3 April 2025

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Hello St Patrick’s families, I hope you are all well! 

Working in Partnership with the School – Parent Engagement Survey 

On Tuesday, April 1st, representatives from TCSO and Catholic Schools Parents Queensland visited St Pat's to discuss parent engagement and share information about a new, hybrid Parent Engagement Network (PEN) model that many Catholic schools are implementing instead of their existing P&F and SAC model. This was an informative session, and I'd like to thank the P&F Executive for their support and for providing catering.

Moving forward, the timeline for deciding on a parent engagement model and setting a new AGM date is as follows:

• This week, a survey will be sent to all families asking if they would prefer to keep the existing P&F/SAC model or switch to the new PEN model. The survey will remain open until week 1 of Term 2.
• In week 1 of Term 2, the survey results will be announced to the community. Regardless of the outcome, a new AGM date will be set approximately 3 weeks after the results are announced.
• At the AGM, a new Executive team will be elected.
• Once the new Executive is in place, forward planning will take place to guide the parent group's efforts in 2025 and beyond.

To help parents decide on the engagement model, a recording of the information session will be shared along with the survey link.

Throughout this process, I want to emphasize the vital role the parent body plays at St Patrick's. Our current and past P&F & SAC bodies have made tremendous contributions to our school, and I'm eager for this to continue. Whatever the survey outcome - moving to PEN or staying with the existing model - I look forward to the parent body's ongoing involvement in 2025 and beyond.

If you have any questions about this process, please contact me via email or through the school office.

Term 2 Calendar Keepers 

As we wrap up Term 1, it's important to look ahead to Term 2. Please note the following key dates and events for the start of Term 2:

• First Day of Term 2: Wednesday, April 23rd. (Please note that Monday, April 21st is the Easter Monday public holiday, and Tuesday, April 22nd is a TCSO student-free day for teacher professional development.)
• ANZAC Day Public Holiday: Friday, April 25th. The school will be marching as part of the St George RSL remembrance service, and all students and their families are invited to attend.
• Labour Day Public Holiday: Monday, May 5th.

Have a Great Break & Remember the Reason for the Season. 

In the midst of our hectic lives, it's easy to overlook that this holiday marks the Easter celebration - the commemoration of Jesus' resurrection. As always, cherish this time with your loved ones, but remember the true meaning of the season. Never forget the sacrifice made for us and the gift we have been given.

 John 11:25-26 

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?" 

Take Care, 
Jim Wren
Principal

NEWS FLASH!

Click on the link provided https://www.stgeorge.catholic.edu.au/

PARENT PORTAL

Download & Use the App Now!

St Patrick’s Parent Portal is now up and running for more streamlined communication with parents. The transition took place on Monday 5^th February, so if you haven’t already, make sure you follow the instructions below on how to register. If you are having issues registering, please contact the school office so we can help with the process.

Warm Regards,
Jim Wren

TUCKSHOP

Please click the links below for our 2025 uniform price list and tuckshop menu. When ordering food on the Flexischools app please be mindful that the cutoff time is exactly 8:00am on Monday mornings (at 8:01am your order will not be accepted).

Regards
Hannah Gunn
(Tuckshop Convenor)

APMI & Learning Support News

As Term 1 draws to a close, we are grateful for the much-needed rain that has brought relief to our region. The refreshing showers have revived the land and filled our rivers, a testament to God's blessings. However, alongside the joy of this rainfall, we also acknowledge the devastation it has caused to properties and smaller communities around St George. Many families now face challenges due to flood damage, road closures, and disruptions to their daily lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected, and we stand united in support as they navigate this recovery period. If you require any assistance, please reach out to the Leadership Team.

Throughout Holy Week, our students have deeply reflected on Jesus' journey, drawing strength from His sacrifice and love. The Way of the Cross powerfully reminded us that even in the face of hardship, faith can give us the courage to persevere. It was a profound joy to spend the day with our students, walking alongside them as they contemplated the final days of Jesus' life. I encourage you to continue this meaningful dialogue at home - speak with your children about this activity and explore how Jesus, his disciples, and his family may have felt during this pivotal time.

