NEWSLETTER 1 - 7th February 2023

Welcome back to the new school year and a special welcome to all new students and their families who have joined the St Patrick’s Catholic School Community. We welcome new staff, Ms Elle Woodcock who is working alongside Ms Erin Moore in year 5; Mrs Jillian Bruni who will be teaching year 4; and Mrs Belinda Downward who is working alongside Mr Shane O’Brien in year 1. As a new member of staff, I feel privileged and excited to be able to work with the students and families and look forward to meeting everyone in the coming weeks. 

I would like to express my gratitude to the wonderful staff of St Patrick's who have supported me in the weeks leading up to the new school year. In particular, Mrs Lennice Leonard, Ms Tameka Harris, Mr Kurt Atkins, Mrs Melissa Marshall and Mrs Tina Badcock and many other wonderful staff members. Teachers and Teacher Aides have been working hard to transform their classrooms into welcoming learning spaces. Thank you to David Broos who ensured our school was well presented for the students’ return.

Kind regards

Carmen Aylott 

Principal 

2023

Term 1 - Friday 3rd February - Thursday 6th April

Term 2 - Wednesday 26th April - Friday 7th July

Term 3 - Monday 24th July - Friday 29th September

Term 4 - Monday 16th October - Thursday 14th December

*Student Free Days Monday 25th April, Monday 24th July, Monday 16th October.

March 

All Parent Newsletters, information and upcoming events are shared via a number of ways including:

• St Patrick’s Catholic School Website at https://stpatslatrobe.tas.edu.au/
• Newsletters Via COMPASS - newsletters will now be distributed fortnightly
• Parental notes and permission slip Via COMPASS
• Hard copies of the Newsletter are available from the school office.
• Student Diaries
• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057514267179  

Please like and follow us on our facebook page

On Monday, 30th all staff participated in a First Aid refresher. The statewide Catholic Education Insight Day at the Paranaple Centre was attended by all teachers and teacher assistants on Tuesday, 31st. A Visible Learning workshop, run by Gilbert Halcrow from Corwin on Wednesday 1st  enabled staff to further their knowledge on planning for depth in learning outcomes.

Term Overviews will be sent home to families via compass later in the week. These overviews are intended to provide families snapshot of what will be covered in each of the main subjects across Term One. It is not an exhaustive list and small changes may occur as the term progresses.

Families will also receive a welcome letter throughout the week with class expectations and information about specialist lessons.

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

Prep: Ned  Becker - Well done Ned for great listening and following instructions.

Year 1: Fynn Kelly for his enthusiastic start to Grade 1 especially during class discussions

Year 2: Balin Holland for his wonderful, positive approach to Year 2. Well done Balin!

Year 3: Amaira Maan for her excellent attitude to learning and for being respectful in her interactions with others.

Year 4: Ellie Hayes in Year 4 for calm resilience on a busy first day and also courage in advocating for a friend.

Year 5: Rori Eagling for a wonderful, positive approach to the start of Year 5. Great job Rori! 

Year 6: Daniel Eastley for his positive, engaged and collaborative start to Year Six. 

Congratulations to our House Raffle winners this week:

Not drawn this week.

Dooley -  Martyn - Byrne - 

The school canteen will resume this Thursday 9th February and will operate weekly on Thursdays and Fridays. Canteen orders can only be made via the QKR app. We are unable to accept any cash sales. Please contact the school office if you have any questions. 

The 2023 parent and carer education program is available on the eSafety website. They are offering nine new topics throughout the year.

Please find the following documents attached:

https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/webinars
●  eSafety’s 2023 parent and carer education PDF calendar
●  promotional material for Term 1 parent/carer webinars

We are fortunate to have Catholic Care Counsellor Karlie Lawson working at St Patrick’s on Thursdays and Fridays each week. Karlie can work with students in a variety of ways. Her work includes:

• Protective behaviours
• Grief and loss
• Conflict resolution 
• Social skills
• Personal Development
• Family relationships

Parents and carers can request a referral for a consultation. Before consultation begins, necessary forms are filled out and returned to Karlie. The parent/carer forms allow Karlie to obtain necessary information about presenting issues. The forms can be returned to the school office. All information is treated confidentially. If you feel your child would benefit from counselling please contact the school office, or myself Mrs Carmen Aylott on 6426 1626.

Phone calls to the school can be made between 8am - 4pm on weekdays, phone calls made outside of these hours will be directed to the school message bank and returned the following day. Voice messages left over the weekend will be monitored by leadership staff. 

A reminder to parents that St Patrick's is a Nut Allergy School and that we ask that parents not pack nuts or nut products in their children's lunchboxes.

Research shows that the first five years of a child’s life are critical for their development. The experiences they have can shape who they become as an adult. We realise the importance of these years and ensure that our SETUP sessions are full of play-based activities that allow children to investigate and learn in their own way.

Lots of time spent playing, talking, listening and interacting with you helps your child learn the skills they need for life. These skills include communicating, thinking, solving problems, moving and being with other people and children. That’s why our SETUP sessions allow children time for provocative play and exploring both on their own and with other children. We do offer arts and crafts, storytime, interactive games and activities as well as outside play.

Our sessions start this Friday and run every Friday from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m during school terms. Please bring a piece of fruit to share, a hat and drink bottle. Tea and coffee is provided for parents/carers. We hope to see you there!