Newsletter 94- May 11th 2023
Prayer of the Week:
Gracious God, we thank you for the love and care of our mothers and those who are like mothers to us.
We place our mothers in your tender care.
We ask you to give them strength when they are weary, knowledge and understanding when they are unsure, compassion and kindness when they are struggling and hearts full of love and joy.
We ask this prayer through Jesus your Son.
All: Amen.
Principal's Report:
Welcome
This Sunday we celebrate Mother’s Day which is a time to reflect on the influential figures in our lives who have nurtured, cared for, and shaped us into who we are today. One person who stands out is Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Mary holds a significant place in religious and cultural history, but beyond that, she represents qualities that many mothers embody. She exemplifies strength, compassion, resilience, and unwavering love for her child. Mary's journey as a mother was filled with joy, but also with immense challenges and sacrifice.
One aspect that stands out about Mary is her faith. She embraced her role as the mother of Jesus, even though it meant accepting a divine and extraordinary calling. Her unwavering faith allowed her to face the uncertainties and difficulties that came with raising a child destined for a significant purpose.
Mary's love and devotion to Jesus are also noteworthy. She supported him throughout his life, from his birth in a humble manger to his crucifixion. She witnessed both moments of triumph and deep sorrow, yet she remained steadfast in her love for her son. Mary's presence at the foot of the cross, even in the face of such immense pain, exemplifies a mother's unconditional love and unwavering support.
Mary's humility and humility are inspiring. Despite her role in bringing forth the Son of God, she remained humble and focused on her purpose. She never sought attention or personal glory but instead dedicated herself to serving God and her family.
As I reflect on Mary on Mother's Day, I am reminded of the countless mothers around the world who embody these same qualities. They selflessly give of themselves, guide their children with love and wisdom, and inspire them to reach their full potential. They are the nurturing forces that shape the future generation.
Mother's Day is an opportunity to express gratitude to all the mothers, including Mary, who have left a lasting impact on our lives. It is a time to honor their sacrifices, celebrate their love, and acknowledge the profound role they play in shaping our world.
With Faith in Our Future
Chris McAloon
School lunch orders are going online:
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Please note that the Highway Milkbar who provide our school lunch orders have moved to an online ordering system and will be phasing out the paperbag and cash ordering system over the next few weeks. Information regarding the QKR ("Quicker") app and how to get set up for online ordering is attached. Once downloaded, you will also have access to a new and current menu and price list. Any paper price lists you have at home should be disposed of as prices have changed.
*If you have any questions,
please direct them to the Highway Milkbar on
5358 3999.
A word from the office:
Foundation 2024
Do you have a child due to start Foundation at St Pat's in 2024?
If so, please contact the office as soon as possible to add their details to the waiting list. 2024 enrolments will be are now open and siblings of current students are prioritised.
Kind regards, Anna Wadge Business Manager
Wellbeing:
Teaching and Learning:
School Assemblies: 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.
Why have a school assembly?
The intention behind implementing a regular whole school assembly is to develop a feeling of unity and a positive school culture among the students, staff and our St Patrick’s community. Simply put, gathering together strengthens the way our school works. Whether singing a song together, watching a performance by fellow students, sharing class learning or sharing events that have been happening in our community, our goal is to create camaraderie, ignite school spirit and help instill students and families with a sense of belonging. School assembly provides students with the opportunity to develop their confidence by speaking and sharing their learning and thoughts.
Each learning community will take a turn throughout the term to host assembly and showcase their class learning. Coming together to celebrate success, showcase learning or strengthen commitment to shared goals is time invested in making St Patrick’s a special place to be.
Week 3: 12th May Middle B
Week 4: 19th May Junior R
Week 5: 26th May Catholic Education week
Week 6: 2nd June Middle C
Week 7: 9th June No Assembly school closure day
Week 8: 16th June Junior F
Week 9: 23rd June Foundation
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.
