St Patrick's School

On the weekend, we celebrated All Saints Day and All Souls Day. All Saints' Day celebrates the communion of saints, those we believe are in heaven, through good works and God's grace. All Souls' Day is a day to remember our departed friends and relatives. In November, we ask that you remember and pray for family and friends who are no longer with us. Yesterday at school, the children started the day with a liturgy to remember these special occasions.

‘Have you noticed that your child is more emotional, temperamental and difficult to deal with lately? You are not alone! In education circles, this month is sometimes referred to as "Madvember". The combination of lighter nights (which makes it difficult to get to sleep), the unpredictable weather, the low-level anxiety about leaving their teacher and class, and the excitement of Christmas on the horizon means that children can be particularly tired and temperamental at this time of year.

Another thing you might notice with younger children is the urge to build forts and huts or to get under furniture. This is all part of the changing of the seasons. Sometimes November can be hard for adults too as we gear up for a huge two months ahead. The best remedy for all of this is slowing down and ensuring there is ample down-time for everyone, and meeting all temper tantrums and tears with compassion and understanding.’

Two weeks ago, our senior Yr 4-6 students embraced a wide range of Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) experiences, stepping beyond their comfort zones and making the most of exciting learning opportunities. From outdoor adventures and sporting activities to team challenges and hands-on experiences, students have demonstrated resilience and a willingness to try new things.

It has been wonderful to see so many smiling faces as students built confidence, strengthened friendships, and developed new skills in real-world settings. These experiences not only created lasting memories but also a sense of achievement that will benefit our students in the days ahead.

The students of Room 6 and their teacher, Mrs Botha, recently stepped outside their comfort zone when they were selected to participate in Ngā Hau e Whā, an innovative regional pilot project. As part of the programme, the class took part in lessons held in a simulated classroom environment at Masterton Primary School, while groups of local teachers observed and reflected on the learning taking place.

The project draws on the expertise of Joe Ybarra from the United States, who is demonstrating the principles of Explicit Direct Instruction. This evidence-based teaching approach focuses on clear explanations, teacher modelling, guided practice, and frequent checks for understanding to ensure all students are actively engaged in their learning.

Ngā Hau e Whā brings together a number of Masterton schools with a shared goal of strengthening teaching practice and improving learning outcomes for students. Through collaborative professional learning and instructional coaching, schools are working together to develop consistent, high-quality teaching approaches that benefit all learners.

We are excited to continue our involvement in this initiative in the years ahead and look forward to the positive impact it will have on both our teachers and students.

Congratulations to our students named below whose artwork was chosen to be part of the 'Breadcraft Schools Art Exhibition' at Aratoi. This is an annual exhibition of local children's artwork that showcases artistic talent across our local schools.

On Friday, fourteen students from St Patrick's School and six students from Chanel College will depart on an exciting overseas trip to Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. Accompanied by Mr Wheeler and Ms Morris, the students will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a rich cultural experience that will create lasting memories for years to come.

This marks the third Rarotonga trip undertaken by our two Masterton Catholic schools, further strengthening the special connection and enduring relationship we have developed with the local community. We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity and look forward to another memorable and rewarding experience.

During Term 4, we focus on ensuring that we are following SunSmart processes and keeping our children safe from damage from the sun. During this time, we ask that:

• children are always wearing a school sunhat when they are outside.
• children come to school each day wearing sun cream.
• if they do not have a sun hat, then they are to always be in a shaded area when outside, especially at break times.

Congratulations to all of the winners of the Consideration Cup at our last school assembly. It is great to see our studnets recognised for the often small things they do that make a difference for others.

• School & parish mass - this takes place on a Wednesday @ 9.30 am in the school hall:
• 4th November - Brigidien Syndicate Mass
• 11th November - Kildare Syndicate Mass
• 25th November - Brigidine Syndicate Mass
• 9th December - Whole School Mass

• School assembly - this takes place fortnightly on a Friday morning from 9.00 - 9.30 am
• Week 4 (6th Nov) Kildare Syndicate - Hub 4
• Week 6 (20th Nov) Brigidine Syndicate - Hub 1
• Week 8 (4th Dec) Kildare Syndicate - Year 6

Term 4: Mon 12th October - Tues 15th December (12.00 finish)

Term 1: Monday 1st February - Friday 9th April

Term 2: Tuesday 27th April - Friday 2 July

Term 3: Monday 19th July - Friday 24th September

Term 4: Monday 11th October - Wednesday 15th December

As we head towards the end of the 2026 school year, we are starting to prepare for 2027. To help us with this planning, can we please ask that you let us know if you need to enrol any children who will be five years old next year? Many thanks.

• November 3rd - School Photographs
• November 4th - Kildare athletics @ Chanel College
• November 4th - School board meeting @ 7pm
• November 6th to 12th - Rarotonga Overseas Trip
• November 23rd - Road Patrol Party @ Go-Zone
• November 24th - Masterton Athletics Competition
• November 29th - First Communion Mass & Celebration (8.30am)
• December 9th - School board meeting @ 7pm
• December 11th - End-of-Year report sent home to families
• December 14th - Year 6 leavers celebration (5.30 pm)
• December 15th - Last day of the 2026 school year (12.00 mid-day finish)

Steve Wheeler - Principal

• Respecting God & others
• Making good choices
• Living the virtues

'Do be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good'
Romans 12:21

Our school policies and procedures are all stored on the 'School Docs' website and throughout each year, as we review our policies, we will ask for feedback from our staff, board and parent communities.

During Term 4 of 2026, we are reviewing and asking for feedback on the following:

• Curriculum & Student Achievement Policy
• Reporting about Student Progress & Achievement
• Learning Support
• Māori Educational Achievement
• Religious Instruction
• Health Education

Please read these policies and give your feedback by following the instructions below:

1. Visit the website https://stpatsmstn.schooldocs.co.nz/1893.htm

2. Enter the username (stpatsmstn) and password (kindness).

3. Follow the link to the relevant policy as listed.

4. Read the policy.

5. Click the Policy Review button at the top right-hand corner of the page.

6. Select the reviewer type "Parent".

7. Enter your name (optional).

8. Submit your ratings and comments.

9. If you don't have internet access, school office staff can provide you with printed copies of the policy and a review form.

Please email your order direct to rostcoca@windowslive.com

Payments are to be made to:

Robert John Duckett

Account number 02 0688 0219851 000

Please send an email with a screen shot of payment, included in with your order.

In the particular's have your child's name in code have childs hub number in reference please have St Patrick's.

Cut off for your order will be 9.00am Tuesday morning.

I offer the following meals :

Hot dog and chips

Mini spring rolls and chips

Samosa and chips

Jalepeno bites and chips

Broccoli cheddar bites and chips

Chicken nuggets and chips

Fish and chips - all $8 a meal

Chips on their own $5

All are offered with tomato sauce.

Each meal contributes $2 to the Rarotonga fund.

This is available every Wednesday.

Order through the school office or order online at www.subwayexpress.co.nz.

Register - then search for St Patrick's School and place your order.

There are also envelopes available at the school office.

This is available on Thursdays. Order through the food tab on Hero.

office@stpatsmstn.school.nz

063775043

Email: office@stpatsmstn.school.nz
Website: https://stpatsmstn.school.nz
Location: 132 Chapel Street, Masterton 5810, New Zealand
Phone: +64 63 775 043
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stpatsmstn