NEWSLETTER 8 - 30th May 2023

Policies

Catholic Education has a number of policies that can be viewed via Policies on our school website. This year, the St Patrick’s School Board will begin updating school policies. Proactively and regularly reviewing our policies and procedures keeps our school up to date with the latest regulations and technology, as well as consistent with the best practices. 

Homework Survey

Recently, we surveyed the school community about St Patrick’s current homework policy. 

Responses included:

• We prefer homework to be set around reading, sight words and basic mathematics.
• Some nights, we are so busy, it’s hard to complete homework every single night.
• Weeknight expectations can be difficult because of extra curricular activities such as sports and drama, which are equally as important for my child.
• It allows us to see what our child is doing or what the class focus has been and gives us an idea of his level of understanding of that concept.

Research suggests that for the learner, homework should consist of practice, repetition, rehearsal to consolidate learning. Teachers send books home so children will have valuable opportunities to practise what is taught at school. Your child may have already read the book that is sent home and be able to tell you about it. However, as with any developing skill, additional practice will help your child to improve. Another benefit of reading a take-home book with your child is that you can get a sense of how he or she is progressing. Reading together is a great opportunity for you to give positive feedback about the progress that has been made.

Students with lesser capabilities may take longer to complete homework, for this reason we have limited the time spent on homework each night.  

In consultation with the School Board and staff Consultative Committee it was decided that the Homework Policy will be updated to reflect the following age specific considerations: 

Prep to year 2: 10 minutes per night consisting of reading.

Years 3 & 4: 15 minutes consisting of reading and practising some mathematical activities.

Years 5 & 6: 20 minutes consisting of reading and practising some mathematical activities.

We understand that on weekdays, families have demands on work, after school care, and other extracurricular activities such as sports, students will no longer receive a consequence for incomplete homework. We support families in finding a work, school, and life balance. The updated Homework Policy will be updated to reflect that students will not receive a consequence for incomplete homework. However, teachers will continue to communicate in diaries for incomplete homework.

Uniform Survey

Recently we conducted a uniform survey with parents/carers, staff and students in years 3-6. Around 50% of parents/carers responded to our survey.

The feedback from the uniform survey suggested that students in Kinder to Year 2 should have a choice to wear their sports uniform every day. 

The feedback from parents suggests that about half liked the current traditional uniform 

• based on how good it looked 

The feedback from parents suggests that about half disliked the traditional winter uniform. 

The negative feedback included:

• Get rid of the ties

• The winter dresses were uncomfortable and problematic for girls to dress themselves and did not allow for physical activity and were costly.
• The winter dresses are dry clean only (although some parents have washed them in the machine).

Feedback from students in years 3-6 suggested:

• They should be able to wear their sports uniform every day. 

Currently, the fabric for our winter dress is sourced by the manufacturer from Scotland (is trademarked) and this fabric can only be purchased by them in bulk, meaning it would cost the school approx $50,000 per roll. We are currently trying to source the fabric from elsewhere.

In researching other uniform policies across Australia and considering the feedback,

as a school, the uniform must:

• allow for active play
• comply with anti-discrimination legislation
• be affordable, functional and durable
• be consistent with health and safety considerations
• provide options including shorts or pants regardless of gender

The School Consultative Committee and School Board have agreed from now, students from Kinder to Year 2 will have the option to wear their sports uniform every day. The decision has also been made that our school ties are no longer a compulsory item with the winter uniform, they can still be worn but moving forward we will no longer be stocking them in our uniform shop. 

The Consultative Committee and School Board also decided that we, as a school, would keep our sports uniform and explore a ‘story’ for a Smart Play Uniform. This is a relaxed sport type uniform with interchangeable pieces, see John Paul II Smart Play Story.

We have engaged Midford to design a Smart Play uniform and also to look at options for how traditional pieces might work with it. Our aim is to keep the emerald green and navy colours. We will continue to engage the staff and school community in the process.

Energy Drinks

Recently, a number of students have been bringing energy drinks to school. Energy drinks are very popular with some students. Most energy drinks have lots of sugar and caffeine — sometimes as much caffeine as in 1 to 3 cups of coffee. Too much sugar can damage children’s teeth and also can contribute to weight gain. Excessive caffeine comes with its own set of problems — especially in younger children.

Too much caffeine can cause:

• jitteriness and nervousness
• upset stomach
• headaches
• trouble concentrating
• trouble sleeping
• frequent toilet use

In some children, large amounts of caffeine can have even more serious side effects, including fast or irregular heartbeats, high blood pressure, hallucinations, and seizures. 

Energy drinks are not to be brought to school, water is a much better option. We encourage all children to only drink water while at school. 

For more information see https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/power-drinks.html

Have a great week

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.

2024

Term 1 - Monday 5th February - Thursday 11th April 

Term 2 - Monday 29th April - Friday 5th July 

Term 3 - Tuesday 23rd July - Friday 27th September 

Term 4 - Tuesday 15th October - Wednesday 18th December 

*Student Free Days Friday 12th April, Monday 22nd July, Monday 14th October.

(Easter Break - Good Friday 29th March, Easter Monday 1st April, Easter Tuesday 2nd April. Return to school Wednesday 3rd April.)

