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Community Services St Patrick's is strongly committed to ensuring that we work in partnership with our families and the community to achieve the best possible outcomes for our children. Sometimes our families require additional support to achieve that and here we provide a list of local services that may be able to assist. This list is not exhaustive but should be considered an accessible way to gain an overview of the services available. For more information about these services, please click on the name of the service and you will be directed to more information about that particular service. Local services Kilmore Hospital Kilmore Police Station Kilmore Library Mitchell Shire Council Nexus Primary Health, Wallan Family Care, Wallan Berry Street, Seymour Seymour Magistrates Court The Bridge Youth Services, Seymour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services (Taungurung Clans Aboriginal Corporation) (TCAC), Broadford Medical services Law enforcement Library services Local council services Medical, allied health and community services Child, family, carer and disability support Family, youth, early years, foster, housing Local civil and criminal court Youth (15-25) services Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services (03) 5734 2000 (03) 5782 1211 (03) 5734 6481 (03) 5734 6200 1300 773 352 (03) 5734 1000 (03) 5735 1800 (03) 5735 0100 (03) 5799 1298 (03) 5784 1433 Outside or phone services Headspace The Butterfly Foundation ​ Women's Information & Referral Exchange beyondblue Lifeline Kids Helpline Parentline Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service Mental health and general support (12-25yo) Support for eating disorders/body image issues Referral service for women ​ Support for depression, anxiety, mental issues Crisis support and suicide prevention Telephone and online counselling (5-25yo) Counselling/support service for parents Community based legal support for indigenious Australians (03) 8338 0919 1800 334 673 ​ 1300 134 130 1300 224 636 13 11 14 1800 551 800 13 22 89 (03) 5153 0449 Anchor 1 Kilmore Hospital Anderson Road, Kilmore Open 24 hours ​ The Hospital provides services attending to medical, health and wellbeing needs of the community. With specialists who provide services in the areas of: Urgent Care Maternity & Antenatal Services Aged Care Social Work District Nursing URGENT CARE Please remember to dial 000 in an emergency The Kilmore & District Hospital Emergency Department is open for urgent care during the following hours: Monday - Thursday: 8am-10pm Friday: 8am-11pm Saturday: 10am-11pm Sunday: 10am-10pm MATERNITY SERVICES Maternity Queries: 5734 2162 Antenatal Clinic: 5734 2119 Pregnancy care and education is available on site at Kilmore Hospital on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday mornings, at Wallan Nexus Health on Mondays & Seymour Health on Thursdays. AGED CARE Dianella Hostel: 5734 2170 Cardenia Nursing Home: 5734 2155 These facilities share the site with the Kilmore & District Hospital on Anderson Road, Kilmore, VIC, 3764. ALLIED HEALTH Interpreters The hospital makes their best attempt to find suitable interpreters for patients and their families at no cost. Social Work Counselling, information, advocacy and support services are available to all inpatients, out patients, cardenia and dianella residents and their families. Hospital staff can make suggestions or referrals themselves, or patients and their family members may request a referral or contact the social worker themselves. DISTRICT NURSING (5734 2149) The district nurses service all areas of Kilmore, Wandong, Heathcote Junction, Upper Plenty, Wallan, Beveridge, Pyalong and surrounding areas. Kilmore Police Station Powlett Street, Kilmore ​ For all emergencies call 000. ​ Kilmore Police Station is a non-24 hour station servicing the Kilmore area and provide services including: Responding to calls for assistance in matters of personal and public safety, emergencies and serious incidents. Preventing crime through a range of proactive community safety programs. Detecting and investigating offences, and bringing to justice those responsible for committing them. Supporting the judicial process to achieve efficient and effective court case management, providing safe custody for alleged offenders, supporting victims and ensuring fair and equitable treatment of victims and offenders. Promoting safe road-user behaviour. For more information, go to their website here . Anchor 2 Kilmore Library 12 Sydney Street, Kilmore Open Monday to Wednesday and Friday 9am to 5pm, Thursday 10am to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 12 noon (Closed Sunday). ​ The Kilmore Library offers traditional library services as well as other community support services including: Book borrowing Baby book worms & Toddler Time School holiday activities Tech help classes Paying accounts Requests and information about permits, bins, animals, disabled parking permits, Bookings for concerts, forums and events VicRoads (renewals and logbooks only) Proof of age cards Firearm licence renewals Miners rights permits Vline tickets DHS information kiosk ​ For more information go to their website here . Anchor 3 Mitchell Shire Council 113 High Street, Broadford Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm ​ The Mitchell Shire Council Civic Centre is located in the geographic centre of the Mitchell Shire in the township of Broadford. Council also has customer service centres in the Seymour, Kilmore and Wallan libraries. They offer many family and community support services and programs as well as a great website for detailed information. The open hours and address of each information centre can be found on the website under “Contact Us” or requested over the phone. Young People Youth Drop-In Centres for young people aged between 10-18 with games, sporting equipment, cooking and craft facilities, internet access and free snacks. These centres are located at: 152 High Street, Broadford Multi-Purpose Centre, Bentinick Street, Wallan ​ These centres host: Holiday programs Youth Council Art projects & skate parks Contacts for social & emotional support Access to support and advocacy with professionals Health & Well-being Local health & well-being officer Healthy food advice and information Maternal & Child Health services Leisure centres Family support services including: Drug & Alcohol, Family Violence and Gambling support Community strategy & emergency management Other Crisis support Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander services Housing support Advice, counselling & referrals Child Protection information & referral ​ For more information go their website here . Anchor 4 Nexus Health, Wallan 7-11 High Street, Wallan Open Monday to Friday 8:30am to 8:00pm, Saturday and Sunday 