Week 4
Monday 15th May, 2023 Miss Kerrie Ryan Learning Diversity Leader
Tuesday 16th May, 2023 Mr Chris McAloon Principals Quality Meeting
Thurs 18th & Fri 19th May 2023 Mr Chris McAloon Principals Meeting
Middle B:
Middle B have had a great start to the term and have jumped straight back into their learning.
Sentence A Day
Everyday during writing, we participate in a ‘Sentence A Day’ session. During these sessions we explore how to write different types of sentences and how to expand them. The students are given a picture and asked to write a specific sentence for it or are given a picture and kernel sentence and asked to use question words to expand the sentence.
It has been amazing to see the improvement in the students’ writing skills and their confidence. Everyone is proud of their writing and more than willing to share their sentences with the class and the rest of the school.
Note Taking
Last week, we began learning how to take notes. We learnt how to identify keywords and phrases in a text. We read a text on Sun Bears and after identifying the keywords used them to write dot points. We then turned these dot points into sentences.
Non Fiction Texts
This week we have been learning about the structures and features of non-fiction texts. We have been using the book ‘A-Z of Endangered Animals’ by Jennifer Cossins, which Beverly has kindly brought in for us, to help us with our learning.
Spelling
We have been focusing on learning the spelling rules for plurals. So far we have worked on adding s, es and ies to words to change them from singular to plural.
Religion
We have been exploring the concept of ‘Unity’ and what this looks, sounds and feels like. As a class we worked in small groups using our COLLABORATIVE superpower to create a UNITY display.
Maths
Grade 3
In Grade 3 Maths, we have been exploring written and mental strategies with addition and mass and capacity.
Grade 4
In Grade 4 Maths, we have been exploring subtraction algorithms, written and mental strategies and mass. We are also continuing to improve our times table knowledge.
Inquiry
In the first week of this term, we learnt about ANZAC DAY and together with Middle C we created a wreath. All the students made a material flower and a leaf to attach to the wreath and then we all walked down to the war memorial to pay our respects. Our SRC representatives laid the wreath on behalf of both classes and we respectfully listened to the last post and offered our prayers and thanks.
I was very proud of the way in which the students represented our school on this day.
Over several years we have been researching how we can improve our students' writing and this journey has led us to The Hochman Method - The Writing Revolution. Myself, Ms Comitti and Mrs Harney all took part in The Writing Revolutionary (TWR) American based course last year. Throughout this all teaching staff have been learning about TWR during our Teaching and Learning meetings.
The Writing Revolution provides teachers with an evidence-based and proven instructional methodology, the Hochman Method Ⓡ The methodology rests on explicit, carefully sequenced instruction, building from sentences to compositions. The Hochman Method is not a separate writing curriculum but rather an approach designed to be adapted to and embedded in the content being taught in any subject area and at any grade level.
The 6 principles of the Hochman method: 1. Students need explicit instruction in writing, beginning in the early primary school years.
2. Sentences are the building blocks of all writing.
3. When embedded in the content of the curriculum, writing instruction is a powerful teaching tool.
4. The content of the curriculum drives the rigor of the writing activities.
5. Grammar is best taught in the context of student writing.
6. The two most important phases of the writing process are planning and revising.
In April Mahli Willis and Aiden Guerrero played for SWVFA (South West Victoria football) in Mount Gambier for the Stawell Pioneers. Mahli’s team won 1 and Aiden's team won 1 and drew for the other games. Aiden said it was very fun and challenging and Mahli said it was exciting and the temperature was just right, it sounded like it was quite a good day. They played against every soccer team there which were Port Fairy, Hamilton, Portland and two teams from Warrnambool so they were quite familiar with the people they were playing against. I guess the three hour drive there paid off with both teams going home with a win.
Students of the week:
Allyshia Bourke - For the hard work and dedication you’re putting into sounding out words and putting them back together.
Ruby Driscoll - For always being a motivated and dedicated learner. Keep up the great work Ruby.
