Newsletter 168- May 29th 2025
- Prayer of the Week:
- From the Principal’s Desk:
- Wellbeing:
- Teaching and Learning:
- Students of the Week:
- Athletics Day:
- National Walk to School Day:
- National Simultaneous Storytime:
- Winter Sports:
- Living in Faith:
- Mary MacKillop Award:
- Birthdays:
- Parents and Friends:
- Diocesan/Parish news:
- Around Our Community:
- Upcoming Events:
- Our Vision and Mission:
Prayer of the Week:
Loving God,
Almighty and loving God, you, who created ALL people in your image, lead us to seek your compassion as we listen to the stories of our past.
Lord hear our prayer.
You gave your only Son, Jesus, who died and rose again so that sins will be forgiven. We place before you the pain and anguish of dispossession of land, language, lore, culture and family kinship that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have experienced. We live in faith that all people will rise from the depths of despair and hopelessness.
Lord hear our prayer.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families have endured the pain and loss of loved ones, through the separation of children from their families. We are sorry and ask God’s forgiveness. Touch the hearts of the broken, homeless and afflicted and heal their spirits. In your mercy and compassion walk with us as we continue our journey of healing to create a future that is just and equitable. Lord, you are our hope.
Amen.
From the Principal’s Desk:
The past couple of weeks at St Patrick’s have been filled with activity, energy and community spirit. It has been heartening to see our students engaging so positively in their learning and school life.
On Friday, our Catholic Education Week celebrations will be a highlight with our school community coming together for a special liturgy and afternoon tea. Thank you to everyone who will support this event.
Behind the scenes, our staff have continued their incredible work supporting students academically, socially and emotionally. Special thanks to those who have stepped in to assist with yard duty coverage, additional supervision, or office support when needed – your willingness to go above and beyond is deeply appreciated.
We’ve also welcomed several prospective families for enrolment tours. It’s been a pleasure to showcase the wonderful learning and community environment we have at St Patrick’s. Thank you to our admin team for coordinating these visits and to our staff for keeping classrooms vibrant and welcoming.
Congratulations to our students for the way they conducted themselves during tours but also in general- you’ve all been– respectful and reflective and showing the best of what our school stands for.
Staffing
Claire has made the decision to resign from her position at St Patrick’s and will finish at the end of this term. We thank Claire for the care, dedication and professionalism she has shown during her time with us and wish her all the very best in her future endeavours.
We understand that a change in staffing can bring a range of emotions for students and families. Please be assured that we are working carefully to ensure a smooth transition and to continue providing consistency and support for the students in 3/4J. An announcement regarding staffing arrangements for Term Three will be shared with you in the coming weeks.
Bettina
A reminder that Tuesday 10th of June after the Kings birthday long weekend will be a school clsoure day due to staff completing our annual First Aid training.
Wellbeing:
The Importance of Regular School Attendance
Regular attendance is one of the strongest predictors of student success - academically, socially, and emotionally.
Why it Matters:
- Learning: Students who attend regularly are more likely to stay on track, perform better, and graduate.
- Friendships: Being at school helps students form positive relationships and feel connected.
- Life Skills: Daily attendance builds routines, responsibility, and resilience—skills that last a lifetime.
- Wellbeing: School provides safety, structure, and important emotional support.
The Impact of Absenteeism:
- Missing 1 day every 2 weeks = 4 weeks lost per year—a full term over 4 years.
- Chronic absence (missing 10%+) increases the risk of falling behind and disengaging.
What Families Can Do:
- Prioritise attendance—every day counts.
- Book appointments/holidays outside school hours when possible.
- Contact us early if your child is struggling—we’re here to help.
School Refusal and Anxiety
Last Thursday, we heard from Dr Michael Carr-Gregg about school refusal an increasing issue in many schools.
School refusal is not truancy. It often stems from anxiety about schoolwork, peers, teachers, sport, or being away from family. It can also include physical symptoms, sadness, or isolation.
If your child is refusing school, please contact us as soon as possible. Early support can make a big difference.
🔗 Learn more: SchoolTV on School Refusal
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 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 7 & 8- NIL
Middle B:
Introduction: Hi we’re middle B. We would love to share some of our learning with you. Here is a little bit of what we are learning.