9:00am to 5:00pm ​ Nexus Primary Care in Wallan offers a range of person-centred health, support and advocacy services to the community ​ Allied Health Diabetes info & support Physiotherapy Occupational & Speech Therapists Podiatry Medical General Practitioners Practice, District, Continence & Community Nursing Mental Health Counselling PHaMs (Personal Helpers and Mentors) VBAF (Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund) Animal therapy with horses Community Support Services Alcohol, Tobacco and other drugs support Family Violence support Financial counselling Disability case management Personal & Home care Home maintenance Transport assistance Respite care Meals on wheels ​ For more information, go to their website here . Anchor 5 Family Care, Wallan 45 Wellington Street, Wallan Open Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm ​ Family Care is a service that works in partnership with communities and focuses on the strengths and skills of families in order to support them through challenging times. Child & Family Support Services Child FIRST (Family Information Referral and Support Team) workers support families, young parents and children to identify and achieve their goals by promoting strong family bonds and strengths. Integrated Family Services support families to address their identified needs which may include: times of difficulty, strengthening family relationships, goal setting, parent education & support, emotional support, group programs and case coordination. Parent Child program: free service to parents with children under 4. They offer support for feeding, sleeping, behaviour, single parents, young parents, multiple births and premature infants. Men & Family Relationships: male workers assisting men with challenges including grief and loss, depression and anxiety, behaviour change, building relationships and offer support programs and groups such as: Balancing Love and Discipline Real Men Make Great Dads Keeping Kool Men’s and Women’s Anger Management Drumbeats Carer Support Services Short term in and out of home respite care Short term provision of meals, home care and personal care Information regarding local services and specific health, ageing or disability issues Information and link in with self help, community support groups and day programs Communication equipment for the aged ​ Disability Support Services Support to carers and parents of people under the age of 25 years with a disability. Emotional support to children with disability and their families Education and information for families and carers Therapeutic programs for children and young people Referral to other specialist services Respite and recreational opportunities including school holiday and after school care, camps and weekend programs. For more information, go to their website here . Anchor 6 Berry Street, Seymour 52 Station Street, Seymour ​ Berry Street has a focus on providing safe homes, healing childhood trauma, building stronger families, helping children to learn and speaking out for childhood. They have a large range of programs to support young people and families which are listed below. More information can be found on their website, or by contacting Berry Street Seymour. Family Services Children’s contact service for support Post-separation cooperative parenting program Youth Services Intensive case management Health & Well-being project Bushfire Youth Support L2P driving support Leaving care Early Years Community Connect for kids Early learning Emergency relief Parenting after bushfires Safe & Caring communities Saver Plus: Financial inclusion program Education, Training & Employment Adult community education Leaps & bounds School focused youth service Youth Arts & Youth Connections Foster, Kinship & Residential Care Support and caring programs for young people in foster/kinship care or residential care homes. Therapeutic Services Counselling through trauma Sexual abuse prevention program ​ For more information, go to their website here . Anchor 7 Seymour Magistrates Court 56 Tallarook Street, Seymour Open Monday to Friday 9:00am to 4:30pm ​ The Seymour Magistrates court is the local court for the Mitchell Shire area. The website offers access to information, contact details and forms that may clarify certain processes for families and individuals. This court covers the main areas of: Family Law Family Violence & Intervention Orders Criminal matters & Traffic Offences Money claims and Civil disputes Fines & Penalties Specialist jurisdictions: Drug Court & Koori Court The Magistrates court provides support services for individuals and families including an Aboriginal liaison program, Court Integrated Services Program (CISP), Credit/Bail Support Program & Enforcement Review Program. ​ For more information, go to their website here . Anchor 8 Bridge Youth Services, Seymour 54 Tallarook Street, Seymour Open Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm ​ Bridge youth services work with young people aged between 12-25 and their families to support them to find solutions to the challenges that life presents. They support young people and their families through situations such as: Helping to keep families together Helping families reconnect Finding a place to live Helping with school and education Support for mums and dads to be Support for young parents/expecting parents Someone to talk to Support for young music lovers & bands News & Info The Bridge website offers information about all of these programs and how they can support you and our family in these areas. You can go to their website here . Anchor 9 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services Taungurung Clans Aboriginal Corporation (TCAC) 37 High Street, Broadford ​ “Protecting Our Rights - Building Our Future” Celebrate Taungurung culture and identity Bring mob together, revive Taungurung culture & language & contribute to health and well-being. Welcome ceremonies, native garden services and education about culture and language. Goranwarrabul House Seymour Health - Bretonneux Street, Seymour “All are welcome to call in for a cuppa, yarn and a look around” Improving health & wellbeing of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people Culturally appropriate & accessible information Opportunities to get to know local mob Health & wellbeing workshops, training, information sessions & groups For more information, go to their website here . Anchor 10 Headspace Level 1/340 Craigieburn Rd, Craigieburn Open Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm ​ Headspace offers mental health and general support to young people aged between 12-25 and their families at their centres, online and over the phone. The Headspace website has downloadable brochures for young people and their families with information about how they can support young people with things such