Newsletter 40 - December 10th 2021

Prayer of the Week:

JOY IN OUR CALLING

Gaudete (be joyful) Sunday is the 3rd Sunday of Advent. Gaudete is the Latin word for Joy.  The Candle as a sign of joy — a testimony to the Light of God coming into our world that will shatter the darkness and bring healing to all who suffer and mourn.  God has invited us, and found joy in our calling, in the beauty that surrounds us and in the people who love us. The habit of gratitude nurtures joy even in thankless times and tasks.  Christians believe true joy ultimately comes through following God’s will for our lives. In what areas of your life do you need to listen more carefully to God and follow His will more fully? This week, write down things in your life that cause you to rejoice. Then, thank God for those blessings.

 Lord, the good news of Jesus’ arrival brings such joy to our world. Reach those who are lost and searching with the message of hope that we have through you,  allow your message of peace to bring comfort to our anxious world. As we all go about the holiday season, let the message of great joy pierce through all the noise and into people's hearts. 

Amen.

Principal's Report:

Welcome

After such a challenging and interrupted year, it is great that we are able to finish the year with some fun events and activities. Last Thursday we reopened the school oval, ‘Paddy’s Paddock’, following the works to resurface and fix the sprinkler system. We were very fortunate to receive part of the funding of this project through the Northern Grampian Shire Council Community Grants program. 

It was great to be joined at the opening by NGSC Mayor Tony Driscoll, Catholic Education Ballarat Executive Director Tom Sexton, School Advisory Council members Michelle Jess and Chantal Thomas. The students enjoyed a hot dog lunch and an afternoon of sports activities. 

On Tuesday we held our Transition Day where all students and teachers spent the day in their 2022 classes. We welcomed our Foundation Class of 2022, while our Grade 6 students headed off to Marian College or Stawell Secondary College for the day. We also welcomed some new families who will be joining the St Patrick’s school community next year. 

Also this week our Grade 5/6s headed off on camp to Cape Bridgewater. It was wonderful that this camp was able to go ahead after a number of venue and date changes. Meanwhile, at school our junior students took part in some hip-hop dancing and science experiments led by the team at Supreme Incursions. 

Next week we will celebrate the end of the year with more fun activities. On Tuesday our middle and senior students will head to the pool on Tuesday. While our junior students will travel to Cato Park. 

On Wednesday evening we will officially recognise our graduating Grade Six class of 2021. There will be a ceremony for students and their families in the hall at 6pm. This will be followed by a whole school BYO picnic on the school oval. The school will be supplying some children’s entertainment with a jumping pillow and slide as well ice-cream! 

We look forward to seeing as many families as possible at the picnic. A reminder that due to current COVID restrictions all adults will need to show evidence of vaccination or valid exemption. If you have any questions about this please contact me. 

Sacraments 

It was fabulous to be able to attend mass on Sunday and witness five St Patrick’s students receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. Well done to Edward Redford, Savannah Farrell, Ethan Jones, Maddison Prydderch and Jasmine Bolzon! 

Staffing Update 

It is with a heavy heart that I announce that Athena Li will be leaving our school community at the end of the school year. She has done a wonderful job teaching Chinese across the school this year in very difficult circumstances. Athena is taking up a teaching position closer to family in Melbourne. We wish her all the best in the future. The school is currently investigating how we will deliver Languages Other Than English (LOTE) for 2022 and beyond. 

2022 School Fees

After not increasing school fees in 2021, there will be a slight increase in fees for 2022. The Family tuition fee will increase from $950 to $980 and the Capital Levy will increase from $200 to $220. Please note there are a number of provisions in place for families in need and fees will never be a barrier for any student to attend St Patrick's. 

 With Faith in our Future 

Chris McAloon 

Wellbeing:

Welcome back to another week of wellbeing, these weeks keep continuing to rush away from us all. I bet everyone is looking forward to a festive Christmas break and/or spending time with loved ones you may not have seen for some time. 

