Newsletter 5th December

We the staff of St Patrick’s acknowledge the traditional owners, the Kulin nations, of the land on which we learn and play.

We pay respects to the Aboriginal Elders, past and present, who are our teachers.

We thank them for taking care of children and country for countless generations.

Year 6 Camp

On Tuesday the 26th of November the Year six’s went on camp and had an absolute blast. The Year six’s did a lot of activities and we are going to explain our adventure to you!

Food

The food at the Coonawarra camp was amazing. On the first day for dinner we had Bangers and mash, and for dessert we had apple crumble and custard. For breakfast the next day we had Pancakes and cereal. We had a choice on what to eat. For lunch that day we had chicken wraps, Then for dinner we had pasta bake which was really good and for dessert we had chocolate pudding. For breakfast on Thursday we had toast, baked beans and hash browns, and of course cereal. For lunch we had baked spuds and then for dinner we had a taco bowl which was very good. On the last day for breakfast we had bacon and scrambled eggs which was what everyone was wanting for breakfast and it was amazing. And of course we had morning tea and afternoon tea so therefore no one could possibly say that they were hungry.

Hut Building

For Hut building we split up in our activity groups and there was wood that we used to build with so we started placing long pieces of wood to the other piece of wood that holds it up. Once we were done building we had to check if we all fit into our huts. Then we took a break, after our break was done we had to get inside of our huts and the staff at Coonawarra threw water on us from the outside of the huts. We had to make sure we had our gaps filled in with small pieces of wood or else we would get soaked. A bunch of people got wet and some didn’t but it was really fun and group 1 won the best hut.

Damper Making

For damper making we had to find a long stick that was firm enough. Then we got damper from Coonawarra staff and rolled the damper up into a long snake then wrapped it around our sticks. Then the Coonawarra staff members made fires to let us use to make our damper. They told us to make it golden brown, and once we were done we had the choice to put strawberry and raspberry jam to eat with the damper.

Night Hike

On the first night of camp at Coonawarra Farm Resort, we went on a night hike that was 3 kilometres up and 3 kilometres down, but it was all worth the pretty landscapes. While on our way down we had a visit from a few kangaroos and wallabies, which we could all agree made it arguably more interesting. The views were amazing, including the beautiful sunset we saw on the walk, and when we were done we all agreed we would have some lasting memories. We came back late at night and we were all extremely tired, meaning we were basically all asleep within an hour.

Trivia Night

On the 2nd night at Coonawarra Farm Resort at around 8:30 pm, we sat outside on the deck and split into groups and began doing a few trivias including footy teams, Disney princesses, and many more. After a while, we went inside the rec room where it was brighter, comfier and warmer and did the last trivia, as it was too dark outside. At the end of each trivia the teachers read out the winners, which was basically which team got the most correct. You could also get bonus points for grammar and spelling. The team with the most overall points won and got lollipops. We finished trivia really late, near 10pm and we all went back to our cabins to go to bed.

Talent Show

On the last night at Coonawarra Farm Resort we went into the rec room for the talent show. We had many performances, including the teachers doing the ‘5, 6, 7, 8’ dance. Some of the performances were silly and funny, like the stand up comedy done by Nathan, Owen and Lachie, or the ‘Who Let the Dogs Out’ dance and performance done by Lucas,Owen,Mason and Riley Britt. Almost everyone stood up, went to the front of the room with the actual performers and sang ‘Want it That Way’, ‘Die With a Smile’ and ‘Single Ladies’.  There were some last minute people wanting to perform, but other than that it was a blast. People quickly did a song or dance at the end of some talents. At the end we had an amazing performance from Andre who breakdanced, and he won the talent show with a score of 20/20.

Giant Swing

For the giant swing we had to get into a harness that went around our bodies which then hooked onto the swing. Next the rest of our group then had to pull us to the top or wherever you were comfortable before you then had to pull a short string so that we could release ourselves and swing across the area. If you were to go to the top you were around about 16 meters high in the air. 

Flying Fox

Then for the flying fox we had a choice to partner up so if we wanted to we could race with the other person. All the kids got fully geared up with helmets and over the shoulders harnesses. Once everyone was fully harnessed in, including the teachers we all lined up ready to go down. The teachers went first so they could help us unclip and tell us when to stop. When we went down the flying fox took us across a big lake. Then we had to get a good landing so that we wouldn’t get hurt. After that we had to walk back up to get another turn. It was very annoying having to walk up and back.

Climbing Wall

Next we did the climbing wall and we had to do a lot of teamwork. While the person was climbing up, four other people had to get harnesses so they could get hooked up to the string so we could help the person climbing to climb faster by pulling back. If the person got to the top they had to ring a bell, then they had to smack the wall 3 times to signal the four people on the bottom so they could walk forward so that the person up the top makes an “L” with their legs and walks down safely.

