Dear Parents and Carers,

This week I have been in Canberra from Wednesday to Friday at various Principal meetings. We have welcomed Mr Tim Cleary as Acting Principal in my absence. Mr Cleary is a highly experienced principal who is doing some relief work in our Archdiocese, and it is great to have him at St Patrick's for these few days. And, in case you are wondering like many St Pat's kids, he isn't related to the NRL Cleary's! It was quite fascinating that when being introduced to each class Tuesday afternoon, just how many of our students asked that question first! Mr Cleary let them know that he is not related, and his team is the Sea Eagles!

Yesterday we gathered as a system of leaders for Catholic Leaders Day. On the agenda was supporting positive behaviours for learning titled 'Classroom Mastery.' This thinking continues to expand the explicit and direct instruction pedagogy unfolding in our classrooms. 

Today the NSW principals gathered for a briefing with our NESA colleague Christine Keys. Christine is a Liaison Officer at NSW Education Standards Authority. She works with principals, schools and systems to ensure our continued understanding of and engagement with the NSW curriculum. We have recently been implementing the new K-2 English and Maths curricula and are currently implementing the new Year 3-6 curricula in the same subjects.

Next Monday I am at the Artificial Intelligence in Education conference in Melbourne for one day. 

• We will be learning more about how AI is transforming the way we teach and learn.
  
  * Hearing from experts in the field and exploring interactive sessions
  
  * Networking face-to-face with other educators.
  
  * Staying up to date with cutting-edge developments,
  
  * Learning how to integrate AI into teaching practice.
  
  * Gaining invaluable insights into the future of education.

I look forward to sharing some of the valuable learning on my return to school.

At St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School our Vision is to be 'A School with a View'.

We have Three Pillars, each Pillar is supported with a corresponding School Principle. Our documentation is developed around these Pillars and Principles, to enable each member of our community to action our Vision. 

This Term we are focusing on the Green Pillar.

This Pillar focuses on Behaviours for Learning such as:

• Working together (collaboration & cooperation)
• Look, Listen, Learn
• Setting goals
• On Task
• Be Safe, Be Happy 

Here are some photos of students showing these attributes. 

Today we celebrated Grandparents Day. We started the day with Mass which was prepared by Junior Primary. After Mass our visitors enjoyed a cuppa and cake, followed by visits to the classrooms to see their grandchildren.

Here are some highlights from the children:

Aodhan:   It was good , I enjoyed talking with Nan.

Sophie:    It was really nice spending time with them and asking questions about their life.

Jacob:   It was nice. My Pop taught me how to play card games, other kids got to learn about my life.

Eva:   I enjoyed spending time with my Nan. 

7th FESTIVAL OF DARING POSSIBILITIES SAT11/ SUN12 NOV 

- RADICAL HOPE IN THE VALLEY 

A colourful weekend of inspiring speakers, performers, activities and workshops, sharing  big visions for positive change in our community. This year is all about RADICAL HOPE - WHAT IF ...WE THRIVE ?.    Events include PLAY IN THE PARK 2-5 SATURDAY and 2-6 YOUTH LED OPEN MIKE. and EVENING SHOW at the Bega Civic Centre all hosted by Alive and Connected in Bega and SUNDAY 's -  RADICAL HOPE IN THE GARDEN, an arty-farty-garden-party hosted by Navigate Arts in Tanja. 11am - 5 pm 

Tickets available at https://events.humanitix.com/radical-hope-in-the-valley-festival-of-daring-possibilities-2023 for more info or to volunteer please contact aliveandconnected@gmail.com 

Mumbulla School invite parents, carers and professionals working with children to a presentation by our School Psychologist Rachael Driessen:

Supporting Children with Managing Anxiety

Thursday 9 November, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Mumbulla School - Susan Haris Hall
37 Bega Street, Bega

Free but please book on https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1132244

While anxiety is a natural part of the human experience, it can at times interfere with our wellbeing in a manner which infringes on our engagement in life. Children’s experience of anxiety is varied and there are times for many children it can feel difficult to manage, leading to distress and interfering with functioning. Parents and carers can provide timely support for children at these times and can help them navigate their feelings in a manner which allows them to continue to move forward. This presentation aims to cover a variety of strategies for managing anxiety, which can be trialled by carers and used to formulate a plan for supporting their young person in times of anxiety.

Tickets are free, but please book so that we can prepare the space adequately.