Newsletter 140- June 27th 2024
Prayer of the Week:
Keep us safe in our activities;
give us good rest and good fun.
Bring us back refreshed and ready for a new term.
We thank you for our St Patrick’s community that
cares for each other.
May we always be conscious of you in our lives
Amen
Principal's Report:
Dear St Patrick’s community,
Staffing update
I am pleased to share some staffing updates as we prepare for the remainder of this academic year and look ahead to 2025.
Firstly, I am thrilled to announce that Celine Bush will be covering Zara's family leave during Term Four. Celine has shown such dedication to our school this year, ensuring stability and consistency in our classrooms for which we are very grateful.
In other joyful news, over the weekend, Lillie shared her exciting news that she is expecting a baby! We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Lillie and Will during this special time. Looking forward to next year, I am delighted to inform you that Fiona Harney will teach our Foundation class in 2025.
As we plan for the future, I am pleased to report that our current staff have all confirmed their intentions for 2025. Consequently, we will soon be advertising for the following positions: a Full-time ongoing position. This position has been vacated by Michelle Howard who has altered to a part-time role moving forwards. Two full-time or close to full-time family leave contract positions will also be advertised. This advertisement will be posted over the holidays and early into next term, allowing us to review and interview during Term Three and ensure our staffing for 2025 is securely in place.
Student update
We are pleased to announce the arrival of three new students to our school next term: Fletcher in Grade 3, Flynn in Foundation, and Charlie in Grade 6. We know our wonderful students will welcome them with open arms.
My family and I are very excited about being able to settle into our new house, new schools and work in Term Three. I’m certainly excited about less highway travel during these cold months.
If you’re travelling over the holidays, travel safe. We will all rest up, get over our coughs and colds and look forward to an exciting Term Three!
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.
Planning 2025
In planning for 2025 we kindly ask that if your child/ren are not returning in semester 2 or in 2025 that you please notify the office at your earliest convenience.
Anna Wadge
Business Manager
Wellbeing:
Attendance Matters
“The first five
years have so much
to do with how the
next 80 turn out."
-Bill Gates, Sr.
The Social and Emotional Benefit of On-Time Regular Attendance
At the period of life when young children are moving from the home environment into the broader community of school, there are significant benefits from consistent, on-time school attendance.
- Sleeping and eating patterns are stabilised with good effects on health.
- A predictable schedule builds the child’s confidence at home and school.
- Children know what to expect in the classroom because they were there the previous day.
- Children recognize they are part of a community; their peers and teacher expect and include them and miss them when they are gone.
- Ongoing, extended conversations and learning are able to be built upon.
- Children learn to increasingly control their emotions simply by being in a consistent environment and on schedule every day.
- Teachers spend less time “catching them up” and more time building on what they learned the day before.
- Parents and families feel more a part of the school community and are able to support and engage with each other.
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
It is hard to believe we have already reached the end of our first semester of school. It is at this time that we want to remind everyone of the importance of excellent attendance. Attending school is extremely important for children’s social, emotional and educational development. Children who miss a lot of time at school can suffer in the long term from significant gaps in their learning. We need your support to ensure that children’s education is not affected. Send children to school every day, all day to get the most out of their education.
Did you know that:
- Foundation is a great time to start building a habit of good attendance.
- Studies show that poor attendance in preschool can predict absenteeism in later grades.
- By middle and high school, chronic absence is a leading warning sign that a student will drop out.
- Absences can add up before you know it. Just missing 10% of the time can equate to 18 or more days of lost instruction. That’s just two days each month!
- It doesn’t matter if these absences are excused or unexcused. They all represent lost time in the classroom and a lost opportunity to learn.
- Attendance matters as early as kindergarten. Studies show many children who miss too many days in kindergarten and foundation can struggle academically in later years. They often have trouble mastering reading by the end of third grade.
- Missing out on these early reading lessons due to absences can create gaps in their learning that are harder to fix later.
- Too many absent students can affect the whole classroom, creating disruptions and slowing down instruction.
If you’re struggling getting your child/ren to school please don’t hesitate to come and see me directly and/or send me an email on - lmarshman@spstawell.catholic.edu.au I am always here to support you and your child/ren. I will try my best to help you out all whilst advocating for the best possible solution for your child to ensure that they are feeling happy, safe and comfortable whilst at school.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Fiona Harney for stepping into the wellbeing role whilst I was away. Your generosity and dedication to continue to help improve and stabilise our students' wellbeing was greatly appreciated. A big thank you for getting the breakfast club up and running!
Thank you everyone, have a lovely weekend!
Lillie Marshman
Tomorrow last day of term is casual clothes day
Gold coin donation
Hot dog lunch available to purchase $3:00 (no order required purchase on the day)
All money raised will go towards Mini Vinnies Winter Food Appeal
Wellbeing Day:
On Tuesday, the entire school celebrated a Wellbeing Day, filled with a variety of engaging activities designed to enhance student wellness. Students enjoyed creating fruit kebabs with Lauren Dempsey, decorating pots and planting seeds, participating in 'Be Active' exercises, skipping, learning about sugar awareness, practicing mindfulness, and making stress balls. We hope that the students relished their day and discovered new ways to support their wellbeing.