as: Mental health, difficulties and disorders Eating disorders Bullying Grief Self harm & suicidal ideation Gender identity and mental health Sexuality and mental health Support after natural disasters Trauma Mental health for parents & carers For more information, go to their website here . Anchor 11 The Butterfly Foundation ​ The Butterfly Foundation is a specialist service providing personalised and confidential support for people with an eating disorder or body image issues. They also have support services for parents, carers, families and friends, teachers, counsellors, employers, health professionals and anyone with questions about eating disorders. The services provided by the Butterfly Foundation include: Hotline and online information and advice Treatment programs Support groups Education services for: young people, professionals and teachers, parents, the whole community For more information, go to their website here . Anchor 12 Women's Information and Referral Exchange (WIRE) Open Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm ​ “Any woman. Any issue.” WIRE offers a free information and referral service for all Victorian women requiring information or support regarding: Relationships Violence against women Legal advice Money Housing Wellbeing Employment WIRE have interpreters if required and also offer free programs and events including: Seminars on family & relationships, financial capability, legal rights and personal empowerment Employment sessions & career workshops Computer tutoring & internet workshops Women’s lunch and activities clubs for women experiencing homelessness and/or isolation Legal clinics on separation and property Programs to help build financial future For more information, go to their website here . Anchor 13 beyondblue Hotline open 24 hours a day/7 days a week ​ beyondblue provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, whatever their age and wherever they live. ​ beyondblue can provide assistance in the areas of: depression anxiety suicide prevention self-harm and self-injury pregnancy and early parenthood grief and loss drugs, alcohol and mental health For more information, go to their website here . Anchor 14 Lifeline Hotline open 24 hours a day/7 days a week ​ Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. It is committed to empowering Australians to be suicide-safe through connection, compassion and hope. ​ Their vision is for an Australia free of suicide. For more information, go to their website here . Anchor 15 Kids Helpline Hotline open 24 hours a day/7 days a week Kids Helpline is a free, private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. ​ They operate with child-centred practices and aim to empower those they are working and supporting. ​ Depending on the age of the child, Kids Helpline support in the following areas: feelings mental health friends and family sexuality and relationships safety and abuse study and work For more information, go to their website here . Anchor 16 Parentline Open 8:00am to 10:00pm, 7 days a week ​ Parentline supports and nurtures positive, caring relationships between parents, children, teenagers and the significant other people who are important to the well-being of families. ​ Their trained counsellors can assist you to: Identify your immediate concerns as a parent Recognise your own skills and strengths Consider and develop strategies for making meaningful change Explore important aspects of your family (e.g. values and dynamics) Look at your own unique family relationships Identify your information needs and access relevant resources Access individually-paced over-the-phone parenting skills training ​ For more information, go to their website here . Anchor 17 Victorian Aboriginal Legal Services ​ VALS plays an important role in providing referrals, advice/information, duty work or case work assistance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the State of Victoria. Solicitors at VALS specialise in one of three areas of law, being Criminal Law, Family Law and Civil Law. ​ For more information, go to their website here . Anchor 18 Students Transition to Secondary School

Anti-bullying Bullying is a global problem that is not confined to schools. It is something that people of all ages, with all backgrounds, and in any social, educational or workplace environment may witness, be subjected to, or participate in, at any time in life. What is bullying? ​ The national definition of bullying for Australian schools was developed by the Safe and Supportive School Communities Working Group . This national group includes all state, territory and federal education departments, as well as national Catholic and independent schooling representatives. The definition of bullying has been developed as part of the National Safe Schools Framework and can be found on the Australian Government's Student Wellbeing ​Hub. ​ Bullying is an ongoing misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behaviour that causes physical and/or psychological harm. It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power over one or more persons. Bullying can happen in person or online, and it can be obvious (overt) or hidden (covert). ​ Bullying of any form or for any reason can have long-term effects on those involved, including bystanders. ​ Single incidents and conflict or fights between equals, whether in person or online, are not defined as bullying. ​ ​ What is NOT bullying? ​ Behaviours that do not constitute bullying include: mutual arguments and disagreements (where there is no power imbalance ) not liking someone or a single act of social rejection one-off acts of meanness or spite isolated incidents of aggression, intimidation or violence. However, these conflicts still need to be addressed and resolved. ​ ​ Types of bullying. ​ There are three types of bullying behaviour: Verbal bullying which includes name calling or insulting someone about physical characteristics such as their weight or height, or other attributes including race, sexuality, culture, or religion Physical bullying which includes hitting or otherwise hurting someone, shoving or intimidating another person, or damaging or stealing their belongings Social bullying which includes consistently excluding another person or sharing information or images that will have a harmful effect on the other person. If any of these behaviours occur only once, or are part of a conflict between equals (no matter how inappropriate) they are not bullying. The behaviours alone don't define bullying. Verbal, physical and social bullying can occur in person or online, directly or indirectly, overtly or covertly. ​ ​ ​ Setting – in person and online Bullying can happen in person or online settings. Online bullying is sometimes called cyberbullying. ​ Verbal, physical and social bullying can happen in person . ​ Verbal and