6 March 2024 — Week 7, Term 1
Welcome from the Principal
Dear Families
The cultivation of an inclusive learning environment is at the heart of St Patrick’s School in Allora. We have seen an influx of culturally diverse students enrol in our Early Years for 2024. Nowhere is this diversity more evident and impactful than in the classrooms of our school, where young minds are shaped and nurtured. Learning about the beliefs and customs of different cultures will enable the entire St Patrick’s School community the opportunity to enhance their understanding of our growing global society.
In recent years, educators have increasingly recognised the positive aspects of embracing diverse cultures within the primary school environment. Cultural diversity fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students. Exposure to different perspectives and beliefs encourages children to think critically about their own beliefs and assumptions, fostering a more balanced understanding of the world. By engaging with different cultural viewpoints, students learn to approach problems from multiple angles and develop innovative solutions. These skills can only enhance and encourage the students of St Patrick’s School Allora to become active and informed citizens of the 21st century and as a community of learners, we remain committed to the creation of learning environments where every child feels valued, respected and empowered to reach their full potential.
Keith Blaikie—Principal
General information
Student Protection (TCSO - Safeguarding Principles)
It is timely to remind our whole school community that we all play a part in keeping our communities safe places. Sometimes this may involve providing information to police during an emergency, or when you become aware of a concern.
If a crime is happening right now, or someone’s life or property is in immediate danger you should always call Triple Zero (000), but when you need to report non-urgent matters you can go online to contact Policelink or call 131 444.
Policelink is an effective primary contact point for police.
Someone will be available to take your concerns at any time of the day or week. When you call Policelink your concern will be triaged so that police resources are always prioritised appropriately.
Go for Gold - Brisbane Olympics 2032
St Patrick's School was given an opportunity to submit a grant to Go for Gold in 2023. The main aim of this program is to support greater participation in sport, both at a community and school level, having their eyes firmly focussed on the Brisbane Olympics which are only eight years away. To cut a long story short, the school was successful in their application and received a grant worth $3000. This money was used to upgrade the quality of our ball sports resources. In particular, new soccer goals were purchased which have proven to be a massive hit already.
Teaching and learning
NAPLAN Online
Our Year 3 and 5 learners will be engaging in the online format of NAPLAN once again this year. Unlike the paper version of the test, the online version has a larger window for completion as it opens on Wednesday 13 March and closes on Monday 25 March. This extra time will allow for any trouble shooting or technical problems to be resolved.
Please find below an outline of our school NAPLAN Testing Timetable for 2024. All tests will be completed during Session 1 on the designated school day. Only one test will be completed on each day.
- Wednesday 13 March – Year 3 and 5 Writing (Only Year 5 will be completed online)
- Thursday 14 March – Year 3 and 5 Reading
- Wednesday 20 March – Year 3 and 5 Conventions of Language
- Thursday 21 March – Year 3 and 5 Numeracy
- Monday 25 March – NAPLAN window will close
If you have any questions, feel free to contact the school or, alternatively, the NAPLAN online site has a very helpful ‘demonstration page’. Access - Public demonstration site (nap.edu.au)
NAPLAN 2024 – Some important information
Whilst the planning phase of the NAPLAN testing schedule is well underway for 2024, the reporting of results will be the same as 2023. To provide some further explanation, we have included a resource which outlines information for parents and carers. Another very valuable resource is the FAQ’s in relation to NAPLAN which can be located using NAPLAN - FAQs. This site provides a wealth of information that may clarify any queries or concerns you may have in relation to NAPLAN and the changes for 2024. In summary:
How is my child’s performance reported?
Individual student performance is shown on a national achievement scale for each assessment. This scale indicates whether the student is meeting expectations for the literacy and numeracy skills needed to participate fully in that year level. A NAPLAN individual student report will be provided by your child’s school later in the year. If you do not receive a report, you should contact your child’s school.
The new proficiency standard adopted in 2023 will be used again in 2024. There are four levels of achievement for each year level and this replaces the previous 10-band structure and the national minimum standard used across the four domains. The four levels of achievement are:
- Exceeding
- Strong
- Developing
- Needs additional support.
How are NAPLAN results used?
- Students and parents/carers may use individual results to discuss progress with teachers.
