ST PATRICK'S SCHOOL
The Board of Trustees, Parent Teacher Association and Staff welcome you and your child to St Patrick's. We know that he/she will grow, learn and be secure in a Christian environment. May you have a happy association with our school.
ALAN WATTS
PRINCIPAL
MISSION STATEMENT
Quality education in a Catholic Environment.
Goals
" To emphasize the gospel values of love, freedom, justice and tolerance
particularly towards those who are disadvantaged.
" To ensure that the values of the Parish Community are reflected in school
policy.
" To provide a good education in a Catholic environment
" To develop a knowledge of Catholic doctrine and scripture within the
teaching authority of the Church.
" To promote a sense of belonging to the Church.
" To acknowledge that parents are the foremost educators of their children.
" To actively promote the values of different cultures especially of the
Maori people.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Board of Trustees role is to govern our school. Their governance is successful because of their expertise and community involvement. This co-operation has led to an effective and positive relationship between the trustees and staff and ensures that the educational well-being of students is maintained.
Below is our present Board of Trustees.
Chairperson Warwick King
Treasurer Colin Hilton
Parent Rep Geoff Storm
Parent Rep Nicky Kitson
Parent Rep Vacant
Staff Rep Callan Goodall
Bishop's Rep Father Martin Flannery (Phone 216 8466)
Bishop's Rep Hank Oudhoff
Bishop's Rep Michelle Keene
Bishops Rep Stacey Gallagher
Principal Alan Watts
Secretary to the Board Annette Dunn
The Board of Trustees meetings are held in the Staffroom on the fourth Wednesday
of each month and anyone is welcome to attend.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND BRIEF HISTORY OF THE SCHOOL.
St Patrick's is a Roman Catholic Primary School for boys and girls from New
Entrants to Year 6 offering education with a Special Character.
The maximum roll of our school is 302 pupils. Subject to places being available,
a limited number of non preference pupils may be enrolled.
The Special Character of St Patrick's is that it is a Roman Catholic School
established by the Roman Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Dunedin which promotes
and supports the school and of which the school is part.
Our school is a place in which the whole school community through the general
school programme and its religious instructions and observances exercises the
right to live and teach the values of Jesus Christ.
St Patrick's is a Grade 4, 10 teacher school. It was opened on 12 March 1944 with a roll of 30. The school was originally staffed by the Nuns of the Dominican Order. The Nuns have gradually disappeared from our staff - their vocations taking them in other directions - and the school today is staffed entirely by lay teachers.
On the 18 May 1952 what is now Block B was opened and blessed by Bishop Kavanagh.
There was a roll of 140 pupils. The building was placed under the patronage
of St Maria Goretti.
In 1958 the upper story was added.
As the roll continued to grow it was decided to convert the original school
building, erected in 1944, into a four roomed infant block. Block A was opened
in 1967. Following the completion of this block, further extensions were made
to Block B with the addition of a library and a much needed school office.
An extensive rebuilding programme costing close to $2 million was completed September 16 1997.
In 2005 Bishop Colin Campbell asked the Minister of Education to decapitate St Patrick's from 2006 to make it a Year 1-6 school. It has previously been a full primary to Year 8. This was to allow Verdon College to become a Year 7-13 school in line with the other state secondary schools.
St Patrick's is the School for the Georgetown Parish of Invercargill and is
seen as a vital part of the Parish. Father Martin Flannery is our Parish Priest.
The school motto is "Ut filii lucis sitis" - That you may be children
of the Light.
St Patrick's School accepts an obligation to develop programmes which reflect New Zealand's dual cultural heritage. Our school also adopts practices that identify and cater for the individual needs of each student, particularly Maori. Pacific Island, other ethnic groups, women and girls, students with disabilities and students with other special learning needs.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION:
All Catholic Schools in New Zealand are now using the new Religious Education
Curriculum.
The New Religious Education Curriculum emphasizes the importance of the unity between home, school and parish.
Religious Education is carried out by people who believe in Jesus themselves and it is carried out by a community of believers - the Catholic Church.
When we give our children a new bike we don't expect them to put it in the
shed and never use it. We may need to teach them how to use it and appreciate
it and use it regularly.
So in handing on the gift of Faith we need to give example by regularly attending
Mass and the Sacraments.
