24 November 2023

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Hello St Patrick’s families,

It’s hard to believe but the end of the year is almost here!

2023 has had its challenges but, when I reflect, these challenges are far outweighed by the great relationships and successes we have experienced as a school.

As a leader, 2023 has been a year of growth for me as I have really settled into the role and the school community. I want to take this moment then to thank the many people who have come into our school to support me, the staff, and the students throughout the year. To David Anderson, Emily McKay and Kris Byrne, thank you for having the courage to take a chance on a western school and sharing your time, energy, creativity and care with us. You stood up and supported our school when we needed it, and we are grateful for your service.

Farewell Friends!

Of course, there are changes next year with a new APRE, new teaching staff, new students, and a new bunch of Preppies! Which also means we sadly say farewell and best wishes to our Year 6 students and other students and families that are moving away from St Pat’s. We also sadly say farewell to some beloved teachers and school officers.

Tracey Bella is retiring at the end of 2023 and has not stopped talking about Agnes Waters and the Big Red Bash since handing in her papers! No school functions successfully without a dedicated office staff, and Tracey has provided that dedication for 20 years now. She has been a wonderful servant to the school who has worn more hats than Boy George over the years and we wish her well on her exciting new journey into retirement. Good luck Tracey and enjoy Agnes!

After an extended long service leave, we farewell Shelley Lindores as she takes up a new role at the Balonne Library. Shelley has given close to 40 years of her life to St Patrick’s and Catholic Education, and the impact she has made on our community cannot be emphasised more. Shelley has taught multiple generations of students at St Pat’s, including many of our current parents (and maybe even a grandparent or two), and will forever be remembered as a kind and giving teacher who always placed the students first and was always ready to help out, be it with music, drama, eisteddfod, choir, PE… the list goes on. Shelley’s contribution to our community has been immense and will not be forgotten soon, and we wish her all the best in her new role at the library.

Jen Street moves on from St George at the end of this year to Toowoomba, and a new Learning Support role at Holy Name Primary School North Toowoomba. Jen’s connection to the school extends way past her role as a staff member as she is also a past parent of the school as well as a past student. Our loss though is Holy Name’s gain, and we wish Mrs. Street well as she makes the move to Toowoomba.

After a year of acting in the role of Principal at St Joseph’s Tara, Kylie William’s position has now been confirmed as permanent and ongoing from 2024 onwards. Mrs. Williams is looking forward to making her mark in her first outing as Principal and we wish her the best in her new endeavour.

Kira Woodbine is stepping back from ongoing work duties in 2024 so she can spend more time being with family. Ms. Woodbine has been at St Patrick’s this year as a School Officer assisting student learning, but also worked in our tuckshop for several years before that. Ms. Woodbine is a much-loved member of our community and will be missed. Good luck Ms. Woodbine.

All these staff will be recognised at our final mass on Monday as well as at our awards night on Tuesday.

A full list of staff for 2024 will be sent home over the coming week once all new staffing positions have been finalised.

Final Week Celebrations

Next Monday morning we will thank our 2023 school leaders for their service and announce our 2024 school leaders at our end of year mass. This mass will also be an opportunity for us to formally thank our outgoing staff for their service to the school.

On Tuesday we will recognise the wonderful achievements of our student body at our awards night and on Wednesday we will finally say farewell to our year 6’s at their graduation mass and dinner.

All members of our community are welcome to join us for the final mass and awards night.

Farewell & Thankyou

I will finish by saying thank you to you, the St Patrick’s school community, for another wonderful year. Teaching is not always an easy job, but it is always a worthwhile one, and it is one that is made more worthwhile by the relationships we develop with you, our families. Thank you for all your support throughout the year and enjoy the Christmas holidays, you’ve earned it.

God bless and see you in 2024,

Jim Wren

SENTRAL PARENT PORTAL APP

Hello Parents & Carers,

It has been raised by the parent body of the school that we have many tools for communication with families (email, FaceBook, Skoolbag/Audiri, etc) and that it would be great if this could be streamlined for ease of use. I couldn't agree more!

With this in mind, in 2024 we will be removing the old Skoolbag/Audiri app and replacing it with a new 'Sentral for Parents Portal' app as our main source of bulk communications to parents. This app is linked directly to our whole school data base which means it will be able to do a lot of things:

• We will be able to message families individually, as a targeted group (like a class) or as a whole community.
• Parents will be able to register absences using the app so won't have to phone or email the school when their child is away.
• Parents will be able to give consent to excursions, etc, using the app, instead of signing and returning paper forms.
• Report cards will be sent out via the app so that parents will always have a downloadable PDF copy of their reports.
• Parent teacher interviews will be able to be organised using the app, instead of signing and returning paper forms or emailing.