Literacy Block 1 | In literacy we do daily review every school day to help us remember everything In Spelling we have been learning about suffixes. Suffixes go at the end of the free base word to create a new word and meaning. |
Literacy Block 2 | In our second literacy block we have been doing information reports. We each chose an Australian animal off a list and then gathered up information on the animals In S.A.D we write a sentence about a picture Miss Bonney puts on the TV. We have to transform the sentence and she has been creating challenges for us. |
Grade 3 Maths | In maths we have been learning about times tables. |
Grade 4 Maths | In maths we have been learning about decimal fractions and mixed numerals such as 1¼ ,⅙ , 0.04 ,0.40, 1.04 |
Religion | In Religion we have been learning about Mary the Mother of Jesus. We were challenged to create a new modern image of Mary and then write a haiku using what we had learnt about Mary. This week we listened to the story of Jesus cleanses the Leper. We retold the story using puppets, writing comics or making a Google Slide |
Science | In science we have been learning about push and pull forces. We made up our own game. We started by writing down the push or pull forces in our game then the rules. |
Auslan | In Auslan we have been doing open ended questions and closed ended questions. Some of the questions we have learnt to ask are: Can we work together? Can we watch together? Can we read together? |
Inquiry | In Inquiry we have been learning about celebrations. |
Wellbeing | In Wellbeing we have been learning about respect. We continued on with our respect posters. We made an acknowledgement of country. |
Specialist - Sport/Performing Arts/Visual Art | In art we have been learning about optical illusions. An optical illusion tricks your eyes into thinking it’s something else. We saw a picture and it turned into Jesus. In performing arts we have been learning about choreography and music. We are learning a special dance for a concert at the end of term 3. Each class is learning a fabulous dance. In sport we have been doing netball. We have been doing chest passes,bounce passes,shoulder passes and pivoting. |
By Emila, Alfie and Lexie
Changes to the Mathematics Curriculum – Maths 2.0
As part of the ongoing updates to the Victorian Curriculum, schools have now transitioned to the new Mathematics 2.0 curriculum. One of the key changes is the removal of separate areas of learning (such as Number, Measurement, and Statistics). Instead, Mathematics will now be reported against a single progression point, reflecting a more holistic understanding of each student’s development in mathematics.
Along with this shift, the "I Can" statements previously used to break down skills into specific areas have also been streamlined. These will now appear under a single heading, rather than being divided into multiple strands.
This change supports a more integrated approach to teaching and learning mathematics, encouraging students to make connections across different mathematical concepts. If you have any questions about your child’s progress or how these changes may impact reporting, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher.
Students of the Week:
Week 5:
Levante Di Pietro - For reading your new readers with confidence and using your sound knowledge in your independent writing. We also thank you for caring for our school by picking up rubbish.
Leah Ranjay - For using your knowledge of sounds and tricky words to improve your reading. You always stay focused during InitiaLit PowerPoints, and this is supporting you to make progress in your independent writing.
Judd Savage - For working hard to improve your spelling test results. It's been great to see you taking your time and thinking carefully about how to correctly spell words Judd. Well done and keep it up!
Indiana Schumann - For working really hard to learn all of the sounds, digraphs and trigraphs we have learnt. It's great to see you working on breaking up words into syllables using this knowledge. Keep it up!
George Darker - For the hard word and resilience that you have been putting into Maths while learning your addition and subtraction strategies. Keep up the hard work George!
Ruby Driscoll - For the wonderful self-motivation you have been demonstrating throughout all areas of your learning, especially in Writing and Maths this week. Well done Ruby!
Emila Jones - For the excellent feedback you have been giving others during our Information Report writing unit. It has been wonderful to see you offering explicit feedback independently. Keep it up Em!
Ted Tyler - For your fantastic 'Unique You' Emu drawing created during our Religion unit on Identity. Well done!
David Duxson - For showing excellent confidence and progress with multiplication problems during Maths lessons. Keep it up!
Mason Scott - For the hard work and effort you have been putting into your report writing work this week during our literacy lessons. Well done!
Vibeesh Ranjay - For listening to and using feedback from a peer to uplevel your writing. I am looking forward to reading your completed narrative. Keep up the great work!
Texas Davenport - For listening to and using feedback from a peer to uplevel your writing. I am looking forward to reading your completed narrative. Keep up the great work!
Marnie Currie - For striving to be your best across all subject areas. You are a great role-model for your fellow classmates.