social bullying can happen online , as can threats of physical bullying. ​ Specific features of online settings create additional concern for students, parents and carers, and teachers. For example, bullying someone online can potentially have an enormous audience. Research shows that children who are bullied online are often also bullied in person. This means that effectively dealing with online bullying means looking at other situations as well. ​ Means – direct and indirect Bullying can be by direct or indirect means. ​ Direct bullying occurs between the people involved, whereas indirect actions involve others, for example passing on insults or spreading rumours. Indirect bullying mostly inflicts harm by damaging another's social reputation, peer relationships and self-esteem. ​ Visibility – overt and covert Bullying can be easy to see, called overt, or hidden from those not directly involved, called covert. ​ Overt bullying involves physical actions such as punching or kicking or observable verbal actions such as name-calling and insulting. Overt, direct, physical bullying is a common depiction of bullying. (This is sometimes called 'traditional bullying'). But overt physical bullying may not be the most common type of bullying. ​ Covert bullying can be almost impossible for people outside the interpersonal interaction to identify. Covert bullying can include repeatedly using hand gestures and weird or threatening looks, whispering, excluding or turning your back on a person, restricting where a person can sit and who they can talk with. Covert social or verbal bullying can be subtle and even sometimes denied by a person who claims they were joking or 'just having fun'. Some bullying is both covert and indirect, such as subtle social bullying, usually intentionally hidden, and very hard for others to see. This type of bullying is often unacknowledged at school, and can include spreading rumours, threatening, blackmailing, stealing friends, breaking secrets, gossiping and criticising clothes and personalities. Indirect covert bullying mostly inflicts harm by damaging another's social reputation, peer relationships and self-esteem, that is, through psychological harm rather than physical harm. ​ Harm – physical and psychological Bullying has the potential to cause harm (although not all unwanted actions necessarily cause harm). The physical harm caused by some types of bullying is well recognised. ​ More recently, research has confirmed that short and long term psychological harm can result from bullying. This includes the harm to a person's social standing or reducing a person's willingness to socialise through bullying (particularly covert social bullying). In fact, just the fear of bullying happening can create distress and harm. The ongoing nature of bullying can lead to the person being bullied feeling powerless and unable to stop it from happening. ​ The effects of bullying, particularly on the mental health and wellbeing of those involved, including bystanders, can continue even after the situation is resolved. ​ ​ Roles in bullying ​ The roles within bullying are: as the person being bullied as the person bullying someone else as a person who witnesses bullying happening or knows about someone being bullied. A student who is bullied in one context may do the bullying in another, and a student who sees bullying in one context may be bullied in another, as individual students may take on different roles in bullying on different days, in different circumstances or with different peers. ​ Being bullied Bullying is not a harmless part of growing up. The most obvious and immediate effect is reducing students' participation, learning and enjoyment of school. Other impacts include physical health complaints and fatigue, mental health impacts such as depression and anxiety, and social implications including self-doubt and reluctance to participate in group activities. ​ Many students who are bullied online are also bullied in person. Just as bullying in person can cause harm, being bullied online can lead to social, psychological and educational issues. ​ Some research into the impacts later in life has suggested that online bullying leads to more significant negative impacts, but research asking students directly what they think at the time found the majority considered bullying in person to be more harmful. The most significant negative impacts have been reported in students who have been subject to direct and relational forms of bullying. ​ Bullying can create high levels of social anxiety and a sense of loss of dignity and 'agency'. Agency is the sense of control a person has over what happens to them and their life, and their ability to make choices. Feeling powerless and unable to stop the bullying can lead to lasting harm. Feelings of anxiety, fear and distress about being excluded and being treated with contempt can continue away from the school setting for students who experience bullying in person or online. ​ Bullying others The impact for students who bully others depends on whether the bullying is short-term or persists over years. Some students engage in bullying for a short time only and then stop either because they realise it is inappropriate or the school supports them to learn more approp​riate behaviour . A small group of students continue to bully others over many years. Students who persistently bully others have been found to have later issues in mental health and educational outcomes, as well as showing criminal and anti-social behaviour​ . ​ These outcomes do not necessarily mean their bullying behaviour results in the later outcomes and the criminal behaviour. It is possible something else in the child's attributes, environment or experience contributes to both. However, these later outcomes suggest that persistent bullying is an important warning sign of ongoing problems. Schools and parents/carers need to support those who bully others to learn more appropriate ways to get on with others and deal with conflict and social challenges. ​ Being a bystander Students who see bullying happening can also experience negative impacts. Many students who are bystanders to bullying feel distress and anxiety about seeing something they consider to be wrong. Students can also feel distress about not knowing what to do. Students may be concerned about their own safety or potential loss of social status. They may be afraid of being bullied themselves if they say something. Students who see bullying happening to others may also doubt whether they are generally safe at school. Research shows that frequent bullying and reports by students of feeling unsafe at school are closely linked. ​ Feeling unsafe can have a​ negative impact on learning and participating for all students.​ Some researchers suggest that bystanders are key to stopping bullying, but these students are also part of the peer group and there may well be issues for them if they speak up. Students weigh up a number of factors to decide if they should intervene, including their relationship with those involved, the apparent seriousness and impact, whether they think someone else should intervene, and their opinion of the person being bullied. ​ ​ More information ​ The information provided here has come from the "Bullying, No Way!" website. For more information on bullying, please head to their website, which can be found here . ​ St Patrick's Positive Relationships Policy can be found here , and our Cyber Safety Policy can be found here . ​ St Patrick's have also run a number of forums on bullying and cyber safety and they can be found here: ​ ​ BULLYING CYBERSAFETY

