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Dear Parents and Carers,
At St Pat’s we are committed to making every minute count for learning. As you have heard, and read many times, our approach to literacy and numeracy is built on evidence-based teaching practices. The InitiaLit, Reading Mastery, Spelling Mastery, and Connecting Maths Concepts (CMC) programs continue to transform student learning and engagement. These direct instruction programs provide structured, explicit teaching that builds foundational skills step by step, ensuring we close learning gaps. By systematically guiding students through carefully sequenced lessons, we continue to create an environment where student confidence can flourish, and mastery becomes achievable for all.
As part of this instruction, we follow the 'no hands up' rule. Teachers use pop sticks to choose students in a random manner. This ensures all students are listening and engaged, they know their name may be called. We do this for minds on learning and to create inclusive learning environments. Instead of relying on the traditional method of students raising their hands to answer questions, using random selection encourages all students to participate, think critically, and share their ideas.
We are inspired by the learning growth we see daily—the small victories that lead to lasting progress. If you are curious to know more about these programs, we encourage you to ask your child’s teacher or a member of the school leadership team. You may like to do this at the upcoming parent teacher interviews in the last week of term.
Blessings
Jo
Supporting Fine & Gross Motor Skills in Children Aged 5–8
Motor skills are essential building blocks for children’s physical development, learning, and independence. Between the ages of 5 and 8, children experience rapid growth in both gross motor skills (large movements like running and jumping) and fine motor skills (small movements like writing and buttoning clothes).
What Are Gross Motor Skills?
Gross motor skills involve the coordination of large muscles in the arms, legs, and torso. These skills help children:
- Run, jump, skip, and climb
- Ride bikes and scooters
- Play sports and dance
Milestones for ages 5–8 include balancing on one foot, skipping, swimming, and riding a two-wheel bicycle.
What Are Fine Motor Skills?
Fine motor skills involve smaller movements using hands and fingers. These are crucial for:
- Writing and drawing
- Using scissors
- Tying shoelaces and buttoning shirts
Children in this age group refine their grip, hand-eye coordination, and dexterity through play and daily tasks.
Easy Tips to Support Motor Development
Gross Motor Tips
- Play active games like tag, hopscotch, or obstacle courses.
- Dance to music to improve rhythm and coordination.
- Encourage outdoor play—climbing, biking, and ball games are great.
- Join community sports or swimming lessons for skill-building.
Fine Motor Tips
- Arts and crafts: Use playdough, beads, and scissors.
- Drawing and coloring: Encourage daily creative time.
- Puzzles and building blocks: Great for hand strength and precision.
- Daily tasks: Let kids help with buttoning clothes, tying shoes, and packing lunch.
Helpful Resources for Parents
-
Empowered Parents – Gross & Fine Motor Skills [2]
Activities and milestones explained with fun ideas for home and school. -
Help Me Grow MN – Encouraging Motor Development [3]
Age-specific tips and developmental insights for parents. -
BabyCenter – Physical Milestones Ages 5–8 [1]
A breakdown of what to expect and how to support your child’s growth.
Emma Grant
Dates for your Calendar
Class Mass- Week 8, Friday 20th June. 1/2G (Families welcome)
Confirmation
Last Sunday was a joyous occasion as our parish gathered to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation, with the special honour of Archbishop Christopher Prowse presiding. It was a beautiful and reverent Mass, marking an important milestone in the faith journey of our candidates. The Archbishop's encouraging words and warm presence made the day even more memorable for all involved. We give thanks for this grace-filled moment and pray for our newly confirmed as they continue to grow in faith and witness.
Mel Ferris
In Religion 3/4R are learning about the Messiah. They have learned it means 'the anointed one'. In English they have been getting ready for upcoming speeches. Learning and memorising times tables, and doing division, is their work in Maths. They are real geniuses! In Geography the learning is about forests different types and where they are. Push and pull forces is the focus in Science. And, in music they are learning about high pitch and low pitch. Alesha and Ally said that learning music is so fun. 3/4R are so smart!
Bella
NSW HEALTH INFLUENZA VACCINATION CAMPAIGN
The NSW Health influenza vaccination campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of flu vaccination during winter and help increase uptake of the flu vaccine in NSW, particularly for people who are at risk.
CALL HEALTHDIRECT 1800 022 222
Call Healthdirect is a NSW Health service that provides families with free, easy access to health advice, care and treatment for non-life-threatening conditions.
NSW Health is running an awareness campaign to promote the use of this service.
NSW HEALTH VACCINATION EDUCATION CAMPAIGN
NSW Health’s 2025 vaccination campaign aims to support proactive information-seeking so people can make informed decisions about immunisation.
Links: Information about vaccinations
HEALTHY EATING ACTIVE LIVING CAMPAIGN
NSW Health’s Healthy Eating Active Living campaign aims to provide budget-friendly and accessible ways for families to develop healthy habits. We encourage schools to share the link below with your communities. You may also wish to use the social media toolkit to share ideas.Links: Healthy Eating Active Living - Getting healthy starts with small steps