Dear Parents and Carers,

The Science of Learning and Cognitive Load theory helps us understand how we learn and retain information (remember) through particular processes. One strategy that helps move information to long term memory is interleaving and giving spaced practice for the learning. 

In recent years we have been implementing reading practices based on the Science of Reading and in particular, the Simple View formula for reading success (Gough & Tunmer,1986). You may recall that we follow the Simple View in our teaching, it is that

Decoding (D) x Language Comprehension (LC) = Reading Comprehension (RC)

The Simple View formula makes clear that strong reading comprehension cannot occur unless both decoding skills and language comprehension abilities are strong.

**We must teach students to decode expertly as early as possible. When students can decode expertly, their reading comprehension capabilities equal their language comprehension abilities. This is where the synthetic phonic approach to reading is most beneficial and why at St Pat's we have implemented InitiaLit and all the MacqLit programs across the school.

** We must provide students with strong content knowledge in many domains at all grade levels in order for them to develop adequate language comprehension abilities. At St Pat's we continue to plan for teaching vocabulary and raising the bar on our knowledge rich curriculum.

What can you do at home?

• Use rich and varied vocabulary. 
• Challenge your children with new and interesting words.
• Praise your children when they experiment with new words.
• Talk about concepts that are new. Talk about them in depth.
• Research together. Let them know when you don't know! Tell them you can find out together!

Year 5 Leadership processes Year 5 recently enjoyed their Christian Leadership day during which they learned about the processes for applying for Year 6 roles and responsibilities. Students applying for school captain roles will present their speeches to the school community on Wednesday 23rd November at 12.35 in the school hall. Parents are welcome! 

Students applying for sport captain roles will present their speeches to their sport house in the classrooms on the same day at 2.15pm. Parents generally do not attend these smaller gatherings.

We have spoken with Year 5 students that our expectation is that they all will take a captain or minister role in Year 6 to develop their leadership and contribute to the life and growth of our school.

Blessings

Jo

Religious Education

Parents are invited to attend our upcoming Chapel Masses. Mass begins at 9:15am in the Church on Friday of each week:

Week 6 - No Chapel Mass

Week 7- 4/5Y

Week 8- 5/6G

Week 9- 5/6R

Religious Education Curriculum

At this week's staff meeting teachers broke open the Brisbane Religious Education Curriculum in planning for prayer focused teaching and learning experiences this term. 

Take the time as a family to discuss what prayer is and pray together. Here is a great resource for praying as a family: https://catholicidentity.bne.catholic.edu.au/prayer/SitePages/Ways-to-Pray-Calendar.aspx 

Christmas Eve Mass

We are still seeking children interested in dramatising the Gospel for the Christmas Eve Mass. If your child/ren are interested, please email emma.grant@cg.catholic.edu.au 

Catholic Mission Fundraising

Thank you to all the families who donated to our Socktober fundrasier at the end of last term. The aim of this fundraiser is to cultivate the passion of students to rise up, engage their local community and take action against poverty. It provides young people in Australia with the opportunity to lead in mission, encouraging them to think not only of what they will do to help, but why they will do it.

We raised $117!

 

Thank you to the families who have finalised their 2022 School Fees. 

Term 4 fees are due next Thursday, 17 November 2022, except those with direct debit arrangements.

If at any time your family is experiencing financial hardship due to Covid-19 or any other reason or your family is in need of other support, please contact the school to make a time for a confidential meeting with our Principal, Jo Scott-Pegum to discuss how the school can help support your family.

Attendance notes on compass

Compass is our portal for all things attendance. Here is a quick guide to help you make sure you are keeping your child/rens attendance records up to date.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1frSLMqimzGv6ZH3wVDD3QtTxJqiOdmpA/view?usp=share_link 

If you need help accessing Compass or need your password reset please touch base with Mrs Grant emma.grant@cg.catholic.edu.au 

The Australian Dental Health NSW (Dental Clinic Van) has been rescheduled and will be visiting our school during Week 7, Term 4.

The Australian Dental Health NSW have advised that they will still accept any late forms, please email office.bega@cg.catholic.edu.au if you require a Dental Form to be sent home with your child/ren.