Student Wellbeing At St. Patrick’s Primary School, Kilmore we hold the care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people as a central and fundamental responsibility of our school. Our commitment is drawn from and inherent in, the teaching and mission of Jesus Christ, with love, justice and the sanctity of each human person at the heart of the gospel (CECV Commitment Statement to Child Safety). At St Patrick's, we promote a healthy, safe and supportive learning environment for all students. Student wellbeing is a responsibility shared between home and school and at St Patrick's the communication between home and school provides a vital link to ensuring student well-being. ​ The school has implemented programs to encourage positive social behaviours such as: Bounce Back, whole-school behaviour management practices under the Restorative Practices philosophy and the recognition of students who are role models of positive behaviours for learning and play. ​ Other initiatives that support the students include the Seasons for Growth program, social skills support programs for students, the provision of clubs at play and lunch time and Christian meditation and prayer. These moments of quiet reflection assist the students to increase their feeling of wellbeing. ​ St Patrick's has a Code of Cooperation that reinforces the school guiding principles of Respect, Responsibility and Safety. Through acknowledging these rules every child agrees to behave in a way that ensures all members of the school community are respected and are able to learn and interact in a safe and supportive learning environment. ​ St. Patrick’s aims to work as a team with parents and families to assist students in the area of social or emotional development. A counsellor is available on site to provide individual counselling to students when needed. A Speech Therapist and Occupational Therapist are available to work with children, parents and teachers to develop specific learning support programs. Wellbeing is fundamental to successful learning. Wellbeing is “feeling good” about myself, my relationships as well as my sense of meaning, purpose and growth. It is a state of positive emotional and social functioning. Students who are happy, confident, and able to establish meaningful relationships are better placed to achieve positive learning outcomes.

School Uniform At St Patrick's Primary School we value our school uniform. The school uniform should be worn as a badge of pride that creates a sense of community, identity and belonging. It also helps students "buy-in" to the school ethos of pride in your appearance, and more importantly, removes peer pressure about what clothes a student wears to school - a school uniform ensures everyone dresses the same and puts everyone on an equal footing. School uniforms can be purchased at the uniform shop (in the netball building) on Tuesdays from 8:00am to 11:00am or Thursdays from 2:30pm to 4:30pm. Uniforms can also be ordered online on the link below (select the school and use the password "kilmore"), or through Academy Uniforms , 238 Wolseley Place, Thomastown (Ph: 9460 8011). A copy of the price list can be found on the button below. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ In addition to the uniform below, students must also have the embroidered school bag, and are required to have a library bag and art smock. ​ For sports uniform, houses and colours are: McAuley (blue) , Morrison (green) , O'Rourke (yellow) and Chisholm (red) . ​ The school's uniform policy can be found here: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Price List Uniform and Grooming Policy Online Ordering

Assessment and Reporting Assessment and reporting is a critical element in the education process. Assessment allows teachers to track a student in their learning journey, and the reporting of that assessment ensures that the information is shared to families and goals are set going forward. Teachers, Students and Parents/Carers work in partnership in the assessment and reporting cycle. ​ At St Patrick's, assessment is an ongoing process, both formally and informally, as they watch, record, collect data and help develop the children in the classroom. That assessment is not just academic, but can also include their social and emotional wellbeing as well. ​ The following formal assessment and reporting events take place during the year: Term 1 - "Get to know you interviews" for parents and teachers to meet early in the term. Term 2 - NAPLAN in mid-May for Years 3 and 5. A report to the child’s family is then distributed at a later date. Term 2 - Mid-year written school report, delivered electronically through PAM (below). Term 2 - Three-way conferences, between parent, student and teacher, where students lead the meeting to present their learnings. Term 4 - End of year written school report, delivered electronically through PAM (below). ​ In addition to the above, there are a range of literacy and numeracy tests that the students do throughout the year to assess and develop their skill and progression in these areas. ​ Productive partnerships are valued by the school community. At any time of the year, parents/carers are welcome to make an appointment with the classroom teacher to discuss their child’s progress. ​ To access reports, the school uses the SIMON system and the Parent Access Module within SIMON provides access to your children's information, including reports. To access PAM, click on the SIMON logo below: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Science Science provides students with opportunities to investigate, predict, experiment, observe and become aware of things in our world. Science is a Specialist subject for all of our students. Each week, classes participate in one hour of Science in our newly renovated Science room. Students will have the opportunity to explore the ever changing world around them in many ways through our hands-on Science Program. Biology, Chemistry, Physical Sciences and Earth and Space are all on the calendar ready to spark our students’ curiosity.

