Dear Parents and Carers,

We welcomed Andrew Pirie back to St Patrick's this week in his role as our school coach for High Impact Teaching Practice. Andrew's specific focus was continuing support of our teachers as they refine their skills with direct instruction. Andrew's praise was high for the amazing work our teachers are doing, the great engagement of our learners, and of course the progress and achievement for our students.

Are you curious about direct instruction? Would you like to see it in action? Please let me know and we will book a time for you to observe one of these classes in action!

School Uniforms In recent months we have been working on a plan to move the school uniform shop from school to being supplied through a local business. I am pleased to inform you that from 2025, St Patrick's school uniforms will be sold through Tuff-As Workwear. Uniforms will remain at a very similar price and be available to try on and purchase whenever the store is open! Thanks Alyce and the Tuff-As team for making this transition so seamless for our community! Uniforms are currently still purchased on Qkr! and appointments for fittings can be made during the uniform shop opening hours that are communicated each week in the Compass messages.

Footsteps every Wednesday is a morning of great joy as a growing group of 0-5 year old children and parents / carers come together in the library for storytime and connection. If you haven't brought the littlies yet, please come and join in sometime soon.

Behaviours for learning / engagement at St Pat’s

Celebrating Positive Behaviours for Learning at Our School

At our school, we believe that fostering positive behaviours for learning is essential for creating a supportive and effective educational environment. Here are some of the key behaviours we encourage and celebrate, inspired by Ian Luscombe's BehaveAbility approach:

1. Attentive Listening: Our students are taught to be attentive listeners, which helps them absorb information more effectively and show respect to their peers and teachers.
2. Active Participation: We encourage students to actively participate in lessons. This not only enhances their learning experience but also makes the classroom more dynamic and engaging.
3. Preparedness: Being prepared with the necessary classroom equipment and materials is a habit we instil in our students. This readiness ensures that they can fully engage in their learning activities.
4. Responsibility: Taking responsibility for their own work is a crucial behaviour we promote. This helps students develop a sense of ownership and accountability for their learning.
5. Respect: Showing respect for everyone in the classroom, including teachers, adults, and peers, is a fundamental value at our school. This creates a positive and inclusive learning environment.
6. Positive Behaviour Management: Ian Luscombe's BehaveAbility approach emphasizes practical, whole-school and individual behaviour management strategies. These strategies link positive psychology with emotional education to create consistent, predictable, nurturing, and high-expectation cultures. This approach includes:

• • Teaching Expected Behaviours: Clearly defining and teaching the behaviours we expect from students.
  • Managing Emotions: Helping students and teachers manage their emotions to maintain a positive learning environment.
  • Using Positive Reinforcement: Maintaining a high level of positive interactions to encourage desired behaviours.

By focusing on these behaviours, we aim to create a school environment where every student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We are proud of the progress our students are making and look forward to continuing to support their growth and development.

Transition to High School Webinar for Parents

Dates for your calendar

• Chapel Mass, 9:15am Friday Week 8 - 3/4G (Families welcome, though limited seating available in the Chapel)                                              
• No Chapel Mass in Week 9

The Season of Creation

The annual celebration of the Season of Creation invites the world’s 2.6 billion Christians to pray and take action to protect Earth, our common home and to discern the guidance it offers us for bringing about the New Creation of which Jesus spoke. The Season of Creation takes place from September 1st, the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, to October 4th, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. 

How You Can Participate:

• At Home: Families can participate by adopting eco-friendly practices such as reducing waste, conserving water, and using energy-efficient appliances. Discussing these practices at home can reinforce the lessons learned at school.
• In the Community: Join local environmental groups or participate in community events focused on sustainability. Volunteering for clean-up drives or tree planting initiatives can make a significant impact.
• Through Prayer: Incorporate prayers for the environment into your daily routine. Reflecting on the beauty of creation and our role in its preservation can inspire meaningful action.

By engaging in the Season of Creation, we aim to inspire our students and families to become more mindful of their environmental impact and to take proactive steps towards sustainability. Let us come together to celebrate and protect the beautiful world that God has entrusted to us.

Curriculum

It is always a joy to visit classrooms and see the fantastic learning and high level of engagement. Students in Initialit classes participate in many activities aimed at developing reading fluency and comprehension skills. 

After a full morning of learning, we enjoy time with our friends during the break. Today was no exception, with the weather perfect for an impromtu recess picnic.

Mel Ferris

Australian Dental Health NSW, Dental Clinic Van will be visiting our school again in 2024, during Week 7, Term 4.

A friendly reminder, consent forms need to be returned to the office by Monday 9^th September, 2024.