R U OK? Day was on Thursday 12^th September. R U OK? is a national suicide prevention charity and registered public health promotion that encourages people to stay connected and have conversations that can help others through difficult times.

R U OK? contributes to suicide prevention efforts by encouraging people to invest more time in their personal relationships and building the capacity of informal support networks – friends, family and colleagues - to be alert to those around them, have a conversation if they identify signs of distress or difficulty and connect someone to appropriate support, long before they're in crisis.

 You don't need to be an expert to reach out - just a good friend and a great listener. 

Use these four steps and have a conversation that could change a life:

1. Ask R U OK?
2. Listen
3. Encourage action
4. Check in

Child Protection Week

Last week was Child Protection Week. This is an opportunity for classes to educate students on how they can keep themselves and others safe. All classes participated in Australia’s Biggest Child Safety Lesson, an initiative of the Daniel Morcombe Foundation, which provides a strong child safety message through a video presentation. Child Safety is an important topic at St Patrick’s that we will continue to educate the children in regularly to ensure their safety.

Teacher Aide Appreciation Week

Last week was also Australian Teacher Aide Appreciation Week. Australian Teacher Aide Appreciation Week is an opportunity to celebrate the enormous contribution that teacher aides (ESO's) have in our schools. At St Patrick’s, we are fortunate to have hard working, supportive and dedicated ESO’s that help our teachers and students to create classroom environments that support student engagement and learning. I would like to acknowledge and thank all our amazing ESO’s, Michelle, Christine, Liam, Bianca, Kim, Laura, Sara and Karen, as well as Sharon Carroll and Sharon Cunningham.

Footy Colours Day/Hot Dog Day

Next Friday 20^th September we will celebrate Footy Colours Day. This is an opportunity for all students to wear their favourite sports team’s colours. On this day, the P&F will be coordinating a hot dog lunch. Hot dogs, drinks and icy poles can be purchased via CDF Pay. Please ensure your orders are placed before the cut off time of 6.00pm on Wednesday 18^th September.

Term 3 Finish

Friday 20^th is also the last day for Term 3. School will finish at 2:30pm on this day.

I would like to wish you all a happy and safe holiday period and hope that you have the opportunity to spend some quality time together as a family.

Kind regards,

Joel