Newsletter 167- May 15th 2025
Prayer of the Week:
Loving God,
Today we give thanks for the gift of our Learning Support Staff
For their patience, kindness, and quiet strength,
For the way they support learning with care and compassion,
And for the vital role they play in helping every child grow and thrive.
We are grateful for their tireless work—
Often unseen, but never unnoticed by You.
Bless their hands that guide,
Their hearts that encourage,
And their words that uplift.
May they feel valued and appreciated,
Knowing that their presence makes a true difference in our school communities.
Grant them joy in their service,
Peace in their hearts,
And strength for each new day.
We ask this through Christ our Lord,
Amen.
From the Principal’s Desk:
Today we take time to acknowledge and celebrate World Teacher’s Aide Day that is tomorrow—a day dedicated to recognising the incredible contribution of our Learning Support Officers here at St Patrick’s.
Our Learning Support Staff play an essential role each day in helping our students thrive. Whether they’re providing one-on-one support, assisting with classroom routines, or offering a reassuring presence to students who need it most, their impact is felt across every corner of our school.
We look forward to taking a moment this week to express our gratitude for the calm, compassionate, and skilled support they provide. On behalf of the school community, thank you for all that you do—your work truly matters. If you see LSO staff at the Athletics, please wish them a happy day.
On Tuesday, we welcomed families into our school for enrolment tours. It was a wonderful opportunity to catch up with some of our current families and share more about the learning and life that happens within our walls each day. It was equally exciting to meet many new faces and begin forming connections with those considering St Patrick’s for their child’s schooling journey.
Over the coming weeks, we will be conducting enrolment interviews and finalising our processes before letters of offer are sent out. We look forward to continuing these conversations and sharing what makes our school community so special.
Warm regards,
Bettina
Wellbeing:
As part of our ongoing commitment to student wellbeing, we are reintroducing the Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader (MHWL) role at our school – a key part of the Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHiPS) initiative.
While the role isn’t new to our school, we want to take a moment to remind families of what it involves, why it matters, and how it supports both students and staff.
What is the MHWL Role?
The MHWL works alongside teachers, the wellbeing team, school leaders and external services to strengthen our whole-school approach to mental health and wellbeing. The focus of the role is promotion, early identification, and coordinated support – helping to ensure that every student can thrive.
This is not a clinical or counselling role. Instead, the MHWL:
- Supports teachers to respond to student wellbeing needs in the classroom.
- Helps staff recognise signs that a student may be experiencing challenges.
- Works with the wellbeing team to create clear referral pathways for extra support.
- Connects the school with external services and professionals when needed.
- Embeds evidence-informed strategies to build a mentally healthy school environment.
Why This Role is Important
We know that mental health plays a vital role in a child’s ability to learn, build friendships, and feel safe and confident at school. The MHiPS initiative ensures that schools are well equipped to support children’s mental health – and that staff feel empowered to take action early when concerns arise.
My Focus This Year
As the Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader, I’m continuing to build on the strong foundations already in place. I’ll be working closely with staff to support classroom practices, share resources, and ensure that our wellbeing approaches are meeting the needs of our students. I’ll also be helping families navigate support options and linking with external services when needed.
I’m passionate about creating a school where all children feel heard, valued and supported and where wellbeing is part of everyday learning, not just something we talk about in tough times.
If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s wellbeing, please feel welcome to reach out. I’m here to help.
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.
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 5 & 6 -NIL
5/6 Camp Reflection:
Grade 5/6 Favorite Things About Camp
By Beverly and Marnie. 6\5\25.
The 5/6's went to Bacchus Marsh for their camp which this year was in the first term during March. The camp's name was Sunnyside Camp, and they went for 3 days and two nights. We interviewed everyone for what their favorite part was and this was their response:
Eleanor: Exploring the campsite
Zarli: Doing the boys hair
Kora: Bush Art
Ella: Bush Art
Harper: Free time
Lily S: Survival Games
Lilly H: Free Time
Aaliyah: Archery
Willow: Free time
Lilah: Survival Games
Allira: Survival Games
Sophie: Survival Games
Archie: When the girls did my hair
Augus: Food
Vibeesh: Hut Building
Awuom: Free time
Charli: Food
Adi: Archery
Maya: Football
Akech: Free time
Texas: Sleeping
Tamieka: Free time
Abby: Archery
Lenny: Survival games
Boston: Survival games and food
Lachlan: Survival games
Fletcher: Survival Games
Jack W: Cabins
Tanner: Survival games
Kayde: Survival games
Thomas: Campfire
Bill: Survival games
Charles: Survival games
Jack D: Survival games
Oliver: Survival games
Luke: Geocaching
Mia: Survival Games
Nate: Food
As we can see, Survival Games were the favourite overall, though everyone had different opinions. We can also see that they had loads of fun.
