Dear Parents and Carers,

Congratulations to Amelia who represented MacKillop (our part of NSW Catholic Schools) at the NSWPSSA Athletics State Championships. Amelia had great success in the 13 years girls 100m, she qualified for the semi-finals and then again for the finals. In the final she narrowly missed out on a podium finish coming 4th place. Well done Amelia - we are so proud of you!

We continue to pray for the family of Brie Myers. Thank you for the offers of support to the family that have been made through school. We will let you know how support will be welcomed in coming weeks. Please keep Brie, and her family, especially our two St Pat's kids, Ollie and Charlie, in your prayers.

As we progress through Term 4 we continue to focus on strategies that maximize learning and engagement in our classrooms. Continuing to build our direct instruction approach in English and Mathematics ensures there is rigorous, structured teaching, and strong active student participation. Direct instruction allows teachers to deliver content in a straightforward and systematic manner, ensuring that all students understand the material before moving on. This method not only helps in building a strong foundation of knowledge but also fosters a sense of confidence and achievement in our students. By breaking down complex concepts into manageable steps, we can cater to the diverse learning needs of our students, making sure that no one is left behind. If you are interested in knowing more about Reading Mastery, Spelling Mastery or Connecting Maths Concepts you can have a conversation with our Curriculum leaders Mrs Ferris and Mrs Lightly, or pop in and see it in action - just make a time with us!

At St Pat's, we are committed to using every minute effectively to ensure that our students receive the best possible education. To make every minute count, we work hard to minimize distractions and create an environment conducive to learning. This involves setting clear expectations, maintaining a structured routine, and using engaging teaching programs. Parents can support this effort by establishing a quiet, distraction-free learning space (and time) at home and encouraging children's daily reading. We’d also love you to spend some time each day helping your child to improve their recall of maths facts.

At St Pat's, we believe that education is not just about academic success but also about nurturing the whole child. By combining quality teaching and learning with a focus on minimizing distractions, we can ensure that our students are fully engaged and making the most of their learning time. Let us work together to create a supportive and enriching environment where every minute is an opportunity for growth and discovery. Thank you for your continued partnership in your child’s education.

Blessings

Jo