Dear Parents and Carers,

Yesterday we began the wonderful journey of transition to school for our Kinder 2024 students, 'BIG STEPS'. The aim of the program is to build confidence toward and familiarity with going to school, through regular experience in 'big school.'

In recent years we have seen the power of the program in supporting a smooth start in the Kinder year. The Big Steps program is open to all children starting school next year and is not dependent on enrolling at St Pat's. Together, as parents and educators, we hold their hands as they step towards their big future. 

MAKING PROGRESS This week we have finalised another set of learning assessments in Reading and Maths, we are able to compare data and to see student learning progress. We have presented both gold and silver progress stickers for students who have made significant progress in these areas. 

We hope you have a wonderful King's birthday long weekend!

Blessings

Jo

Chapel Mass

As part of the Religious Life of the school every class attends chapel mass throughout the term. Here are the upcoming classes. Parents are welcome to attend chapel mass at 9:15am in the church. 

Week 8- 5/6G

Week 9- 1/2G

Week 10- Kinder

Sacraments at St Pat's 

The Sacramental Program is one way we aim to strengthen the connection with our parish community. The Sacramental Program is organised in collaboration with our parish priest, Sacramental Committee and Religious Education Coordinator. The Sacramental Program aims to deepen students' faith and encounter with God. In 2022 we celebrated First Reconciliation and First Eucharist in our revised format with Year 3 and 4 students. Last week we celebrated Confirmation with Year 5 and 6 students and they continue to learn about this sacrament until the end of the term. Based on our two year rotation we will celebrate First Reconciliation and First Eucharist with Year 3 and 4 students next year.

Archbishop Christopher Prowse shared three videos this year to support the Sacrament of Confirmation. I encourage families to watch the parent information video to deepen their understanding and connect with your faith.
https://youtu.be/deAcBZ9hy6A  

Behaviours for Learning - Supporting Students with ADHD

Imagine hundreds of cars approaching an intersection that has no traffic light or stop sign. This is what happens to the ADHD brain every day where the prefrontal cortex (the intersection) is unable to properly regulate your various thoughts and feelings (the various cars approaching the intersection). 

Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) experience some obstacles in their path to success. The symptoms of ADHD, such as inability to pay attention, difficulty sitting still, and difficulty controlling impulses, can make it challenging for these children to always show behaviours for learning.

Accommodations & Adjustments

Accommodations and adjustments are implemented based on student needs and are strategies that support successful behaviours for learning. 

Some of the accommodations we have in place to support behaviours for learning  include:

• Extra time on tasks;
• Repeated instruction;
• small group intervention;
• Instruction and tasks tailored to the child;
• Positive reinforcement and feedback;
• Using technology to assist with tasks;
• Allowing breaks or time to move around;
• Changes to the environment to limit distraction; and
• Extra help with staying organised

Parent Education and Support

CDC funds the National Resource Center on ADHD (NRC), a program of Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD). The NRC provides resources, information, and advice for parents on how to help their child. Learn more about their services.

How to best advocate for your child

• Understand your child’s diagnosis, how it impacts their education, and what can be done at home to help.
• Understand your child’s Personalised Plan. If you have questions, don’t be afraid to ask.
• Speak with your child’s teacher.
• Play an active role in preparing your child’s Personalised Plan.
• Keep careful records, including written documentation, communication between home and school, progress reports, and evaluations.
• Try to maintain a good working relationship with the school while being a strong advocate for your child.
• Communicate any concerns you may have about your child’s progress 
• Encourage your child every day, and work with your child to create a system to help with homework and other school projects.

In partnership with Catholic Education, Archdiocese of Canberra & Goulburn (CECG), we have now migrated to the new finance system.
 
Please see attached further information and the following key points:

• A statement will be sent out shortly that will contain an updated BPAY Biller Code and CRN.
• BPAY is now the preferred payment method.

Thank you for supporting the school with these system changes and should you have any concerns please feel free to contact the school on 6492 5500 or office.bega@cg.catholic.edu.au