As a school community, we embrace the hope and promise of Easter - the opportunity for new beginnings and spiritual renewal.

As the holiday season approaches, we encourage families to take time for rest, reflection, and connection with loved ones. May the message of Easter offer comfort and hope, especially to those facing challenges. Let us continue supporting one another and trusting in God's guiding light as we move forward.

We wish all our families a safe, peaceful, and blessed Easter. We eagerly anticipate seeing everyone on Wednesday, April 23rd.

Mrs Anna Chandler
(Assistant Principal Mission Identity & Learning Support)

OUR PRAYERS…

Let us support each other in Prayer, especially for the Sick and the Deceased and those who are suffering Hardships, in our Parish and School.

MASS TIMES

St George-Dirranbandi Parish

Priest Administrator: Fr Anthony Samy 0409 278 968 Email: balonneparish@bigpond.com

ML Curriculum News

This term our teachers have focussed on the explicit teaching of vocabulary across all learning areas. Vocabulary is a list or collection of words that a person knows, so it goes without saying that the more words a person knows, the wider their knowledge will be about a range of topics.

Vocabulary is more than just knowing a lot of words by sight. Beck, McKeown and Omanson (1987) suggested that there are four stages to knowing a word:

1. Never saw it before
2. Heard it, but don’t know what it means
3. Recognise it and make connections to a context
4. Know it well and use it in context

It is important for everyone to develop a wide and rich vocabulary to support our learning and knowledge of the world. Having a large vocabulary is also linked to being a proficient reader. Knowing a range of words and what they mean gives readers a much better understanding of the context of reading matter. This includes knowing and using uncommon words, as well as technical and topic specific words.

This term our teachers have introduced many uncommon words (we refer to them as Tier 2 or 3 words). These words have then become part of everyday conversations and writing opportunities. Teachers are already noticing that students are using these words in their writing and speaking.

What can you do as a parent?

The Australian Curriculum states that students learn new vocabulary through listening and reading. They apply their knowledge in speaking and writing.

• When you come across words talk about them with your child, give a child friendly definition and look for other opportunities to use the word.
• Ask your child what they think the word means.
• Don’t be afraid to use technical words even with young children.

Why should I use rich vocabulary? It enhances a child’s language development and communication skills and fosters reading and language comprehension.

Annette Colley 
(Middle Leader Curriculum)

Guidance Counsellor News

Last week, Mr Jim Wren, Mrs Nichole McCosker and I as St Patrick’s School Student Protection Contacts*, were fortunate to travel to Toowoomba to attend the TCS Student Protection Symposium. This annual event is an important element of developing our knowledge and skills to continue to foster a culture that prioritises student safety and wellbeing. We attended 3 professional learning sessions designed to equip school staff with skills to identify and respond to student protection concerns. Three nationally acclaimed experts in their respective fields, Greg Mitchell, Dr Susan Raymont, and Susan McLean delivered compelling presentations on connections between trauma and behaviour, preventative strategies to protect children in school settings, and cyber-safety. We were informed on current research and practices that remind us of our inherent responsibility to protect children and to always act in their best interest.                                                             

*Mrs Anna Chandler is also a Student Protection Contact however was unable to attend the Symposium last week.

With school holidays upon us and the luxury of some relaxation time ahead, regular routines will likely be relaxed. Children may now be allowed extra screen time, gaming, or viewing movies and television shows. Whilst it can be tempting to relax ‘the rules’ during school holidays, families must remain vigilant in monitoring the digital exposure and consumption of their children. Technology is a wonderful tool that in many ways adds to the enjoyment of our lives. As parents, it is vital that we provide our children access to devices alongside us – not behind closed doors. I have included 2 fact sheets from the website CyberSafety Solutions. This website, developed by Susan McLean who addressed the Symposium last week, is well worth a visit. Whilst the statistics related to cyber-safety incidents involving children are shocking, there are many practical steps we can take to protect our children.