Copyright: Beverly and Marnie.
WORLD LSO DAY
Today we celebrated World LSO Day with our Learning Support Officers. We spoiled them with a morning tea and some cards made by the students they work with.
We are very blessed to have a team of dedicated, talented and passionate people supporting our students and teachers in our classrooms.
Thank you to all of them for what they have done and will continue to do.
Students of the Week:
Week 3:
Lewis Allan - For improving your focus during mat time and when you practice your letters and numbers. You are able to write your numbers to 10. Well done!
Angeth Kur - For always giving your best effort in your learning and reading your new reader with confidence!
Levi Roberts - For being able to pronounce your name very clearly. Congratulations on all of the practice you have been doing, keep up the fabulous efforts!
Aynsley Logan - For using your sentences when you would like some help in the classroom. Keep up the great efforts!
Chelsea Duck - For being a resilient learning in Maths and taking on and accepting feedback to help you in your learning. Keep up the great work!
Harry Devery - For the wonderful attitude you have been showing towards your learning this week. Keep up the great work Harry!
Hunter Weavell - For your kindness and willingness to help your classmates and teachers. Thank you Hunter.
Marianne Duxson - For your self-motivation towards improving your understanding of decimal fractions and your willingness to have a go at peer teaching. Well done Marianne!
Charlie Matthews - For his amazing effort for learning multiplication in maths.
Max Lasslett - For his enthusiasm in learning his dance routine.
Tanner Freeland - For the effort you are putting in to uplevel your narrative writing. Your willingness to accept and use feedback is a credit to you. Well done!
Beverly Parkin Alamo - For the wonderful ideas and knowledge you contribute to reading discussions. Your ideas are well thought out and articulate. Keep up the hard work!
Kayde Werry - For your willingness to work collaboratively with a wide variety of your peers during class time.
Ollie Sutherland - For the amazing depth of knowledge you bring to small group and whole class discussions.
Week 4: No Awards
Living in Faith:
Sacraments
If you would like your child/children to receive their Sacraments of Reconciliation (usually happens in Grade 2), Eucharist and Confirmation (usually happens in grade 3) please let me know. We will be having a meeting early in Term 3 to discuss these.
What are the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation?
The Sacrament of Reconciliation in the past has also previously been called Confession. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is one of two sacraments of healing in the Catholic tradition (the other being the Anointing of the Sick). Reconciliation celebrates God’s love and mercy towards us. It is about acknowledging and naming those times when we know we have done wrong, and then making peace and restoring the relationships with those who have been affected by our poor choices.
Students learn about the Sacrament of the Eucharist (Communion). Those children who are baptised Catholics and have received the Sacrament of Penance, are prepared to receive this sacrament for the first time in Year 3. During this sacrament, the children receive the blessed sacrament, the host. After their first Eucharist, a person may go to receive the blessed sacrament, any time they go to Mass.
The Sacrament of Confirmation. Those children who are baptised Catholics, and who have received the Sacraments of Penance and Eucharist, are prepared to receive this sacrament in Year 3. This is the final sacrament of initiation. During this sacrament, the students are asked to renew the baptismal promises that were made for them by their parents and god-parents at baptism, and they are anointed with the oil of chrism. They select a sponsor to stand with them on the day and to support them on their faith journey.
Introducing Pope Leo XIV – A Historic New Chapter for the Catholic Church
On May 8, 2025, the Catholic Church witnessed a historic moment with the election of Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost. Born in Chicago in 1955, he becomes the first American and the first member of the Augustinian order to ascend to the papacy. Pope Leo XIV brings a wealth of global experience to his role. He spent over two decades as a missionary and bishop in Peru, earning dual U.S.-Peruvian citizenship and deep ties to Latin America. His election followed the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, and was confirmed after the fourth ballot in the conclave. In his first address, Pope Leo XIV emphasized themes of peace, unity, and compassion. He has already taken a definitive pro-Ukraine stance, advocating for a just and lasting peace in the region. Additionally, he has highlighted the importance of press freedom and the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence, drawing inspiration from Pope Leo XIII's focus on social justice during the Industrial Revolution. Pope Leo XIV's inauguration is scheduled for May 18, 2025, in Rome. His papacy marks a new chapter for the Church, blending deep-rooted tradition with a forward-looking vision for the future.
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
FUNDRAISING:
Each Friday 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 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
Hariklia
For the constant compassion and kindness you show towards all members of our school and community.
Thank you for your Kindness.
Birthdays:
Congratulations to these students who celebrated their birthday in the last fortnight:
Ethel, Bonnie & Archie
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
Please find below the link for the March 2025 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
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.