18 - 26 Church StreetGympie QLD 4570Subscribe:Subscribe: http://sppgympie.schoolzineplus.com/subscribe

Email:Email: pgympie@bne.catholic.edu.auPhone:Phone: 07 5482 3293

Fax:Fax: 07 5482 6601

3 May 20173 May 2017

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Acknowledging Student Achievement

Thank you very much to Mrs Skuse and the Presentation groupfor leading us in our assembly on Friday morning and forintroducing the school community to the qualities of EdmundRice, one of the people we acknowledge as a school founder.The presentation group, comprised of Year 6 students, provideoutstanding leadership for the rest of the school when leadingour whole school liturgies and assemblies.

Edmund Rice constantly promoted living justly, lovingtenderly and walking humbly with each other and withGod. At the end of this term the Edmund Rice Award will bepresented to those students who have consistently displayedthese qualities: Persistence, Courage, Love of Learning, Faithand Belief in God and Dedication.

At assembly each week though, we also acknowledge theachievements of students from every class with ourEncouragement Awards. On the occasions that I am calledon to present these Encouragement Awards to the students’I am always amazed at the extraordinary day-to-dayachievements of students throughout the school. While theFounders Awards each term are a very important way ofacknowledging outstanding achievements on the part of

students, our Encouragement Awards which are presentedeach week at assembly, are also very important awards andprovide the opportunity for us to acknowledge and celebratethe great achievements students make every day at school.

NAPLAN Testing

As mentioned in last week’s newsletter, next week 4 (May9th, 10th and 11th) all of our year 3 and 5 students will besitting the 2017 National Assessment Program – Literacyand Numeracy (NAPLAN) tests.

All students across Australia in years 3, 5, 7 and 9 will sit thetests on …

The following information may assist you

By Michael Grose

The most resilient children and young people are thosewho rise to meet rather than retreat from the challengespresented to them. Perhaps it’s best to view the NAPLANtests as good learning experiences rather than dreadedpressure tests.

• 9th May – Language (Spelling, Grammar &Punctuation) and Writing tests

• 10th May – Reading test

• 11th May – Numeracy test

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During the second week of May, Australian children in Years 3,5, 7 and 9 will take part in the National Assessment Program– Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). The stated purpose ofthis testing program is to gain an overall picture of educationalattainment levels to assist education policy anddecision-making.

The program, first implemented in 2008, has drawn somecriticism from a number of different quarters, particularly inregard to the use of the information gained through theNAPLAN tests. You’ve probably heard a number of differentviewpoints expressed in the media over the last few weeks.

One view commonly put forward is that the NAPLAN testsput undue pressure on children to perform in test situations. Ifso, then perhaps the best approach for parents and teachersis to help them handle the pressure rather than avoid it. Themost resilient children and young people are those who rise tomeet rather than retreat from the challenges presented to them.Perhaps it’s best to view the NAPLAN tests as good learningexperiences rather than dreaded pressure tests.

Children and young people take their cues from their parentsabout how to handle many situations. American psychologistMartin Seligman discovered more than a decade ago, throughhis research into children’s thinking styles, how closely a child’sexplanatory style mimics that of the parent they spend mosttime around. Optimistic parents beget optimistic kids, just asanxious parents can beget anxious kids. The impact of aparent’s explanatory style seems to be magnified somehow insmall families where there are fewer voices to be heard.

As a parent it helps your child, if you take a positive view of theNAPLAN tests. It’s better to see them as learning opportunitiesfor kids as well as opportunities to overcome any anxietiesor nerves that these tests may bring on. It’s also worthremembering that many children don’t stress over these tests.The vast majority take them in their stride, wondering what allthe fuss is about.

Whether your child stresses or takes them in his stride hereare some tips to help prepare for the NAPLAN tests:

A positive, caring parent attitude is one of the best gifts youcan give a child when they are apprehensive or nervous aboutapproaching any different situation whether it’s going on schoolcamp, joining a new club or sitting a NAPLAN test.

I hope you have an enjoyable week at St Patrick’s andplease feel free to approach me if you need moreinformation about any of these subjects mentioned in thenewsletter or for any assistance you may require.

