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Dear Parents and Carers,
This week I have been privileged to attend the National Catholic Education Commission conference in Melbourne along with 1400 Catholic school and system leaders from across Australia. The theme of the conference was 'The future is listening,' and the keynote speakers gave insight and shared wisdom on this topic. Beyond the keynotes the presentations from colleagues across the country were on themes including: wellbeing; technology; synodality; change management; critical thinking; STEM; Catholic social teaching; religious education; and entrepreneurial thinking.
I was particularly captivated and inspired by Dr Jordan Nguyen, an inventor, biochemical engineer and entrepreneur who shared with us his inspiring work including his creation of a mind-controlled wheelchair, and other technological innovations that have been designed to improve the lives of those living with physical disabilities. If you are looking for a book that describes the future in the now, you (or your children) may want to read Jordan's book:
The Hon Jason Clare MP, Minister of Education gave a short address. He commended educational leaders on our work. He spoke on matters of educational equity, funding for social and emotional support, and the power of working together to ensure quality education for all.
In his address, Archbishop Fisher called on Catholic schools to continue to be sacraments of hope for all, and importantly for the marginalised. He said something true to my heart, ‘Teaching is a beautiful expression of our hope for the young.’
I truly believe in our context at St Pat's all students are encouraged, inspired and challenged to accept each individual within our community, and then to look outward in support of those who are on the margins. I thank you, our parents and carers for walking this journey with us and helping your children to navigate the social world where we each walk the path differently from one another. Thank you for working along side us, or perhaps it is more accurate for me to say, thank you for allowing us to walk alongside you (your children's primary educators) to help your children grow to do and be their best self in all situations.
We all gathered for Mass at St Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne, and the three St Patrick's principals in our archdiocese, Mrs Robertson from Cooma, Ms Baron from Gundagai, and I took a moment to celebrate our St Patrick-ness with a photo.
My gracious thanks to our wonderful AP, Val Sheahan, for her great leadership this week, and to our REC / Classroom Support Teacher Emma Grant, and Curriculum Support Teacher Mel Ferris, the two other members of the St Pat's leadership team for their . What a great and wonderfully busy week of learning and engagement for all at school. And of course, we have had a perfect ending with the belated Father's Day Breakfast!
Blessings
Jo
On Thursday David Smith, an educator from ySafe presented to St. Pat's students, teachers and parents, online safety education. The information delivered enhanced our understanding of what technology our students are using, recommended safeguards for students and information on current apps students are accessing. Parents now have access to the ySafe portal for 12months as part of the program. The portal has a wide variety of well researched information to be accessed by parents when unsure regarding online safety.
Please find the link for parents to access below;
https://stpatricksprimary.onlinesafetyhub.com.au/parent/home
Information on ySafe.
Educating over 300,000 students every year, ySafe's award-winning team provides cyber safety education and support to hundreds of schools across Australia. Trusted eSafety Providers are quality online safety education providers who have had their online safety content endorsed by The Office of the eSafety Commissioner.
ySafe was founded in response to growing concerns amongst parents and school communities regarding children’s online activities, and the increasing prominence of technology-related developmental and behavioural issues. ySafe's approach has also been one of a pro-technology ethos, uniquely focussing on the social & emotional components of cyber safety and online behaviours.
Originally founded by psychologists, the need was identified for a multidisciplinary approach to cyber safety education and management. With that, our team expanded to include clinical psychologists, ex-police officers and teachers who are leaders in the field of cyber safety and social media. Our combined experience in child development, research, policing, and classroom contexts has provided us with a unique insight into the challenges and opportunities that participating in a digital environment presents to students, parents, and schools.
Religious Education
Upcoming Dates:
11th September - First Eucharist Family Mass 9:30am
16th September - First Eucharist Retreat
18th September - First Eucharist Mass 9:30am
First Eucharist information note sent home this week with detailed information.
Learning Walks - Religious Education
Students in 1/2 have been learning about prayer. Here are some examples of how they described prayer:
"I think prayer is laying in bed and thinking of someone you love"
"I think prayer is a happy place where you can say thank you to God"
"I think prayer is time together to be calm, quiet and to talk to God"
K-6 students also wrote prayers for our Father's Day Celebration.
Archdiocesan Athletics Carnival
The ribbons from the Archdiocesan Athletics Carnival finally arrived this week!
Congratulations to all students who participated.
To relive the joy of the 2022 Dance Concert preorder a DVD or USB recording!
Head to QKR! and look for School Concert in the Menu. Orders will close 23rd September so be quick!