Newsletter 129- March 28th 2024

Prayer of the Week:

Dear Lord,

We thank you that you are a forgiving God, who wipes out all the wrongs from the past, and starts a new with us today.

Bring healing and comfort to those who are anxious, upset, lonely, or ill today; encourage those who help and care for them. May all who suffer be led from pain to peace.

We give you thanks for your loving mercy shown to us in Jesus Christ, who endured the suffering of the cross to overcome all that separates us from you, and was raised up to new life.

Strengthen our faith in the victory of the cross and the hope of eternal life. Help us to grow in the life which does not end, in love and friendship with you, which lasts forever; through your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Amen

Principals Report:

Dear St Patrick’s community

Last Friday, our vibrant community came together to commemorate Harmony Day, basking in the beauty of diversity and fostering unity. It was a stunning Autumn evening and truly heartwarming to witness everyone embracing different cultures and backgrounds. A massive round of applause goes to the students, staff and PNF for their outstanding effort. 

The Cross Country event was an absolute blast, with students eagerly devouring hotdogs after the excitement of the races. This event not only showcased our students' athletic prowess but also provided a wonderful opportunity for camaraderie and fun. I thank Leon for his unwavering dedication and meticulous organization. Balancing such responsibilities alongside teaching duties is no small feat, and we commend him for his tireless efforts.

Looking ahead to the next term, anticipation fills the air as we gear up for the athletics but we also eagerly anticipate weeks of uninterrupted learning, where we can delve deeply into learning. 

Staffing update for Term Two: 
We're thrilled to welcome back Lauren Toomey from family leave, who will be in on Thursdays covering specialist classes. With Lillie's temporary departure, we extend our gratitude to Celine Bush for graciously increasing her days with us, bringing stability to the Foundation room. As some of our other staff members embark on Long Service Leave in Term Two for a few weeks here and there, we’re grateful for consistent casual relief teachers who ensure that our learning remains of a high quality. 

As we approach the Easter break, we wish each and every one of you a restful and rejuvenating time with loved ones. May this holiday season be filled with joy, laughter, and cherished moments. 🐰🌷

With Kind Blessings, 

Bettina

A word from the Office:

Dear Parents & Guardians,

Foundation 2025
Do you have a child due to start Foundation in 2025?  If you have not already done so, please contact the office as soon as possible to ensure their details are registered on our waiting list.  Whilst the enrolment process will commence in Term 2, siblings of current students are prioritised and this early information assists the School in forward planning for the 2025 school year.  
School Fees
With the end of Term, families paying school fees by Term instalments are reminded to please ensure your Term 1 payment is made by Thursday 28th March.   Any families wishing to establish a direct debit plan to pay off their school fees via fortnightly instalments over the duration of the school year are asked to complete a Direct Debit Agreement from, available from the office.

With kind regards,  Anna Wadge - Business Manager

Wellbeing:

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 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.

Term 2 Week 1
Monday 15/4/23    School Closure for Teachers as Co Learners

Indiana and Ethan

I have enjoyed spending time with my buddy and playing in her room after school. Ethan
I have learnt maths this term.
When Indiana sees her buddy she always gives him a hug.

Mahli and Ziorachukwu 

Fun running together. 
This term with Ziorachukwu we had so much fun. We made buddy books with things we like and dislike. Also in the last week of this term we did cross country. We had so much fun running together. 
Ziora’s favourite thing this term was playing with her friends in the sand pit and making sandcastles. 

Lexi and Ada (Ada’s buddy is Jayde)

This term Ada has enjoyed learning about sounds, and how to sound things out. She has also enjoyed playing with her buddy.
This term Ada has learnt about numbers in maths.
Ada has enjoyed seeing her buddy Jayde, and her bestie Mackenzie.
Some things about Ada are: her favourite colour is blue, she likes to play duck duck goose, her favourite subject is maths and she loves to do arts and crafts.

 Chloe & Mackenzie 

This term with our buddies we made a buddy book with all the things we like and things we dislike and gave them to our prep buddies to send home. Another thing this term was we ran together in cross country around the oval at North Park, it was so much fun and Mackenzie came second! Mackenzie’s favourite thing that she did was hanging out with Ada and Ameila at play. Mackenzie’s favourite subject was maths.

Andy & Levi 

Levi enjoyed playing at the playground this term.
In this term Levi learnt his numbers.
When Levi sees another buddy he hugs them.

Milla & Thea

Thea has loved playing outside and having tea parties with her friends.
Thea has done lot’s of drawing like letters, animals and mermaids.
Thea has been doing lot’s of maths like knowing her left and right and heaps of counting. She can even count to 20!

