Newsletter 165- April 4th 2025
Prayer of the Week:
Loving God,
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.
Principal's Report:
Dear St Patrick’s community,
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 the students' work in their circus sessions. A massive round of applause goes to the students, staff and PNF for their outstanding effort.
What a wonderful day we had for our Cross Country! The energy, enthusiasm, and sportsmanship on display made it a truly great event. Congratulations to all our students for their efforts and determination—you should all be proud!
A huge thank you to Leon and our staff for their organisation and smooth running of the events throughout the day. Your hard work ensured everything went seamlessly. A heartfelt thank you to our Year 6 students for their thoughtful organisation of today’s Stations of the Cross. Your reverence, dedication, and leadership in guiding our school community through this important reflection on Jesus’ journey were truly commendable.
Your efforts helped create a meaningful and prayerful experience for everyone, allowing us to pause, reflect, and connect with the significance of Holy Week. Well done on leading with such faith and maturity—we are very proud of you!
Term two Long Service Leave
Lynette is taking a well earned break during Term Two and a couple of weeks into Term three. We have Ms Huson and Ms Lauren Sharp assisting us to cover the art classes whilst Lynette has the break.
Other teaching staff taking long service leave include Celine and Melissa at the end of term.
Jo Gehan will also be out for the first few weeks of Term with Cheryl Duxson joining us to cover Jo. We welcome Cheryl back to us.
Wishing everyone a wonderful and restful holiday break and we’re looking forward to hearing all the holiday stories in Term Two.
Kind blessings,
Bettina
Wellbeing:
https://spstawell.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing-barometer-2025-primary
SPECIAL REPORT: Wellbeing Barometer Survey - 2025
The Wellbeing Barometer survey has become an essential resource for schools, providing valuable insights into youth mental health and wellbeing. By capturing community concerns and understanding the nature of these challenges, schools are better positioned to support families, foster meaningful conversations, and strengthen relationships.
As part of an ongoing longitudinal study, this survey plays a pivotal role in tailoring support for students and their families. It offers a comprehensive view of students’ experiences, challenges, and achievements over a 12 month period.
By participating in this survey, your school can identify areas of strength, uncover potential concerns, and pinpoint opportunities for early intervention. The survey’s findings enable a deeper understanding of young people’s lives, supporting a more tailored approach to improving mental and emotional wellbeing.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to complete either one or both surveys below, depending on the age of your son or daughter and the school they attend.
We encourage you to complete one survey for each child. There is no limit to how many times you can complete the survey. This will enable you to provide more accurate responses based on individual children.
Please remember, all responses remain anonymous and should reflect observations made over the last 12 months. Survey results are only reported on an aggregated basis.
School Holiday Wellbeing for Families
The holidays are a great time to slow down, reconnect, and recharge as a family. Here are some simple ways to support everyone’s wellbeing during the break:
🏃♂️ Stay Active Together
✔ Go for family walks or bike rides in nature.
✔ Try a backyard picnic or outdoor games.
✔ Have a dance party or do a fun workout together.
🧘♀️ Relax & Recharge
✔ Create quiet moments – read a book, do puzzles, or just rest.
✔ Try mindfulness or deep breathing as a family.
✔ Encourage screen-free time to help everyone unwind.
😊 Stay Connected
✔ Have a family movie or game night.
✔ Spend time with extended family or friends.
✔ Do something kind – bake for a neighbor, write a letter, or donate to charity.
🍎 Look After Your Health
✔ Keep meals simple and balanced – get kids involved in cooking.
✔ Stay hydrated – water helps with energy and focus.
✔ Get plenty of sleep – a consistent routine helps everyone feel their best.
💡 Keep the Mind Engaged
✔ Encourage creative play – arts, crafts, music, or building projects.
✔ Explore a new place – a park, library, or museum.
✔ Let kids lead an activity – they’ll love the responsibility!
🌞 Prepare for a Positive Return
✔ Talk about the best moments of the holidays.
✔ Ease back into routines gradually.
✔ Focus on fun and connection rather than a rushed transition.
Holidays don’t have to be packed with activities—simple moments of connection and rest can make all the difference. Enjoy the time together! 💛
https://headspace.org.au/assets/Uploads/Corporate/Support-your-young-person-during-the-holidays-web.pdf
Lauren Broadbent Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader
Teaching and Learning:
School Assemblies: Our assemblies happen each Friday afternoon starting at 2:45pm in the school hall. Students are dismissed from the hall on this day. We invite all our community to come along.
Term 1
Week 10: Year 6 - Stations of the Cross
Term 2
Week 1: No Assembly - ANZAC Day
Week 2: Foundation
Week 3: Senior R & M Camp
Week 4: No Assembly - Athletics Carnival
Week 5: Middle B
Week 6: Mini-Vinnies
Week 7: Middle J
Week 8: Junior C
Week 9: Junior B
Week 10: Art
Week 11: Commendation Badges Presentation
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
Miss Lauren Broadbent on Leave - Mrs Bea Greenhalgh covering
Junior C:
It is hard to believe that we are already approaching the end of Term One. It only feels like yesterday an eager group of 22 students returned to school, excited for a new year, and here we are, now 23 students wrapping up an exciting term of learning.