Classes celebrate the Eucharist throughout the year and you are encouraged to participate with them. Opportunities are also given for celebrating Reconciliation.
The Junior Classes invite people to their Shared Prayer Times at 9am on Tuesdays.
Religious Education of children is a life-time work. It is God's work, in which
parents, teachers, priests and parish have a vital and necessary role to play,
and although the greater responsibility rests with parents; teachers and priests
can be powerful complements to home training.
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAMME:
When the children move into the Year 3 (Standard One classes), at about 7 years,
preparation of First Reconciliation takes place. In Year 4 (Standard Two) preparation
for Confirmation and First Communion begin.
These Sacraments are celebrated as part of the Parish family and include children
who do not attend our school.
The Parish runs a series of parent meetings as help for parents.
Staff for 2010
Mr Alan Watts Principal
Mr Callan Goodall Deputy Principal Room 11 Y5 & 6
Ms Karen Wilson Assistant Principal Room 6 New Entrants Y1
Miss Nicky Fitzpatrick Room 1 Senior Teacher D.R.S. Y3
Mrs Louisa McDonald 2 Y2
Ms Leigh Munro Room 3 Y1
Mrs Carolyn Rout Room 4 Y3
Miss Abby Vermeulen Room 5 Y1
Ms Cathie Dodd Room 11 Y 4 & 5
Mr Trevor Morton Room 7 Y3 & 4
Mr Tom Wallis Room 8 Y4
Mrs Judith Anderson Room 10 Y5 & 6
Mrs Rachel Cook Room 11 Y5 & 6 .5
Ms Julia Dallas Room 3 .6 Special Needs
Teacher Aides
Mrs Deborah Wyering
Mrs Shona Campbell
Mrs Gabrielle Oudhoff
Mrs Tania Perriam
Ms Lynley Heydon
Mrs Mary McKillop
Secretary
Mrs Annette Dunn
Cleaning/Caretaking
Mrs Erin Streeter Cleaner
Mr Terry Hartigan Caretaker.
Resource Teachers of Learning and Behaviour (Based at St Patrick's)
Loretta Reynolds
Ann Kennelly
Tanya Raats
Supplementary Learning Support Teachers (Based at St Patrick's)
Briar Newnham
Suzanne Gillies
DRESS CODE
GIRLS - Y1 - Y6
1. Black-watch tartan tunic
2. White shirt - long/short sleeve/ Polo Shirt (Summer )
3. Jolly red V neck pullover/cardigan/school Polar Fleece
4. White ankle sox. In winter knee high bottle-green sox/bottle-green
tights. (Black tights).
5. Shoes - black/brown/tan, Black/Brown Sandals (Summer only)
BOYS - Y1 - Y6
1. Grey shirt - long/short sleeve. Grey Polo Shirt (Summer)
2. Shorts - grey
3. Navy pullover - green and gold stripes/school polar fleece
4. Sox - Black School Sock knee highs with green/gold stripes
5. Shoes - black/brown/tan. Black/Brown Sandals (Summer only).
PE/SPORTS UNIFORM -
All students from Y4 upwards and students below this class who represent our
school must wear our PE/Sports uniform.
PE Top and black shorts. (PE Top and Black shorts can be bought through the
school office).
GENERAL
Shoes: 1. Sturdy leather/vinyl, one colour shoe, within the colour range provided.
2. NO sports shoes/boots to be worn outside P.E.
3. Gumboots can be worn in wet weather
4. Slippers - optional
5. School Sun Hat available at School Office
SHORTS; 1. No shorts to be visible under uniform
T. SHIRTS 1. White ONLY to be worn under school uniform.
HAIR: 1 Tidy groomed hair
2 Any hair accessories to be plain red/black/ bottle-green
3. All long hair to be tied
JEWELLERY: 1. One stud per ear ONLY (male/female)
2. No jangling jewellery
3. No nail varnish
4. Any chains/necklaces to be worn inside uniforms
SUN PROTECTION
We are very conscious of protecting children from the sun in the summer term.
School sunhats are available from the School Office.
Use sunscreen - no coloured zinc please.
PARENT/TEACHER ASSOCIATION
This association helps in developing community spirit, running special projects
and fundraising.
The P.T.A. plays a most important role in bringing home and school into a closer
relationship.
Once a term the P.T.A. Committee organises a General Meeting that focuses on
an educational issue.
