Week 9, Term 2, 2017

Patcare: Living our vision to be "always faithful to our loving God "

Yesterday we received a lovely thank you email from one of our school families who have been supported by our St Pat's Patcare initiative. As many of you will know, Patcare is coordinated by members of our Parents and Friends to supply meals for our families when a need arises.
Our school motto and vision ask us to be "always faithful to our loving God". Supporting the Patcare initiative is one way for you as parents to help bring this vision to life. To be able to contribute to reaching out and helping others through donating meals is a way to show our faith and love for others. Here is the lovely message from one of our school families:

As a family of St Pats, we would like to say a big thank you to Patcare for their amazing support over the past few months. Whilst dealing with a serious illness in the family, we were unexpectedly provided with a meal or two each week by Patcare which greatly assisted our family during this time.
We would like to encourage all families to assist with a meal or donate $20 for a Laurel and Hearty meal, as it is truly a very special support service provided by the school and our very generous families. It is a small way to to show your support and one day, like us, you may benefit from Patcare’s generosity.
Thank you again, a family from St Pats!
Reconciliation Prayer
This was the opening prayer from our recent Reconciliation Workshops last week:

We thank you God for the gift of Reconciliation. You forgive us even before we ask. You know us and You love us always. Lord, open our hearts to the gift of Reconciliation. Help us to recognise how special this sacrament is in our lives. Teach us how to forgive and to ask for forgiveness, and how to model reconciliation in all our actions. Jesus' commandment "Love one Another as I have loved you," is a reminder for us to treat each other with respect, compassion and love.

Year 3 Reconciliation display

Vision Posters - Engaged and motivated learners always faithful to our loving God
Last week I spent a half hour session with a number our classes across the school. We had a chance to focus on our school vision statement and many of the children designed posters to reflect the meaning of the vision.
There were many excellent posters. This illustration by Zoe B in 3L was one that definitely stood out from the others. The posters will be displayed around the school.

Parent teacher interviews

Thanks for your patience with the PTO booking system and the technical challenges early this week.

We look forward to meeting with you on Thursday 29th June. Reports will go home on Friday 23rd June.

This year, all of the interviews will take place in our centrally located hall. This will mean that families won't have to spend time walking around the school to visit classrooms. You will be able to wait in a special area outside the hall before your meetings take place. 

POPE Parents as Open Partners in Education

Come and join us this Friday morning after you drop the children off for a catch up around the following topics - parent interviews and camps as well as any other topics you wish to discuss. Everyone is welcome. We will meet in the staffroom. You can access minutes from our previous discussions at this link.

St John Vianney's staff visit St Patrick's

Last Friday, teachers from St John Vianney's school in Parkdale came to meet with and observe our teachers. They had heard about the wonderful work that we do here around Mindfulness, Circle Time. Growth Mindset and building self-esteem and resilience. Thanks to all of our staff and students who welcomed our visitors and were willing to share our St Pat's good practices. Our doors are always open to welcome and share with families and colleagues.

Liz Hills sharing Social Skills information with our visitors

Engaged and motivated learners at St Pat's - Biomes

What are Biomes ? Biomes are very large ecological areas on the earth’s surface, with fauna and flora adapting to their environment. Biomes are often defined by abiotic factors such as climate, relief, geology, soils and vegetation. Our Year 3 and 4's are excited to share their biome dioramas, posters and information with you at a showcase of learning on Tuesday 20th June for Year 3 and Thursday 22nd June for Year 4.

Musical Showcase Invitation

Our children are fortunate to be taught by Marg O'Dwyer, our specialist music teacher. Due to the favourable response to last year's musical showcase of learning, Marg is holding another one on Monday 26th June. Here is the invitation from Marg.

Musical Showcase of Learning Semester 1 2017

 Our Beautiful World

You are invited to attend a short concert to see your child/ren perform items they have been learning this Semester in music.
Date: Monday June 26th
Venue: School Hall
Time: There will be two concerts. Please check below to see when your child is performing.
You are most welcome to stay for both concerts if you have one or more children performing in each one.
Concert 1 at 2pm:- 2M, 4V, 5J and 6H to perform
Concert 2 at 2.45pm:- 2T, 4P, 5M and 6L to perform
Hope to see you there!
Marg O’Dwyer
Music Teacher

Absences

Any students absent for one week or longer are to kindly notify the principal for our school records.

Reminder
There is a school closure day on Wednesday 21st June.
School will finish early at 1pm on Thursday 29th June for Parent Interviews.

UPCOMING DATES for TERM 2

Wed 21st June    School Closure Day

Fri 23rd June       Reports home

Thur 29th June    Parent/Teacher Interviews

Fri 30th June       End of term 2. Children dismissed @ 2pm.

Please support our school by collecting the Earn and Learn Stickers at your local Woolies, and asking family, friends and neighbours to help out too.

Sticker sheets are available at Woolies, or just send along your stickers and we’ll attach them.

In the past, we have collected enough stickers to purchase thousands of dollars of games, sports equipment and curriculum supplies. Please help us do the same this year.