Junior School

By Mr Gavin Webb, Director of the Junior School

It was wonderful to welcome back all Junior School students and staff to SPC to commence Term 2, after a well deserved Easter break. Seeing the boys eager to return to class, chatting to mates in the corridor and enjoying a run around at recess and lunch is something we should not take for granted after the difficulties of the last two years. As an educational institution, our core business is undoubtedly teaching and learning but at St Patrick’s College we participate and celebrate many other occasions, we believe this really does contribute to the development of the whole person. Below I have provided a snap shot of some key events the boys have participated in already and others that will occur in the coming weeks.

SPC Athletics Carnival

On Wednesday, April 27, the annual SPC Athletics Carnival was held on the newly developed Main Oval. With mass participation the main aim of the day, the year 7 and 8’s thoroughly enjoyed both track, field, and novelty events. It is also a great day of socialising as each year level moves around together to and from each event. It was wonderful to see and hear the encouragement offered at each event. Thank you to all staff who assisted on the day, be it officiating events or helping manage a respective year level.

SPC Lap of the Lake

The “Lap of the Lake” has been postponed to later in the term, this was scheduled for Friday, April 29.

Anzac Day Assembly

On Tuesday a whole College Anzac Assembly was held in the gym. Senior staff member, Mr Shane Murphy made a stirring speech about Old Collegian’s and war veterans, who attended the College in the early 1900’s. Hopefully the re-telling of his war stories resonated with the boys, as Mr Murphy explained how lucky we are to enjoy the freedom of choice we experience in society today.

Edmund Rice Day

Thursday, May 5, is one of the biggest days on the SPC calendar. The whole College comes together to celebrate Edmund Rice Day. A day we share with 52 other EREA schools in Australia. After a Liturgy in the gym the boys will walk around Vic Park and Lake Wendouree (about 11 km in total) and then enjoy the entertaining St Pat’s has talent in the afternoon. Further to the celebration aspect of the day is the “fundraising” element of Edmund Rice Day. We ask that as a family you support your son’s fundraising endeavours. More details on the specifics of the fundraising and where the donations go to will be published closer to the day.

Mother’s Day Mass & Breakfast (Friday, May 6)

The annual Mother’s Day Mass and Breakfast will once again occur. Traditionally over 550 people attend this special event, following Mass the breakfast will be held in the gym. Please ensure you contact the College to book a seat. Bookings can be made at www.trybooking.com/BYPUD and close at 9am on Monday 2 May.

NAPLAN Testing

Boys in Year 7 will complete a series of literacy and numeracy tests during week 3 (Tuesday-Thursday) of Term 2. The NAPLAN (National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy) tests will see your son ranked against all students in the country. Students will complete some preparatory activities prior to the testing days. Once results are published you will be able to see the rate of development of your son has experienced since Grade 5. Students that are absent on any of the days will be able to complete catch up tests on the following Monday.

Key dates – Term 2

Tue, April 26	Students return, Anzac Day Assembly 10:15am
Wed, April 27	SPC Athletics Carnival
Fri, April 29	SPC Lap of the Lake (postponed)
Thur, May 5	Edmund Rice Day walkathon & St Pat’s has talent
Fri, May 6	Mother’s Day Mass and breakfast 7:00am
Tue, May 10	Year 7 NAPLAN commences
Tue, May 17	Year 8 Police visit, 10:15am
Thur, May 19	Year 7 Police visit, 12:25pm
Tue, May 24	BAS Athletics
Thurs, May 26	Year 8 Loreto Interaction Day
Mon, May 30	Year 8 Camp, 2 nights, Lady Northcote (YMCA)

Regards

Mr Gavin Webb

Director of Junior School