Newsletter 124 - February 23rd 2024

Prayer of the Week:

Compassionate Lord, we pray for those who have been devastated by the recent fires. We hold these families and communities in our hearts as they are forever changed.  Bring them consolation and comfort. Surround them with our prayer for strength  and heal their memories of trauma and devastation. 

We ask your blessing on all those who have lost their homes, their livelihoods, their security and their hope.  May they have the courage to face the long road of rebuilding ahead.  Bring them comfort at this difficult time. 

Bless the work of  our volunteers and those providing emergency assistance. May their work be guided by the grace and strength that comes from You alone.   Amen

Principals Report:

Dear St Patrick’s community

I am delighted to share some uplifting news amid recent challenges: our school families have demonstrated resilience and strength in the face of the recent bushfires, despite experiencing damage to their properties. While the burden they now face with insurance claims and carefully managing the remaining burning pieces of their properties is still significant, we are incredibly grateful that none of our families lost their homes. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have offered support and assistance during this challenging time. Your kindness and generosity have been a beacon of hope amidst the darkness, reminding us that even in the toughest of times, we are never alone.

In other positive news, we are thrilled to announce the appointment of Sarah Considine to our front office administration position that we had advertised over the school holidays! Sarah brings with her a wealth of experience and a warm, welcoming demeanor that we know will greatly benefit our school/community. Starting later this month, Sarah will be joining us two days a week, specifically on Thursdays and Fridays. 

Enrolment for 2025 school year is just around the corner. Please spread the word, including sharing our social media posts, that our lovely school will be open for tours on the 30th of April and another opportunity on the 30th of May. Further information will come out on the booking process and tour times closer to the date. 

For families with siblings intending to enrol in 2025, we kindly ask you to reach out to the office as soon as possible. By contacting us, you'll help us kickstart the process of building our enrolment list and ensure a smooth transition for your family.

I’m eagerly awaiting my first St Patrick’s swimming carnival tomorrow!

Here is a brief timeline for day: 

9:30 am - Middle and Senior students will head to the pool via bus

10:00 am - Swimming events begin

12:00 pm - Sausage sizzle lunch will be served in classgroups. 

12:15 pm - Junior students will head to the pool via bus to watch. 

12.30 pm- Juniors lunch will be served in classgroups. 

1:30-2 pm - Event finishes, students are able to go home with their parents. Students not collected will head back to school via bus for normal 3:10 pm dismissal. 

I’m looking forward to a great day. 

With Kind Blessings, 

Bettina

A word from the office:

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Last week, envelopes were sent home with the eldest child in each family with important information regarding your school fees, including 2024 school fee invoices and a statement of account.

Also enclosed was information about 2024 Camp Sport & Excursion Funding (CSEF) and the Family Fee Assistance Scheme. 
Please read this information carefully and note that, if eligible to apply, completed application forms and supporting documents must be returned to the office no later than Monday 26th February 2024.

If you require assistance or have any questions regarding this information, please do not hesitate to contact me via the office.

CENSUS Day - 29th February 2024

The school will be submitting Census data on Thursday 29th February 2024. Would you please check the address listed on your tax invoice and, if this information has changed, email your new details to awadge@spstawell.catholic.edu.au prior to Census day.

Kind Regards,

Anna Wadge Business Manager

*Please note that if your child is going home earlier or by different transport i.e not on the bus, or people; you are to contact the school office 5358 2493 before 2:30pm, not the teacher via DOJO as they often only check these messages outside of school hours. Thankyou.

Wellbeing:

Senior H visit to Eventide Re DASH

On Tuesday, Senior H students visited Eventide nursing home, with the purpose of making connections with the elderly within our community. The atmosphere buzzed with energy as students engaged in lots of different activities. From lively nerf gun competitions, to the shared enjoyment of cooking sessions, from competitive games of connect four to the simple joys of molding playdough, every interaction was infused with laughter and a sense of fun. The basketball hoops echoed with cheers of encouragement, fostering a sense of inclusivity among all participants. Some students were lucky enough to spend time with their Great Grandparents - Mia with her Gran, Charlie with his Ma and Chloe with her Nan. 

The genuine warmth and compassion displayed by our students was a pleasure to witness, leaving a lasting impact on both the young and old alike. It was lovely to observe the smiles that lit up faces across the room, reflecting the genuine connections that were made during the afternoon. This experience is a  reminder of the power of human connection and the profound joy that comes from spreading kindness and compassion.

Mrs Harney and Senior H

DASH! (Dynamic Active Safe Healthy)
Project Details
DASH is a new in-school, whole-class program being piloted by Blue Light Victoria in rural Victoria for primary school students in Years 5 and 6. DASH aims to increase the wellbeing of students and improve their community connectedness. It involves eight 90-minute sessions delivered weekly over a school term by a trained Blue Light Victoria facilitator, plus an online session for parents and an end-of-program “showcase” event.

