Newsletter 96- Junes 1st 2023
Prayer of the Week:
Today let us pray for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples who have contributed over time to our collective Australian Identity. Across every generation, our Elders have played, and continue to play, an important role and hold a prominent place in our communities and families. We acknowledge and pay tribute to the Elders who have re-entered the dreaming, may their spirits walk alongside us always. The Catholic Tradition, grounded in the mission and teaching of Jesus, compels us to respect the sacred dignity of each person. Therefore, we pray for Justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. May all Australians come together and continue to build our shared Australian Identity. Unite and stand together as a community in peace and harmony for reconciliation. Have the strength to stand up against racism, living out the Gospel command to love one another as Jesus showed us. Commit to a voice of truth telling, creating spaces in our communities for truth-telling and deep listening, leading to action for justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Strive to develop genuine, lasting relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Let us pray today that Reconciliation will live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by just and respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Amen
Position Vacant:
A word from the office:
ClassDojo in App purchases and upgrades
Dear Parents and guardians,
I have received some queries regarding the additional features available within ClassDojo.
Please note that you are not required to subscribe to or pay for any additional features or upgrades
that might appear as pop-ups or be offered within the ClassDojo app or website.
If you do receive an invitation to subscribe to an upgraded versions of ClassDojo (such as ClassDojo
Plus which includes Rewards and Home Points), you can decline via the ‘x’ button or close out of the app or website.
All ClassDojo features utilized by the school (Stories and Messages etc) are completely free of charge to our families. The school does not utilise, monitor or endorse any of the additional features that require payment and is not responsible for any costs incurred should you choose to subscribe.
As with all apps, as the operating software on your smart phone is updated, you will occasionally be required to download the latest version of ClassDojo via the App Store - this process does not
involve any costs.
If you have subscribed to a paid version such as ClassDojo Plus and wish to cancel, go to:
https://classdojo.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/14785041088013-How-to-Cancel-your-ClassDojo-Plus-Subscription#web
To apply for a refund, go to;
https://classdojo.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/14783950412813-Can-I-Get-a-Refund-for-My-ClassDojo-Plus-Subscription-#web
Kind regards,
Anna Wadge Business Manager
Wellbeing:
On Wednesday all students participated in a whole school wellbeing day. Students undertook a sport/games session with Mrs Portelli thoroughly enjoying the challenge of working collaboratively and being risk takers and challenging themselves to achieve a common goal.
We had Lauren and Maryann from the Stephanie Alexanders Kitchen and Garden guru Monique. The ladies took the children through all the colours of fruits and vegetables and how the different colours are healthy and helpful for different parts of their bodies. The students were then able to make a colourful healthy wrap or bread sushi roll with their choice of fillings. All students were encouraged to choose a filling they had never tried before. Some of these included: avocado, capsicum, lettuce, bean sprouts and mushrooms to name a few.
Children then went to the veggie garden area and either weeded, spread soil and mixed it in, planted seeds or seedlings. It was so wonderful to hear all the chattering as we all worked alongside each other. So many of the children shared prior knowledge and insights into their gardening experiences and expressed a desire to keep having the opportunity either at home or school. Please click the link below for more information and resources.
https://www.kitchengardenfoundation.org.au
The other area was a focus on art and Reconciliation Week with this years theme "Be a voice for a generation". Children watched various small clips and reflected on this and were encouraged to decorate a Dove, t shirt or shorts showcasing their understanding. If students completed all of the above there was additional opportunities for quiet reflection, making stress balls from rice and balloons or cloud dough from cornflour, hair conditioner and food dye.
Lillie Comitti St Pats Wellbeing Co ordinator
The general feedback was a worthwhile day out from the usual learning experiences and a great team effort.
Wellbeing Day May 2023
Teaching and Learning:
School Assemblies: Our assemblies are led by a different class each week (see roster below) and happen each Friday afternoon starting at 2:50pm in the school hall. Students are dismissed from the hall on this day. We invite all our community to come along.
Week 6: 2nd June Middle C
Week 7: 9th June No Assembly school closure day
Week 8: 16th June Junior F
Week 9: 23rd June Foundation
Professional Development:
At St Patrick’s Primary School we are committed to Professional Development of our team. At various times staff members will be working off site or online which may result in classroom teachers being out of the classroom.
Week 7
Tuesday 6th June Miss Comitti, Miss Fleming, Ms Comitti - Structured Literacy V/C
I hope this newsletter finds you all well. It is hard to comprehend that we are almost at the end of Term 2.
This week we welcomed back Mr Moloney into Senior M. Mr Moloney will be working reduced hours in the short term to ensure he has the necessary recovery period prior to returning to full time work. From the leadership team I acknowledge and extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated teachers and staff for their unwavering commitment to our students. Their tireless efforts have ensured a nurturing and stimulating learning environment for our students, regardless of who the classroom teacher was standing in front of them. We also thank our students and families who have been affected by teacher changes and thank them for their understanding and cooperation.
