Dear Parents and Carers,

As Term 1 continues, and as we commence interviews with our future Kinder students, we reflect upon the important prosocial behaviours that are expected of children at different ages and stages of development.

At St Pat’s, we believe that nurturing these behaviours is essential for creating a positive and supportive learning environment.

Starting School: Building a Foundation of Kindness and Respect

For our 4–6 Year Olds, we encourage

Sharing and Cooperation: Learning to share toys, materials, and space with classmates helps build a sense of community and cooperation.

Listening and Following Instructions: Paying attention to teachers and following instructions are crucial skills that support a structured and respectful classroom environment.

Expressing Emotions Appropriately: Teaching children to express their feelings in a healthy and respectful manner helps them develop emotional intelligence and empathy.

Helping Others: Encouraging acts of kindness, such as helping a friend in need, fosters a sense of responsibility and compassion.

Respecting Differences: Emphasizing the importance of respecting and valuing the differences in others helps create an inclusive and accepting school culture.

For the 7-12 Year Olds: Strengthening Community and Character

As our students grow, it is important to reinforce prosocial behaviours that will help them thrive both academically and socially so we teach and expect

Empathy and Understanding: Encouraging students to put themselves in others' shoes and understand different perspectives promotes empathy and reduces conflicts.

Effective Communication: Teaching students to communicate their thoughts and feelings clearly and respectfully helps build strong relationships and resolve misunderstandings.

Teamwork and Collaboration: Working together on different tasks and in play time sports fosters teamwork, cooperation, and a sense of shared responsibility.

Conflict Resolution: Equipping students with strategies to resolve conflicts peacefully and constructively helps maintain a harmonious school environment.

Let's continue to work together, home and school, to help our students develop into compassionate, responsible, and respectful individuals who contribute positively to our school community and beyond.

Thank you for your continued support in fostering these important skills and dispositions in your children / our students.

Blessings

Jo

BehaveAbility: Practical Strategies for Positive Behaviour Management

Our focus with Ian Luscombe's BehaveAbility program, offers practical and effective strategies for managing student behaviour and enhancing engagement in the classroom.

Here’s how you, as parents, can support these strategies at home:

Understanding Behaviours: Ian Luscombe emphasises that all behaviours have a purpose. By understanding the reasons behind certain behaviors, we can better support our children and create a positive home environment.

Positive Reinforcement: Encouraging positive behaviours through praise and rewards can motivate children to engage more in their learning. Acknowledge and celebrate positive behaviours at home.

Clear Expectations: Setting clear and consistent expectations helps children understand what is expected of them. Establish household rules and routines that promote a positive environment.

Key Strategies from Ian Luscombe:

• Managing Ourselves: As parents, manage your own emotions and behaviours to serve as positive role models for your children.
• Using Connecting Language: Use language that connects with your child and encourages compliance.
• Preventative and Corrective Scripts: Utilize scripts to prevent misbehaviour and correct it when necessary.
• High Positives to Corrections Ratio: Maintain a high ratio of positive interactions to corrections.

Tips for Parents:

• Consistency: Maintain consistent routines and expectations at home to support your child's learning.
• Positive Reinforcement: Praise your child for their efforts and achievements, no matter how small.
• Communication: Keep open lines of communication with your child's teacher to stay informed about their progress and any challenges they may face.

By incorporating these strategies, we aim to create a supportive environment that fosters positive behaviours and enhances learning for all students. Let's work together to make a positive difference!

Dates for your calendar

Week 9 Class Mass 9:15am, Kindergarten (Families Welcome)

Holy Week 

Our K-2 classes are taking a special role in this year's Holy Week by facilitating liturgies and presenting dramatic reenactments of key events. These young students will bring the stories to life with their enthusiasm and creativity, making this a memorable and meaningful experience for everyone. Join us in supporting and celebrating their efforts as they help us reflect on the significance of Holy Week. 

Palm Sunday Liturgy (Kindergarten)- Tuesday 8th April

The Last Supper Liturgy (1/2 Green)- Wednesday 9th April

Stations of the Cross (1/2 Red)- Thursday 10th April

Key Dates for Confirmation:                                                                                 

• Family Mass- Sunday 4th May, 9:30am

• Retreat- Friday 6th June, 9:15-2:30pm

• Confirmation- Sunday 8th June, 9:30am                                                   

Please contact the Parish for enrolment

Easter Raffle

During Weeks 9 and 10, we will be selling raffle tickets in support of Caritas 'Project Compassion'. For just 50 cents per ticket, you can win some delicious Easter prizes. The raffle will be drawn on Thursday, 13th April (Last day of term). All proceeds go towards helping communities in need around the world. Get your tickets now and make a difference while celebrating Easter! 

5/6R have started the year diving into learning, starting with science where they are learning about symbiotic relationships. Symbiotic relationships are where two animals get benefits from the relationship, like little barnacles on a whale eating the parasites of the whale. The barnacles get fed and whales get protected.

In History, 56R have been learning about Parliament House and the Australian Government. They will be going to Parliament House for the 5/6 school camp. Sophie from Year 5 told us that “History is interesting, it’s fun to learn about the past”. 

In Religious Education they have been learning about their role as St Pat’s kids continuing to grow their understanding of what it means to be engaged in learning and following the three school pillars.5/6R have a great year ahead of them.

Bella