Peter CampbellActing Principal | St Patrick's Primary School | 18-26Church St Gympie Q 4570(W) 07 - 5482 3293(M) 0408 767 842pcampbell@bne.catholic.edu.auhttp://www.stpatrickspsgympie.qld.edu.au

RELIGIOUS LIFE OF THE SCHOOL andOTHER ADMINISTRATION MATTERS

Religious Life of the School

What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and tolove tenderly and to walk humbly with your God (Micah6:8)

On Tuesday morning, the Year 6 Mini Vinnies group, alongwith their band of happy helpers, hosted a Big Brekkie forthe students of St Patrick’s Primary. The event was held asa fundraiser for the St Vincent De Paul Society to help themin providing much-needed assistance to the people in ourcommunity that need it most.

With Mrs Baxter as their guide, the members of the Mini Vinniescommittee began organising this event last term. Once the datewas set, the children wrote to various businesses asking fordonations. They organised a menu, planned how the morningwould run, created some very impressive costuming, producedposters and banners to promote the Big Brekkie and mostimpressively, set up the hall, cooked, served and cleaned up.

1. Take your cues from your child: If your childdoesn’t worry about them then neither should you.Be careful not to create a problem that doesn’t existby incessantly talking about, or worse, worryingabout the test.

2. Focus on doing their best and trying hard: Chooseyour words carefully when you speak with your kids.As with all their learning activities place your focussquarely on effort rather than results. The onlypressure on kids should be to try hard rather than todo well.

3. Listen to any concerns they have: If your childconfesses to some nerves then validate their feelings,rather than shut them down with a ‘get over it’response. “Yes, sometimes tests can be a little scary,but they get easier every time you take them.” Usethis as an opportunity to develop some emotionalsmarts, which starts with recognising how kids feel.

4. Give them some relaxation ideas: Anxious ornervous kids will benefit from some simple relaxation

strategies. Taking some deep breaths, changing theirthinking and exercising the morning of the test aresome simple ways to help kids get some feeling ofcontrol.

5. Help them retain their perspective: One way tohelp children who become excessively anxious aboutan event is to ask what’s the worst thing that couldhappen? Okay, they may not do as well as theywould like but the sun will still rise tomorrow,regardless of how well they do. Keeping perspectiveis a life skill that we all need to practise.

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What a success!

The food was delicious and everywhere I looked were happy,content faces.

Thank you to those families who generously donated food andequipment for the morning. It was very much appreciated.

The effort given by those involved was truly inspiring and it wasfantastic to see our students displaying such strong empathyand solidarity to help bring about social justice in ourcommunity.

What’s Happening: Religious Life of the SchoolCalendar

DATE DAY TIME PERSONNEL ACTIVITY PLACE

This Week 01 - 05 May Week 3

01/05 LABOUR DAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY

02/05 Tuesday 9am 4H Parish Mass Church

4/05 Thursday 8:10am Mrs Pennisi Staff Prayer Staffroom

5/05 Friday 9am 6L Assembly /Liturgy

SVDP WinterAppeal

Church

Reconciliation: 5A

Liturgy of the Word: 1C

DATE DAY TIME PERSONNEL ACTIVITY PLACE

Next Week 8 – 12 May Week 4

09/05 Tuesday 9am 6B Parish Mass Church

11/05 Thursday 8:10am Mrs Francis Staff Prayer Staffroom

12/05 Friday 9am 6S Assembly /Liturgy

SVDP WinterAppeal

Church

Reconciliation: 6L

Liturgy of the Word: 2P

Other Administration Matters

School Uniform and Related Matters

Thank you very much to all parents and care givers for theobvious care and attention that goes into ensuring that allchildren are wearing the correct school uniform. It is good tosee all children wearing the correct uniform with pride andsupporting the school policies and guidelines in relation to theuniform and other related areas.

With cooler weather approaching details about the winterschool uniform are detailed below. Also included are remindersabout the correct shoes and the wearing of jewellery.

Season BOYS GIRLS

SUMMER Knitted Polo Shirt

Navy Dress Shorts

Short White Socks (notankle)

Plain Black LeatherShoes/Joggers

Knitted Polo Shirt

Navy Dress Shorts /Skorts

Short White Socks (notankle)

Plain Black LeatherShoes/Joggers

WINTER As Above

PLUS

Plain Blue Tracksuit withthe school badge

School Jacket

As Above

PLUS

Plain Blue Tracksuit withthe school badge

School Jacket

Blue hair ribbons/bands/scrunchies are to be worn wherenecessary.

