Dear Parents and Carers,

WELCOME TO 2024! A very big welcome back to everyone as we begin another exciting school year. We hope the holidays were relaxing and filled with many memorable family times. It is always such a joy on the first day to see students returning to greet their teachers and friends and the excitement that a new year, classroom, teacher and class group brings! An extra special welcome is extended to our new families the Kennedy, Elliott, Weir and Rizalde families. We are delighted to have you join our St Patrick’s school community.

KINDERGARTEN AND NEW STUDENTS: It has been delightful to welcome 7 very excited Kindergarten children to our St Patrick’s School family. A big welcome to Lilly, Anna, Charlotte, Tannah, Ivy, Michael and Sam as they begin their educational journey here with us. We are also delighted to welcome Charlston Rizalde who has joined our Year 1 class. All our new students have settled in beautifully to our school and are already a valued part of our school family. We look forward to journeying with them throughout their Primary School education.

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING:

St Patrick’s School staff have engaged in two days of fantastic learning prior to students returning. Along with our other CECG Systemic Schools, the online System CATALYST Day was an inspiring day of professional learning. Further learning was undertaken on renewing our commitment to CATALYST initiatives and evidence-based teaching programs. Professional discussions included revisiting the Science of Learning that underpins the pedagogy we are using in our classrooms, as well as the inclusion of High Impact Teaching strategies that enable all staff to effectively include best practice strategies that support all learners in our schools. One of the most engaging sessions was on Classroom Mastery that incorporated Classroom Management and Behaviour. Teachers were very impressed with the presenter Dr Tim McDonald and his positive and engaging management techniques. This created a lot of positive discussion among teachers and our purpose to create positive classrooms where all students are engaged in purposeful learning.

SWIMMING CARNIVAL/OPENING SCHOOL MASS DATES:

We have several important events coming up this week at school. Our St Patrick’s School swimming carnival will be held THIS Thursday 8 February at the Gundagai Pool commencing at 9.30am. Kindergarten and Year 1 will join in the fun from 11.30am onwards.  Our Opening School Mass is scheduled to take place on Friday 16 February at St Patrick’s Church commencing at 12pm. Year 6 leaders and SRC class representatives will be formally inducted during the Mass and also a special welcome and presentation to our Kindergarten and new students. Parents and family members are most welcome to join us this year for both events.

Best wishes for a happy week ahead.

Christine Baron

Principal