Restorative Practice Restorative practice is a strategy that seeks to repair relationships that have been damaged, including those damaged through bullying. It does this by bringing about a sense of remorse and restorative action on the part of the offender and forgiveness by the victim What is Restorative Practice? ​ It is an explicit framework of practices that develops and builds relationships and social connections promoting accountability and responsibility and to repair harm when relationships breakdown through wrongdoing, mistakes and misunderstanding. ​ Restorative practice encourages a consistent approachto the management of student behaviour in classrooms through the use of routines and procedures and the provision of a predictable teaching and learning environment for both students and teachers. When teachers respond with processes and rules that are fair and just they give life to those values and beliefs enshrined in school mission statements. ​ The social science of promoting and sustaining social capital, social discipline, self-regulation, emotional well-being and civic participation through participatory classroom, and whole-school management and decision-making in a proactive setting rather than a reactive culture. ​ ​ What is a Restorative Teacher? ​ Their practice is, respectful, fair and explicit. ​ Relationally they are supportive, positively challenging (high demand) and skilled in a wide range of processes (circles, mediation, conferencing and counselling). ​ They focus on: establishing trust with and between people to build positive relationships; explicit classroom practice (routines, procedures and pedagogy (teaching and learning); developing empathy, insight and learning; and repairing harm that may have been done. ​ They provide : responsibility; accountability; engagement and ownership; and possibility of positive behavioural change and reintegration. ​ ​ What is a Restorative Classroom? A restorative classroom is one that values dialogue through an inclusive approach where everyone expects to be heard , and through this participatory process students develop the capacity to learn in a practical way that emotions are an important and legitimate expression of healthy classroom conversations and dialogue. ​ This helps students to resolve and understand conflict and tensions and difference in respectful ways that engenders trust, empathy, responsibility and fosters healthy relationships . ​ The curriculum is engaging and students take an active role in the content and review of what is taught through participatory pedagogy including circles and cooperative learning approaches that engender ownership and maximises learning outcomes.

Homework At St Patrick’s Primary School, we recognise that learning takes place wherever a child is, whether it is at school, at home, or out in the community. We also recognise that parents are the first teachers of children and what an important ongoing role that is for a child. We believe that homework complements classroom learning, fosters good study habits and provides an opportunity for students to be responsible for their own learning outside of the classroom. The amount of time spent on homework varies, and will increase as a child progresses through school, starting with at least 40 minutes a week for Prep classes, through to two hours a week for Year 6. The homework will include reading, and may also include maths and other tasks as set by the classroom teacher from time to time. Parents will be expected to sign their child’s diary to confirm that their child is undertaking the necessary homework tasks. St Patrick’s Primary School has a policy with respect to homework, and that can be found here .

