Newsletter 138- June 13th 2024
Prayer of the Week:
A prayer for families.
God, Our Father, loving and merciful, bring together and keep all families in perfect unity of love and mutual support.
Instill in each member the spirit of understanding and affection for each other.
Keep quarrels and bitterness far from them, and for their occasional failures instill forgiveness and peace.
Instill in children self-respect that they may respect others and grow in mature independence.
May the mutual affection and respect of families be a sign of life here and hereafter, through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Amen
Principals Report:
Dear St Patrick’s community,
We are delighted to share a special milestone in the faith journey of one of our students. This Sunday, at our parish mass, Oscar will be celebrating his Eucharist and Confirmation. These sacraments mark a profound step in spiritual growth and commitment to faith.
The Eucharist, also known as Holy Communion, is a sacred moment where Oscar will receive the Body and Blood of Christ for the first time. This sacrament is a beautiful expression of God's love and a reminder of the unity we share as a community.
Confirmation, which Oscar will also receive, is a powerful sacrament that strengthens the gifts of the Holy Spirit within him. It signifies his full initiation into the Church and his readiness to take on the responsibilities of a mature Christian.
Please join us in congratulating Oscar on this significant occasion. His dedication and preparation for these sacraments have been inspiring to witness, and we are incredibly proud of him.
We offer the following prayer for Oscar as he takes this important step in his faith:
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of Oscar and his commitment to following You. As he celebrates his Eucharist and Confirmation, fill him with Your grace and the Holy Spirit. May he always feel Your loving presence and be a light to others. Bless him with the strength and wisdom to grow in faith, hope, and love. Amen.
Congratulations, Oscar! May this special day be filled with joy, peace, and the blessings of God's love.
If any other families are curious about undertaking the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation, you are encouraged to make contact.
With Kind Blessings,
Bettina
From the Office:
2025 Foundation Enrolments
Preparations are underway for our 2025 Foundation class with enrolment interviews due to take place early in Term 3. Accordingly, we remind all new and existing families with children due to commence in 2025 to please return your completed applications to the office as soon as possible.
Please also remember to register your interest in our Ready, Set, Go! transition to school program by contacting the office on 5358 2493 or email office@spstawell.catholic.edu.au
School Fees
As we approach the end of Term 2, a couple of friendly reminders regarding school fees;
- For families making repayments per School Term, please ensure your Term 2 instalment is made before 28th June 2024.
- For families on School managed fortnightly direct debits, a reminder that payments will continue as scheduled throughout the School Holidays
- For families paying 2024 School Fees in full, payment is due in Term 3.
To make payment by Electronic Transfer, our details are:
National Australia Bank
Account Name: St Patrick’s Primary School Stawell
BSB 083-408
Account: 873223326
Please remember to include your surname as a reference for receipting purposes.
If you have any queries regarding your account, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Anna Wadge
Business Manager
Wellbeing:
This week a reflection is on the the 3 A’s of mindfulness..
-Awareness
-Acceptance
-Atunement
We all live busy lives, and there is an old saying, “ to stop and smell the roses”. To take a breath and admire what is around us, our family, our friends and our community. I have included a colouring page for yourself or your child to colour, to stop and admire our progress in life, no matter big or small.
Cheryl Duxson
Breakfast Club
We have been successful in receiving a grant of $1040 from Stawell Gold Mines as part of their Community Grants Program. This money will be put towards our Breakfast Club and will ensure we can continue to provide this much loved program for our students.
We have also been very lucky to have bread donated from Waacks Bakery each week. A huge thank you to the team at Waacks for their generosity.
Having previously receieved $200 from CWA for this program, we are so grateful to the wider community for their support. This program not only ensures everyone's tummies are full, it's also a chance for students to bond and the chatter and laughs coming from the Hall each Tuesday and Thursday morning are so wonderful to hear.
Teaching and Learning:
School Assemblies: Our assemblies happen each Friday afternoon starting at 2:50pm in the school hall. Students are dismissed from the hall on this day. We invite all our community to come along.