SCHOOL SHOES: Plain black polished shoes or black joggers(no colour inserts)

Basketball boots, high ankle boots, canvas shoes, suede shoesand other sporting shoe wear are NOT part of the uniform andare NOT acceptable.

SCHOOL SOCKS: Boys and girls – plain white short socks

Please note: shortened cut-off socks or sockettes are notpermitted.

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Jewellery

The wearing of jewellery is discouraged at school because itcan cause distraction, excessive jewellery detracts from theappearance of our uniform and expensive items can be lost orbroken at school. As well as a uniform issue, the wearing ofjewellery is also a safety issue. For the benefit of all students,the following guidelines are required regarding the wearing ofjewellery:

Please note that exceptions will be made in specialcircumstances such as “medical alert” bracelets and so on.These exceptions will occur after consultation between parentsand the Principal.

We understand that circumstances may arise that preventchildren from wearing the correct uniform. If this occurs, we askthat you provide a brief note or email explaining the reason thatyour child is not wearing the correct uniform.

I hope you all have an enjoyable week and please do nothesitate to contact me if you require more information aboutany of the subjects mentioned in the newsletter.

Sarah SkuseActing Assistant Principal – RE

SPORTS NEWS

Gympie District Cross Country

The Gympie District Cross Country Trials were held on Tuesday2nd May. All our students competed well and enjoyed theday. The following students did exceptionally well and wecongratulate them on their awesome effort:

EVENT COMPETITOR PLACE TIME

Girls 10 Yrs 2000 mts Leisl B 2nd 9:28.25

Boys 10 Yrs 2000 mts Joshua R 4th 8:39.90

Boys 12 Yrs 3000 mts Connor I 3rd 13:13.03

Gympie Zone Sports Trials

Nominations have closed for all sports except:

TERM 2

MAY

3 04to

05/05/17

Thurs – Fri Wide Bay 10 – 12 YrsCluster 3 Trials

(Tennis / Soccer /Hockey / RugbyLeague / Netball)

Hervey Bay

4 13to

14/05/17

Sat – Sun Wide Bay U11 RugbyLeague Trials

Hervey Bay

5 17/05/17

Wednesday NRL Development CupGala Day

9am –2:30pm

Albert Park

7 30/05/17

Tuesday Wide Bay 10-19 YrsCross Country Trials

Gympie

JUNE

01to

04/06/17

Thurs –Sun

State Boys / GirlsBasketball

Championships

(10 – 12 Yrs)

Boondall7

02/06/17

Friday Gympie District 10 –11 Yrs Inter SchoolSport Development

Day

(Yrs 5 & 6 only)

9:30am–

2:30pm

VariousVenues

8 08to

11/06/17

Thurs –Sun

State AFLChampionships

(10 – 12 Yrs)

Mackay

15to

18/06/17

Thurs –Sun

State Boys / GirlsHockey

Championships

(10 – 12 Yrs)

Colmslie

16/06/17

TBC

Friday 10 – 19 Yrs AWDfootball Gala Day

Maryborough

9

17to

20/06/17

Sat – Tues State NetballChampionships

(10 – 12 Yrs)

Mt Gravatt

• Students may wear only one stud or sleeper in eachear.

• Earrings/studs are only to be worn in the ear lobe.

• Necklaces with a simple holy symbol can be worninside uniforms.

• One single signet ring is permitted (but notencouraged)

• No bangles/bracelets are to be worn at school.

• All jewellery should be of a simple nature and shouldnot depict symbols that are unacceptable to theschool’s administration or contrary to the Catholicethos of the school.

• Boys and Girls Cricket

• Girls Rugby League

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TERM 2

10 22to

27/06/17

Thurs –Tues

State 12 Yrs RugbyLeague

Championships

Have a great week!

Joe Laffey and Geraldine GrimishThe St Pat’s Sports Team

SCHOOL NEWS

Don’t Forget to Return to the Office

ASAP Project Compassion donations

YR 6 Chocolate monies

Happy Birthday

We would like to wish the following children a very HappyBirthday for this week:

Ben C Rhiannon H Asha W Jack L

Jake H-M Sam V

School Banking

Remember to bring your Banking in to school on any day of theweek. Collect 10 tokens to receive your free gift.