Greta & Amelia

This term Amelia has enjoyed playing with Mackenzie and Ada on the playground.
Amelia has learnt her left and right, and up and down.
I enjoy seeing Mackenzie, Ada and Billy at school.
Amelia likes giving cuddles to her brother and sister. Her favourite thing to do is play with her friends. She likes the colours pink and purple. 

Liam & Aurie 

Aurie has enjoyed the playground this term.
I learnt how to do the monkey bars.
My favourite teacher is Mrs marshmen.
The friend I have made this year is judd.

Jack & Scott 

Scott has really enjoyed running around the playground, really interacting with other Five and six year olds. Scott has learned how to count by ones up to twenty. He knows his left and right. Scott has enjoyed seeing his friends Bobby and Jye.

Riley & Billie 

She has enjoyed..
Billie has enjoyed playing with Amelia in the yard, She also loved to try to reach the monkey-bars on the playground.
Her favourite part of the term..
Billie’s favourite highlight of the term was learning different things in maths, and learning different letters/words in reading.
She has improved on..
Billie has improved on her writing skills and getting to learn how to write in the lines.
How Billie feels when she's in the classroom..
Billie feels happy and safe when she enters the classroom.
How Billie feels when she exits the classroom..
Billie feels tired and feels smart.
How she feels on the first day and the last day of the term..
On the first day of school Billie felt welcome,
And on the last day of the term she felt like she could read like a professional.

Jackson & Rhylen 

Rylan has enjoyed seeing his friends this term.
Rhylan has learnt to sound out letters this term.
Rylan was excited to see Zeke, Anthony, Aurie and Jacko (Buddy).

Archie & Bobby

What I have mostly enjoyed this term:
I have enjoyed drawing everything and Tommy the Tiger.
My goals for this term:
My goals for this term were reading and reading and writing letters.
My favourite subject this term:
My favourite subject is maths because it can help you learn.

I liked playing and talking with my friends
I liked playing and talking with Elfie (Alfie),Jye and Scottie.
My favourite thing to do on the playground
My favourite thing to do was play on the playground and play tag. 

Ally & Juliet 

Juliet has enjoyed drawing and learning this term. Juliet has learned about numbers and letters including their names and their sounds and actions. Juliet enjoys seeing her friends Thea and Evelyn at school.

Charlie & William 

William has enjoyed playing with dinosaurs in the sandpit. 
William has learnt about counting numbers. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20.🖐️
Willam enjoys seeing his amazing buddy  Charlie at school.😀

Maddox & Zeke 

Zeke liked playing with his friends .
Zeke has been playing with the toys with Rhylen. 
Zeke has liked counting numbers. 
When Zeke comes to school he likes seeing Rhylen.
Zeke likes seeing Mrs Marshman when he comes to school. 
Zeke likes playing with Rhylen on the monkeybars. 
Zeke has liked playing lego.

Henry & Leon 

I have enjoyed prayer in the mornings.
I have learnt letters and numbers.
I   have enjoyed seeing my buddy Henry
I am 5 years old
I have 4 brothers
I am the 3rd oldest child in my family.

Emily & Evelyn 

My favourite thing to do at school is to play with my friends
I have learn numbers and letters.
I have enjoyed seeing my friends in the morning.
I am the oldest child in my family.
I am 5.
My favourite thing to do at home is to play with my brother Patrick.

Kobi & Judd 

Judd has enjoyed going on the monkey bars and playing the shark game on the foundation playground.
This term Judd has learnt how to add and to read a few words, his favourite part in maths is counting on his whiteboard.
Judd has enjoyed making new friends this term like Liam, Aurie, Archie, Kobe and Jett.

Jett & Jayden 

Sadly Jayden left our school yesterday due to moving to a new town. 
Jayden and Jett enjoyed spending time with each other while Jayden was at our school. 
Jett would like to wish Jayden all the best at his new school. 

Aynsley & Mackenzie 

Aynsley likes to come to school and hang out with the other students.
She is always very excited to be here.
Aynsley cannot wait to meet her new friend Bessy Bilby.
Aynsley likes playing on the purple playground and hanging upside down.  

Lexi & Charlie 

Sadly Charlie has started her holidays early and isn’t at school today however Lexi enjoyed seeing Charlie and her precious smile each and every day. 
Lexi cannot wait to see Charlie again in Term 2. 