The present committee elected in 2009 is;-
Cathie Dodd - President; Shirley-Anne De Groot - Treasurer; Sandra MacManus-
Secretary; committee members Greg and Jeanette Hope-Johnstone; Dania Bielecki;
Donna Mckenzie; Angela Molloy; Kerrie Peterson; Geoff Storm; Aletta Reid; Jo
Nutsford; Leigh Munro; Rachel Cook.
PARENTS
The relationship between parents and teachers is most important in the education
of your child(ren). Parents have a priority with our school. Our schools 'open
door' policy allows parents to come and discuss problems etc with the staff
and Principal. Once your child has enrolled at St Patrick's you have given a
commitment to the school, particularly to our Christian Living programme that
requires your backup and support at home. Both teachers and parents are committed
to the education of the children and such a process requires co-operation and
a sense of partnership.
ATTENDANCE DUES/SCHOOL FEES:
Since Integration, the State has accepted responsibility for the day to day
operating costs of our school, including maintenance. We as a Catholic Community,
are responsible for the debts on land, buildings and other items referred to
as "Capital Costs".
Before 1986 we as a Catholic Community accrued considerable debt by way of mortgages
to build and upgrade our schools, and these debts must be repaid. All money
from School Fees/Attendance Dues goes to the Diocese. Attendance Dues are $57.00
(including G.S.T.) per term for a four term year, for the first child with a
reduction of $5.00 per each child thereafter. Fees can be paid by automatic
payment. Such bank forms are available on request from the School Office. If
you are going to pay the fees by this method the completed form must be handed
in to the office within 14 days of your child starting school. If you require
further clarification please phone Mrs Pauline Nally 2184123. (All Attendance
Dues Accounts are sent out from and paid to St Mary's Parish).
If you have problems in paying school fees or any school accounts because of
financial difficulties please contact either Father Martin Flannery Ph 68.466
or the Principal - Mr Watts Ph 2168.505 in confidence.
SCHOOL HOURS
School commences at 9:00am. Lunch hour is from 12:30 to 1:30pm. The school is
dismissed at
3:00pm. CHILDREN ARE ASKED NOT TO ARRIVE AT SCHOOL BEFORE 8.30AM.
TRAFFIC
Traffic becomes congested around the school at 8:30 - 9:00am and especially
at 3:00pm. Safety is greatly enhanced by parents NOT parking too close to where
the children cross the roads or by double parking outside school. Please, DO
NOT PARK around the sides or back of the Church. This can be extremely dangerous
for small children.
BUSES
The Office can assist with any enquires about the bus route. H & H buses
also operate for the Oteramika Road and Motu Rimu/Tisbury areas.
CYCLE HELMETS
New Zealand law requires that all cyclists must wear a helmet.
DENTAL CLINIC
The pupils attend the Fernworth Clinic in Pomona Street telephone number for
the unit is - 2169706.
HEALTH NURSE
The school Health Nurse, Mrs Lyn Sanderson who visits the school regularly is
available to discuss any health problems that may arise.
It is a requirement to produce evidence of your child's Immunisation Records
when your child starts school
Mrs Mary Ineson, the Vision/Hearing Tester, also visits the school to carry out assessments in these areas.
MONEY
If money is to be brought to school for anything, please put it in a sealed
envelope with the child's name and Room Number on the outside - noting what
the money is for.
LIBRARY
Our school has an extensively stocked library from which children are encouraged
to borrow books on a regular basis. We have made every endeavour to build up
our picture book section and we have as excellent reference section which is
in constant use during school time.
The library is computerized to enable easy assess to all books.
A timetable is in every room and on display in the library.
Parents are asked to ensure books are handled carefully at home and not left
within reach of young children or pets. Parents are also responsible for seriously
overdue or lost books.
OUT OF SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES
At St Patrick's we are proud to be able to offer a large variety of sporting
and cultural opportunities outside school hours.
Netball Y1 - Y6
Water Polo Y5 - Y6
Cricket Y5 - Y6
Hockey Y4 - Y6
Touch Rugby Y1 - Y6
We also liaise with outside sports & cultural groups and organization such
as -Out of school Art Classes; Out of school - Music Classes; Rugby and Soccer.
OUTDOOR EDUCATION
It is recognised that some of our pupils have had limited experiences with outdoor
education, camping, working alongside others and travelling to other areas of
our country.