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 11: Foundation - 1.45pm Start
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 3 Week 1
17/07/24 Mrs Bettina Bird Principals meeting.
School closure day Monday 15th July, 2024
Professional Development - Education is a never-ending process.
On this date we will work with a wellbeing leader from Catholic Education Ballarat to further develop our skills in School Wide Positive Behaviour.
At St Patrick’s we are committed to staff Professional Development to ensure the best learning outcomes for our students. It is through continual education that staff can improve their skills and become more proficient in their professions.
Foundation:
Term 2 has continued to be a busy, productive and happy time for all in Foundation. Lots of wonderful learning has been taking place and the children are certainly well used to the school routine. However, the fast approaching school holidays will be a wonderful opportunity for all of the children to have a very well earned rest after a big term of learning.
We have continued to begin each day with the Initial Lit program. To date, the children have learnt twenty sounds, their letter names and corresponding action. There has been fabulous participation in this program. Our tricky word tree is continuing to grow with 25 words on it.
It has been wonderful to see the fantastic commitment to our home reading program from both children and parents. Thank you all so much!
We have been thoroughly enjoying the Initial Lit Story Book program.
Throughout the past 3 weeks we have read the following books, ‘There’s a Bear on My Chair’, ‘My Two Blankets’ and ‘The Potato People’. The children have been very engaged and interested in all of these books and there has been much discussion and many comments shared about them. It has been wonderful to witness the children expressing opinions about literature and being able to relate the themes/ideas to their own lives. We had lots of fun making potato people and exclaiming ‘Tambourines and Treacle tarts’ (from ‘The Potato People’).
Writing has continued to be an integral part of each literacy lesson. This has involved lots of modelled and shared writing experiences and daily opportunities for the children to construct and write their own sentences. I am so proud of the efforts of all of the children and continue to be impressed with their risk taking, ideas and enthusiasm for their writing. Some children have even begun to write their own little stories, so exciting and impressive.
Our Maths topics have included more than, less than, counting, comparing and ordering lengths, the concept of zero, continuing and making patterns, adding two groups and writing addition sentences and comparing mass. We have even been able to use the class ipads to play some maths games which has been lots of fun.
Our Religion unit has involved learning about the beautiful world which God has made for us. This has provided us with many opportunities to observe, discuss, share and illustrate many of the natural features of the world. I have proudly observed the strong commitment that the children have to their responsibility to care for this beautiful world. To conclude this unit, we have been busily making dioramas of the natural world. There has been a flurry of activity and enthusiasm for this project and the final results are delightful.
The children have continued to embrace the Auslan program. We have learnt the following expressions since the commencement of the program - hello, goodbye, please, thank you, you’re welcome, good morning, good afternoon, how are you?, I’m good, I’m ok (positive), I’m ok (average - so, so), whose is this?, what’s your name?, where is, can I go to the toilet please?, yes, no, lunchtime, recess, cross your legs, stand in a circle, sit in a circle, please look at me, look at that, look at each other, please listen, come here, go there, repeat all together, excuse me, can I have a drink? Right or wrong, copy me, Lord hear our prayer and Amen. We have been working really hard to include these signs in our classroom every day. There are many potential Auslan interpreters in the classroom, they are so good! This has been a wonderful opportunity for everyone and I’m sure the children will enjoy familiarising Mrs Marshman with the language next term.
Sincere thanks to all of the parents and children for a wonderful term in Foundation. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with everyone and I thank you all for making it such an enjoyable, rewarding and fun time. I’m sure you will all enjoy two wonderful weeks with your beautiful children and be ready for another exciting and fun filled term of learning with Mrs Marshman in term 3. Happy holidays to all!
Celine Bush
Book week this year runs from August 17th to August 23rd, 2024. During this time all classes spend time each day celebrating books and Australian children's authors and illustrators. The theme for book week this year is: Reading is Magic.
“We're celebrating reading stories and their amazing power to transport minds. We are encouraging kids to be curious about the wonders in our world. It is a positive and affirming message for our young people. The magic of reading also lies in its power of enticement; a good story provokes conversations. Talking about the stories with others connects the reader with other readers. Wrapped around all of this are the "tricks" and skills of our amazing writers and illustrators, as they use all their powers of language and illustration to engage the reader in this world they are building.”
The Children’s book council, Australia.
The highlight of book week is on Friday 23rd August where students are invited to dress as their favourite book character with a whole school parade where our community is able to attend. After the parade our community are invited into the classrooms to join in some of the book week activities. This is then followed by a cuppa in the Hall.
Students of the Week:
Bobby Pickering - For being such a delightful, enthusiastic and happy student who each day shows 'joie di vivre'. Thank you for such a fun term.
Scott Duxson - For showing so many superpowers each and every day, resilience, curious, self-motivated and collaborative. It's been a pleasure to work with you!
