Journey of Hope

Students in our 3 senior classes have been participating in the Journey of Hope program weekly this term. Journey of Hope is an evidence-based psychosocial support program designed to build resilience for children. The program utilizes a strengths-based approach in each of the session activities, focusing on participants' ability to manage their emotions and support each other. Group facilitators identify positive coping strategies and allow children to form valuable insights into their own well-being. This approach focuses on 1. Promoting positive relationships with caring adults; 2. Building problem solving skills; 3. Promoting healthy peer relationships; 4. Teaching self-regulation. The program concludes at the end of term; here are some responses from students at St Pat’s so far.

What is one thing you have learnt through the program? “How to be more mindful”  “To work together with people” “Different ways to stay calm”

What would you say to recommend the program? “It really helps you learn more about emotions and feelings”  “The program teaches you how to connect to your emotions and how to deal with them.” “It’s fun. We learn through playing games”

Maths at St Pat’s

Maths Consultant Leonie Anstey visited our school on Monday. Leonie will be working with our school throughout the year as part of a Southern Cluster Project. During the classroom visits on Monday, Leonie focussed on what students were saying and doing. Leonie observed and spoke to students during the visit to ask them what they were learning and about the mathematics that they were engaging with. At St Patrick’s we use the MAKE, SAY, WRITE, DO pedagogical approach, teach Mathematics for one hour every day, have the learning in the hands of the learner and ask students to record their mathematical thinking and learning.