In InitiaLit, we have been learning about long vowel sounds. Students have been working hard to identify words that have the long vowel sounds and the different digraphs that can make these sounds. We have also been learning about adjectives which are words that describe a noun. We have been successful at identifying adjectives in sentences and discussing how these help make our writing more interesting.
In Writing, we have been learning about persuasive texts. The purpose of persuasive texts is to persuade the reader of an opinion. After reading a text called Pet Day, we have been writing persuasive letters about why we should or shouldn’t have a pet day at school. Students have also had to think of the reasons why they believe we should or shouldn’t have a pet day.
In Maths, we have been learning about money. Students have been learning to work out the total amounts of money in front of them and compare different quantities of money using notes and coins.
In Science, we have been learning about living things and how living things grow and change. As part of our learning, we planted our own seeds and have been looking after these all term. Everyone got to choose to grow either a sunflower seed or a bean seed. We have continuously discussed the changes our seeds have gone through over the term.
In Religion, we have been looking at the overall theme of ‘Relationships’, and how we can live in right relationship with God, the Earth, and those around us.
It has been a joy getting to know this wonderful group of students, and I cannot wait to see all the fantastic things that they can achieve throughout the rest of the year!
Mr Josh Cunningham
Literacy:
At St Patrick’s Primary, we are committed to ensuring every pupil develops strong literacy skills. To support those who need additional help with reading, we use MiniLit and MacqLit, evidence-based intervention programmes designed to build essential reading and comprehension skills.
MiniLit is targeted at younger pupils who require extra support in phonics, fluency, and early reading strategies, while MacqLit is designed for older pupils who need structured, systematic instruction in reading. These programmes are delivered in small groups or one-to-one sessions, four times a week, allowing pupils to receive focused attention and practice in a supportive environment.
By using these programmes, we aim to empower our pupils with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in their learning journey. If you would like more information about our literacy intervention programmes, please feel free to get in touch.
Students of the Week:
Week 9:
Ted Greenhalgh - For working hard to develop the Superpower of being a Risk-Taker in your writing and drawing.
Indie Haynes - For building your confidence by demonstrating a growth mindset when trying something new.
Jye Friend - For always being such a responsible, motivated and capable learner. Congratulations and thank you Jye!
Aurie Lyons - For being such a self-motivated and risk taker student, particularly when you are writing sentences. Congratulations and thank you Aurie!
Allyshia Bourke - For your great work while building words with long vowel sounds in InitiaLit. Well done Allyshia!
Finn Greenhalgh - For the wonderful curiosity you demonstrated on Harmony Day while learning about Italy. Great work Finn!
Khoor Kur - For showing great progress with your 'ed' and 'ing' spelling rules. Well done Khoor!
Oscar Erwin - For demonstrating great persuasion skills out loud and in your writing. Keep it up!
Saviero Di Pietro - For demonstrating great understanding of persuasive devices learned in our writing unit. Well done Saviero!
Charlie Matthews - For showing great self-motivation and resilience during our maths lessons. Keep it up!
Week 10: No Students of the Week this week
Cross Country:
On Tuesday, our school held their Cross-Country Carnival at North Park. In perfect conditions, students competed in events ranging in distance from 500 metres to 3 kilometres depending on their age. It was fantastic to observe our students laughing, smiling and encouraging their friends to do their best. The resilience of our children was amazing, as was the sportsmanship they displayed while competing.
I would like to thank everyone who contributed behind the scenes to make the day run so smoothly but especially Jo, Jen, India and Tori in the scorer’s tent and the P & F for organising our lunch. Also thank-you to all the parents, grandparents and friends who attended on the day to support our students.
Mr. Moloney
Overall Results:
1st place: Mackillop 84 points
2nd place:Joseph 74 points
3rd place: Barrett 71 points
Individual Results:
Grade 6 Boys
1st place: Luke Fulton
2nd place: Charles Carter
3rd place: Jack Duxson
Grade 6 Girls
1st place: Maya Goodes
2nd place: Adi Ratcliffe
3rd place: Mia Bailey
Grade 5 Boys
1st place: Tanner Freeland
2nd place: Oliver Sutherland
3rd place: Lenny Field
Grade 5 Girls
1st place: Tahlia Darker
2nd place: Lilly Hine
3rd place: Sophie O’Callaghan
Grade 4 Boys
1st place: Mac Bibby
2nd place: Henry Carter
3rd place: Mason Whitfield
Grade 4 Girls
1st place: Marianne Duxson
2nd place: Edie Macpherson
3rd place: Emila Jones
Grade 3 Boys
1st place: Alfie Freeland
2nd place: Wilem Lovett
3rd place: David Duxson
Grade 3 Girls
1st place: Bonnie Wickham
2nd place: Isla Mackley
3rd place: Evie Field
Grade 2 Boys
1st place: Finn Greenhalgh
2nd place: George Darker
3rd place: Harry Devery
Grade 2 Girls
1st place: Elektra McGaffin
2nd place: Evelyn Christie
3rd place: Evie Gready
Grade 1 Boys
1st place: Aurie Lyons
2nd place: Levi Roberts
3rd place: Rhylen Mullane
Grade 1 Girls
1st place: Amelia O’Callaghan
2nd place: Mackenzie Bourke
3rd place: Billie Carlsen
Foundation Boys
1st place: Ted Greenhalgh
2nd place: Patrick McKay
3rd place: Oliver Dickson
Foundation Girls
1st place: Leah Ranjay
2nd place: Angeth Kur
3rd place: Elsie Devery
Living in Faith:
Stations of the Cross
The Stations of the Cross is a form of prayer used traditionally in Lent. Each of the 14 Stations retells part of Jesus’ Passion (his suffering and death) through images and words. These Stations of the Cross introduce children to Jesus’ Passion, breaking it down into stages that they can reflect upon and remember. The Stations are more than the retelling of a story: they are a prayerful participation in the event that lies at the heart of Christianity – Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.