Eleanor Blanch
(School Guidance Counsellor)

ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Students of the Week 

Health & Music

Welcome to Health and Music 

In the middle and upper school, students continued exploring the importance of various relationships and how their connections with family, friends, and acquaintances can change over time. They also identified facts about bullying and strategies to address such behaviours.

In the lower school, students learned how to be cheerleaders and great team members, focusing on encouraging comments to praise and thank their peers. They also began studying emotions, a topic that will continue into the next term. The class read the book "In My Heart" and reflected on the feelings they experience with different emotions.

Assessments for the health curriculum have been completed for the term, covering the concepts taught at each grade level.

Music 

We have continued learning a repertoire of songs, accompanied by tuned percussion instruments, across the school. Additionally, we have expanded our understanding of various musical elements, explored the works of different composers, and listened to a diverse range of orchestras.

Over a 4-week period, we closely examined excerpts from the classic composition "Peter and the Wolf," identifying the specific instruments that depict each of the characters as they appear throughout the story. These instruments include horns for Peter, flute for the Bird, oboe for the Duck, clarinet for the Cat, and bassoon for Grandfather. This exercise has given the students a greater appreciation for the diverse timbres of orchestral instruments, many of which they may not have encountered before.

Regarding assessments, we have completed the Aural Skills and Singing Components for the lower and middle school levels. For the upper school, we have finished most parts of the assessment, but due to student absences, the composing and tuned percussion component assessments will continue into the next term.

Prep 

• Aural Training -Listening and Echo singing 
• Frere Jacques- Song
• Untuned percussion instruments- Tambourines, Triangles/Bells

Year 1 / 2

• Aural Training – Echo singing  
• Apples and Bananas- Song 
• Tuned Percussion instruments – Boomwackers notes FG 
• Peter and the Wolf – identifying the instruments that represent the characters. 

Year 2 

• Aural Training – listening and Echo singing  
• Charlie over the Ocean – Song 
• Tuned Percussion instruments- Boomwackers notes GE 
• Peter and the Wolf – identifying the instruments that represent the characters. 

Year 3  

• Aural Training -Echo Singing- Pitch direction 
• Robot Bop – Song-  
• Tuned percussion instruments – Keyboards- Xylophone 
• Boomwackers notes A G  
• Pitch Story 

Year 4 

• Aural Training - Echo Rhythm 1 
• Goose with an attitude -song  
• Tuned percussion instruments – Keyboard Xylophone 
• Boomwackers G C 

Year 5 

• Aural - Pitch Story 
• Marimba Band- Calypso Dreaming – Practicing the Bass and Harmony sections. Learning the Melody section - Keyboard Xylophone 
• Composing  

Year 6  

• Marimba Band – Juggling – Practicing the Bass and Harmony sections. Learning the Melody section - Keyboard Xylophone 
• Composing  

Enjoy your day! Keep Smiling! 
Mrs Jane Webster

Library & Sports

SPORT NEWS

Over the next couple of weeks, the Balonne District will be holding trials. As we enter Term 2, please see the list of upcoming trials: cross country, soccer, touch, tennis, girls’ rugby league, and cricket. Keep an eye out for trial registration forms that will be sent home. 

As for trial form procedures:

• Balonne district trial forms are to be returned to the front office, and the school will then organise the nomination and distribution of the forms to the trial convener.
• South West trial forms need to be sighted and signed by the school, then returned to the student to take to the manager of the team they've been selected for.

LIBRARY NEWS 

Thank you for supporting our school's book fair last week. The proceeds will enable Mrs. Pike and me to purchase resources for our library.

Book borrowing will take place this Thursday, and the children can enjoy their books over the Easter break. Please ensure the books are well cared for and kept in a safe place, so they can be returned next term.

Thank you and have a safe and happy holiday.

“Reading is Power and Knowledge”

Happy borrowing and reading,
St Patrick’s Library Staff

Community News

Year 6 Fundraiser

CARWASH