High Ropes

Then for the high ropes we once again had to listen to safety precautions before  putting a helmet and harness on. After listening to all the precautions and what to do if you are stuck. Finally we were then allowed to then go on the ropes. The High Ropes had a limit of one person per section and four people on the ropes overall. We had to balance a lot and it was very hard. Everyone was cheering each other on and we all had a lot of fun.

Labyrinth/Maze  

The labyrinth was so much fun and it was such a challenge coordinating the start to end we knew our whole way round. We got so good at the maze we were even able to walk it with our eyes closed. The teachers decided to make things more fun by throwing in balls and playing random coordinate games.

Archery 

At the start of camp we had an emergency drill where we also got taught how to use the bow and  arrow. The lady was super sweet and she explained it super well. By the time we got there we were able to start straight away since the lady had already given such a good demonstration. Everyone had a go and had heaps of fun. The day was super hot so it was really nice that there was a  big shade spot to sit under. Shout out to Gunnraj because when he was with his group he got a perfect bullseye.

Canoeing

On the 27th of November to the 28th of November we did activities such as Canoeing and Raft Building at Camp Coonawarra. Our group participated in wet activities such as Canoeing and Raft building.For canoeing, we learnt how to use a paddle and then after that we flipped the canoes and pushed them into the water. Beforehand, we had to wear life jackets for safety purposes. Then we jumped into the canoes and started to paddle. For the first few minutes we just paddled and got used to it but after a while we played a game of gang up tag. some groups got to play with balls in the water. Some people “Accidentally” flipped over and had to drag their canoe back to shore. After all of this, we got to take a paddle in the water, most of us chose to either splash people or just carry around overs. We then got to swim in the water with the raft building group for about 20-30 minutes. At the end of all of it, we were all drenched in the dirty water from the lake and had a long needed shower in our hour of free time. Some of us even got sand in our hair.

Raft Building

When everyone did raft building, We got 4 big pipes, 2 planks of wood and 2 smaller planks of wood. We used rope to tie all of it together so it will all stay together. Our goal was to get our raft to the buoy in the water then get back to shore, our goal was to beat the opposition and get there in back without sinking, personally, the group full of girls managed to win. After that we got to swim in the water  and when the people who were canoeing finished, they got to join us. After that we had a quick shower ready for whatever we had on next. Raft building's main idea is teamwork and problem solving. Raft building was fun because some of the rafts sunk and we got to taste the water before even getting to swim.

Overview of water activities

The water activities were the most fun (in my opinion) activities at coonawarra, because it was a matter of team discussion. Splashing water everywhere and having a good time was really fun and for our last camp at primary school I enjoyed it.

Year Level Camp/ Fun Day Dates:

TERM DATES 2024

2024 PUPIL FREE DAYS AND SCHOOL CLOSURE DAYS:

The 4 Pupil Free days ensure that we can manage our commitment for all staff to continue to provide activities such as school camps for our students.
Please note, these dates are separate from our 8 Staff Professional Development days. Those 8 days are for our staff professional learning which will focus on Religious Education, Learning and Teaching and Student Wellbeing.

Dear Parents, Carers and Guardians,

This week the Gospel tells us it is a proclamation of God's message. John the Baptizer's message is that the people need to repair their lives and prepare for Christ's coming. He does this by calling the people to repent and be baptized. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.

With God's Holy Spirit in his life, we see Jesus go out and share the gifts of the Holy Spirit with others – like God's healing love, forgiveness and mercy. He also invites people, like his disciples, to follow him and learn how to do the same thing – how to make room in their lives for God's Holy Spirit.

Yesterday morning, we held a Christmas morning tea for our Myanmar and African Community members. There were games played, a presentation around the many services we offer as a school and Parish and then a wonderful spread prepared by Nadine, Yoke and Eugenie! I would like to take the time to especially thank these 3 staff members who have gone above and beyond in supporting these 2 communities and making sure they feel included and part of our wonderful St Patrick’s community. See some photos below.

Last week, our Year 6 students and teachers spent the week at Camp Coonawarra in the heart of Gippsland. They experienced some warm weather and lots of flies! I have heard nothing but praise for our leaders of the school. Both the staff and the camp staff acknowledged our students’ manners and their inclusion of others as well as their encouragement for all to take a risk. I am so proud of them and all they have achieved. A HUGE thanks goes to Belinda Couch, Jo Peterson, Rebecca Schleemann, Paul Beswick, Catherine Edwards, Nadine King and Donna Ward for their patience and preparation in looking after our students. Nothing happens without the support of a great team!

Today we held our final Foundation transition which concludes the 5-visit process. We had some very excited students and nervous parents. Thanks to Geraldine Wilmann and Katherine Gronek for the work they have put in to make this a very special moment for the newest members of our community!

