Dear Parents and Carers,

What a joy to have some of our junior students demonstrating the yellow pillar, 'Look after each other,' through their initiative to make a 'Friendship Bench.' They've designed the initial poster with a few 'How-to's' to support all students to find social connections at play. Thank you Lincoln, Rivarhni, Aaliyah and Anatsa! Lovely to see 2 friends sitting with you for the photo.

Congratulations Mrs Grant

I am delighted to share that Mrs Grant recently completed a Master of Specialist Inclusive Education. This advanced degree has provided her with the skills and knowledge to better assess the diverse needs of our students and implement effective adjustments to support their learning.

With this new expertise, Mrs Grant is equipped to conduct thorough assessments to identify the specific needs of each student. This allows us to put in place tailored adjustments that ensure all students can access the curriculum and participate fully in school life. These adjustments might include differentiated instruction, specialised resources, or targeted intervention programs.

By applying these strategies, we aim to create an inclusive environment where every student at St Pat's can thrive academically and socially. 

Finally, this week I thought it might be helpful to share with you some tips for managing your energy levels as life gets busy toward the end of the school year.  Life is busy for our St Pat’s students as we prepare to celebrate our talent at the dance concert next week, and then the junior years commence intensive swimming! As I continue to enjoy the podcasts from Meg Durham's School of Wellbeing, I was reminded of the valuable insights she has on how we can keep our "battery" charged. Here are some practical tips that can benefit everyone, parents and children.

Prioritize Rest: One of the most crucial aspects of maintaining energy is ensuring we get enough rest. Adequate sleep is not just about quantity but also quality. Rest allows our brains to recover and function optimally, especially during challenging times. Encourage your children to establish a consistent sleep routine to help them stay focused and energized throughout the day.

Nutrition and Hydration: What we eat and drink significantly impacts our energy levels. A balanced diet rich in nutrients and staying well-hydrated are fundamental to keeping our bodies and minds in peak condition. We need to make a conscious effort to include a variety of healthy foods in our meals and remember to drink plenty of water.

Physical Activity: Regular physical activity is another key component of maintaining high energy levels. Exercise not only boosts our physical health but also enhances our mental well-being. Encourage your children to participate in sports or any form of physical activity they enjoy. Even a short daily walk can make a big difference. Find something you can do together as a family each day or each week.

Connection: Building and maintaining supportive relationships is vital for our well-being. We thrive better together than alone. Encourage your children to foster positive relationships with their peers and teachers. Have you organised a play date for your child with some friends at a local park? This is a simple way to support your child's social growth and strengthen their connections.

Mindfulness and Reflection: Being mindful of our thoughts and actions can significantly impact our energy and overall life satisfaction. Taking time to reflect on our day, practicing gratitude, and making conscious choices can help us stay grounded and focused. Encourage your children to practice mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or journaling.

By incorporating these tips into our daily routines, we can ensure that we as adults and parents, keep our batteries charged, and we support our children with their battery health too. Let's work together to support each other's well-being! Here is a podcast you may enjoy...

Blessings

Jo

The Writing Revolution 

We are pleased to share the success we have seen with The Writing Revolution, which has significantly improved our students' writing skills. This evidence-based program has helped students express their ideas clearly and effectively, enhancing their writing, reading comprehension, and overall engagement with the curriculum.

Our teachers have consistently applied these strategies, resulting in noticeable academic growth. We are proud of the progress our students have made and are committed to continuing this successful program to support their ongoing development.

Dates for your calendar

Friday 29th November, Class Mass 1/2 Green. Families Welcome.

Friday 13th December 9:15am- Giving Mass

Tuesday 17th December 6:00pm- Graduation Mass (Please RSVP numbers to Mrs Ferris for pew allocation)

Christmas Eve Nativity 

During Week 5, Father Adrian visited our school assembly to speak with students about performing a short Nativity play on Christmas Eve at Mass. Emails have gone out to the parents and carers of all students who expressed an interest in being involved. If your child would like to participate in our Nativity play on Christmas Eve, please ask them to see Mrs Ferris. This cherished tradition brings the story of Christmas to life and is a wonderful opportunity for our students to showcase their talents and spread holiday cheer. It would be lovely to see many of our St Pat's families at Christmas Eve Mass. 

Date: December 24th

Time: Evening (TBA)

Location: St Patrick's Church

Learning at St Pat's

At St Pat's, we make every minute count! Here are some photos from my learning walks this morning. 

Mel Ferris