Dear Families and Friends

Enrolments 2019

Currently we are in the process of accepting enrolments for Kindergarten 2019. To assist with allocated 2019 staffing decisions, could I ask parents who have made a decision to enrol your child at St Patrick’s for 2019 to complete the enrolment forms and drop them into the office for processing as soon as it is convenient for you to do so. Enrolment forms are available from our school office (office hours 9:30 -3:30) and our web site. Additionally, if you are aware of any parents considering St Patrick’s, please invite them to contact us for further information or encourage them to join Supportive Playgroups or the Little Learner's program which continues in Term 3.

Semester One School Interviews

Just a reminder to return your “Parent / Teacher Interview Time” selection form by Tuesday, the 26^th of June. Once you have returned your interview slips, teachers will contact you with your allocated interview times. We will do our utmost to accommodate families where parents have a number of interviews to attend. Interviews will be held on the 2nd, 3rd and 4^th and 5th of July. (Last week of the term).

Here are tips for getting the most out of parent-teacher interviews:

Before the interview:

• Revisit the student report card and determine what information you need before the interview to support your child.
• Ask your child if there are any areas they would like followed up (for example, where they feel they need extra help or have concerns) and share this information with your child's teacher during the interview.
• Write a list of specific questions you wish to ask your child's teacher and take notes during the interview so you can share the comments with your child.

During the interview:

• If you want to know about a specific area of your child's progress (for example, how they are progressing in English) let your child's teacher know this at the start so you can focus the interview on this topic.
• Ask your child's teacher for suggestions or more details about how you can help your child at home?
• Find out more about how your child is participating in classroom activities and whether, for example, there are any general issues with behaviour or participation that need discussing.
• Ask your child's teacher to clarify any extra support given to your child.

After the interview:

• Keep in regular contact with the teacher to follow up on a mutually-agreed plan.
• Talk with your child about what you have discussed and how you can work together to improve their learning.

Online Gaming – World Health Organisation warning

Most parents of adolescent children would be aware of the online game, ‘Fortnite’. For many young people, the addictive nature of this game is having adverse effects on children’s behaviour and affecting their mental health. With over 125 million registered players worldwide, this game encourages players to battle each other to death using a variety of weaponry.

With an age rating of 13+, this game raises many cybersafety concerns. Unfortunately, it allows unmoderated chat between players, leaving children exposed to be contactable by 'randomers' online. This function alone makes it unsuitable for primary aged children.

In light of last week’s announcement from the World Health Organisation now recognising “gaming disorder” as a mental health issue, this special report will help parents gain a greater insight into Fortnite and the concerns surrounding it. Parents are encouraged to reassess their gaming allowances and better manage technology usage at home.

If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information.

Here is the link to your special report :

http://spg.nsw.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/online-game-fortnite-special-report

Term 3 Newsletter

Following last Thursday’s Community Council meeting and the current parent survey data, it was decided to introduce changes to the frequency of our newsletter service. The Newsletter will be published every 2nd week and a weekly Bulletin containing updates of the coming week emailed to parents every Friday. The Newsletter cycle will be on odd weeks and Bulletin on even weeks.

Thank you to our Community Council members for another great term and to those parents who are contacting the council with great initiatives to improve our school. Please continue to bring your ideas forward to the Community Council to be discussed and acted upon.

Principal Professional Development

Next week I will be attending a Development and Renewal Program for Leaders in Australian Catholic Schools. This program is offered to 24 experienced Principals nationally each year and it combines engagement with the latest educational thinking, a deepening of the religious dimension of Catholic schools, the opportunity for quiet and reflection and active professional and personal encounter in a prayerful community in a residential program. The program has been structured in such a way that it addresses the Australian Professional Standard for Principals from within the context of Catholic schools. It has a particular focus on the National professional practices of ‘Leading Teaching and Learning,’ ‘Leading Innovation and Change’ and ‘Leading self and others’.

Please contact Assistant Principal Mrs Lisa Wilson if you have any concerns during week 10. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our dedicated staff, parent helpers and wonderful students for making St Patrick’s a great place to learn and grow. I wish all a safe and restful Semester Two break.

Learn Lead Serve Succeed