Evie Field - For the wonderful learning you have been doing this term. It has been so good to see you using all your superpowers. Keep it up!
James Hooper - For always having a positive attitude towards school life. Your ability to use all your superpowers makes you a great role model to others. Keep being awesome!
Edwina Crouch - For the resilience you have been showing in challenging times. Keep smiling Ed!
Edie Macpherson - For your demonstration of resilience and collaboration. Keep up the super work Edie
Akech Kur - For the fantastic sentences you have been writing during our Sentence a Day sessions. You have shown a great use of the question words to expand your sentences. Well Done!
Jack Duxson - For the amazing sentences you have been writing during our Sentence a Day sessions. Your use of adjectives and adverbs has really expanded your sentences. Keep up the great writing!
Lilly Hine - For being a self-motivated learner this term in mathematics and pushing yourself in your learning. Keep it up!
Fletcher Thomas - For your fantastic attitute towards learning this term and creating some great sentences in writing. Well done Fletcher!
Archie Macpherson - For your well written autobiography. You have worked so hard to produce such a strong piece of writing! Well done Archie!
Maya Sanderson - For the resilience and persistence you show during all learning activities! Well done Maya!
Logan Piatkov - For the skill and sportsmanship you showed at last week’s Athletics Sports. Well done Logan!
Jobe Allen - For demonstrating resilience at last week’s Athletics Sports. It was wonderful watching you step outside of your comfort zone.
Athletics Sports Day 2023
On Friday, our school held their Athletics Sports Carnival at North Park. Although it was on the cooler side, we were lucky that the rain held off for us to complete all the events. It was fantastic to walk around and see all 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:
Nita Evans, Jen Stevens, Simon Jones, Marnie Portelli and Greg Carter for their help setting up early on Friday morning.
Our past students - Angie, Hayley, Amara, Jai, Jack Stevens, Jack Harney, Darcy, Ayva, Lilly, Miley and Millie for helping out at the field events.
Jo Gehan for her work behind the scenes with the scoring system.
Jane and Amber for scoring all day.
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, thankyou 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. These students will receive their certificates at tomorrow’s assembly.
Leon Moloney Sport Co-ordinator
Overall Results:
Mackillop 601 points
Joseph 595 points
Barrett 594 point
12 & Over Boys
Champion: Aiden Guerreo
Runner Up: Hamish Campbell
Sportsperson Award: Callum Reading
12 & Over Girls
Champion: Savannah Farrell
Runner Up: Matilda Egan
Sportsperson Award: Laila Gready
11 Year old Boys
Champion: Liam Cameron
Runner Up: Jackson Notting
Sportsperson Award: Henry Wadge
11 Year old Girls
Champion: Greta Thomas
Runner Up: Emily Nutting, Chloe Pearce
Sportsperson Award: Mackenzie Farrell
10 Year old Boys
Champion: William Lasslett
Runner Up: Luke Fulton
Sportsperson Award: Thomas Truong
10 Year old Girls
Champion: Adi Ratcliffe
Runner Up: Mia Bailey
Sportsperson Award: Zarli Nicholson
9 Year old Boys
Champion: Tanner Freeland
Runner Up: Fletcher Thomas
Sportsperson Award: Jack Wadge
9 Year old Girls
Champion: Sophie O’Callaghan, Bailey Matthews
Runner Up: Lilly Hine
Sportsperson Award: Aaliyah Carlsen
8 Year old Boys
Champion: Mason Whitfield
Runner Up: Mac Bibby
Sportsperson Award: Curtis Calantog
8 Year old Girls
Champion: Marianne Duxson
Runner Up: Edie Macpherson
Sportsperson Award: Alivia Rolph
7 Year old Boys
Champion: Max Lasslett
Runner Up: Hunter Weavell, Harrison Sutherland, Alfie Freeland
Sportsperson Award: James Hooper
7 Year old Girls
Champion: Evie Field, Bonnie Wickham
Runner Up: Dixie Davenport
Sportsperson Award: Delilah Terwisscha Van Scheltinga
6 Year old Boys
Champion: George Darker
Runner Up: Archer Cooper
Sportsperson Award: Kaison Portelli
6 Year old Girls
Champion: Evie Gready
Runner Up: Elektra McGaffin
Sportsperson Award: Chelsea Duck
A few snaps of the day...