Next Thursday the 12^{th of} December, we will be having our annual Christmas concert. Hopefully we will be blessed with good weather as we have had in the past 2 years and the function can go ahead outside on the basketball courts. The concert will begin at 5pm, however we do encourage our parents to come as early as possible as it gets busy very quickly. This year we have a special guest who will be performing live from 4pm onwards, and this will be your opportunity to have a relax and enjoy some great music. Conor Bermingham is his name, and he can be found on Instagram. I look forward to a wonderful evening with you all. Do not forget your picnic dinner, snacks and drinks.

It is important to keep an open discussion with your child/ren around their expected behaviour and work ethic as we enter the last few weeks of term 4. Even though the year is winding down, the staff of St Patrick’s will continue to insist that all 5 values of RESPECT, SAFETY, CO-OPERATION, COURAGE AND RESILIENCE will be adhered to both inside and outside the classroom.

God Bless

Meg

Will only be open for the next two days. It will reopen again in January of 2025. Thank you to Nadine King for your tireless work in keeping this great initiative going.

Our School Christmas Concert is on Thursday 12th December at 5:00pm.

Students and families are encouraged to come in christmas themed colours/ clothing

I am asking please that all students, in particular our Senior school, to be wearing our proper School Uniform this final term. It is important that we still maintain a high standard of uniform and not use Term 4 as an excuse to become complacent about what we wear to school.

I will continue to ask all students to be wearing proper school shoes and uniform right up until the end of the year. I understand that students are growing constantly, however they will continue to grow for many more years and so I cannot always accept this as an excuse. We must remember that many students are adhering to the correct standards of school uniform and therefore, it is important that the students and their families please respect this. Secondary schools do not accept poor uniform standards.

If finance is a concern when it comes to uniform, please speak to your classroom teacher. St Patrick’s has a very good second-hand uniform shop that you can top up your child’s uniform with. It is a third of the price you would pay at the normal uniform shop, and the money goes straight back to the school.

No doubt that parents are hearing all the conversations around the agreement by the government around increasing the age of children to 16 in order to access social media. I am extremely alarmed by the volume of students who are on social media platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok and using these platforms unsupervised! Unfortunately, I am dealing with this more and more and even though, I am unable to control what goes on outside of school hours, the fall out is happening here at school. As parents and guardians, you need to be on top of your child/ren’s use of social media all the time.

I have included a link below to the e-commissioner website which contains excellent information on how to keep your children safe online. I urge all parents to take the time to look at this.

https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents

SiMON Everywhere is an app our school uses to acces PAM and CDF Pay. We will be sending reminders through this app, as such please download and sign in. There is a guide below for your reference. If you are having any issues please contact Alex Taylor in the school office ataylor@stppakenham.catholic.edu.au

Have you logged into your PAM account yet! 

We use PAM as our main form of communication.  All emails, Student Attendance, Sick Bay notes, School Reports, commonly used forms, excursion/camp permission notes and Family Learning conversations, will all be communicated via PAM.  

Access PAM via this link   Link to PAM 

PAM - Parent Access Module

PAM (Parent Access Module) is our Parent to School communication platform.   PAM will provide real time access to keep parents updated with their children’s progress, important dates and messages. Relevant resources – calendar events, student reports, parent notified absences, absence data and sick bay notes will all be accessed via PAM.

Parents will be able to easily book Parent Teacher interviews through PAM, and access teacher email addresses. 

PAM accounts are linked via your email address that we have in our systems. 

If you have recently changed your email,  please call or email us on office@stppakenham.catholic.edu.au

Click on the 'forget password' link to set your password and then verify your email address.  (Email addresses must be verified for PAM to work properly).  Once your email is verified, your email can be used as the username for your account.

Once you have successfully logged in, you can save PAM to your homescreen on your device.

If you have any issues or need help with PAM please contact the school via email, office@stppakenham.catholic.edu.au

PAM Instructions

Parent Notified Absences via PAM

Once you have PAM set up and saved to your home screen you can easily send in Parent Notified absences.   Please use this platform going forward as this automatically syncs with the class roll.   This will fix the issues of receiving SMS notifications even though you had already notified the school. 

Please remember to update your contact details and any relevant medical details for your child.  

Most medical profiles have now been updated. Please remember to keep them up to date and upload any asthma/allergy plans that may be relevant.

To update any contact details please contact the school office. 

Dec 2nd- Monday Advent wreath candle- Year 5

Dec 3rd-Tuesday- Jesse tree - 4AT

Dec 6th -Friday - Nativity - 3TA 

All assemblies begin at 9 am

Parents who would like to have their children baptised are required to attend baptism preparation. Please enroll through the parish website https://stpatrickspakenham.com.au/

For further details and assistance please contact

Mary Tresa Andrews

Religious Education Coordinator

mandrews@stppakenham.catholic.edu.au