Commencing in 2022 St Patrick’s Primary School have been lucky enough to be accepted into the Mental Health In Primary Schools Pilot Program. I want to share some information with you about this program. 

Mental Health and Wellbeing Coordinator – roles & responsibilities (MHWC)

The MHWC role differs from allied health wellbeing roles as it is not intended to provide one-to-one counselling to students.

Operating in collaboration with their school and wellbeing team where relevant, the purpose of this role is to:

• Promote a whole school approach to mental health and wellbeing in students, staff and families
• Support teachers and school staff to expand their capacity to embed evidence-based mental health strategies, interventions and programs and build mental health literacy to identify and support primary school students with mental health concerns
• Support their school to create clear internal and external pathways for referrals for students identified as requiring further mental health assessment and intervention
  
• Proactively work with and support regional staff, school wellbeing and leadership teams, teachers, parents/carers and other external agencies to coordinate targeted mental health support for primary school students
  
• Advocate for and value student voice and agency in their wellbeing and mental health needs.

I am very excited to take on the role of the MHWC at St Patrick’s Primary school commencing in 2022. I am a strong believer in promoting and supporting students' wellbeing as well as connecting with parents and the wider community. This program will take some parent involvement and engagement to help maximise the impact of the pilot program. This will, first of all, involve a Parent survey commencing around week 2, Term 1, 2022 for parents/guardians from Grades 2 - 4. I will keep you posted with any further information. 

Kind regards, 

Lillie Comitti - Wellbeing Coordinator. 

Teaching and Learning:

End of year celebrations:

The walls of the classrooms are starting to look emptier than they looked a month ago and  learning materials are starting to get organised for another year. The end of the school year invites an opportunity for our school community to pause and celebrate successes.  

Feelings of uncertainty, excitement, exhaustion, joy, anxiety, peace and relief are some of the emotions we can experience at this time. In the challenging times, we are living in wrapping up another year and preparing for a well-deserved summer break, I have a  lingering sadness filling my thoughts as I remember each student, the dedication of our school community, the successes, and the many challenges we have faced. 

As this school year comes to a close, it is important to acknowledge all the feelings that come with such a transition. They provide natural opportunities to pause and to acknowledge and celebrate successes. It can often be difficult to remember to pause so that we can refocus and regain balance. Taking the time to pause creates an opportunity to hit the reset button in our minds, to be more present, to more fully acknowledge the moments, thoughts, and emotions that are an important part of the end of the school year.  

We need to take time to celebrate our amazing achievements this year and reconnect with our community.  

Please join us at our School Picnic (see flyer) to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of our school and the community working together to ensure the best outcomes for our students. 

What are some of the moments of the school year that stand out? What are some of the challenges that yielded success? Celebrating the successes of the year helps end the year on a positive note. 

School Arts Trail

If you have not already please take the time to look at our communities “Schools Virtual Arts Trail, 2021” It is a fantastic showcase of artwork from students in our area and their talented teachers. A special thankyou to Mrs Cox Hayward for organising this. The link below will take you to a page that lists the six contributing schools in this year's arts trail.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VPae7-re2lMlCdz2FriB6cV_oHDNTrWOtO4zdOyXA-E/edit

Sacraments:

Congratulations to Jasmine Bolzon, Savannah Farrell, Maddison Prydderch, Ethan Jones, and Edward Redford who received their Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation on Sunday.  Thank you to Fr Andrew for officiating the Sacraments, it was a beautiful celebration.  A particular mention to the families and children themselves who were so supportive and understanding over the last eighteen months.

Catholics believe that the Sacraments are the means God uses to show His grace and help us achieve salvation.  The word sacrament means "a sign of the sacred," which is fitting as they are all outwards signs from God to us. Not only are they signs, but they are also celebrations of a continued journey and relationship with God, teachings to help live out God's word and ceremonies to show devotion to God.

