Dear Parents and Carers

It is time to announce the Teaching Team and Support Team for 2025. We look forward to welcoming Ms Rees back to St Pat's!

Counselling I would like to acknowledge and thank Sam Hessenthaler who has been our CatholicCare Counsellor at St Patrick's, working in support of our students and families. We wish Sam well as she takes up a new role in 2025.

As we approach the end of Term 4, I continue to reflect on the importance of our partnership with you, our parents, in fostering student success. Our school community thrives when we work together, and the collaboration between home and school is vital in supporting our children's educational journey. I am deeply grateful for the ongoing support and involvement of you, our parents, which is instrumental in continuing to evolve and create a nurturing and effective learning environment.

Our teachers work with dedication and diligence to provide high-quality education and to nurture the potential of each and every student. However, your role as parents in this process cannot be overstated! Your engagement in your child's education, whether through attending school events, assisting with home reading, or simply encouraging a love of learning at home, makes a significant difference. Together, we continue to ensure that every student receives the guidance and support they need to excel academically and personally.

This year, we have seen numerous examples of how strong parent-school partnerships can lead to student success. From parent-teacher phone calls, meetings, and engagement opportunities like 'A Taste of St Pat's', your active participation has enriched our school community. These efforts not only enhance the educational experience for our students but also strengthen our whole school community.

And, here are a few tips for parents in supporting their child to be successful (every day) right to the last day of the year:

1. Connection: Strong active communication between home and school
2. Routines: Keep the consistent home morning and evening and sleep routines 
3. Encourage Reading: Ensure the daily reading homework is a priority and give time for family reading together regularly.
4. 3 good things: Keep an open line of communication with your child with a strong focus on the good and great things in their day. Every afternoon / evening ask them for 3 great things about the day & then tell them yours!
5. Celebrate: Acknowledge and praise your child's efforts and achievements, no matter how small, to boost their confidence and motivation.

I continue to encourage all parents to engage with school. Your insights, feedback, and involvement are invaluable. Together, we continue to make a positive and lasting impact on the learning, engagement and lives of our students.

Blessings

Jo

Exciting Step Up Session in Week 10!

We would like to remind you about our upcoming Step Up Session on 16th December during Week 10. This special event will run from 9:00 AM to 12:40 PM and is designed to help students transition smoothly into the 2025 school year.

During the session, students will have the opportunity to:

• Meet their 2025 classroom teacher
• Get acquainted with their English and Maths DI teachers
• Connect with their new classmates for 2025

This is a fantastic chance for students to familiarise themselves with their new learning environment and build connections that will support their academic journey next year.

We look forward to seeing all our students there and making this transition as seamless and enjoyable as possible!

To help your child make the most of the upcoming Step Up Session on 16th December, here are some tips to ensure they feel prepared and supported:

1. Discuss the Schedule: Go over the session's schedule with your child. Knowing what to expect can help reduce any anxiety they might have.

2. Encourage Questions: Encourage your child to think of any questions they might have about their new teachers or classmates. This can help them feel more engaged and confident during the session.

3. Healthy Routine: Make sure your child gets a good night's sleep before the session and has a healthy breakfast in the morning. Being well-rested and nourished will help them stay focused and energised.

4. Stay Calm and Supportive: Your calm and supportive attitude can greatly influence your child's feelings about the session. Reassure them that it's okay to feel a bit nervous and that everyone is there to help them succeed.

5. Follow Up: After the session, take some time to talk with your child about their experience. Ask them what they enjoyed and if they have any concerns. This can help you address any lingering worries and reinforce the positive aspects of the day.

By taking these steps, you can help your child feel more comfortable and excited about their transition into the 2025 school year.

Feeling Safe Survey

Attention parents and carers! We need your help to make our community safer for our children and young people! Please encourage your children and young people (aged 8-18 years old) to complete our quick Feeling Safe Survey about safety in services and activities they are part of. Their voices matter and together we can create a safer community for everyone!

The information we collect will guide the ongoing work of our ACT Children and Young People Commissioner, Jodie Griffiths-Cook, and help her identify opportunities for improving safety in our community. For young children, please take the opportunity to sit with them and complete the survey together.

Survey Link: surveymonkey.com/r/26D65XW

Dates for your calendar

Friday 13th December 9:15am- Giving Mass and announcement of 2025 School Captains.

Tuesday 17th December 6:00pm- Graduation Mass (Please RSVP numbers to Mrs Ferris for pew allocation)

Tuesday 24th December- Christmas Eve Mass 6pm (Everyone Welcome). Carols from 5:30pm

St Vincent De Paul Christmas Appeal

Each year, St Pat's supports the St Vincent De Paul 'Vinnies Christmas Appeal' by collecting non-perishable items to create hampers. These are presented to a representative from St Vincent De Paul at our Giving Mass on Friday 13th December. The hampers are then distributed to those in need over the Christmas period. 

If you would like to contribute to the hampers, we are collecting non-perishable items from today. These can be placed in the baskets provided under the Christmas tree in our school foyer. Examples of items may include;

• Toiletries, like toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo and conditioner.
• Tinned goods
• Pasta
• Rice
• Lollies
• Biscuits
• Cake mix
• Chips
• Popcorn
• Noodles
• Crackers 

Season of Advent 

As we enter the joyous season of Advent, here are some activities that you might like to do at home to prepare for Christmas. 

Week 1: Hope

• Activity: Create an Advent wreath at home and light the first candle.
• Discussion: Talk about what hope means to your family.

Week 2: Peace

• Activity: Write peace-themed messages or draw pictures and place them around your home. 
• Discussion: Discuss ways to promote peace in our school and community.

Week 3: Joy

• Activity: Participate in a holiday-themed dress-up- what do you have at home that you can use?
• Discussion: Share stories or moments that bring you joy.

Week 4: Love

• Activity: Make holiday cards for people who you care about. 
• Discussion: Reflect on how we can show love to others during this season.

We hope these activities bring your family closer together and fill your hearts with the true spirit of Advent.

Next Monday 9th December will be the last Canteen day for the year.

Limited menu as we try and use remaining stock, however there will also be a sausage sizzle for the lunch menu.

Regards, 

Nicole 

Uniforms now sold at Tuff-As Workwear, located at 118-120 Carp St, Bega NSW 2550.

Second hand uniforms when available, on Qkr!