Fliers have been sent home to Student Bankers regarding theCommBank Youth app. Contact office for further details or visit:

http://www.commbank.com.au/schoolbanking

From the Student Newsletter Committee

By Zac D, Melissa and CarterNewsletter Committee

College School Volunteers Reading Program

We currently have a number of St Patrick’s College Year 11Students who come across to our school to assist in theyounger classes with reading before school. This is a greatprogram and opportunity for our two schools to collaborate.The young children love relating to the older students and viceversa.

TuckshopAs most of you would know I had 7 weeks off work last term,due to a broken toe that required surgery. In my absence,Tanya Edwards took over the running of the tuckshop. I wouldlike to thank her for taking time out of her busy life to make surethe tuckshop was operational.

I would also like to thank the wonderful parent/volunteers whohelped Tanya. I am grateful and truly blessed to have suchwonderful friends in my life. The tuckshop couldn't have runso smoothly without all the helpers. Also, thank you to thechildren, parents and staff for your understanding, kind wordsand prayers.

We are so very lucky to have such a wonderful school.

Tracy FrazierTuckshop Convenor

Uniform Shop Hours

Thursday: 8am – 9:30am

The Uniform Shop operates from the Tuckshop

Be Prepared for the cold weather: Large range of secondhand JUMPERS are available

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Tuckshop Roster

DAY DATE HELPER/S

MAY

Fri 5 Judy Turner, Roxanne Haynes

Mon 8 Emily Blomfield

Wed 10 Renee Nolan

Fri 12 Kelly Garner, Melissa Knox

Mon 15 Andrena Sullivan

Wed 17 Amy Malone

Fri 19 GYMPIE SHOW HOLIDAY

Mon 22 Emily Blomfield

Tuckshop Specials

Week 3

Chicken Burger (Pattie, Lettuce, Mayo) - $4-00Add Salad (Lettuce Tomato Beetroot) - $5-00

Chilli Chicken Wrap (Chilli Chicken Tender, Lettuce,Mayo) - $4-50Add Salad (Lettuce Tomato Beetroot) - $5-50

Encouragement Awards

Class Name Reason

Prep Blue W CarterG

For doing your best to beresponsible for your learning.Keep it up super star!

Prep Gold F ThomasW

For the quiet way you completeyour work and try to follow allinstructions.

Year 1 Blue C Olivia N For being a focussed studentwho is keen to learn anddevelop your skills. You are avalued member of the classwho is always helpful andthoughtful in your interactionswith others.

Year 3 Blue M HamishL

For sharing very interestinginformation about cottonfarming with the class. Thankyou, Hamish!

Year 3 Gold L LachlanB

For trying hard to stay focussedand on task to complete all yourwork. You are becoming asuccessful independent learner!

Class Name Reason

Year 4 Blue B Kelly B For the lovely, respectful wayyou are with others. You are apolite, patient student whoalways shows manners. Thankyou Kelly.

Year 4 Gold H Ben C For being an attentive andhard-working student whoparticipates positively in classactivities. Thank you Ben for thekind and thoughtful way youinteract with others. Well done!

Year 5 Blue B DelaraM

For the quiet obliging attitudewith which she approaches allof her learning, and whichmakes her so invaluable inlending assistance to her peers.You’re a teacher’s delight, Dee!

Year 5 Gold A ArcherB

For being a conscientiousstudent who stays on task andnever engages in distractions.Well done Archer.

Year 6 Blue S OliverC-N

For working collaboratively withothers on your research projectand for showing greatleadership skills by supportingand guiding your group throughthe processes involved incompleting the activity.

Year 6 Gold B MorganB

For being a confident, persistentstudent who always engages inher learning and asks questionsto further her understanding.Well done Morgan. Keep up thetop attitude.

Year 6 White L Zac B For being a mature, confidentand responsible student whohelps others to be their best.

P & F NEWS

Mother’s Day Stall

Our Mother’s Day Stall is now only a week away! Your earlydonations are greatly appreciated by our super-wrapper andstall coordinator Kelly Garner. Further details in relation to thestall are outlined in the below flyer. If you are available to help atthe stall on Friday 12th May between 9.30am – 2.30pm pleasecontact Amy Malone (contact details below).

The next P&F Meeting will be held on Tuesday 16th May at6.30pm in the office staffroom.

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Don’t forget to join our Facebook group: St Patrick’s PrimaryGympie P and F, to keep up-to-date with our news and events.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/130319910449017/

Amy Malone - Presidentamyquasi@hotmail.comPh. 0434 851 204

COMMUNITY NEWS

Gympie Show

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