NEWSLETTER 7 - 16th May 2023

Due Diligence

As a school, we have an obligation to eliminate and manage risks. Due Diligence requires us to acquire and maintain up to date knowledge and understand the nature of operations in the school and the associated hazards and risks, and ensure we comply with our duties and obligations for compliance. 

We would like as much as possible to be aware of visitors who enter the site. Our entry /exit gates were assessed by our WHS officer to determine how to limit access to unwanted visitors and lessen the exposure to our students and staff.  To minimise risk and keep our students safe, we will be keeping some gates locked permanently and certain gates unlocked at certain times. 

Just a gentle reminder for parents and carers, the school is open from 8:30 a.m., where students are then under the care of staff. Before this time, students are in the care of parents and carers. Please ensure your child is supervised before 8:30 a.m.

See the locking and unlocking of gates below:

Bradshaw Street Entry:

The main gate at the front admin office will be the only gate left unlocked. All visitors must sign in at the office. Parents/carers with late drop-off and early pick up must sign children in or out at the office.

The gate near the hall is locked permanently. The sign on this gate indicates to use the gate near the admin office (approximately 20 metres apart).

Noone Street Entry

This gate is unlocked on school days 8:30 – 9:00 a.m. and 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.

Lockdown

Education regulations require schools to carry out practice lockdowns and evacuations in case of a critical incident. Last week, we practiced an indoor lockdown. The students and staff did an amazing job moving quickly and quietly to designated safe areas in the school.

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Mother’s Day Activities

This year, we invited mums and significant females to an afternoon of pampering with afternoon tea and classroom activities. It was a fantastic afternoon with many special ladies allowing their children to provide something special as a Mother’s Day treat. Thank you to the staff for the organisation and setup of the afternoon, volunteering to provide the afternoon tea and classroom teachers for organising the afternoon activities in classrooms. Thank you to the mums and significant females for the positive feedback.

Have a great week

Carmen Aylott

Principal

May 

June

July

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.

St. Patrick’s Cross Country will take place on Friday 19th May for all students in Prep to Year 6.  We would love for all parents to come along and spectate!

Assembly will be at 9:00 am instead of 2:00 pm to accommodate the cross country.

The course will be conducted at St.Patrick’s, with students commencing on the adjoining council land and finishing on the school oval.  Prep will commence and finish on St Patrick’s Oval.  Each year level will complete a specially designed course of varied lengths for their year level group. Families may spectate from the St Patrick's Oval.

Students will be running along the edge of the cricket nets and turning circle at the end of Noone St. We ask that no family members park along the nets or on the grass around the turning circle. There will be witches hats placed along these areas. See the image below that shows in orange where the students will be running.

Please ensure that on the day your child wears their P.E. uniform.  A house-coloured shirt can be worn in place of the P.E. Shirt.  Students should bring the following: A full water bottle, jacket/rugby top, and suitable running shoes.

Parents are welcome to take their child/children when their race is completed, but we ask that you advise their class teacher.

The RSPCA Visits Year 3

As part of our work in Civics and Citizenship, we have been examining groups in the community.  Community groups can help look after people, animals, and the environment.  We have been looking for ways in which we can participate in community groups.   On Monday, 8^th May, Bridie from the RSPCA, visited Year 3 to talk with us about the role of the RSPCA, in the community, how they help and ways in which we can support the organisation.  We learned about taking care of animals and what to do if we see an animal mistreated or find an injured or lone that is lost.  Bridie brought along a kitten named Albert who was ready for adoption and shared with us how they prepare animals to be adopted.

Caring for Animals by Alice Parry

On Monday afternoon, Bridie visited us with a kitten.  His name was Albert.  Bridie works for the RSPCA in Launceston. The RSPCA is an animal shelter.  They help animals if they are injured or if they are homeless.  They also microchip animals, so their owners never lose them. 

St Vincents de Paul Visit

On Monday, 12^th May, Mikkayla from St Vincent de Paul, visited Year 3 to discuss the important role of St Vincent De Paul in our community.  Mikkayla brought the “Soup Van” along and talked about what this Van does and what it can supply for those who need assistance.  We were able to share morning tea and we loaded up the van with all the cans that were collected last term from the “Can for Casual Clothes Day.”

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

Prep

Akivaa S for diligently completing all work tasks. Excellent listening and great application to her work. 

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Nevaeh G for her thoughtful and creative ideas in writing.

Year 4

Lakyn D Congratulations on your beautiful manners and the daily welcoming spirit you extend to the teacher and your classmates. You are a treasure.

Year 5

Annabell M for her positive approach to school this term and her engagement with the introduction of fractions this week! Well done Annabell!

Year 6

Peyton C for her skillful application and enthusiasm in Visual Art while drawing an ANZAC soldier that depicts juxtaposition.

Congratulations to our House Raffle winners this week:

Not Awarded last week. 

Dooley - 

Martyn -  

Byrne - 

Thank you to our wonderful students/families who purchased from our Mother's Day stall and placed orders for our Beadoughs Donut fundraiser. The P&F has raised over $1000 between both of these fundraising events. A special thank you to Tameika Anthony, Anita Tueon, Kirrilly Jones and Erin Moore for all of their help with these fundraisers. 

A reminder that Beadoughs Donuts will be delivered to school this Thursday 18th May.  Any large orders can be collected from the canteen from 2.30pm. All smaller orders will be sent home with students.

JackJumpers basketball clinics are coming to Latrobe! Join Tasmania's cheekiest ant, Jack the Jumper, for basketball fun and games for those 5-9 years. Or join JackJumpers coach Mark Radford for a skills session for those aged 10+. Both sessions will teach fundamental basketball skills in a supportive atmosphere.

Weekend sessions of 1 hr for $50 which includes a basketball and plenty of great prizes!

Saturday 20 May - Latrobe Basketball stadium

2.30pm – beginners basketball skills and lots of fun and games with our mascot Jack the Jumper! Aimed at ages 5-9 years.

Book here https://www.intix.com.au/event/adventures-with-jack-the-jumper-latrobe-ag

3.30pm – skills clinic led by Mark Radford. Aimed at ages 10-15 years.

Book here https://www.intix.com.au/event/adventures-with-jack-the-jumper-latrobe-ab

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 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!