Mathematics The heart of our vision at St. Patrick’s Primary School is to nurture a love of learning to enable all students to reach their full potential. Our Mathematics program, in line with with Victorian Curriculum (VCAA), supports the rationale that: “Mathematics provides students with access to important mathematical ideas, knowledge and skills that they will draw on in their personal and work lives. The curriculum also provides students, as life-long learners, with the basis on which further study and research in mathematics and applications in many other fields are built. Number, measurement and geometry, statistics and probability are common aspects of most people’s mathematical experience in everyday personal, study and work situations. Equally important are the essential roles that algebra, functions and relations, logic, mathematical structure and working mathematically play in people’s understanding of the natural and human worlds, and the interaction between them. The Mathematics curriculum focuses on developing increasingly sophisticated and refined mathematical understanding, fluency, reasoning, modelling and problem-solving. These capabilities enable students to respond to familiar and unfamiliar situations by employing mathematics to make informed decisions and solve problems efficiently.” (Victorian Curriculum: Mathematics Rational, VCAA) ​ At St. Patrick’s Primary School we aim to to develop a Growth Mindset and positive attitude towards Mathematics in all of our students and to provide a comprehensive Mathematics program where students will: ​ “Develop useful mathematical and numeracy skills for everyday life, work and as active and critical citizens in a technological world See connections and apply mathematical concepts, skills and processes to pose and solve problems in mathematics and in other disciplines and contexts Acquire specialist knowledge and skills in mathematics that provide for further study in the discipline Appreciate mathematics as a discipline – its history, ideas, problems and applications, aesthetics and philosophy.” Victorian Curriculum (VCAA) ​ The main reference for teaching Mathematics is the Victorian Curriculum. The Curriculum for each level is broken up across the four terms, into Term Planners, Term Planners are then used, to plan the weekly content for each classroom. Learning in Mathematics is led and supported by the Mathematics Leader and the Leadership Team. Timetabling of Mathematics assessment is determined by the Mathematics leader, and the classroom teacher according to the following requirements: PatM testing in completed during the month of November each year, or in March and November for Year One Whole term Pre-Assessments are completed during the final week of the prior term, with the exception of Term One (where they are completed in the first 2 weeks). Whole term Post-Assessment are completed during the final two weeks of each term Anecdotal notes, and checklists are completed and collected throughout the term Daily Mathematics lessons are differentiated to meet the individual learning needs of all the students in the class. This may be done through the use of open ended tasks, as well as group based tasks and activities. Students may work in a variety of different situations such an individually, in pairs or in groups. ​ Learning Intentions and Success Criteria are communicated and/or displayed to the students as part of each lesson One of the tools used to support teaching and learning of Mathematics, is the Mathletics program. Each student in the school has their own individual account, which allows their teacher to set work and monitor progress throughout the year. ​ Students are expected to use the Mathletics program both at home and at school. For more information about Mathletics go to their website here

School Governance and Policies The governance of a school takes many forms such as government-mandated curriculum or policies, external reviews, internal policies and reporting, strategic planning, parent-based committees such as the Parents and Friends or governance committees such as the School Advisory Board. Some of that information can be found below. St Patrick's is a MACS school St Patrick's is a school which operates with the consent of the Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne and is operated and governed by Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools Ltd (MACS). MACS governs and operates 292 Catholic schools in the Archdiocese to continue the mission of Catholic education to proclaim the Good News and equip our young people with the knowledge, skills and hope to live meaningful lives and enrich the world around them. Because the good work of educating the young is a co-responsible task led by every member of the Catholic school community, School Advisory Councils have been established to provide a crucial point of connection between the wider school community and school leaders. This governance model was designed to ease the administrative burden on our schools and parishes, allow parish priests to focus on the mission of education in the parish, enable greater collaboration between schools and ensure greater consistency in school policies and procedures. More information on MACS is available at macs.vic.edu.au . ​ Democratic Principles ​ St Patrick's is committed to the principles of a liberal democracy. We believe in an accountable, democratically elected government. We respect and observe the rule of law, and believe that no person is above the law. We believe in equal rights for all before the law, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, gender or other attributes. We believe not only in the freedom of religion, but also the need to practice tolerance and understanding of others' beliefs. We believe in the value of freedom of speech and freedom of association, but also acknowledge that we have the responsibility not to abuse this freedom. We believe in the values of openness and tolerance, and value and respect all members of the school community regardless of background. ​ ​ Statement of Philosophy ​ St Patrick's Statement of Philosophy, including the school's vision, values and how the school enacts these, can be found in the Statement of Philosophy, which can be found here . ​ ​ School Advisory Council ​ The School Advisory Council provides advice on education matters relating to the school. More information on the School Advisory Board can be found here . ​ ​ School Policies School policies assist the school to make good decisions to maximise student outcomes. Specific school policies can be found here . ​ ​ Annual Reports ​ The school Annual Report documents what has happened in the preceding 12 months around learning outcomes, financial activities, student attendance and other reports. A copy of the most recent annual reports can be found below: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Plans ​ As part of the strategic planning process, the school produces an Annual Action Plan, and a School Improvement Plan. More information about the various school plans can be found here . 2019 Annual Report 2018 Annual Report 2021 Annual Report 2020 Annual Report 2022 Annual Report