We see as a particular aim of St Patrick's School to work towards broadening
their education and adding a valuable dimension to their general education at
this stage of their development.
In the past our programme has included;
" Various field trips
We have had excellent parental support and appreciate the backing we receive
in these ventures.
CANTEEN
Heat-ups can be brought to school any day and are collected from the classrooms.
They are distributed from the canteen. Lunches can be ordered on a Friday. The
Menu is available in each classroom.
OSCAR: The YMCA run and out of school programme in our school hall each day after school till 6:00pm as well as during the school holidays. If you wish to use this service you will need to contact the YMCA office.
REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW ENTRANTS:
Pre-entry mornings are held regularly throughout the year. Parents/caregivers
will be contacted prior to your child starting school and you and your child
will be invited to school to spend part of a morning in the Junior Department.
Is your child ready to start school?
Socially/Independence
You can help make your child's move to school if they have learnt…
" To work with you and other adults.
" To work and play with a large group of children and to work alone.
" To share and co-operate with others; going first, toys, equipment, speaking
etc.
" To follow simple instructions/directions.
" To conform to and follow rules and routines.
" To question and answer, to be independent but not afraid to ask your
help, eg toilet.
" To share family and experiences with others.
" To dress themselves, to recognise and look after their own belongings,
show child where to find name tags.
" To put their bags and items away in the right place.
" To be able to initiate their own activities rather than relying on minute
to minute instructions.
" To tidy up after activities and carry out duties.
" To show a caring, sharing attitude to others.
" To listen to others, adults, teachers, peers.
" To accept and respect the authority of a teacher.
" To be positive.
To ask politely, please, thank you, saying sorry.
Academically
Remember each child is an individual and they will learn at their own rate and
this may be faster or than others. It would be helpful if your child could:
" Talk about everyday happenings.
" Recognise basic colours.
" Count to ten.
" Recognise their own name written down.
" Write their name.
" Know their address and/or telephone number.
" Know the alphabet.
Modern thinking emphasizes reading for meaning and enjoyment, as a means of
encouraging confident independent readers.
You can help your child when she/he starts school by:
" Discussing and praising any work. Picture/captions etc brought home.
" Sharing a favourite story if no book comes home.
" Questioning about the story to extend child's thinking.
Any reading book should be able to be read easily and with pleasure and may
be brought home often. Please don't compare your child's progress with another
child as the current "reader" forms only a minor part of a rich language
programme.
Manipulative Skills
It would be helpful if your child can:
" Hold a pencil correctly.
" Turn pages of a book.
" Know the front/back of a book.
" Write name.
" Cut with scissors.
" Dress themselves.
" Toilet themselves.
" Tie shoe laces/Velcro.
" Blow nose with a hanky.
If you have any questions about your child's readiness for school, please do
not hesitate to contact the Assistant Principal or Principal. We are only too
willing to help ensure your child is well prepared to begin their school life.
PRINTING
It is helpful if a child is able to write his/her name when he/she enters school.
This page sets out the correct formation of letters as used in our handwriting
programme. Please ensure that your child does not print entirely in Capital
Letters.
CATHOLIC ENROLMENT FORM DUNEDIN DIOCESE
School St Patrick's Invercargill.
Surname of child
Christian Names
Address
Date of Birth..../..../.... A Copy of Birth Certificate is required
Nationality Language Spoken at Home
Ethnic Group Iwi
(eg; Pakeha/European, Maori, Polynesian, etc)
Father's/Guardian's Name Religion:__________
Father's/Guardian's Occupation:
Telephone Number (Home) (Work)_____________
Mother's/Guardian's Name:___________________ Religion_____________
Mother's/Guardian's Occupation:________________________
Telephone Number (Home) (Work)
Contact Person (If unable to reach above)
Address Phone No___________
Class to which child is to be admitted
School/Kindergarten Last Attended
Dental Clinic Attending
Present Parish___________________________
Date of Baptism..../..../.... Verified (Yes) (No)
Other Sacraments Received
Preference of Enrolment Received
Proposed Date of Enrolment ..../..../....
I certify the above information is true
Date..../..../....
Participation in General School Programme
The undersigned accepts as a condition of enrolment
that will participate in the general school programme that gives the school its Special Character.
Signed
Parent/Guardian