Last week was Catholic Education Week which provided us with a perfect time to showcase our wonderful school and all we have to offer. Thank You so much for the many people that were able to be a part of the week. Whether this was visiting our classrooms, coming along to mass or assembly, we appreciate your support.
On Tuesday morning we welcomed prospective Foundation students for 2024. Families were taken on a guided tour by our school leaders and were able to experience first hand our learning and environment at St Patrick’s.
Maryanne Comitti
Junior C:
It has been a busy week in Middle C, with lots of fantastic learning and work being done. All students have been using their Learner Superpowers and giving their all for their assessment tasks. They have all done a great job and I am impressed with how well they have gone this week!
In reading, we have been collaborative in small groups to learn a reader's theatre play. All students have been learning their lines and have started to bring in lots of great expressions and gestures to help bring their characters to life.
In writing, we have been working hard on our information reports about an animal of our choosing. We have been focusing on our ability to note important key words about our animal and turn our notes into great sentences and paragraphs. Many of us have begun making our information report posters. They are looking great so far!
We have also been continuing with our “Sentence a Day” writing sessions every day. This week students have been shown a picture and have to choose their question words to create a sentence from scratch. Everyone is showing awesome progress in their writing each and every day and it is always interesting to hear what amazing sentences they have created.
In maths, grade 3s have been learning all about fractions and measuring length and have just completed their Module 5 check-up. All students used their resilient learner superpower and all did their best. Grade 4’s have also completed their Module check-up and have started learning about chance and probability.
In science we have been learning about flowering plants. We got to smell a variety of different plants such as lavender and mint, and take a class vote into what Middle C’s favourite flowering plant was. Lemon mint was the class favourite, beating snowdrop by a narrow 1 vote.
In religion, we learned the story of Pentecost and worked collaboratively to retell the story using different actions to represent what we hear in the story. We have also been learning about the gifts of the Holy Spirit which we receive through our sacraments and what each of these gifts mean to us as Catholic Christians.
Last week, Middle C, as well as Middle B and the Foundation students went to the Town Hall Library for National Simultaneous Story Time. All students got to listen to a reading of the picture book “The Speedy Sloth”. All students were then to make their own Speedy Sloth masks. It was a great day and students had an amazing time!
In this issue we've included various opportunities for parents to contribute their perspective in education as well as several parent webinars and resources to support children's safety and wellbeing.
CSPV have once again teamed with the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority and Department of Education to bring parents an informative webinar on the new VCE Vocational Major and changes for Year 10-12 student pathways.
The CSPA Parent Engagement Toolkit also features in this issue with many resources to explore including video case studies from schools in Australia.
We'd like to take this opportunity to thank you for reading and sharing our content and look forward to continuing to support you and the families in your school in 2023.
Click to download the email update to include in your newsletter - CSPV Connect June 2023
Click to download the Parent Webinar invitation to inform parents of changes to the senior secondary pathway options for Year10-12 students.
School closure day June 9th
On Friday June 9th we will have a school closure day in preparation for our school review.
A school review is an analysis or evaluation of a school's performance, programs, facilities, and resources. It typically examines factors such as student achievement, faculty credentials, curriculum, parent involvement, and community engagement. Our School review will be conducted by diocese representatives and will provide feedback and guidance on how we can improve our educational offerings and overall effectiveness. The process will involve interviews with staff, students, and parents, surveys, data analysis, and a visit to the school. Our school review will take place on the 5th & 6th of September, 2023.
Writing moderation: Teachers gathered together Monday afternoon to analyze each individual student's writing. Using writing “I can statements” aligned to the Victorian Curriculum standards teachers discuss and moderate each student writing. Writing moderation allows teachers to identify achievements and areas for future learning.
Reports: Teachers are busy assessing and preparing student reports. Reports provide us with the progress students have made to date and give us information on how to best support them going forward. Reports will be sent home in Week 8 (starting 12/06/23) and will provide parents/carers with valuable information on their child’s progress during Semester 1. There will be an opportunity for parents/carers to meet with classroom teachers for Parent Teacher Interviews on Wednesday 21st June, 2023. At St Patrick’s is committed to working in partnership with our parents/carers as we know when we work together we achieve the best outcomes for our children.
Students of the week:
Avaya Hollis - For the sensational work you did with your cold write sample. I am very proud of how far you have come Avaya!
Valeria Di Pietro - For the amazing work you’ve been doing with your reading fluency! Keep up the great work Valeria.
Jarli Goodes - For the hard work and effort you have been putting into your reading. Keep taking risks, you are doing a fabulous job!
Jai Hine - For using all your super powers in your learning. You are putting a lot of effort into all areas of your work. Keep it up!
Oscar Erwin - For being a self-motivated learner and completing assessment tasks with your best efforts. I’m very proud of you Oscar
Arli Werry - For always being such a positive and collaborative member of our classroom. Keep up the super work.