Living in Faith:

Enhancing Catholic School Identity (ECSI) National Conference 

Last week I joined Catholic Educators from around Australia for the 2021 National Conference on Recontextualising Pedagogy.  The focus of the conference was about developing teacher practice in recontextualising.  Topics that were covered were:

 Leadership in the ECSI Space

• Teacher Practice for Recontextualisation
• Teacher Professional Formation for Recontextualisation
• Student Agency in Religious Education

5c Challenge is back:

St Patrick’s Primary School annual 5 cent challenge will start from tomorrow Friday 10th, 2021 and finish on the last day of Term. 

Last year our school community raised enough money to fund three children through the St Vincent de Paul Assist a Student program. 

Each classroom is participating in our annual 5cent challenge.  We are seeking donations of 5c coins to go into our money boxes in the classrooms. This fundraiser will run to the end of the Term.  

For more information please see:  https://www.vinnies.org.au/page/Our_Impact/International_Impact/Assist_a_student_today/

Vinnies Christmas Kindness Appeal

This Christmas donate to Vinnies. Your gift can change a life. There are families who are experiencing poverty and homelessness this Christmas and your help can provide them with much needed essentials like food, clothing and a place to call home. To donate go to https://donate.vinnies.org.au/christmas-kindness

Stawell Inter Church Council

Last Christmas Stawell Inter Church Council welfare and Stawell St Vincent de Paul helped 71 households, made up of 116 adults and 141 children, 13 years old and younger. They distributed Christmas grocery shopping vouchers totalling $6,705. This year they expect the demand to be even greater. Owing to Covid 19 there will be no distribution of toys and children’s books but if you would like to donate money towards helping those in need in our community this Christmas could you please give it to Mary Rita Thomas – 0438 836 180

Students are busy making a card and Christmas decoration to send to the Stawell InterChurch Council to accompany each person's care pack.

Friday is Zooper Dooper Day:  On  Friday  the Social Justice Team will be selling Zooper Doopers during lunchtime.  Zooper Doopers will be for sale for $1.00 each with all money raised going towards the St Vincent de Paul Sponsor a Student Program. 

Catholic School Parents Victoria (CSPV)

Catholic School Parents Victoria (CSPV) has a critical role to play in the Victorian Catholic education landscape, providing opportunities for parents of children in Catholic schools to provide their perspective on various areas in education that impact families and students.  Catholic School Parents Victoria Newsletter Term 4 click on the link below to view the newsletter:

https://vcspb.schoolzineplus.com/streamnews?nid=17

Some of the topics in this issue include:

• Opportunities to contribute to our new website

• Parent remote learning survey to provide your feedback

• CSPV Annual Report

• Parent Engagement in Child Safety - resources for parents

• Celebrating our partnership with principals

• CSPV response to Equal Opportunity (Religious Exceptions) Amendment Bill

St Patrick’s Parish Christmas Mass Times

Christmas Eve: Stawell 6pm, Ararat 7.30pm, Lake Bolac 9.15pm 

Christmas Morning: Landsborough 9am

Parish Bulletin:

Around Our Community:

Upcoming Events:

December 8-10th - 5/6 Camp to Cape Bridgewater

December 10th - Reports go home

December - 14th Grades 3-6 Pool Day/F-2 - BYO Picnic lunch and play at Cato Park

December 15th - Grade 6 Liturgy and Family BYO Christmas Picnic School Oval

December 16th- Students final day 3:15pm dismissal

December 17th-Teachers Final Day

January 27th - Staff return to school Term 1

January 31st 2022 - All Students start Term 1 

February 2nd -  Foundation rest day

April 8th 2022 - End Term 1

Acknowledgement of Country:

We acknowledge Traditional Owners and Custodians of this land on which our school stands.
We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging.
We thank them for sharing their cultures, spiritualities and ways of
living with the land in this place we all now call home.