There is still more functionality the app offers schools so, as we become more familiar with it, we will expand our use of it.

So, what does this mean for other forms of communication? As mentioned, our current use of Skoolbag/Audiri will stop. Facebook will also not be used to make communications about upcoming events, instead it will be used as a space for St Pat's to show off what's been happening at the school. Teachers and families will also still have the option to call through the front office or email each other for direct contact.

These changes will require families to download the free app and connect to the school's account via the app. This process will start at the beginning of the 2024 school year, with further information on how to do this to be communicated to parents at the time.

If you have any questions regarding the new 'Sentral Parents Portal' app, please feel free to contact me through the office or email me directly at james.wren@twb.catholic.edu.au

Warm Regards,
Jim Wren

FETE News

OUR PRAYERS…

Let us support each other in Prayer, especially for the Sick and the Deceased and those who are suffering Hardships, in our Parish and School.

Acting APRE News

Welcome to our last newsletter for the 2023 school year! It’s hard to believe it was nearly 5 months ago I first walked through the front gates of St Patrick’s School. This semester, it has been a real pleasure and privilege getting to know the St Patrick’s School community and I thank the staff, students, and families from the bottom of my heart for welcoming me so kindly into this very special school community. St Patrick’s School will always hold a special place in my heart.

Now onto the business of the final newsletter for the year!

We have had a very busy few weeks with the prayer life of our school over the past fortnight and there are a few teachers and classes to thank in this space.

Remembrance Day Liturgy

Thank you to Miss Rathie, Mrs McDonnell, and the Year 4, 5 and 6 students for leading the whole school so prayerfully and respectfully in our Remembrance Day Liturgy at the start of Week 7. You did a wonderful job leading our school community in reflection on this very special day.

Year 5 Leadership Retreat

Thank you to Miss Rathie and Mrs McDonnell for lending me your Year 5 children to share a retreat day with them in Week 7. Although the concept of retreat was a bit strange for the children, I am really proud of how hard they tried to participate in the day. They have some great ideas for how they can be heroes for our school community as leaders in 2024.

Year 12 Graduation Liturgy

Thank you to Mrs McCosker, Mrs Colley, Prep M and 3C for taking on special responsibilities during our Year 12 Graduation Liturgy. Your blessing and reflection poem helped make our celebration extra special. Thank you also to our readers from across the school for leading this celebration so confidently. I was very touched by this very special St Patrick’s School tradition.

Peace Pole Ceremony

Thank you to the teachers and students who helped lead our Peace Pole ceremony this week. Our Peace Pole has found its forever home in the Junior Eating Area. Make sure you come and have a look next time you are at school! A big thank you to Rotary for sharing this special gift with us.

The last week of school won’t slow us down, with our special St Patrick’s School celebrations. A friendly reminder of some special things happening in Week 9.

End of Year School Mass

On Monday, November 27 the whole school will gather in the St Patrick’s Church to celebrate our final Mass for the 2023 school year at 8:45am. All parents are warmly welcome to attend.

Awards Evening

Our annual Awards Evening will be held on Tuesday, November 28 in the MPC from 5:30pm. This is a great chance to celebrate the wonderful work students have done this year. All families are most welcome to attend.

Year 6 Graduation

Our Year 6 children share their final St Patrick’s School memory on Wednesday, November 29 with their Graduation Liturgy in the St Patrick’s Church starting at 5:30pm. I am sure the whole school community joins with me in congratulating our Year 6 children on the amazing milestone of completing their Primary School education.

Acting Middle Leader News

With the rapidly approaching end of the school year, Report Cards are just around the corner!  

Our Semester Two Report Cards this year will be distributed in the last week of this term.  

Over the course of this semester, teachers have been gathering evidence of learning for each learning area for each of our students. This process involves gathering, analysing, and reflecting on multiple sources of evidence to make an informed judgment about what students know, understand, and can do.    

Assessment in the classroom can come in many forms. It can either be …   

• Diagnostic (assessing prior learning) - pre-tests and work samples.   
• Formative (assessing for learning) - observations, group work, individual conferencing, ongoing work samples.   
• Summative (assessing of learning) - tasks, assignments, presentations.  

In Week 9, families will receive Semester 2 Report Cards for students from Prep to Year 6. This Report Card is a culmination of your child’s academic achievement throughout the semester, as well as a snapshot of their spiritual and social development. It is just one way of communicating information about student achievement, effort, and behaviour.   