- Teachers use results to help identify students who need greater challenges or extra support.
- Schools use results to identify strengths and areas of need to improve teaching programs and to set goals in literacy and numeracy.
- School systems use results to review the effectiveness of programs and support offered to schools.
- The community can see information about the performance of schools over time at myschool.edu.au.
Religious life of the school
Glengallan Leadership Day – Priseis (Year 5)
On Tuesday 27 February, the students of Glengallan learnt about the important skills of being a leader and how to be an example to all. We cleaned the church, prep shed, parish and sports shed. Each student enjoyed doing this with all of their heart. After we cleaned our beautiful school, we celebrated Mass and shared morning tea with the church community, meeting many new people.
The theme of our Leadership Day centered on ‘Our Stories’ and that each one of us has an individual and unique story to share and so to do many members of our community. Mrs Shanaz came in and taught us about Ramadan. Ramadan starts on the new moon and ends on the next new moon. People who are involved in Ramadan don’t eat from dawn till dusk. Children, elders, pregnant women and sick people do not fast though because they are not fit enough. After Ramadan is finished, they have a day where they pray, talk to loved ones and eat food.
Sister Margaret who worked at St Patrick’s School and lived in Mackillop House many years ago, told us about how she followed Mary MacKillop and became a Josephite Sister because when she was young, she felt that God wanted her to be one and so she joined. She told Glengallan about how Mary MacKillop helped the poor and set up schools all over Australia. We also talked about Lent and how it is very similar to Ramadan.
We also learnt about the importance of being grateful and accepting everyone. It was lovely to hear people’s stories and as young people, we are making our own amazing stories and can’t wait to share them with others.
Responding to the presence of God this Lent – Joe Kelly TCSO Faith and Identity
Lent started on Ash Wednesday. If we count the days before the Resurrection on Easter Sunday, they total 46, not 40! The Sundays are not counted in the '40 days of Lent' because every Sunday recalls the Resurrection. Lent is the 40 weekdays before Easter Sunday. The number 40 is quite common in the Scriptures and symbolises periods of testing, purification, preparation and growth. This is reflected in our practices during Lent when we try to pray more often, fast and give money to charity.
In these ways we take the focus off ourselves and allow God’s mercy, peace and power to shine through in our lives.
Although traditionally fasting during Lent has been to fast from food, perhaps it would be more powerful to fast from ‘gossip’ or 'unnecessary spending' or 'having the last word'. It is never too late to do something extra for Lent and if we are looking for inspiration about what to do, then perhaps we could follow the advice of Pope Francis in relation to fasting.
Fast from hurting words…say kind words.
Fast from sadness…be filled with gratitude.
Fast from anger…be filled with patience.
Fast from pessimism…be filled with hope.
Fast from worries…trust in God.
Fast from complaints…contemplate simplicity.
Fast from bitterness…fill your heart with joy.
Fast from selfishness…be compassionate to others.
Fast from grudges…be reconciled.
Fast from words…be silent so you can listen.
Upcoming events - March
- Thursday 7 March - Glengallan excursion to St Helena Island - bus departs at 5:45am
- Wednesday 13 March - NAPLAN testing for Years 3 and 5 commences for the next two weeks
- Friday 15 March - Whole School Assembly at 2:15pm in the Church
- Tuesday 19 March - St Patrick's Feast Day Mass commencing at 9:30am in the church. All are welcome to attend.
- Wednesday 20 March - St Patrick's Playgroup joined by the Mercy Playgroup from 9:00am until 10:30am (C&K Kindy and Headstart are invited to attend)
- Wednesday 20 March - Newsletter
- Friday 22 March - St Patrick's School Cross Country
- Monday 25 March - NAPLAN test window to close
- Thursday 28 March - 9am Easter Liturgy - Term 1 finishes at 2:55pm
- Good Friday - 29 March - PUBLIC HOLIDAY
See the Sentral calendar for more information about these events.
Reminders
Uniform Days
Sports
Wednesday, Friday
Formal
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
Please remember that we are a...
‘Nut Aware’ School.
Times for Mass at St Patrick's Church are as follows:
1st Sunday - 9am 2nd and 3rd Sunday – 5.30pm
4th & 5th Sunday Liturgy of the Word with Communion - 9am
