Newsletter 83 - February 9th 2023

Bless and protect our St Patrick’s school Community 

Give wisdom to the decision makers, in our schools or in our homes.

 Expand the horizons of our minds, and deepen our commitment to seek the truth of your ways.

Enliven our faith to reach out to those in need, particularly those isolated and lonely.

 In these days when so much has changed, help us to trust in the love of your Son Jesus, Amen

Hi, to all students, staff and parents and carers of St. Patrick’s Primary School.

My name is Jodi McGeary, and I am so pleased and excited to be working with your school community again this year. Every Monday I will be fulfilling the role as the Pastoral Care Officer, offering support to students and families to promote positive welfare & wellbeing.

Outlined in the school newsletter, is some information regarding CatholicCare and the support and services that I can provide, during my time at St Pats. 

I am a qualified Counsellor with experience working with children and young people. I hope to incorporate ‘Mindfulness techniques’ along with social and emotional support to ensure a positive safe environment for students and their families. I look forward to meeting and getting to know the school community. Thank you Jodi McGeary. 

If you have any questions or would like to speak with Jodi please do not hesitate to contact Lillie Comitti on:

lcomitti@spstawell.catholic.edu.au

Or call the office and book a phone call. 

Thank you, Mental Health and Wellbeing Coordinator - Lillie Comitti 

We are so blessed at St Patricks to have an outstanding team supporting our students and each other's learning.  The strength of commitment found in our staff who continually strive to do their very best and learn best practice to ensure our children learn is appreciated by all.  We see this each day when they go above and beyond their duty.  The professional way in which they meet many challenges and care unconditionally for every child and each other in our school without exception is admirable. 

Next week Mr McAloon and myself will meet with Catholic Education Ballarat (CEB) staff to embark on our three year commitment to Professional Development in Structured Literacy.  This is in line with our Science of Learning and ensuring that our pedagogy is always best practice, researched and evidence based to ensure optimum outcomes for our students. 

"Let us thank all those who teach in Catholic Schools. Educating is an act of love; it is like giving life." Pope Francis.

Senior H:

We have all settled nicely back into life at St. Patrick’s in Senior H. Last week our learning was around the 5 Super Learning powers (see photo below). This included trust games, collaborative games and opportunities to take risks. We related these super powers to our learning.

This week in Reading and Writing we have been learning about persuasive writing devices in preparation for our persuasive writing next week around the topic of: ‘Should we celebrate Australia Day on the 26th of January?’

Grade 5 Maths students have been learning about place value and 6 digit numbers. Grade 6 Maths students have been rounding  decimal fractions and adding and subtracting decimal fractions.

In Science we have been investigating how physical conditions of the environment affect the survival of all living things. There have been some great conversations and interest in this topic, promoting a lot curiosity.

In Religion we have been learning about Commitment and will connect this with Ash Wednesday and Lent.

We have also started our swimming program this week in preparation for the swimming carnival that is coming up.

School Assemblies:

It is fantastic to have our  Friday school assemblies happening.  Our assemblies are led by a different class each week (see roster below) and 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.  

Week2: Senior H

Week 3: Foundation

Week4: No Assembly

Week 5: No Assembly

Week 6: Middle B

Week 7: Junior F

Week 8: Middle C

Week 9: Junior R

Week 10: Senior M

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 which may result in classroom teachers being out of the classroom.  We will endeavor to make note of this in the newsletter whenever possible.  

Week 5:

Wednesday 15/02/2023 Miss Lillie Comitti     Mental Health in primary schools - Building capacity (Online) 

Thursday, Friday 16-17/02/23 Mr Chris McAloon   Principals Meeting Horsham. 

Parent teacher interviews:

Parent Teacher interviews will take place on Wednesday 8th March, 2023.  Closer to the date, we will open up online booking for time slots. Instructions and more information will come closer to the date. 

The purpose of these meetings is to meet your child’s teacher and begin to develop a positive relationship to benefit your child and their learning. Effective partnerships are based on mutual trust and respect. Together as educators, school staff, parents and family members we share responsibility for each child at St Patrick’s.  We look forward to continuing collaborative relationships over the year. 