Mary McKillop 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.
This weeks award recipiant is Edward. For For going out of his way to help another student.
Thank you
Living in Faith:
I am writing to you all with a reminder about help that is available in Stawell for families in need. We are all aware of families who are struggling with back to school expenses. The St Vincent de Paul Society, Stawell, can help. Please contact us by ringing -0437 344 323 and leaving a voice message. We will follow up all requests within 24 hours.
For food and grocery shopping vouchers Stawell Inter Church Council Welfare has The Cottage at 20 Sloane St. Open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10.30am - 12.30pm. For out of hours emergencies ring -0408 038 949.
Both these local groups are manned by local volunteers and all that they do is strictly confidential. If you need any more information please contact me.
Yours, Mary Rita Thomas Secretary, St Vincent de Paul Society Stawell, and Stawell Inter Church Council and Welfare
Second hand uniforms: At this time of year please consider if your child’s uniform is too small and donate it to the second hand uniform bank, if still in great condition. We are in need of uniforms in larger sizes if anyone has any lying around. Likewise if you need a new uniform now or for next year, please call into the office and leave you request to be filled for your collection, as we have a large amount available. * If you are able, uniform purchase is a gold coin donation.
Thank you for your help in fundraising for this great cause
Purple Day is a global initiative dedicated to raising epilepsy awareness, dispelling myths, and increasing support for people living with epilepsy. Founded in 2008 by nine-year-old Cassidy Megan of Nova Scotia, Canada, the Purple Day concept was born out of Cassidy’s own struggles with epilepsy, her motivation to get people talking about the condition, and her desire to let those impacted by seizures know that they are not alone. Cassidy named the day ‘Purple Day’ after the internationally recognised colour for epilepsy, lavender.
Since that time, Purple Day has grown into a much loved and supported national awareness day with thousands of people across Australia rallying their private, academic, and corporate communities to raise much needed awareness and funds to provide services for more than 250,000 Australians currently living with epilepsy.
We are so grateful to you all for your generosity we were able to raise $281.40 and donmate this to the Epilepsy foundation for further research and support.
Lenny and Evie helping to count the purple day money raised.
Please follow us on instagram; stpatsstawell
Parents and Friends News:
Mothers day stall - Tomorrow Friday 12th May, 2023
Thankyou to our Parents & Friends who have been working very hard to organise our Mothers Day Stall. Students will be able to purchase gift/s with prices ranging from $3, 5, 7, and $10.
*Please send the students with a small amount of money to spend.
Winter sports -Thursday May 25th, 2023 - all teams will be needed to run this event as we will be co-ordinating canteens at both North and Central Parks. Please let Vaughan, Kate S, or Libby know if you are able to volunteer or if you are unable to help on the day can you please make a slice and drop to school office ASAP. Thankyou to our hard working parents.
We appreciate and value your support. Parents & Friends Committee
Birthdays:
Congratulations to this student who celebrated their birthday this week: Bonnie Wickham
Around Our Community:
The Strengthening Parent Support Program supports parents and carers of children with disability and additional needs and importantly your child does not require any formal diagnosis for you to join this group.
SPSP aims to provide parents with the opportunity to meet other local families in a supportive, relaxed setting where they can socialise, share information or take part in training programs to support them in their caring role. We aspire to offer a network where parents don’t feel alone or judged and allows them to engage freely with peers who may be experiencing very similar trials, challenges and joys in their daily life. So if you care for someone with additional needs we would love to meet you.
Upcoming Events:
Acknowledgement of Country:
We acknowledge the Djab Wurrung and Jardwadjali people as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this land. 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.