Lenny Field - For accepting and applying feedback to your sentences and writing pieces.
Vibeesh Ranjay - For the great work you have been doing with expanding your sentences using adjectives and adverbs.
Charli Pickering For the amazing work you have put into completing your information report on Wombats. Great work Charli!
Fletcher Thomas - For the awesome effort you are putting into your reading. You are making great progress Fletcher, well done!
Jett Virgin - For being such a curious learner and for always putting so much effort into your learning! Well done Jett!
Jack Sullivan - For showing excellent progress in your reading! Congratulations Jack!
Emily Nutting - For the amazing growth you are demonstrating in your mid-year Reading assessments.
Matilda Egan - For the way you always go out of your way to support your peers in the classroom, you are a wonderful role-model.
Mary McKillop Award:
Mary MacKillop lived a life dedicated to her faith and serving the needs of others. Wherever and however she could, Mary MacKillop did everything possible to improve the lives of others. This award acknowledges the thoughtful actions of the students at St Patrick’s to help others.
"Whatever troubles may be before you, accept them bravely, remembering Whom you are trying to follow. Do not be afraid. Love one another, bear with one another, and let charity guide you all your life. God will reward you as only He can." Saint Mary McKillop
This weeks award recipiant is Adi.
For always seeing a need within the classroom or yard and quietly setting about fixing/helping . Thank you
Living in Faith:
Do you or someone you know need some help?
If you need help with groceries, grocery shopping vouchers, come to Stawell Inter Church Council’s “Cottage” 20 Sloane St. Open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10.30am – 12.30pm. For out of hours emergencies – 0408 038 949.
If you need help with perishable fruit and vegetables, come to Stawell’s Neighborhood House in Sloane St next to Cato Park. Open Mondays – Fridays.
For other needs contact Stawell St Vincent de Paul -0437 344 323. Ring and leave a message or send a text. Your request will be responded to within 24 hours.
Thanks, Mary Rita Thomas President, Stawell St Vincent de Paul Secretary, Stawell Inter Church Council welfare
Sacrament News: Please keep our children who are preparing for their Sacrament of Reconciliation which will take place on Wednesday 21st June, 2023.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation in the past has also previously been called Confession. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is one of two sacraments of healing in the Catholic tradition (the other being the Anointing of the Sick). Reconciliation celebrates God’s love and mercy towards us. It is about acknowledging and naming those times when we know we have done wrong, and then making peace and restoring the relationships with those who have been affected by our poor choices.
Parents and Friends News:
Grade 5/6 Winter sports - Wednesday June 7th - unfortunately due to weather it was postponed this week. The new date of Wednesday the 7th at both North and Cantral parks Stawell has been booked in. *Anybody who is available for this new date please let Vaughan or Kate S know ASAP so a roster of helpers can be drawn up. Thankyou for your flexibility. Slices that were dropped at school have been frozen for this new date.
We appreciate and value your support. Parents & Friends Committee
Birthdays:
Congratulations to this student who will celebrate their birthday this week: Jobe Allen
Parish news:
Around Our Community:
St. Pat’s Op Shop is quite low on children’s clothes for sale at the shop!
If anyone has any children’s clothes to donate they would be much appreciated. The shop is located at 164-166 Main Street Stawell and is open from 10.30am until 4.00 pm each week day and from 10am until 1.00pm on Saturdays. Donations can be left at the shop or in the blue bin at the back of the shop.
Northern Grampians Shire Open Space and Active Transport Survey:
We are looking to get as much input from as many different community members as possible in regard to our open space areas like Cato Park, Market Square and all the other parks and recreation areas in the shire, as well as getting an idea of the active transport in town (riding to and from school/work). These survey's will then feed back into our 10-year plan development of open space and active transport infrastructure within the shire and directly leverage health and wellbeing outcomes through better participation in open spaces and active modes of transport. The survey can be accessed via the QR code or the direct link to the survey is #2 Northern Grampians Parks and Pathways - Community Survey on sport, recreation, public open space, and active transport (surveymonkey.com) If preferred hard copy surveys can be found at Customer Service at the Stawell Town Hall as well as Stawell Sports and Aquatic Centre. Nicholas Baird OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PROJECT OFFICER
Email: nicholas.baird@ngshire.vic.
Upcoming Events:
Our Vision and Mission:
Vision Statement
St Patrick's School is a community which reflects and celebrates Christ as its centre point:
- By honoring our story we value our whole community.
- By coming together our vision is for a loving, just, compassionate and tolerant world.
Mission Statement
In the tradition of St Patrick, we are committed to:
- Promoting and celebrating a love of God, self and community.
- Recognizing and enhancing the talents and uniqueness of each person through our vision of Prayer, Care and Learning.
PRAYER We nurture and grow our relationship with God as members of a faith community.
CARE We foster recognition of difference, compassion for others and the strength to act on our beliefs.
LEARNING We develop the knowledge, attitudes and skills essential to reaching our full potential as life- long learners.