Dear Parents and Carers,

Assessment@St Pat's At St Pat's assessment of student learning is done in both a formative and a summative way. Our teachers follow the archdiocesan assessment schedule as well as complete school based assessment and testing. Much of our assessment data is used by teachers to show student learning progress & growth & achievement as well as to indicate next steps for teaching. We hope your parent teacher meetings this week and next week are opportunities to explore your child's achievement and behaviours for learning and engagement as well as their next steps in learning.

Year 5 & 6 Camp Thank you to our senior teaching team and Mrs Grant and Mr Forbes for taking our senior students to Canberra for their 3 day camp. Many highlights have been shared along the way, here is a whole group photo....

Swimming Congratulations to Henry for swimming a personal best time and coming third in his heat at the NSWCPS MacKillop Swimming Championships at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre yesterday. What an achievement!

St Pat's Staffing At the end of Term 1 we farewell Mrs Madison Zonneveld from St Patrick's. Mrs Zonneveld has secured work to further her passion in early intervention support. We thank her for teaching of 56G two days per week this term and wish her well. At present Mrs Ferris will be teaching the full week in term 2, this may change as we appoint new members of staff to our teaching team.

HOLY WEEK Next week is HOLY WEEK, beginning on Palm Sunday.  As Christians we walk the journey of the Cross to the joy of the resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday. 

This Sunday is Palm Sunday, Jesus made a triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Next Thursday is Holy Thursday, Jesus broke bread and shared wine with his disciples, an event remembered in our Mass.Next Friday is Good Friday, Jesus was crucified and died. And on Easter Sunday, we celebrate the joy of the resurrection when Jesus rose from the dead. 

PILGRIMAGE On 14th April I leave Australia for a 16 day pilgrimage to the Holy Land with a group of principals, Catholic Education personnel, and some parishioners from Canberra. Our pilgrimage priest is Fr Richard Thompson. As I walk through the Holy Land I will take with me the intentions, and perhaps small artefacts from members of St Pat's school and parish community. If you would like me to take a prayer intention with me on my journey please write this on a slip of paper and put in an envelope and send to the office, if you would like me to carry a holy card or holy medal please send it in to me by Thursday with your details in an envelope. I will return your belongings, blessed by the journey, on my return. 

Blessings,

Jo

Term 1 School Fees

Thank you to the families who have finalised their Term 1 fees. 

Term 1 fees are now overdue, except those with direct debit arrangements.

If at any time your family is experiencing financial hardship, or if your family is in need of other support, please contact the school to organise an appointment for a confidential meeting with our Principal, Jo Scott-Pegum to discuss how the school can help support your family.

Yesterday, in Henry's 34G classroom, we tuned in to the swimming at Homebush and had it up on the big screen ready to watch him in action. Modern technology, as sometimes happens, decided to glitch and by the time we had it working Henry's race had been swum. We were all disappointed to miss the race but were very proud of Henry and his efforts to make it to this level of competition. He came 3rd in his heat with a new PB taking 1.2 secs off his previous best. As Henry only 9 he still gets to compete in the same Junior division next year. We know he puts a lot of time and effort into his training. Well done, Henry!

Our school cross country will be held on Wednesday April 5th commencing at 9.30am. There is no 8yr old event in cross country the 8's have to run with the 9's. This is a directive we have to comply with as that is the system by which the higher levels are run. The only children attending this carnival will be those in Year 3 – 6. The Junior Primary children will have a fun run in the park early next term.

The 9yr old boys will be our first event and the carnival will finish with the 12yr girls. This is a school event, and ALL children are encouraged to participate. If your child isn't running on the day a note stating why must be provided. For those who find it difficult to complete the distance it is ok to walk some of the way with a friend.

Please make sure your child has everything they need, keep an eye on weather conditions. A drink bottle of water, and hat are essential and for those who need them asthma puffers are essential. Parents are invited to come along and cheer.

A team of Year 4 students represented St Pat’s in an AFL gala day and proudly won their games on the day!

Jannene