Newsletter 176- October 30th 2025
Prayer of the Week:
World Teacher’s Day 2025
Gracious and loving God,
We give thanks for all teachers —
For their dedication, their patience, and their tireless efforts
to nurture minds, inspire hearts, and shape the future.
We thank You for the gift of knowledge
and for those who guide others to discover truth,
to grow in wisdom, and to find their unique voice in the world.
Bless our teachers with strength when days are long,
with courage when challenges come,
and with joy in the small, unseen victories they create every day.
May they know that their work is sacred —
that in every lesson, every conversation, every moment of care,
they are reflecting Your love and forming Your people.
We pray for teachers everywhere —
In classrooms, staffrooms, schools, and communities across the world.
May they be renewed in spirit and heart,
and always supported in their important mission
Amen.
Principal:
Thank you for your patience and understanding while the SIMON team continues to investigate the recent system issue. We are very pleased to confirm that there has been no data breach, with SIMON’s existing security features successfully preventing any unauthorised access.
The Parent Access Module (PAM) and SIMONEverywhere app remain offline while final security reviews and updates are completed. We expect these services to be back up and running within the next week or so. When they return, you may notice some new security features reflecting the team’s commitment to strengthening system protection.
We sincerely appreciate everyone’s cooperation and support during this time. We continue to ask that if you need to log a student absence, update medical details, or provide excursion consent, please contact the school directly at 📧 office@spstawell.catholic.edu.au or 📞 5358 2493.
Sporting Congratulations
A huge congratulations to our Year 6 cricketers who represented St Patrick’s with great skill and teamwork at yesterday’s competition. Our boys’ team finished as runners-up, showcasing excellent sportsmanship and determination throughout the day. Our girls’ team had an outstanding run, winning all of their games to progress through to the next level of competition!
We are so proud of their efforts, energy and team spirit — both on and off the field. Congratulations to all involved and thank you to the staff and families who supported the teams on the day.
Year 3/4 Camp
Next week our Year 3/4 students will be heading off to Roses Gap for their camp — always a highlight of the school year! We wish all students and staff a fantastic few days filled with adventure, teamwork, and new experiences in the great outdoors. Camps like these are wonderful opportunities for students to challenge themselves, build independence, and strengthen friendships.
We look forward to hearing all about their adventures when they return!
Monday Attendance
Please note that there is not a school closure day on the Monday before the Melbourne Cup. All students are expected to attend school as normal.
We are now entering our end-of-year assessment period, and it is important that student attendance remains as consistent as possible during this time. Every day counts, and we appreciate your support in keeping absences to a minimum so teachers can gather the most accurate information about student learning and progress.
Bettina
Wellbeing:
Looking After Each Other in the Yard
At St Patrick’s Primary School we want every child to feel safe and supported during recess and lunch. If your child has an issue in the yard, whether it’s a friendship problem or something else, we encourage them to seek help from a yard duty teacher.
Our staff are actively supervising and recording any incidents, which are reviewed daily. This helps us respond quickly and support students when needed. If issues continue, please don’t hesitate to speak with your child’s classroom teacher.
We’re also reinforcing the Stop Strategy, which helps students manage minor conflicts on their own:
- Hold up a hand like a stop sign
- Say firmly: “Stop, I don’t like it.”
- If it stops, great!
- If it continues, ask a teacher for help
It can be really helpful to practise this strategy at home through simple role play so your child feels confident using it in real situations.
Thank you for working in partnership with us to help your child build positive and respectful relationships.
Rights, resilience and Respectful relationships
This term in Respectful Relationships, students are learning about Help Seeking and Problem solving.
Help Seeking (Grade ⅚)
Students are learning:
- Recognising when to seek help: Understanding situations where they might need support, whether for personal, social, or school-related challenges.
- Identifying trusted adults and peers: Knowing who they can approach for help, including teachers, parents, friends, or other safe adults.
- Expressing their needs clearly: Learning to communicate what support they need in a respectful and confident way.
- Understanding rights and responsibilities: Recognising that it’s okay to ask for help and that everyone deserves support when needed.
Problem Solving (grade ¾)
Students are learning:
- Identifying problems: Understanding how to notice and define problems clearly.
- Considering options: Thinking about different ways to respond to a problem and evaluating possible solutions.
- Making decisions and taking action: Choosing appropriate solutions and acting responsibly.
- Reflecting on outcomes: Looking back on what worked, what didn’t, and how to improve for next time.
- Collaborating with others: Using communication and cooperation skills to solve problems in respectful and positive ways.
Helpful Resources for Families:
Maggie Dent
Navigating Child Friendships: What to do when your kid has been rejected
Podcasts for Kids & Families
- The Grow Your Mind Podcast
Hosted by kids for kids, this podcast uses storytelling, expert interviews, and humour to help children understand mental health and resilience. Grow Your Mind - Short & Curly
An ABC podcast that explores ethical dilemmas with humour and big questions, perfect for sparking thoughtful conversations with children. ABC - Wow in the World
Guides curious kids and their grown-ups through stories in science, technology, and history, offering engaging STEM content. Newy with Kids - Circle Round
Tells folk tales from around the world, bringing them to life with actors, making it ideal for bedtime or family listening. Make Tech Easier - Story Pirates
Features stories written by kids, adapted into radio plays by comedians and actors, providing entertaining and creative content. Ella's List
Apps for Family Wellbeing
- Daily Growth
Developed by Deakin University, this app offers parents tailored, evidence-based advice through videos, helping navigate challenges like mealtime, bedtime, and sibling issues.
