Filter Content
Dear Parents and Carers,
A big welcome back to Term 2 and a special welcome to Jared (Kinder) and Lenny (Year 1) who have joined St Patrick's this week.
One wonderful new resource was installed on the outside library wall at the start of term, a giant decal map of the world. We thank Mrs Jenkins for her skill to make the finished decal look so professional. It is wonderful to hear students talking with one another about where they were born, or where they have visited, or even where they would like to travel, and point the places out to each other on the map.
I have particularly enjoyed the rich conversations I've had with so many children before school and during playtime about their leisure activities over the school holidays. These moments have been so rewarding, as they provide a great opportunity to connect with students on a personal level. Hearing about their adventures, hobbies, and family time not only brings joy to my day but also helps me understand their interests and experiences outside the classroom. These interactions foster a sense of community and belonging within the school. I have been particularly happy to hear of the outdoor nature of many holidays with children well away from television and screen-time.
When speaking about screen-time with some parents recently, many were unaware of the Australian recommended guidelines. At Kinder enrolment we have been providing checklists for parents regarding school readiness and include recommendations about screen time and sleep. You may like to use this check in guide regarding your children's sleep health and screen habits. For your information, viewing television is included in screen time.
Blessings,
Jo
School Counsellor - Exciting News!
St Patrick's has been without a school counsellor for a term, but we are pleased to announce that a new counsellor will be joining us next week.
If you would like your child to see the school counsellor, please touch base or complete the referral form using the link below. For families with split custody, it is a requirement that both parents provide consent.
https://catholiccare.force.com/housing/s/school-referral-form
Once you complete the referral the counsellor will touch base and prioritise the St Patrick’s community’s needs. Based on this most students will see the counsellor fortnightly for a series of six sessions.
Support for Parents
As we embark on a new term, it's important to acknowledge that this period can be a source of anxiety for many students. The transition back to school, new routines, and academic pressures can sometimes feel overwhelming. As your classroom support teacher, I want to share some insights and resources to help you support your child during this time.
Understanding Anxiety in Students
Anxiety can manifest in various ways, including:
- Physical symptoms: headaches, stomach aches, or fatigue.
- Emotional signs: irritability, mood swings, or excessive worry.
- Behavioural changes: withdrawal from activities, difficulty concentrating, or changes in sleep patterns.
How You Can Help
- Open Communication: Encourage your child to express their feelings. Listen without judgment and validate their emotions.
- Routine and Structure: Establish a consistent daily routine to provide a sense of stability.
- Healthy Habits: Ensure your child gets adequate sleep, nutritious meals, and regular physical activity.
- Mindfulness and Relaxation: Introduce mindfulness exercises or relaxation techniques to help manage stress.
Resources for Parents
- Some quick reads: Finding Balance Article, No More Tears - Tips for easier drop offs, Reframing Routines
- Free online parenting courses: Why Fear-Less Triple P Online makes all the difference - Help your child manage anxiety and become more emotionally resilient. This full toolkit of tips and ideas really works! Book Now
Emma Grant
Dates for your Calendar
Week 2- Mother's Day Breakfast, Friday 9th May.
Please follow the link for your free tickets. This will help with catering for the day.
https://compasstix.com/e/so7r38bvss
Key Dates for Confirmation:
-
Family Mass- Sunday 4th May, 9:30am
-
Retreat- Friday 6th June, 9:15-2:30pm
-
Confirmation- Sunday 8th June, 9:30am
Please contact the Parish for enrolment
Receiving the Sacraments is a special part of our faith journey. Baptism is the first of the Sacraments that people undertake when they are initiated into the Catholic Church. This is followed by the Sacraments of Confirmation, Reconciliation and First Eucharist. At St Patrick’s Primary School, Bega, we support students' participation in these Sacraments through our Sacramental program. The program strives to help our students grow as part of a church community and feel a real sense of belonging to the wider Family of God.
Sacramental Program at St Patrick's Primary School
St Patrick’s students participate in a Parish-based Sacramental program, specifically for those students enrolled, alongside an education-based classroom program for all students. Students will participate in the Sacraments during the following Years of Primary Education.
- Reconciliation, The Sacrament of Penance: When the child is in Year 3 or above
- Eucharist: When the child is in Year 3 or above
- Confirmation: When the child is in Year 5 or Year 6.
The program commences with an information session that is run for parents early in the year. Students will then attend a compulsory Sunday enrolment Mass with their parents/carer. As students prepare for the Sacrament, they will participate in a range of learning experiences, along with a retreat and youth group facilitated by the Religious Education Coordinator and Parish Priest.
Enrolment
Enrolment is directly through the St Patrick’s Parish. The link for enrolment will be sent out to all parents early in the year as well as being available on the Parish website.
Parental Commitment
The family is the place where a child’s education in faith begins and grows. What happens within the family shapes the child’s appreciation of God and the Church family. We ask that parents make a solid commitment to the Sacramental Program by attending the information session and enrolment Mass with their child and discussing learning at home.
A Brief Explanation of each of the Sacraments
Reconciliation, The Sacrament of Penance
The Sacrament of Penance is one of the most beautiful aspects of Catholicism. Jesus Christ, in his abundant love and mercy, established the Sacrament of Penance, so that we can obtain forgiveness for our sins and reconcile with God and the Church. The sacrament “washes us clean,” and renews us in Christ, and places us in a state of grace to receive the Eucharist.
First Eucharist
Eucharist is a Greek word meaning ‘Thanksgiving.’ Of the sacraments, the Holy Eucharist, or Holy Communion, is the most central and important to Catholicism, it is the third sacrament of initiation. When we receive Holy Communion, we’re intimately united with Jesus Christ - who becomes part of us. Also, by taking Holy Communion, we express our union with all Catholics who believe the same doctrines, obey the same laws and follow the same leaders.
Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation involves your child confirming their Christian faith as their own, and in doing so being sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit, anointed with the oil of chrism and sent as a witness of God into the world.
If you would like any further information about any of the Sacraments, please contact the Parish office or Mel Ferris.
Mel Ferris
What a beautiful Autumn day we had today for the running of the Southern Region Cross Country. 27 St Patricks students tried their hardest on a very tough course. We have seven St Pat’s students selected in the Southern Region team. Congratulations to Archie, Ava, Levi, Thea, Austin, Remmi and Mia who will travel to Canberra shortly for the next level of competition.