Prep 2024 Information As we welcome our newest members of the St Patrick's community to Prep in 2024, there is a lot of information that parents and carers seek. ​ Here is what you need to know to get started in 2024. School Uniform All of the school uniform information can be found on our website here . All uniform items that identify the school, such as polo shirts, house polos, backpacks, jumpers, hats and dresses are to be purchased through Academy Uniforms. Their Thomastown store is open over the school holidays and the school uniform shop near the netball courts will reopen on Tuesday 31 January from 8:00am to 4:00pm . All other uniform items (except shoes) can also be purchased through the uniform shop, but can be substituted for like items from other department-type store s. ​ School uniform days will be advised closer to the start of Term 1 by the classroom teacher. Sports uniform is worn on the days that the class have PE and Visual Art. ​ ​ School Requisite Items St Patrick's provides a list of items that a student will use throughout the year, broken up into a list of items the school provides and a list of items required to be supplied by families. The list is provided at the end of the prep transition sessions, but the School Requisite List for 2024 can be found here: ​ Prep Requisite List ​ ​ Back to School Reminders Please remember the following: Label everything that is being sent to school; If a kinder name is labelled on an item, such as lunch boxes, please change it to the 2024 class; Do not forget to add the student name and classroom to the reusable school lunch order bags to avoid lunch orders being lost; There are NO lunch orders during the first week of classes - canteen reopens in early February; ​ ​ School Reopening The school office will reopen on Tuesday 30 January , our Back to School Open House will be on Tuesday 30 January and prep students will commence on Thursday 1 February. ​ ​ Prep Testing Days Each prep student will undertake a testing session during one of the Wednesday rest days. Parents and carers need to book a day and time for this testing. More information about how to do this can be found here . ​ ​ Co mmu nication ​ St Patrick's uses a range of communication methods, and a list of them can be found he re . ​ A reminder to ensure that your email address is registered with the front office so that you receive the weekly newsletter. Please email Elise Vlasveld (elise.vlasveld@spkilmore.catholic.edu.au ) to request to be added to the newsletter list. ​ ​ We also recommend that all families with Facebook, request access to our parent/carer-only Facebook group. You can find the group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stpatskilmorefamilies . You must answer all questions to be admitted to the group. ​ ​ SIMON Parent Access Module (PAM) You must ensure that you setup your PAM account. The Parent Access Module (PAM) is connected the school's SIMON student management system. From this account you can notify absences, access reports, provide and update medical information, nominate emergency contacts, etc. An account will be created for new families and you will receive an email to set up the new account. A letter in relation to PAM access for new families can be found here . ​ You will utilise PAM to access school reports, grant permissions and notify absences. Information about how to do these things and more can be found here . ​ ​ Other Dates Please refer to your SIMON PAM account for the 2024 school calendar. ​ ​ 2024 Welcome Barbeque To welcome our families to school for 2023, there will be a back-to-school barbeque on the evening of the first Friday of school, Friday 2 February 2023 from 4:45-6:00pm . ​ ​ 2024 School Fees Finally, school fees for 2024 have been set, and information can be found on the webpage here . School fee invoices will be sent out early in Term 1. The school is moving to all payments being made by direct debit (various payment frequencies are available). Please contact Deb Amodio, the Finance Officer, to setup your direct debit. ​ Late in 2021, our head office, MACS, released a new Concessional Fee Policy, which provides reduced fees for: families of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent; families with Health Care or DVA Cards; or those families facing severe financial hardship. In order to be eligible for the Concessional Fee Policy, you must be entitled to the CSEF Payment, with an eligibility cut off date in April. Do not delay in applying for CSEF and Concessional Fee, as we cannot apply the discounts if the CSEF application is not approved. ​ If you believe that you may be eligible for a concessional fee, please contact Deb Amodio (deb.amodio@spkilmore.catholic.edu.au ) to request the documentation to apply for the concessional fee. The concessional fee must be paid by direct debit and the concessional fee is not retrospective, and any existing debt stands in full. ​ If you face issues in paying the school fees, at any time during the year, please contact Deb Amodio, and discuss what arrangements can be made to assist your situation. It is important that you contact the school early so that we can assist appropriately.

Classroom Subjects St Patrick's Primary School breaks up the Victorian Curriculum into subjects taught both in the classroom and in specialised environments within the school. The information provided here is with respect to those subjects taught in the classroom. Literacy Our literacy program reflects the various elements of the Victorian Curriculum which includes reading and viewing, writing and spelling and speaking and listening. Each class studies English for 10 hours a week. For more information on the Literacy program, click here . Mathematics Mathematics is taught under the 3 strands outlined in the Victorian Curriculum - Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, and Statistics and Probability. Students study Mathematics for 5 hours per week in every level of the school. For more information on the Maths program, click here . Integrated Inquiry The inquiry process develops skills for lifelong learning in areas such as history, environment, science and citizenship. Each class studies Inquiry for two hours a week. For more information on the Inquiry program, click here . Religion The Religious Education Curriculum attends to the spiritual development of each person to appreciating the value of Catholic faith. Each class studies RE for 2 hours per week. For more information on the RE program, click here . Social & Emotional SEL assists students in relationships, decision-making, learning how to handle challenging situations and develop leadership skills across the curriculum to nurture their wellbeing and assist their learning. Each class studies SEL for at least 45 minutes a week. For more information on the SEL program, click here . Technologies Whilst technolgoies is not a separate subject within the curriculum, it is incorporated across all parts of the curriculum. For more information on the Technologies program, click here .