Allyshia Bourke - For the self-motivation and resilience you have put into your learning this term. You should be so proud of what you have achieved!
Ruby Driscoll - For using your self-motivation to challenge yourself. Well done and adding extra detail in your writing and counting from larger numbers. You are a super star!
Ace Rowe - For the self-motivation you are showing in your literacy learning.
Henry Tyler - For the excellent mathematics learning you have shown this semester.
Prithvi Renjith - For the detailed and informative historical recount you wrote about the First Fleet, keep up the great work Prithvi!
Mason Whitfield - For the positive mindset you have displayed throughout maths whilst completing NRICH activities. Keep it up, Mason!
Jack Wadge - For the fantastic use of your collaboration superpower while completing your First Fleet learning with your group. Keep up the great work Jack!
Kora Allen - For being a curious learner while completing your historical recount about the First Fleet. Great work Kora, keep it up!
Maddox Austin - For approaching his learning with resilience and determination. Well done Maddox, keep it up!
Ally Smith - For taking on feedback and producing writing of a high standard. Keep it up Ally!
Charles Carter - For always looking to challenge yourself across all subject areas in Terms 1 and 2. Keep striving to achieve your goals Charles!
Lilah Beaumont - For being a self-motivated learner during Maths lessons. Keep working hard Lilah!
Living in Faith:
Catholic Education Ballarat Diocese 150 years celebrations.
To mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of the Catholic Diocese of Ballarat, five AboriginalMessage Sticks were gifted to carry the message to “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” (Romans 12:12). Four of these Message Sticks will be carried from school to school to remind us of the interconnectedness of all our school communities - from the Murray to the Sea. A Mother Stick will remain in the central Catholic Education Ballarat (CEB) Office to which the four traveling Message Sticks are indelibly linked. The Message Sticks have begun their journey across the Catholic schools of the Diocese, remaining with each school for approximately one week, before being handed onto the next school community, connecting over time, community to community.
In Aboriginal culture, Message Sticks were passed between different clans and language groups to establish information and transmit messages. They were often used to invite neighboring groups to corroborees, initiation ceremonies, right of entry to the country and invitation to religious rituals.
They are making their way around all 64 schools in the diocese. At St Patrick’s we will celebrate receiving the message sticks with a whole school liturgy on the first day of Term 3, Tuesday 16th July, 2024 at 8:50am. All our community are invited to come along to our liturgy in the hall.
At the conclusion of their journeys, the four Message Sticks will find a home in a prayer space within each one of the Catholic Education Ballarat offices.
Indigenous Book Swap Term 3
Literacy is a major issue facing remote Indigenous communities. Being unable to read and write is a significant barrier to education, employment, health and wellbeing. The Indigenous Literacy Foundation works to address this through providing books and literacy resources (some in first languages) to families, schools and service organisations in remote communities; and publishing stories by Indigenous people that are reflective of community life and culture.
Low literacy levels is a major issue affecting Indigenous communities today. Being unable to read and write is a significant barrier to education, employment, health and wellbeing. Remote Indigenous communities are the most disadvantaged.
MiniVinnies are working on our School and Parish community taking part in The Great Book Swap in support for Indigenous Literacy.
The idea is that our school/parish community would donate any quality unwanted children’s books, Social justice will then conduct a Book swap where students are able to purchase any of these donated books for a gold coin donation. All money raised will be donated to the Indigenous Literacy foundation. Please drop any donated books into the school office.
For more information please visit: Indigenous Literacy Foundation
Students are encouraged to bring gold coins to purchase books. We have hundreds of books to choose from ranging from picture books to chapter books.
When? Monday 19th & Tuesday 20th August, 2024.
Students will have the opportunity to purchase a book from the book swap throughout the day. Book swap will be open to the public 3:15-5:00pm on Monday 19th August, 2024.
Why? This is a MiniVinnies initiative and has been co-ordinated by our dedicated group of students that are in our MiniVinnies team. As a Catholic School as part of our education of the Catholic Social Teachings (CST). CST offers a way of thinking, being and seeing the world. It provides a vision for a just society in which the dignity of all people is recognised, and those who are vulnerable are cared for. Learn more about Catholic Social Teachings at https://www.caritas.org.au/learn/cst-toolkit/
“Without the right to education there is no real freedom, which allows every person to be the protagonist of their own destiny!”
Pope Francis 2018
There will be a meeting with Fr Andrew for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist and Confirmation on Tuesday 30th July, at 3.15pm or 5:30 pm in the Middle/Senior hub.
Thank you to those parents who have expressed interest in the Sacraments.
If you would like any information regarding the Sacraments please contact me.
Maryanne Comitti
Religious Education Leader
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. “We must teach more by example than by word” Saint Mary MacKillop
Congratulations to this weeks award recipient: Tanner Freeland
For showing kindness and compassion for a fellow student.
Thank you for your kindness.
Birthdays:
Congratulations to these students who celebrated their birthday this week:
Zarli, Henry & Awuom
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.