The Australian Curriculum is written in such a way that there is an ‘Achievement Standard’ for each year level for each subject area. It is this Achievement Standard that we report against. The standards are written as a statement of what a student is aiming to achieve by the end of the school year for their year level. A student receiving a ‘C’ standard indicates that they have met this standard, that is, that their work demonstrates a conceptual understanding of the concepts covered and that they can apply this knowledge and skill in familiar situations. Simply speaking, a ‘C’ standard indicates that your child can do what is expected of them for their year level.   

To move beyond a ‘C’ standard, a student must demonstrate that they are developing sophistication of conceptual understanding, with a strong application of skills, and that they are beginning to transfer their knowledge and skills to new situations (B standard). For an A standard, students must demonstrate the excellent application of skills and be readily applying the knowledge and skills to new situations.   

Similarly, a ‘D’ standard does not constitute a failure but indicates that a student is continuing to develop their understanding of the expected curriculum and may be able to demonstrate some of the elements within it, whether with support or inconsistently. A rough outline of these standards is provided below.    

In each KLA, students also receive an effort achievement level. This level is derived by the level of application and study habits during that KLA. Students who receive ‘Meeting Expectations’ for effort are demonstrating the expected level of effort and engagement during learning time. Please see the table below for the effort achievement scale that will be used in Semester 2 Report Cards this year.  

• Exceeding Expectations  
• Meeting Expectations  
• Needs Support

If you have any questions or concerns around the reporting process, please feel free to contact your classroom teacher to arrange a time to meet. 

I wish the St Patrick’s School community all the best for the last few days of this school year and a very safe and happy Christmas break.

God bless,

Miss Kristin Byrne
(Acting Assistant Principal Religious Education)

MASS TIMES

St George-Dirranbandi Parish

Priest Administrator: Fr Anthony 0409 278 968 Email: balonneparish@bigpond.com 

CLASS News

Peeking into PrepM

Wow, the last newsletter of the year! How fast has the year drawn to an end? Firstly, what a wonderful job the Prep students did with their Nativity Play. I was so proud of all of them and the effort they put into the play.  A big thank you to all the friends and family who were able to attend this special occasion and support the Prep students. 

I would like to thank all of you for the support you have given me this year as together we have supported your beautiful little people in their first year of learning. I always find this time of year very emotional as I prepare to say goodbye to the 19 amazing little people, I have been blessed to teach this year and at the same time meet the next group of little people. 

Wishing you all a very joyous and relaxing Christmas and holiday period. I look forward to seeing you all around next year. 

Nichole & Courtney

Peeking into Prep & Year 1H

Welcome to week 8!  It is hard to believe that we have less than a week to go of school.  This year has gone so quickly. 

The Preps did an amazing job last night performing in the Nativity Play and we are so proud of them. Thank you for supporting them in learning their lines over the past few weeks.

Thank you for your continued support this year with your child’s learning.  It has been wonderful to watch them grow and develop over the year.  This would not have been possible without your support. 

I hope you enjoy the holidays with your family, and I look forward to seeing you all again next year. 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

Fiona & Kira

Year 1D

Dear Year1 Families,  

Here we are, the end of the year!

It is hard to believe how quickly the year has come to an end. Year 2 here they come! 

We have already started sending books home day by day, hopefully to lighten the load next week.  

I have learnt so much from these little people and I’m so excited to see where life takes them. It has been the greatest pleasure getting to know each one of them.

Thank you for all the support you have shown your child and myself this year.

Have a safe and happy holiday.  

Kind Regards,
Miss Beth Daly

Year 2W

Good afternoon, Parents and Caregivers of Year 2W,

Sadly, this is the last news update I will be sending this year to you all. I want to take this opportunity to express how grateful I am for your constant support throughout the year. The way you have presented your child each day to school is a credit to your dedication, persistence, and incredible parenting.

Some final updates:

SECRET SANTA

Your child has the name of another student in their class. Could you please supply a gift for that child with a value of no more than $5.

BOOKS

I will be sending home books over the next few days.

HOMEWORK AND LIBRARY

All should be returned now, thank you.

Finally thank you all again and all the best for 2024.

Kind regards
Christina Wardle
Year 2W Classroom Teacher 2023

Year 3C

Welcome to Term 4 Week 8 and our last newsletter for 2023. Firstly, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all parents of Year 3 for your ongoing support and guidance throughout the year. I have had a fantastic year and have really enjoyed watching these children grow both physically and academically. I would like to wish all the Year 3 students the very best as they continue their educational journey into Year 4.

A few reminders: 

• Library books are to be returned to school as soon as possible.
• Wednesday is our last day of school, and we will be exchanging our Secret Santa gifts and having our shared lunch.