Aaliyah Carlsen - For seeking out and acting on feedback during your writing of your narrative piece. You are always striving to be the best possible learner you can.
Week 6:
Indie Haynes - For using your sound knowledge to write words independently. You are beginning to show persistence and growing confidence in your writing. Keep it up!
Emilia Nelson - For showing creativity in your diorama of God’s Creation. You took great pride in your work and generously shared your skills by teaching others how to make pop-up pictures. Well done!
Charlie Terwisscha - For working on the learning superpower of being self-motivated. Congratulations and thank you for working faster and harder Charlie, keep it up!
Evelyn Hoare - For working really hard on your super sentences. I love the way you think carefully about each sentence and make them interesting to read. Congratulations Evelyn!
Evelyn Christie - For your hard work and risk-taking learning your doubles during maths. Well done Evelyn.
Hariklia Kloufetos - For the self-motivation you have been demonstrating in all areas of your learning. Keep up the great work Klia!
James Hooper - For taking on feedback given to you by your peers and teacher and applying it to your writing. Well done James!
Henry Carter - For using your learner superpowers during your decimals and fractions extension lessons and tasks. Keep it up!
Arli Werry - For always walking in with a smile. During class you actively listen and communicate well with the class and teacher, your happy face is so refreshing!
Jarli Goodes - For working extremely hard this week. You have always been prepared and ready to learn. Keep this up Jarli, You are a star!
Kora Allen - For being a curious learner by asking questions to gain a deeper understanding of new concepts, especially in maths. Keep up the hard work!
Thomas Truong - For the well thought out responses you are giving during reading. Well done on extending your understanding of our class texts. Keep it up!
Lilah Beaumont - For your willingness to work collaboratively with a wide variety of your peers during class time. Well done Lilah!
Akech Kur - For striving to be your best across all subject areas. You are a great role-model for your fellow classmates Akech!
Athletics Day:
Last Friday, our school held their Athletics Sports Carnival at North Park. Although it was on the cooler side, we were lucky to also have patches of sunshine throughout the day. It was fantastic to walk around and see all the students laughing, smiling and encouraging their friends to do their best.
I would like to acknowledge a few people for their support on the day:
Mrs Evans, Mrs Stevens, Mr Gehan and Simon Jones for their help setting up early on Friday morning.
Our past students - Willow, Molly, Akuol, Laila, Maddy, Kaleb, Liam, Darcy, Ryder, Ethan, Eddie, Callum, Bonnie, Miley and Millie along with Holly and Nathan Bird for helping out at the field events.
Mrs Gehan, Mrs Stevens and Mr Cunningham for their work behind the scenes with the scoring system,
Jane and Mrs Gehan for scoring all day and Mrs Stevens, Yas and Travis for timing the running events.
All the members of the P&F who helped out in the canteen and in the lead up to the day.
All the parents, grandparents, carers and family members who came and supported the students as they participated in their events.
Lastly, thank you to all teachers for their fantastic work on the day.
Congratulations to all students not just for their efforts but also for the amazing sportsmanship they showed on the day. Attached is a list of the students who were lucky enough to receive age champion, runner up or sportsmanship awards for their efforts throughout the day.
