Term 2 Issue 1 - 3rd May 2023

Principal's News

Dear Families,

We have had a fantastic start to Term 2.

Mercy Value Review

During our Pupil Free Day in Week 1 St Patrick’s staff spent the day reviewing our school Mercy Values. Our day began with a session about our Charism and our Mercy values. Staff then reviewed our Mercy values in more depth. Staff identified what we do as a school to meet each of our Mercy values and what we could be doing and they identified what our most significant Mercy Values are for our school. Over the coming weeks students, families and community members will be invited to offer the input into our Mercy Values. Keep an eye on our school Facebook page for more information.

Building Works

Our major building works have now been completed. It has been a massive time where many people were required to assist with making this all happen. But it has all been worth it as our school looks absolutely amazing. I would like to thank all students, staff and families for their support and flexibility over the past several months whilst these were being done.

Attendance

Attending school each and every day is an essential part of your child’s learning. Being at school each day provides your child with opportunities to support their learning, social and emotional wellbeing.

Anzac Day

It was wonderful to see so many of our St Patrick’s students attend our local community march. Students wore their uniform with pride and represented our school beautifully. Well done to our students for sharing The Ode in English and Gunggari and to McKenzie and Judd for sharing the following prayer:

God of love and liberty, we bring our thanks this day for the peace and security we enjoy, which was won for us through the courage and devotion of those who gave their lives in time of war.

We pray their labour and sacrifice may not be in vain, but that their spirit may live on in us and in generations to come. That the liberty, truth and justice which they sought to preserve may be seen and known in all the nations upon earth.

This we pray in the name of the one who gave his life for the sake of the world, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Enrol Now For 2024

Student enrolment interviews for 2024 are currenlty underway. If you or someone you know has children enroling for 2024, please complete the online enrolment form using the link below.

Enrol - St Patrick's School, Mitchell

Warm regards,

Kylie

Term Dates for 2023

Term Two - Tuesday, 18th April to Friday, 23rd June

Term Three - Tuesday, 11th July to Friday, 15th September 

Term Four - Tuesday, 3rd October to Friday, 1st December

PPF News

The next meeting of the PPF Assn will be held on Monday 22nd May at 3.15pm. 

Mother's Day Stall

On Friday, 12th May St Patrick's School will be hosting a Mother's Day Stall. The Stall will be located at the school and supervised by Miss Kylie Millar. A variety of gifts will be available for the children to purchase. All items will be priced $10 and under. 

The St Patrick's School PPF is welcoming donations towards this stall until 5th May. Any donations will be greatly appreciated and can be dropped off to the school office. Thank you

Class News : Years 3 to 6

In Term 2 Years 3-6 have begun working on several interesting units.   

English     

Our English unit this term is entitled Who Tells the Story?   We are exploring the notion that significant events such as WW1 can be interpreted from different perspectives and points of view.  

Through the study of two key texts, My Grandad Marches on ANZAC Day and Simpson and his Donkey, as well as documents written at the time, students will examine a range of points of view. The unit will culminate with students constructing their own texts reflecting a personal perspective and point of view.

Maths

Our maths unit this term has begun with a revision on number including solving multiplication and division problems. We are practicing our mental maths and written strategies to improve confidence in solving but word and number problems.

Science

In this term’s science unit students will investigate how and why natural processes and human actions change the Earth’s surface over time. They will identify evidence of change through exploring rocks and fossils and investigate how erosion is caused by human activity. Students will question, plan, and conduct scientific investigations into the formations of landforms and weathering. Elements of digital technology and human endeavour are incorporated into the lessons. Our focus question will be ‘how do natural processes and human actions change the Earth’s surface over time?'

Religion  

Religion this term will be an engaging unit for all students. They will use the Bible's referencing system to locate books, people, places and things in the Bible. We will examine a number of parables in the bible and aim to understand their meaning to the world today. Students will connect ideas about living in community from different texts and from the experiences of different communities (including Jewish communities in first century Palestine). 

Class News: Prep/1/2

We hope our P/1/2 families all had a relaxing break over the holidays and spent some time together celebrating Easter. The students completed their holiday recounts with excitement and there’s no doubt it will be another busy term ahead!

Our learning:

This term in English we will be focusing on oral language, as we know; children learn to speak so they can read, they read so they can write! These steppingstones are being perfected by our year two students who are working on descriptions this term. We have nearly learnt all the letters of the alphabet. You could help your child consolidate their learning by asking what the letter name is, the sound/s it makes and produce a word beginning with that sound.

In maths we are covering all different concepts and will be focusing on our ‘teen numbers’. Year Two students have begun working with three-digit numbers and are excited to be finally using their grid books!

In science this term students are learning to understand that objects can be made of different materials which have observable properties. Students will identify and investigate different materials and their purpose. 

In Religion, students will continue to participate in a variety of prayer experiences. They will listen and respond to stories about Jesus and explore the importance of developing positive relationships and making appropriate choices.

Mothers Of Prep/1/2 (MOP) event:

The Mothers of Prep (MOP) event is for all Prep/1/2 mothers. This will be held on May 12th around 8.45 a.m. Please remember to bring a mop. A formal invite has gone home. We hope to see you all there!

Please help your child/ren bring in a small glass jar for a special project by Friday the 5^th of May.

Special request: If anyone has any nail polish they’d like to donate – we’d love to have them! Any colour is fine. We are also seeking any recyclables to use each week. Instead of giving them to landfill, we can reuse them in the classroom. Boxes, plastic bottles, bottle tops are all appreciated. Thank you!

Rotations:

Parent helpers are needed for rotations again this term. Please let me know if you are available on Monday morning from 8:45-9:45am – I’d love to hear from you!

A peek into the classroom...

Gunggari in Term 2

Year 3-6

• Revise greeting family and friends, and naming parts of the body and using and creating simple sentences.
• Write a book in English and then translate the poem to Gunggari for Reconciliation week.

Prep-2

Greetings-saying hello, goodbye , welcome, peace be with you.

Principal's Award

Vin Henricks                                                                                      For demonstrating great sportsmanship and commitment to your Cross Country event.

Mercy Award

Paitence Ehrlich

For demonstrating inclusivity and respect to all students and staff. Paitence is often considering her peers by assisting others with tasks and inviting younger students to join in activities during lunch breaks.

Awesome Achiever Awards

Eloise Schafer

Well done Eloise! You've had a great first week at school showing off your enthusiastic attitude. Continue to try hared in your reading and writing and it's great to see you applying your learning to different areas. Congratulations!

Mason Mitchell

For settling back into our class routine and working diligently by completing all classroom activities to the best of his ability.

Important Dates for 2023