Dear Parents and Carers,

Term 1 has got off to a flying start with a fantastic swimming carnival, beautiful Opening School Mass, Gundagai Show school display ‘Walking Together’ theme and Shrove Tuesday pancakes, all enjoyed and celebrated in the first few weeks of this term. This morning the students enjoyed a pancake feast followed by the Burning of the Ashes liturgy in preparation for our Lenten journey which begins tomorrow on Ash Wednesday.

WELCOME BBQ and PARENT INFORMATION EVENING TONIGHT:

We are looking forward tonight to enjoying a welcoming BBQ combined with an opportunity for parents to also find out more about teaching and learning programs in your child’s classrooms. Our CATALYST program has seen the introduction of some new and exciting teaching programs which we are keen to share with parents. Our first session begins at 5.30pm and last session finishes at 7:00pm.

WELCOME TO NEW FAMILIES:

This week we are also delighted to welcome three new students to our St Patrick’s School community. Ethan Wu in Year 3, Ammy Wu in Year 5 and Cindy Chan also in Year 5. We also welcome their parents Jenny and Huang together with Carrie and Luke. It is always a pleasure to have new families join our great school community.

CHILDREN’S HEALTH PROGRAM:

As you are aware, we are offering students and families, the opportunity to be involved in the Children’s Health Program funded by Murrumbidgee Health. The students first program will be The Mad Food Science Incursion next Wednesday 1st March for all students K-6. Parents are also being offered a FREE ONLINE parent session next Tuesday 28th February at 7pm. Information and a link, to access this parent forum has been sent home today to enable you to join the online program in the comfort of their own homes. We hope you enjoy this opportunity that will provide ideas and tips to encourage healthier food choices for your family.

Topic: St Patricks Primary School - Parent Session
Time: Feb 28, 2023 07:00 PM Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/2849971201?pwd=a0JZcE5nOTJiellvSzVudlNFVHR0UT09
Meeting ID: 284 997 1201
Passcode: 1ABP6Q

(If the link above does not work, please copy and paste into your web browser).

CATALYST Update:

Teachers are focused on delivering high quality, explicit teaching programs to our students as we continue to embrace the CATALYST model. The Science of Learning underpins the pedagogical approach to teaching and learning in classrooms. Our High Impact Teaching Practices are being utilised in the classrooms to maximise student engagement and learning.

This term our focus has been on Daily Review. Daily Review is an important component of instruction. It helps strengthen the material learned in class. Research shows that repeated practice enables students to shift information from short term to long term memory. Automatic recall frees working memory for problem solving and creativity.

Every blessing as we move into the Lenten season of prayer, reflection and a time to think more about others.

Christine Baron

Principal