Thankyou for sharing Senior H, Lillie Marshman- Mental Health & Wellbeing Coordinator 

Teaching and Learning:

School Assemblies:  Our assemblies happen each Friday afternoon starting at 2:45pm in the school hall.   Please note change of time due to school now finishing at 3:10pm.  Students are dismissed from the hall on this day.  We invite all our community to come along.  Whole school community invited to attend.

 Week 4:  No Assembly Swimming Carnival                         

Week 5: Senior M                                                                                                    

Week 6: Middle B

Week 7: Junior FB                                                                                                      

Week 8: Middle C                                      Week 9: Stations of the cross Thur 28th March 1:45pm

Professional Development:

At St Patrick’s Primary School we are committed to Professional Development of our team.  At various times staff members will be working off site or online which may result in classroom teachers being out of the classroom.

Week 5: 

Fri 1st  March,  Mrs Bird, Mrs Marshman                                     REAP (Religious education accreditation program)

Maryanne Comitti   Teaching & Learning Leader 

Foundation: Friday Foundation Fame 

This is us in week one, day one. How we have changed since then. We have been loving being at school and getting to not only know each other but the other staff members and students at St Patrick’s Primary School. 

We have been learning many things this week, check out how hard we've been working below - you’ll be shocked! 

Back to front (left to right) 

Indiana, Anthony, Aurie, William, Ada, Amelia, Scott, Charlie & Thea

Ziorachukwu, Leon, Evelyn, Juliet, Jayden & Billie

Aynsley, Bobby, Jye, Zeke, Rhylen, Judd & Levi

Literacy (reading) - Oral segmenting 

Learning intention: We are learning about oral segmenting 

Success Criteria: I can: 

• Identify phonemes (sounds) in words 
• Break words in sounds 
• Connect sounds to words

Literacy (Writing) - handwriting (our names and copying off the board)

Learning intention: We are learning about handwriting 

Success Criteria: I can: 

• Identify where to start when forming letters 
• Write my name correctly 

Maths 

Learning intention: We are learning about numbers 

Success Criteria: I can: 

• Identify number 1-10 (visually)
• Create images on 5 frames to match numbers 
• Solve number equations 

Inquiry 

Learning intention: We are learning about family structures 

Success Criteria: I can: 

• Identify who is in my family 
• Create a piece of art to represent my family

Religion 

Learning intention: We are learning about belonging 

Success Criteria: I can: 

• Identify places I belong 
• Elaborate on  why it is important to me 
• Create a piece of art to show belonging 

Learning Dispositions:  At St Patrick’s we have five learning dispositions.  The dispositions describe a person's inclination to use particular skills when faced with problems to solve, ideas to evaluate or decisions to make. At  St Patrick’s  we are calling these St Patrick’s Learner Superpowers.  

These are qualities  that successful learners use in their everyday life, self - motivated, curious, resilient, collaborative, risk-taker. We have been focussing on these qualities throughout the term and will continue to reinforce and apply these skills in the classroom and in everyday life. 

We are committed to ensuring that our whole school community has an understanding of what each superpower means.  This week we will unpack our curious learning superpower. St Patrick’s Primary School Learning Superpowers St Patrick's Learner Superpowers  please click for further details. 

Educationalist Ken Robinson describes curiosity as ‘the engine of achievement’ (Robinson, 2013).  But curiosity, of course, goes hand in hand with discovery.  While curiosity inspires us to find out, discovery provides the reward of finding out.  Curiosity is key to learning. In fact, studies show that, when we’re curious about a subject, we are much more likely to remember information we learned about that subject.

St Patrick’s and Visible Learning

This week we welcomed back Shane Crawford, our Visible Learning consultant.  This is the third year of our visible learning journey at St Patrick’s. Shane spent time in all classrooms and worked with all teachers in their teams and then facilitated a  joint staff meeting.  

What is Visible Learning?   

Visible Learning is an approach to learning and teaching, based on evidence based research and writing of Professor John Hattie, that assists educators and students alike to foster an environment that supports and develops critical thinking, measures progress, gives clear outcomes and feedback and promotes reflective tools aiding continually self-aware improvement. Visible Learning looks at what factors have the biggest impact on student learning, and provides tools measuring these to improve teaching and learning throughout our school.

At St Patrick’s we are continually striving to ensure consistency in learning across all year levels and classes thus striving for the greatest positive impact as we work towards the virtue of excellence and at least a full year’s growth for every student every year.

Maryanne Comitti, Teaching and Learning Leader

Living in Faith:

This year we will be celebrating our Harmony Day on Friday 22nd March, 2024.  

Harmony Day is a day where we celebrate our cultural diversity, it is about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. 

We are thrilled to announce that footsteps, a Melbourne based school dance program will once again be visiting St Patrick’s.  