The stations of the cross and other acts of prayer forms were used as an imaginary pre print press to enable the ordinary person to reflect on their faith and life of Jesus. In the Stations of Cross we follow Jesus from his Judgment to his Resurrection. Some modern forms include the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead.
As this is a solemn reflection we ask that upon the conclusion of the Stations of the Cross families exit in a quiet respectful manner.
Harmony Day
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.
Preparing for Project Compassion
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
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! "
Fundraising:
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.
Why do we at St Patrick’s raise money for the poor?
Catholic schools participate in the Church’s mission “to bring the Good News to the poor” (Luke 4:18). In partnership with parents, parishes and other agencies within the Church and the broader community, Catholic schools are called to give witness to a faith which does justice with love. All have a responsibility to read the signs of the times and to respond with love and compassion, ever seeking to protect human dignity and serve the common good. The Catholic Church teaches that the poor represent those who are marginalised in society. Jesus himself taught the importance of helping those who are poor and need help.
Do you know someone who is doing it tough?
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 Neighbourhood 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 344 324 and leave a message. They will contact you within 24 hours.
Mary Rita Thomas
Secretary Stawell Inter Church Council
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 have much to be thankful for” Saint Mary MacKillop
Evelyn C
For always being a generous member of the classroom and helping others when they need.
Thank you for your Kindness.
Sustainability:
Collecting sunflower seeds
Learning about recycling
Tasting the mandarins
Harvesting the sunflower seeds
Parents & Friends:
Many thanks to the committee, parent helpers, students and staff who have helped to successfully complete a busy Term 1. We rounded out this week with serving 180 hot dogs at Cross Country and the drawing of our annual Easter raffle. Congratulations to all winners and again, thanks to everyone who contributed to the hamper with donated goods. Some amazing prizes, including a Hoyts voucher, Grape Escape Ticket, Cadbury’s bundle, wine, and many others were included.
WINNERS
Ainsley L
Greg Preston
Fletcher T
Isla M
Jess Cooper
We will kick Term 2 off with a busy first month. The Mothers Day Stall and Athletic Sports are in our sights and my hard working committee are already working behind the scenes to bring these to you and your children.
Please keep an eye out early for the Athletics Sports Lunch Order form which will come home in week 1-2. We will be calling upon parents to help run the canteen on the day.
Have a great holidays and I hope the Easter bunny finds you all.
Kate Field
President
Birthdays:
Congratulations to these students who celebrated their birthday in the last fortnight:
Nasar, Aaliyah, Ethan Pr, Ruby D, Oliver D & Fletcher T
Diocesan/Parish news:
Easter Mass Times:
Maundy Thursday 17th April - Lake Bolac 5pm & Ararat 7pm
Good Friday 18th April Stations of the Cross - Alexandra Gardens Ararat 11am
(Combined service by the Ararat Christian Churches)
Good Friday 18th April Good Friday Ceremony - Stawell 3pm & Ararat 3pm
Easter Saturday Vigil 19th April - Lake Bolac 5pm & Ararat 7pm
Easter Sunday 20th April Ararat - 9am & Stawell 10.30am
Stawell - Stations of the Cross – St Patrick’s every Friday 10am until 18th April. All Welcome
Ararat - Stations of the Cross – Immaculate Conception every Friday 10.30am until 18th April. All Welcome
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
Please find below the link for the November 2024 edition of
“Our Diocesan Community”
This Magazine is a way to share the good news stories of our schools, parishes and agencies across the diocese.
https://www.ballarat.catholic.
Around Our Community:
Please follow us on instagram; stpatsstawell
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**
Get Ready for Stawell Superkick! **
**Starting Friday, May 2nd!** 
**Every Friday Night** 
**Location: Central Park** 
**For Ages: 7-12 (Boys and Girls)** Unlock your potential with our Superkick Program, where sports and fun come together! Whether you’re new to kicking a footy or looking to refine your skills, this exciting program teaches you the fundamental skills of Footy while keeping you engaged in a high-energy, fun environment. Perfect for ages 7-12yrs old.
Join us today and kickstart your Superkick journey at: https://www.playhq.com/afl/
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.