May 

June

July

Next week (Week 7) our students from Prep to Year 6 will be involved in the 'Circle of Life' program with facilitator Monique Hall.

‘Circle of Life’ is a values-rich approach to Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) for Catholic Schools. ‘Circle of Life’ is aligned to the Archdiocese of Hobart guidelines Growing Towards Wholeness.

With an emphasis on human dignity, ‘Circle of Life’ assists young people to grow in integrity.

‘Circle of Life’ supports parents as the primary educators of their children. The program partners parents, schools and parish communities in the formation of young people in the truth and meaning of our human sexuality.

Monique will conduct a parent/guardian session prior to the student sessions. The parent/guardian session will be held in the school hall on Monday 5 May at 9:00 am. This will be an opportunity for parents to ask questions about the program.

Please contact the school office if you have any questions prior to the parent session.

Below is a flyer with more information.

An updated ICT Agreement for 2023 will go home with each child from Prep to Year 6 tomorrow (Wednesday 31 May). Please read through this agreement with your child as you may need to explain/discuss some of the points. After reading through the agreement please sign it along with your child and then return it to your classroom teacher at your earliest convenience. If you have any questions please contact the school office.

Congratulations to Jacob and Oliver who were initiated with the Sacrament of Confirmation. Archbishop Julian Porteous presided over the mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Devonport on Saturday 20 May.

On Friday 19th May we held our cross-country carnival. It was wonderful to see so many of our students who participated and the many spectators who turned up to cheer the students on. 

Congratulations to the following students who have been awarded this year's Cross Country Age Champions.

2023 Cross Country Age Champions 

Year 3

Tom Anthony & Alivia Dewrance-Milligan 

Year 4

Henry Jones & Ava Mulvey 

Year 5 

James Sullivan & Lucy Chapman 

Year 6 

Charlie Jones & Melia Sesara 

Congratulations to the following students who will be attending the North West Catholic Primary Schools Cross Country event that will be held at Stella Maris on Friday 9th June.  Further information and permission for this event will be sent out to families this week. 

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

Prep

Azlan Q for his focused approach to spelling and for his positive attitude toward all learning tasks. Great application, Azlan.

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Harlan A for his engagement in learning tasks and for applying feedback to improve the quality of his work.

Year 4

Hunter V for the impressive growth in your resilience to feedback and the effort you are exerting to continue to improve as a student

Year 5

Lucy C for always trying and engaging in all areas of curriculum. Lucy is an independent learner who strives to do her best and co-operates beautifully with others. Well done!

Year 6

Zara O for her willingness to share her understanding of spelling during weekly lessons and revision sessions.

Congratulations to our House Raffle winners this week:

Dooley - Jake B

Martyn - Evie A

Byrne - Violet J

The registration period for this tournament has been extended.

If your child is interested in playing and you are able to support this commitment could you please complete the below link by no later than Monday 5th June. 

https://forms.gle/ZEqquywZUaamMwMU7

This year the Devonport Primary School Basketball Tournament will be held from Friday, 7th -Sunday, 9^th July.  The age groups for this competition are Years 1/2, 3/4 and 5/6 for girls and boys. Games may be rostered on Friday night (7^th July) through to the finals on Sunday afternoon (9^th July).  *Please be aware this is the first weekend of the Term 3 school holidays.  Games may be played in Devonport, East Devonport and Ulverstone over this weekend.  The team registration cost will be covered by the school and if your child is not currently registered with Basketball Tasmania there will be a cost of $10.00 per child. (link for payment will follow on confirmation of teams).  There will be no cost for players or spectators for entry to the tournament.

Our participation in this tournament will rely on parent commitment as parents will be required to coach, manage teams, and complete bench and canteen duties over the weekend.  Each team will be required to nominate a coach, manager, and referee to register a team.  All coaches and managers will need to hold a Working with Vulnerable People registration.   
 
A parent roster for bench duty (two volunteers for each game) will be organised for participating teams and you will be rostered on with someone that has had previous experience in completing this duty.  Once coaches and team managers are nominated, training for this tournament can be arranged.
 
The school will provide a playing singlet and students are required to wear navy sports shorts, sneakers/basketball boots and a school jacket or rugby top for warmth. 
 
If you have any questions, please contact the school as soon as possible. Further information will be sent to families as we receive it.  
 
Kind regards,
Megan Meech & Tameka Harris 

"Rehearsals are well underway for the College production of Pippin. Students have been working hard on dancing and singing, and things look positive. We have some talented students in the lead roles and supporting players with great vocal talent. The choreography as well is led by some very well-tuned dance students. The sets are being created by a fantastic artistic team and constructed by Bevan Scramm and his crew.

Pippin tells the story of a young man, fresh from his studies at University, determined to live a fulfilling life and do the extraordinary. As he moves through his life, he realises that the promise of an exciting life isn't all it is cracked up to be. With some fabulous choreography and singing, Pippin will be a show you will never forget.

Tickets are on sale now through the Paranaple Arts Centre. Avoid disappointment, don't miss out, and get your tickets early! Adults - $30.00  Concession - $22.00  Student - $20.00

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!

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.