Monti & Jye

This term Jye has enjoyed making new friends and playing in the sand pit.
Jye has learnt lots of new words and new letters and has learnt to spell cat and lots more. 
Jye loves spending time with Bobby and Monti.

A snapshot of Grade one activites this term:

What a wonderful celebration our Harmony Day was,  Thank you to our amazing community for your support in helping ensure this day was such a success. 

Harmony Day

Parents and Friends news:

Living in Faith:

St Patrick’s Parish mass times for Holy Week are as follows:    

Good Friday     6/04/23     3:00pm 

Easter Sunday  8/04/23    10.30am

Maryanne Comitti, Religious Education Leader

During Lent, Christians are asked to focus on ‘Almsgiving’, which simply means donating money or goods to those in need. In every classroom, in the office area and each family will have been sent home a Project Compassion money box from Caritas that we have made available for monetary donations. We encourage students to think of those in need and donate when and if they can. An example of being kind and generous can be when a child donates their money and goes without buying a treat such as a lunch order or an ice-cream that’s Almsgiving

Could all Project Compassion boxes be returned back to school in the first week back.   Thankyou for your support. 

A quote from Pope Francis:

"Love and charity, are service, helping others, serving others. There are many people who spend their lives in this way, in the service of others. When you forget yourself and think of others, this is love! "

Ethical Easter egg purchasing.

Around 70% of the chocolate we consume comes from West Africa, where it's estimated that more than two million children and young people under the age of 18 work as labourers in cocoa harvesting. Some of these children are trafficked; many are working under harmful labour conditions. The cocoa they produce that ends up in the chocolate we eat.

Some suggestions for ethical chocolate brands following:

• Aldi's UTZ Certified Dairy Fine, Choceur, Moser Roth and Specially Selected Easter chocolate ranges.
• Chocolatier Australia's Fairtrade milk and dark chocolate 100g eggs, available through Coles, Woolworths, David Jones and other chocolate suppliers.
• Coles also has a range of branded UTZ, Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance-certified Easter chocolates.
• The Haigh's Chocolate-made Easter egg range is UTZ Certified.
• Devine chocolate eggs and bunnies are Fair Trade certified, and are available through IGA, other selected stores and online. 

You can find the Be Slavery Free Chocolate Scorecard here. The scorecard features most of your favourite brands and explains how they rate in several key areas including child labour, payment of a living income and the impact on climate. 

Birthdays:

Congratulations to these students who celebrate their birthday  this week: 

Nasar, Ziorachukwu & Aaliyah

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

Easter Schedule:
Holy Thursday
Lake Bolac Mass 6.30pm.
Good Friday
Lake Bolac Good Friday Service 9am led by Uniting Church at St Bernard’s Church.
Ararat 11am Prayer in Alexandra Gardens (Lead by Anglican Church) Raining? Anglican Church.
Stawell 11am Combined service in the Town Hall carpark garden. Optional BYO chair. Raining? Uniting Church.
Ararat 3pm Passion in the Anglican Church.
Stawell 3pm Passion in St Patrick's Church.
Holy Saturday
Lake Bolac Vigil 6.30pm.
Easter Sunday
Ararat 8.30am 
Stawell 10.30am 
Landsborough 12.30pm 
Stawell 6am Dawn Service on Big Hill, followed by breakfast in the Uniting Church Hall.

Around Our Community:

Parks Victoria - Junior Ranger
Easter School Holiday Program

Cockatoo IQ - Saturday 30 th March
Time: 10am -11am
Location: Meet at the front of Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre. It is located
approximately 2km south of Halls Gap at 277 Grampians Rd.
Description: Head off from Brambuk on ranger-led short walk through the nearby backroads of Halls Gap. Taking an interesting look at the relationship between people and the wildlife that lives here on the edge of the National Park. Especially, the cockatoos!!!

Tracks and Traces - Thursday 4th April
Time: 10am – 11am
Location: Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre
Description: On a short explorative bushwalk with Parks Victoria Rangers, spot the clues along the way that creatures leave behind! These discoveries help form a picture of the wildlife who live here and how they relate to each other and the environment.

Flora Explorer - Saturday 6 th April
Time: 10am – 11am
Location: Meet at the entrance to the Halls Gap Botanic Gardens near the Venus Baths Trailhead.
Description:Learn about the fascinating lives of plants and the amazing diversity found in Gariwerd.

Bookings open from Wednesday the 20 th of March
To make a booking please visit:
https://www.parkconnect.vic.gov.au/junior-ranger/
Group size is 15 maximum

Stawell Warriors Football Netball Club is looking for any young players interested in playing mods netball. 

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.