Welcome back to the start of Term 4. I can’t believe how quickly the year has gone and that we are already in the final term of 2024. I hope that you all had an enjoyable and restful holiday break and were able to spend some quality time together as a family.

At St Patrick’s we implement the Whole School Approach to Positive Behaviour Support (WSAPBS).  The WSAPBS provides the framework for schools to create environments that are predictable and known, providing safe learning spaces for all.

A key component of the WSAPBS is the establishment of School Wide Expectations (SWE). At St Patrick’s our SWE are Safe, Respectful and Responsible. School Wide Expectations are important for providing a common vision, language and experience for the entire school community. They are broadly stated, relate directly to skills, and apply to all people across all school settings.

Another area of the WSAPBS that we consistently focus on is the building of positive relationships. We understand that students achieve better outcomes when they are accepted, valued, respected and included. Students’ value teachers who have clear boundaries and expectations, demonstrate a friendly, fair and respectful manner, see the good in all (regardless of behaviour) and take a genuine interest in them. The staff at St Patrick’s strive for these positive relationships with all students and go out of their way to ensure this happens.

Gaga Ball Pit

Towards the end of Term 3 and during the holiday period, our handyman Tony, along with a couple of helpers, built a Gaga Ball Pit in the playground. Gaga Ball is a fast paced, high-energy game played in an octagonal pit. Gaga ball is a gentler version of dodge ball where you try to hit opponents with a soft ball below the knees. Players need to keep moving to avoid getting hit by the ball.

I would like to say a huge thank you to our P & F Group for all their work in coordinating several fundraising events, which has enabled us to build the Gaga ball pit. I would also like to thank our families and wider school community for supporting these fundraising initiatives.

I would also like to acknowledge Trevor Cowe from Ultracourts who supplied the artificial turf for the base of the Gaga Ball Pit and Bunnings Warehouse Sale, who donated the concrete for the post.

Lawn Bowls

On Wednesday, six of our Year 5 students attended the Gippsland Region Lawn Bowls competition in Traralgon. The team played 3 matches throughout the day, losing to Cowes PS in the opening round, before having great wins against Eagle Point PS and St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School Traralgon. This placed the team second in their pool, unfortunately missing out on the final by 1 point. The team have really enjoyed learning a new sport and playing in the competitions and should be really proud of their efforts.

I would like to acknowledge the support of the Stratford Lawn Bowls Club, especially Gordon Keddie, who has coordinated training sessions, provided helpers to train the students and attended both competitions the team has been involved in. We look forward to continuing our association with the Stratford Lawn Bowls Club in the future and getting more young people into bowls.

Term 4 Dates

We have many events happening throughout Term 4. Please ensure that you are checking the school calendar and keeping yourself up to date with these events.

Toys From Home

Just a reminder that students should not be bringing in toys from home to school. There is always the possibility that these toys may be lost or broken, and we don’t want students to become upset or disappointed if this occurs. Please remind your child of this, if you notice that they are bringing things into school or ask you the question. Please note, that this does not involve toys being brought in for Show and Tell.

We look forward to another busy and productive term with you and your child.

Kind regards,

Joel