“ Footsteps specialises in curriculum, age-based movement programs for Foundation to Year 12 students. We deliver engaging and relevant dance and drama programs which have been developed around the Australian National Curriculum. Our programs develop students’ social skills, confidence, fitness levels, creativity, expressive skills and coordination, ensuring we provide a safe, positive and stimulating environment for all students.”  https://footstepsdancecompany.com.au/

In the footsteps dance sessions children will explore this idea of belonging through dance.   Students will work with the footsteps dance instructor at an allocated time during the school day to learn their dance.  Students and our St Patrick’s Community are then invited to come together for an evening celebration which will commence at approximately 5:00 pm.  Details regarding catering to follow.  

A detailed timetable will be sent out closer to the date. If anyone has any queries or would like to become involved in our Harmony Day activities please contact me. 

Maryanne Comitti, Religious Education Leader

On Tuesday all families were sent home with a Project Compassion box.  Project Compassion is an annual Caritas Australia appeal. Donations to Project Compassion allow Caritas Australia, the Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development, to work with local communities around the world to alleviate poverty, hunger, oppression and injustice. We encourage you to put your compassion into action this Lent through your prayer, fasting and almsgiving by supporting Project Compassion.  If you would like to you can donate online via their website or for more information: https://www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion/

Each Friday till the end of Term 1 our MiniVinnies group will be selling Zooper Doopers for $1.00 each St Vincent de Paul Sponsor a student program. As always we thank our St Patrick’s community for your support. 

Mary MaKillop Award:

Mary MacKillop lived a life dedicated to her faith and serving the needs of others. Wherever and however she could, Mary MacKillop did everything possible to improve the lives of others. This award acknowledges the thoughtful actions of the students at St Patrick’s to help others. “Love one another, bear with one another, and let charity guide you all your life.”Saint Mary MaKilllop

Birthdays:

Congratulations to these students who celebrate their birthday  this week: 

Milla W, Adi, Jye,and Allyshia.

Parents and Friends news:

Thank you to everyone who has volunteered their time to help as at the Swimming Sports tomorrow.

We have been overwhelmed by the responses. If you haven't ordered lunch for yourself, you will still be able to purchase on the day. We are humbled to be donating all proceeds from the sausage sizzle to the 'Combine Schools Fundraiser' for the Pomonal Bushfire Victims. 

A gentle reminder for those who are able, to please drop their donations in for our Easter raffle and a big thank you to those who have already donated. If you're stuck for ideas - Easter eggs, Easter craft, books, chocolate moulds, Easter decorations or a gift voucher are some handy suggestions. Keep your eye out for the tickets coming home soon. 

The NGSC have approached us to supply an afternoon tea for their International Womens Day event on March 7th. We will be calling upon our wonderful school community for food donations on the day. A note will be sent home with more info in the coming weeks. This is a great opportunity for our school to earn valuable funds (outside of our school community) to purchase items for our children. 

Goodluck to everyone swimming tomorrow.
Kind Regards  Kate Field(President)

We are now accepting donations from our school community for our annual Easter raffle.

Any contributions are greatly appreciated. Suggestions include but are not limited to:
-Easter chocolate
-Books
-Travel games
-Gift vouchers

Families are encouraged to drop donated goods into our school office for collection by Friday 15th of March.  Any enquiries regarding the annual Easter raffle, please contact Hannah on 0400615275.

Diocesan/Parish news:

Mass Times: 
Ararat Sunday 8.30am 
Stawell Sunday 10.30am
Lake Bolac 1st, 3rd, 5th Sundays 6.30pm Vigil Sat 
Landsborough 2nd, 4th Sundays 12.30pm
Glenthompson (Hamilton Parish) 2nd, 4th Sundays 8.30am

Around Our Community:

Please follow us on instagram; stpatsstawell

Hello, I run the Strengthening Parent Support Program Group through Uniting in Horsham.  Our program supports parents and carers of children with disability and additional needs.

We run groups in Warracknabeal, St Arnaud, Horsham, Nhill and Stawell and aim to provide parents with the opportunity to meet other local families in a supportive, relaxed setting where they can socialise, share information or take part in training programs to support them in their caring role.

Please see the attached a flyer with the program details. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any queries. Kate Janetzki | Strengthening Parent Support Program Coordinator, kate.janetzki@vt.uniting.org

Upcoming Events:

Our Vision and Mission:

Vision Statement: St Patrick's School is a community which reflects and celebrates Christ as its centre point:  By honoring our story we value our whole community.  By coming together our vision is for a loving, just, compassionate and tolerant world.     Mission Statement:  In the tradition of St Patrick, we are committed to: Promoting and celebrating a love of God, self and community.  Recognizing and enhancing the talents and uniqueness of each person through our vision of Prayer, Care and Learning.  PRAYER We nurture and grow our relationship with God as members of a faith community.  CARE We foster recognition of difference, compassion for others and the strength to act on our beliefs. LEARNING We develop the knowledge, attitudes and skills essential to reaching our full potential as life- long learners.