Leon Moloney
Sport Co-ordinator
Grade 6 Girls:
Age Champion: Mia Bailey, Harper Bibby
Runner Up: Adi Ratcliffe
Sportsperson Award: Lilah Beaumont
Grade 6 Boys:
Age Champion: Luke Fulton
Runner Up: Bill Lasslett
Sportsperson Award: Augus Vichattu Justin
Grade 5 Girls:
Age Champion: Sophie O’Callaghan
Runner Up: Lilly Hine
Sportsperson Award: Tahlia Darker
Grade 5 Boys:
Age Champion: Tanner Freeland
Runner Up: Fletcher Thomas
Sportsperson Award: Lachlan Mackley
Grade 4 Girls:
Age Champion: Marianne Duxson
Runner Up: Edie Macpherson
Sportsperson Award: Ruby Allan
Grade 4 Boys:
Age Champion: Mac Bibby
Runner Up: Henry Carter
Sportsperson Award: Isaac O’Callaghan
Grade 3 Girls:
Age Champion: Bonnie Wickham
Runner Up: Evie Field
Sportsperson Award: Delilah Terwisscha
Grade 3 Boys:
Age Champion: Max Lasslett, Beau Cullen
Runner Up: Wilem Lovett
Sportsperson Award: Jai Hine
Grade 2 Girls:
Age Champion: Evelyn Christie
Runner Up: Elektra McGaffin
Sportsperson Award: Scarlett Rickard
Grade 2 Boys:
Age Champion: George Darker
Runner Up: Finn Greenhalgh
Sportsperson Award: Oliver Prockter
Grade 1 Girls:
Age Champion: Amelia O’Callaghan
Runner Up: Mackenzie Bourke
Sportsperson Award: Billie Carlsen
Grade 1 Boys:
Age Champion: Rhylen Mullane
Runner Up: Aurie Lyons
Sportsperson Award: Scott Duxson
Foundation Girls:
Age Champion: Angeth Kur
Runner Up: Lexi Mifsud, Ayah Gwyneth De La Cerna
Sportsperson Award: Ailani Cooper
Foundation Boys:
Age Champion: Ted Greenhalgh
Runner Up: Patrick McKay
Sportsperson Award: Patrick Crosbie
National Walk to School Day:
National walk to school day was Friday 16th May. Students were lucky enough to meet with emergency services and were able to explore their vehicles. Students were then escorted with lights and sirens as they walked safely to school together.
National Simultaneous Storytime:
Foundation had a great time celebrating National Simultaneous Storytime. We listened to the story The Truck Cat at Stawell Library.
Winter Sports:
Girls soccer: The girls won 1 game over the Grampians team out of 5 Miss Geehan coached them through the day and gave them motivation.
Football: In football they won 1 game out of 4 then had a free game at the end which meant there was no scoring so that people could just have fun. Mr Moloney coached the footy team and supported us along the way to have an awesome day.
Boys Soccer: The boys played 4 games and won 2. The first 2 games they lost 0-7, then Miss Warren gave them a motivational speech and they won their next 2 games 4-0 and 10-0. The boys finished 3rd overall which is an outstanding effort.
Netball: We played 3 games and won them all 8-1, 20-0 and 21-0. We were also lucky enough to make it to the grand final. It was the hardest game we had played all day and if it wasn’t for the support from the footballers and soccer players and the great coaching from Miss Ryan we wouldn’t have been so motivated to win. At half time the score was 5-3 our way and we won 11-5. Now we are going to Colac to compete in the Greater Western Division.
Boys Soccer
AFL Football
Netball
Girls Soccer
Living in Faith:
Mini Vinnies:
What is MiniVinnies?
Our Mini Vinnies group is made of volunteer students from Grade 4-6 who are advocates of the St Vincent De Paul values within our school and local community. The group meets regularly to learn about social justice issues, develop leadership skills and engage with the wider St Vincent de Paul Society.
WHO BENEFITS FROM MINI VINNIES
Mini Vinnies is about doing good works in the community that benefit people facing social injustice. Our group also encourages young people to talk, share ideas and concerns, to have fun and support each other.
The Mini Vinnies model of “See, Think, Do” is a great way to get young people thinking and talking about their spirituality and to connect their faith with issues affecting their community through volunteering, advocacy and fundraising. Not only do the students in Mini Vinnies benefit from the experience but also the school and wider community.
Our Mini Vinnies choose to focus on our local community and other projects like supporting the Assist a Student Program, Indigenous Book Swap, Project Compassion, Caritas Australia.
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
Lenny
For showing reverence for prayer and not barging through a door, but waiting respectfully.
Thank you for your Kindness.
Texas
For being a welcoming and inclusive member of our school.
Thank you for your Kindness.
Birthdays:
Congratulations to these students who celebrated their birthday in the last fortnight:
Mac, Jack Dr, George, Marianne, Ella and Billie.
Parents and Friends:
Whilst reflecting on the Athletic Sports I'd like to acknowledge our parent helpers who donated not only their baked goods and soup, but their time. The aths canteen is one of our biggest coordinated events and requires many hands. I was overwhelmed by the number of reliable faces and some brand new school families who stepped in to assist on the day. On behalf of the committee, we appreciate you doing this so we could also watch our children compete on the day.
Moving forward to later in the term, we are providing a lunch order on Wellbeing Day, June 20th. Please keep an eye out for these order forms coming home in the coming week and a reminder to return them on time. Unfortunately late orders will not be accepted.
Thanks for your continued support in helping us.
President,
Kate Field
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.