focus on in regards to our purposes and visions, rather than wishes. This week’s activities will be busy and allow children a degree of reflection, focusing on what it means to be part of a Catholic school. This year’s theme of, ’Proclaim the Joy‘ is certainly a timely prompt for all of us to give those around us an often much-needed lift by showing them some gratitude.

Our School Board meets six times a year to offer advice on aspects of school governance such as policies, budgets and school culture and ethos. We are always offering an invitation to prospective School Board members to express an interest in joining this group of interested parents – there are no prerequisites, and you may simply observe a School Board meeting to decide whether you would like to participate as a member. Thank you to our current School Board members who contribute much in the way of helping make our school a school that values the contributions of parents: Bev Sullivan, Carl Garrad, Nick O’Toole, Felicity Derrin-Reeves, Julie Fawkner (absent Belinda Kelly and Father Jaison.)

Thank you most sincerely for the generous offer of assistance with the school’s request for a meal donation in support of the Barker family. The response certainly reflects the generous nature of our wonderful school community. Following on from a letter that was communicated to participating families, the meal preparation roster is below. Please contact Mr Linhart, Lennice or Tameka in the school office if your circumstances have changed in regard to this offer of assistance, or if you would like to offer a meal or lunchbox item. We are asking the meals to be brought to school to allow us to send the meals home each Tuesday and Thursday. Please ensure your containers are clearly labelled with your name for the effective return to you. Once again, thank you to the families who have volunteered their time and resources; the Barker family has communicated their heartfelt thanks for this gesture of support.

Anette Victoria Barker, a young mother of a family who attended St Patrick’s, sadly died unexpectantly during the school holidays and our school continues to offer support for Anette’s family. Funds that we raised ($475) from the Latrobe Winterfest Festival will contribute to this school's offer of support for Anette’s family. Thank you to the following staff and parents who supported this Care and Concern fundraising initiative: D’Arne Adams, Tameika Anthony, Tameka Harris, Sam Riley, Christy Alexander, Mel Atkins, Megan Meech, Melissa Marshall, Ann Jak, Mark Jago, Julie Fawkner and Sam Hopkins.

Please continue to follow Health advice regarding notifying us if your child contracts COVID-19. Some important considerations regarding the updated COVID-19 School Safety Plan include:

• Parents are welcome inside school buildings without masks – please sanitise upon entry and wear a mask if you are a close contact (as per Health instructions.)
• Positive cases are still required to isolate for at least 7 days.
• Close contacts are still required to follow close contact rules for 7 days including testing daily if leaving their home and wearing a mask (all persons 12 years and older) in indoor settings when outside their home.
• There is no need to sign-in at the school office unless you are collecting or dropping off your child outside the usual drop-off/pick-up times (always come to the school office and office staff will contact the class teacher please, rather than picking your child directly from the classroom.)

Colds and flu

• Students/staff with cold or flu symptoms are required to stay home and test for two consecutive days.
• If the person has twice tested negative on successive days for COVID-19 and their symptoms are mild e.g. a runny nose, there is no coughing or sneezing and, if a student they have indicated when asked that they feel well, then the person is permitted at school /workplace.
  
  

Rapid antigen tests

Schools and the TCEO will allocate rapid antigen tests to CET personnel (staff and students only) as per the following schedule:

• Provide one (1) test when requested due to the person being symptomatic.
• Provide five (5) tests when requested due to the person having household close contact status.

COVID-19 testing

• If staff or students have symptoms, they should stay home and test for COVID-19.
• If it is less than 28 days since they had COVID-19, they do not need to get tested but should

still stay at home if unwell.

• If the test is positive and the person has not had a COVID-19 infection within 28 days, the person is considered a confirmed case.
• If the initial test result is negative and symptoms continue, students and staff with ongoing symptoms are advised to take a second test the following day.
• If the second test remains negative, this is sufficient to enable a return to work or school.
• If a person has returned 2 successive negative rapid antigen tests and still feels unwell consider

taking a PCR test.

• Positive rapid antigen tests must be registered on the Tasmanian Government COVID-19 website by the confirmed case or their parent/carer.

Confirmed cases

Should a student or member of staff test positive for COVID-19 they must:

• Isolate for a minimum of 7 days, provided outside the 28-day reinfection exclusion period.
• Isolate for a further 3 days if they still have symptoms on day 7.
• If test positive using a rapid antigen test, register the result with Public Health using their online declaration form or phone the Public Health Hotline 1800 671 738.
• Notify household close contacts of the need to observe close contact requirements when leaving their homes.

A reminder to families if your child is unable to make their rostered games to please either contact the school number which will divert to Mr Linhart's mobile or your child's coach. We have had a few occasions where some of our teams have been left without enough players and there has not been enough time to either advise the opposing team of a forfeit/or find additional players to cover these absentees. Thank you. 

Unfortunately, we have had some incidences after school regarding behaviours occurring on school grounds when students are in the care of their parents that we would deem inappropriate during school hours. We acknowledge that a quick ‘catch-up’ amongst parents after school can offer the only face-to-face opportunities for parent get-togethers, however, in the light of these incidences, parents are requested to take their child or children home promptly after school please, unless their child or children are involved in a school event, such as sporting coaching, is taking place. Thank you for your cooperation and support.

Book Fair Sales 

• The school Book Fair will be open for sales:
  • Monday 22^nd August after school until 3.30pm.
  • Tuesday 23^rd August from 8.30am to 8.50am and after school until 3.30pm.
  • Wednesday 24^th August from 8.30am to 8.50am
• Students will also participate in a performance of a CBCA Bookweek Book of the Year shortlisted book, ‘The Imaginer’ on Monday 22^nd
• Our Bookweek Dress-up Day will be Thursday 25^th August –  This year’s theme is, “Dreaming with eyes open…’.

Many thanks to Mrs Carter for her support of this initiative.

Karlie offers discrete counselling services to students upon both parent's signed request. Request forms are available from the school office or can be downloaded from the school website.

Whole school assemblies have commenced again each morning – parents are welcome; please follow the COVID Safety Plan protocols – sanitize and observe personal distancing.

Parents are welcome to contact Mr Linhart at any time to discuss issues relating to their child’s education. It is important for parents to always make contact with Mr Linhart or their child’s teacher if they require elaboration or clarification on any issue. The school phone is diverted to after hours to ensure your question should be answered.

Where: Devonport Country Club
When: Tuesdays at 4pm - 5pm
Cost: $5 per session
Register at www.mygolf.org.au

‘Inquiring Minds’ Birth to 5 program - a ‘Set-Up for Success’ Catholic Education Tasmania initiative.

Our ‘Inquiring Minds’ birth to 5 program operates each Friday during school term time from 9.00am to 10.30am;This program involves a considerable focus on communicating to parents the learning intentions of important activities that are associated with early years learning. Mrs Klug will be working to engage parents in early years learning experiences that will ensure children who are enrolling in Kindergarten, will be informed in regards to developing key social, emotional, physical and cognitive skills and understandings.