Week 9: Middle C
Week 10: Junior FB
Week 11: Foundation
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 10- Wednesday 19th June, 2024 - Mrs Bettina Bird Compliance meeting
Middle C:
Week 9! Where has the term gone? In Middle C, we are hard at work getting through all the assessments that we need and that hard work is paying off in a big way. I have been blown away by the resilience and risk-taking Learner Superpowers being demonstrated by every single student over the past few weeks and the results are speaking for themselves.
Term 2 has been a huge one, but it has been filled with lots of amazing learning from every student. I’m going to hand it over to the kids to share some of the learning that they have enjoyed the most over the last 9 weeks of school:
Akech
This term, I have enjoyed doing my Dinosaur information reports.I also enjoyed Sport and my Passion project. It’s also nice having LSO’s around in our class such as Mrs Evans, Mrs Gehan and Mrs Norman. I’m glad to be in this class!
Arli
This term, I have enjoyed my Maths and art. I have enjoyed doing my printing. I have also enjoyed learning about the ships of the First Fleet.
Curtis
This term, I have enjoyed sports because we did a soccer game and we learnt how to play footy. I also enjoyed playing with my friends.
Daniella
This term, I have enjoyed learning about information reports and art. I have also enjoyed learning Auslan, maths, religion and wellbeing.
Edie
This term, I have enjoyed Writing about the First Fleet, Maths and sport. I like playing with my friends.
Fletcher
This term, I have enjoyed sports because we played football.
Isaac
This term, I have enjoyed learning about the First Fleet.
Jack
This term, I have enjoyed sport, my information report, ships of the First Fleet and my maths.
Kora
This term, I have enjoyed sports, art, making friends, playing with friends and so on. I also liked our dinosaur wiriting i've had fun learning.
Lily
This term, I have enjoyed my maths work and I have enjoyed all my work that I have done in the class because of all of the teachers that have taught me.
Lucas
This term, I have enjoyed sports and maths.
Marianne
This term, I have enjoyed writing about the First Fleet and going to warnable in my running and also my maths. I love sports and playing with my friends.
Nathaniel
This term, I have enjoyed Maths because it’s very fun and I like Mr Cunningham teaching me. I also enjoyed writing because we did our information reports.
Oliver
This term, I have enjoyed writing my information report and learning about the Golden Grove in a group with Edie and Nathaniel. I also have enjoyed writing other stories in another book and showing Mr. Cunningham. I am also happy that I now know how to do subtraction algorithms.
Oscar
This term, I have enjoyed the document for sport about staying healthy. It was pretty fun. I really enjoyed it. I also liked doing our dinosaur presentation.
Tamieka
This term, I have enjoyed learning about emotions and having Mr Cunningham as my teacher. I like that he goes for Hawthorn.
Texas
This term, I have enjoyed my Passion Project about ‘What is life like for animals in the great barrier reef’. I am now up to my Google Slides.
Josh Cunningham
With Term Two coming close to an end it means lots of assessments happening for our students. Although we are continually assessing and evaluating students' learning throughout the year certain assessments need to be carried out in preparation for report writing. Over the past few weeks the following are some of the assessments students have undertaken:
Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT)
All grades have taken part in their PAT reading and Grades 1-6 math test. Progressive Achievement Tests, commonly known as PATs, are one of the assessments we use. PATs are multiple-choice tests designed to help teachers determine achievement levels of students in Mathematics and Reading Comprehension. These tests are completed online using Chromebooks and iPads. Foundation will complete a paper test. Data gathered will inform teachers of students’ current strengths and areas for improvement which can be used for planning teaching and learning, and monitoring progress over time with PAT testing also conducted again in October
Mathematics Assessment Interview (oral)
All students have either completed or will complete a Mathematics Assessment Interview (MAI). The MAI is an evidence-based formative assessment tool that assesses critical stages of student development using a framework of growth points. We assess counting, place value, addition/subtraction and multiplication/division. Each growth point describes progressions in mathematical learning towards mathematical understanding and fluency.
Cold write
All students have completed a “Cold Write.” Students are presented with a stimulus picture or a topic to write a narrative or a persuasive text or sentences. This will differ depending on year levels.
Stepping Stones Quarterly Assessment
Stepping Stones is our Maths program which operates throughout Foundation to Grade 6. After each learning module students will complete check-ups and at the end of the three modules a quarterly assessment.