I wish everyone a happy and blessed Christmas and a relaxing and restful break. 

Kind regards
Annette Colley

Year 4/5R

Dear Parents and Caregivers, 

Applause is due to all our students of 4/5R for their unique achievements this year. Whether they've mastered a challenging concept, embraced kindness towards others, or showcased their individual talents, each one has excelled in their respective ways. 

A special wish goes out to my Year 5 students. As you conclude this chapter and courageously step into Year 6 with the exciting responsibility of becoming school leaders, know that I am full of admiration and confidence in you all. I have seen your resilience and strength firsthand, and I firmly believe that you will all do a remarkable job. So, here's to exhilarating times ahead as you take the year of leadership in 2024. 

To the dedicated families, please receive my heartfelt thanks for your unwavering support and cooperation throughout this year. Your enduring involvement and invaluable contribution have played a crucial part in making this educational journey for your children a successful one.  

As we bid farewell to this eventful school year, I am left with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and pride for what we've achieved together. 

I hope everyone has a safe and joy-filled summer break! My best wishes to all of you for a truly wonderful and merry Christmas. 

Thank you,
Miss Alice Rathie

Year 5/6A

The final newsletter for year 5/6A for 2023! Wow, hasn’t the term flown by? We have had a very actioned packed couple of weeks.

The ‘Poetry Picnic’ we held on Wednesday was great. Thank you to all the parents that could attend and make this special for the students. We also had some brave students who got up and read their poem to the class and parents.

The year 5 students said their captain speeches on Wednesday also. Well done to all these students they were great, well-prepared speeches. You will all make fantastic leaders for 2024.

The year 6 students are very close to graduating and are all very excited. I look forward to celebrating with them next Wednesday. Parents are welcome to come to school a little earlier next Wednesday (the last day of school) to watch as the year 6 students throw their hats in the air at the last end of school day bell.

I hope that everyone enjoys their last days of the school year for 2023 and look forward to starting again in 2024. Have a safe and happy Holiday. 

Mrs Claire McDonnell 

Sport & Library News

SPORT 

St Pat’s Swim Carnival
 

A little disappointing that the rain event has moved our swimming carnival to Monday, however I am sure there will be a lot of happy farmers and businesses and gardens!

On a swimming note, congratulations to Hannah Acton who has been selected to swim at the Darling Downs Regional Swimming Association in the State Regional Relays at Chandler in December. Good Luck Hannah.

I have enjoyed my year once again, in my role as PE teacher and do hope that the children enjoyed their physical activity during each week.  I’m looking forward to being in the same role again next year.

LIBRARY

Library *CLOSED

Thank you to all who went to great lengths to find most of the library books that were borrowed during the year.  Julie and I have nearly finalised the stocktake and returning and are now shelving the books borrowed during the year.  We have made a few purchases of new books which will go on display in the new year.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday.  Merry Christmas.

Binnie Eley & Julie Pike

COMMUNITY NEWS

2024 – Kindergarten Groups

Enrolments are now being taken.

Basketball After Dark

Are You on Channel

The Balonne Local Disaster Management Group is asking all Farming Properties in the Balonne Shire to confirm and update their UHF Channel.

Celebrating the Arts

Christmas Blue Light Disco

Volunteers Needed – Blue Light Disco

SwimStart Vouchers Program Now Open!

Great news! Applications are now open for the SwimStart vouchers program for eligible parents, carers, and guardians.

We have provided you with step-by-step instructions to assist you with the application process.

Register an Individual Account:

• Confirm the child/young person is eligible
• Click ‘Register online now’- (Registering for an individual Enquire account is only required once, for example, those people that registered for an individual Enquire account for FairPlay vouchers can login using the same account).
• Complete personal details
  - If you do not have an email, you can create one using Outlook, Yahoo, Gmail, or Hotmail.
  - When creating a password for Enquire, choose one that you can remember – passwords must be a minimum of 8 characters and include one number, one UPPERCASE letter and one lowercase letter.
• Click ‘Get Started’
• Once registered, click ‘Login’
  - You can log in straight away, but you will also receive an email to confirm your account has been registered. You don’t need to action anything in the email.
• Complete your user profile as directed, noting only sections marked with * are mandatory
• Once you have completed your details, tick the box to acknowledge you understand and agree to the T&Cs and ‘save’
• Once you have successfully submitted your registration you will receive a confirmation message at the bottom of the screen
• On the 'Select Account Type' screen, click 'Register' under Individual Account to finalise your account
• You will be directed to your home page. From the home page you can apply for a SwimStart voucher.

For more information and key dates please visit our website.

If you have any questions, please email swimstartvouchers@dtis.qld.gov.au.