Fundraising Term 1, 2023: Fundraising efforts in Term 1 2023 will continue to focus on St Vincent de Paul sponsor a student program.  If you are able, please save up your 5 cent pieces and drop them in the tub in the classrooms.  We will have the 5 cent challenge & Friday Zooper Dooper day happening . 

Maryanne Comitti                                 Religious Education Leader 

Opening school mass:

It was great to celebrate our opening school mass (see photos below)  at Church after COVID disruptions have prevented us from gathering as a whole community.   All the students should be commended on their behaviour they displayed reverence throughout the mass.  Thankyou to our parents and community who came along to celebrate with us.   

Thankyou to Fr Andrew for celebrating mass.  During the mass Fr Andrew read the Gospel reading about salt and light.  … Matthew 5:13-16

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven".

During his homily Fr Andrew encouraged us to strive to keep our lights shining brightly to make the world a better place in all that we do and say.

We are thrilled to be able to invite our school community to celebrate Harmony Day on Monday 20th March, 2023. 

Harmony Day is a day where we celebrate our cultural diversity, it is about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. 

Students will work with the footsteps dance instructor from Melbourne at an allocated time during the school day to learn a cultural dance. 

Students and our St Patrick’s Community are then invited to come together for an evening celebration which will commence at approximately 5:00 pm followed by a community meal.   

*Parents & Friends will be organising a casserole dinner, more details to come. 

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/

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.

Every Friday for Term 1 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. 

Scarlett Rickard-For the fantastic work you've been doing with writing the numbers 1-10. Keep up the sensational work! 

George Darker-For the hard work you put into writing your name on the correct lines. Keep up the sensational work! 

Beau Cullen-For being self-motivated and a risk taker when completing all your work. I am so proud of all your hard work.

Saviero Di Pietro-For being curious in your learning and asking questions to learn new information.

Isaac O'Callaghan - For using your self-motivated super power and having such a positive mindset towards your learning.

Mac Bibby-For being a risk-taker and backing yourself to complete your learning. Keep up the super work!

Harper Bibby-For your fantastic and confident contributions to our class discussions about the book 'Flood'. 

Tahlia Darker-For displaying great use of your collaborative learning superpower and working productively with others.

Kayde Werry-For being a self-motivated learner and putting in 100% effort into everything you do in the classroom.

Bailey Matthews-For being a collaborative member of the classroom and sharing positive feedback to your classmates.

Jayde Lowe-For taking risks in her learning by being brave and having a go! Well done Jayde!

Jett Virgin-For being a curious learner, especially in the area of Science. Keep it up Jett!

Mahli Willis-For your willingness to engage in whole class discussions. Keep it up Mahli.

Savannah Farrell-For continuing to challenge yourself to the best possible learner during Maths.

Congratulations to these students who celebrated their birthday  this week:

Lexie Bailey

                                                                             Isaac O'Callaghan

Hi There,
I am reaching out with a great opportunity for your young female students to attend upcoming All-Girls introductory soccer clinics within your region in advance of the upcoming Women’s World Cup being held in Australia and NZ.

Together with the SWVFA and local clubs we are hosting 3 Girls Only Soccer Clinics focused on learning, participation, and fun – with no prior experience or exposure required. The sessions will only cost $5, with players able to attend 1 or all if they wish, and are located as follows:

• Sun 19th March - Harris Street Reserve, Warrnambool
• Sun 26th March - Friendly Societies Reserve, Portland
• Sun 2nd April – North Park, Stawell
  
  

More information and how to register can be found in the QR code in the attached flyer, or via https://www.gofootball.com.au/play/pick-your-location/swvfa

Thank you in advance for supporting this initiative.

Regards,
Lach

PO Box 124 La Trobe University VIC 3083
12 Terrace Way Macleod VIC 3085
footballvictoria.com.au

Run from the Stawell Neighbourhood House,

 Funky Friday 2023  date claimer:

 17 February -  17th Ninja Warrior

3 March – Taiko Drum workshop for Harmony Day

28 April – Arts and crafts

26 May – MasterChef

23 June – PRIDE event, support Rainbow Alliance

18 July – PJ party DJ workshop

18 August – Book week/storytellers club/dress up

15th September – Pizza party

27th  October – Halloween

24th November – Christmas themed