Reports
Teachers are finalising their student reports. Reports provide us with the progress students have made to date and give us information on how to best support them going forward. Reports will be sent home in Week 9 (starting 17/06/24) and will provide parents/carers with valuable information on their child’s progress during Semester 1. We will be providing an opportunity for Parents/carers to meet with classroom teachers for Parent Teacher Interviews on Tuesday 25th June, 2024.
At St Patrick’s is committed to working in partnership with our parents/carers as we know when we work together we achieve the best outcomes for our children.
Maryanne Comitti
Teaching and Learning leader
Students of the Week:
Juliet Fraser - For all of the wonderful Superpowers you always show in the classroom. I am so delighted with the wonderful risks you are taking in your writing. Congratulations!
Jye Friend - For all of the wonderful progress you have made and continue to make this year. It is a pleasure to listen to you read and read what your writing. Keep up the fabulous work!
Chelsea Duck - For using your Superpowers in your learning. You have been taking risks and using your voice more in our class. You have also been self-motivated in your reading and writing. Keep up the hard work!
Mackenzie Stevenson - For being an expert in telling o’clock times on an analogue and digital clock. Keep up the hard work!
Ted Tyler - For working so well during our InitialLit sessions and contributing your ideas and thoughts during whole group discussions! Keep it up Ted!
Evie Field - For your amazing maths assessments results this term, you have developed so many great strategies and all your hard work shows, great work Evie!
Lilly Hine - For the absolutely amazing piece of writing you did during our 'Random Writing' session. You should be very proud. Keep it up!
Lenny Field - For accepting and embracing learning challenges presented to you during Writing lessons. Well done and keep it up!
Marianne Duxson - For the insightful wonderings and responses you shared with the class during our Religion bibliodrama on Jesus and the Leper. Great work Marianne!
Isaac O'Callaghan - For using your Curious Superpower this week while learning about the Journey of the First Fleet in Inquiry. Your explanation was incredible! Keep it up Isaac!
Chloe Pearce - For showing fantastic leadership qualities in and out of the classroom. Well done Chloe!
Maya Goodes - For showing all the qualities of a Risk-Taker, even when things are challenging during maths. Keep it up Maya!
Ethan Parker - For producing some wonderful results in your mid-year Literacy assessments. Well done Ethan!
Liam Cameron - For the amazing leadership you showed during the fitness testing of the junior classes.
Living in Faith:
Winter Food Appeal
As the winter season approaches, we are reminded of the importance of community support and solidarity. Many families in our community struggle to provide enough food during the colder months, and your generosity can make a significant difference.
Our Mini Vinnies group is organising a non-perishable food appeal for those in our community who are in need. If you are able we would appreciate any donations of non-perishable food. Each classroom will have a tub where donations can be put. These donations will be collected by a member of our St Vincent de Paul society from our parish and will be donated to the Stawell Cottage for local distribution.
Let's come together to make this winter a little warmer for everyone in our community. Thank you for your generosity!
Maryanne Comitti
Religious Education Leader
Do you or someone that you know need some help?
If you need help with groceries and shopping vouchers go to -
The Cottage 20 Sloane St Stawell. Open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 10:30am and 12:30pm.
In out of hours emergencies ring 0408 038 949.
If you need help with fresh fruit and vegetables go to -
Stawell Neighborhood House 42 Sloane St. Open Mondays – Fridays 9am -5pm.
If you need help other than groceries and food, contact –
Stawell St Vincent de Paul Society – 0437 344 323 and leave a message. They will contact you within 24 hours.
Mary Rita Thomas
Sec. and Public Officer, Stawell Inter Church Council (welfare Cottage)
President, Stawell conference of the St Vincent de Paul Society
Mary MacKillop 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. “Whatever troubles may be before you, accept them bravely, remembering Whom you are trying to follow. Do not be afraid. Love one another, bear with one another, and let charity guide you all your life. God will reward you as only He can” Saint Mary MacKillop
Congratulations to this weeks award recipient: Levi Roberts
For your kindness and initiative in caring for a fellow classmate.
Thank you for your kindness.
Birthdays:
Congratulations to these students who celebrated their birthday this week:
Scarlett, Oliver P, Ada, Prithvi & Levi
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
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.