Lillie Marshman
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- World Teacher's Day Celebration
Week 5- Senior M
Week 6- Combined 3/4 Camp Assembly
Week 7- Junior C
Week 8- Foundation
Week 9- Year 3/4 B
Week 10- P&F Christmas Raffle Draw
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 4 Week 5-6
Senior R:
As the year is drawing to a close, it has been wonderful to reflect on all we have been learning about and the experiences we have had this year. We will be sharing these with you at our assembly on Friday.
In Reading, we are reading two novels. The first is The Last Bear which is included in our rotations and the second, Detention, which is our class novel study. The students are busy uplevelling their fluency and comprehension skills while gaining an understanding of how some children’s lives can be so different to their own.
For Writing we have been splitting into Grade 5 and Grade 6 groups. The Grade 5 students have been writing their application letters for 2026 Leadership Positions and the focus and effort they have put into these has been outstanding. The Grade 6 students have been writing letters to give to their parents at their graduation and I am certain some of these will bring a tear to the eye.
The Grade 5’s have been solving long division problems using brackets. While this concept has proven to be a little challenging, I am so proud of the resilience and determination the students have shown to ensure they can do this successfully. The Grade 6’s have also been working hard by solving problems that include percentages, converting common and decimal fractions and the transformation of shape.
In Auslan, we have mastered the colours we have been learning and included a bit of SASS (Size and Shape Specifier) in our signs. The progress from individual signs to signing sentences has been wonderful to watch.
The main activity this week has been organising everything for our Socktober event last Friday. The students have shown excellent leadership in choosing an activity, getting everything they need for it, negotiating locations to work and advertising. It was a great time!
I hope this term slows down a little bit. The emotions that come with teaching Grade 6 and having to say goodbye at the end of the year are starting to kick in. I am so proud of what all my Grade 5/6 students achieved this year.
I hope you enjoyed Assembly last week,
Miss Ryan
Teaching and Learning
This week, or in the weeks moving forward, you may hear your child mention that they completed their PAT tests at school. PAT stands for Progressive Achievement Tests, which help teachers understand each student’s learning progress and identify the next steps in their development.
At St Patrick’s, students complete several PAT assessments each year:
- PAT-R (Reading) – looks at how well students understand and interpret different types of texts.
- PAT-M (Mathematics) – assesses mathematical understanding and problem-solving skills.
- PAT Spelling – focuses on students’ knowledge of spelling patterns and rules.
- PAT Grammar and Punctuation – checks how well students use and understand sentence structure and punctuation.
These assessments form one part of the bigger picture we use to understand each child’s learning. Alongside classroom tasks, teacher observations and student work samples, PAT data helps inform end-of-year reports and guides decisions about intervention and boost group opportunities, ensuring every child receives the support and challenge they need to continue growing.
Students of the Week:
Week 3:
Sophie Sanderson - For showing persistence and not giving up when things get tricky. You are building confidence and accuracy when writing numbers past 20.
Oliver Dickson - For noticing when someone needs help and offering support. Thank you for making our classroom a kind and caring place to learn.
Ada Baulch - For always identifying the needs of others and showing much care and compassion for all those around her. Thank you Ada, we are so lucky to have you in our classroom.
Anthony Truong - For always being such an enthusiastic and capable learner. I'm so impressed with the way you listen so carefully and approach all tasks with confidence and ease. Congratulations!
Harry Devery - For the confident contributions you have been making during InitiaLit lessons this week. You are always ready to share and have grown so much in your spelling. Well done Harry!
Chevy Haynes - For the risk-taking you have been taking in your learning in InitiaLit and Maths lessons this week. You continue to achieve lots of success Chevy, keep up the hard work!
Fletcher Jones - For the fantastic and creative letter you wrote as Baby Bear to Goldilocks. You did an amazing job and I'm very proud of you. Keep it up!
Hunter Weavell - For your excellent use of modal words in your persuasive sentences. You have certainly put them to good use. Well done.
Max Lasslett - For your enthusiastic participation in learning and for contributing insightful ideas and resolutions that supported our classroom community.
Ace Rowe - For demonstrating initiative and independence in taking responsibility for cleaning and caring for our shared learning space.
Archie Coxon - For using all your Superpowers in your learning. It is wonderful to see you taking your work to the next level. Keep up the fabulous work, you are achieving great things!
Awuom Kur - For consistently being the best learner you can be. You are a wonderful role model to others by following school values, using your Superpowers and always accepting and using feedback to uplevel your work. You are a superstar!
Lily Sanderson - For your willingness to accept challenges in Maths when working with multiplication algorithms. Well done Lily!
Oliver Sutherland - For the curiosity you show in the classroom every single day. Your questions and insights are an asset to our classroom. Keep striving to be your absolute best!
Week 4:
No Students of the Week this week.
Cricket 8's 2025:
On Tuesday, two teams of Grade 5 and 6 students walked to North Park to play in a Super 8’s cricket tournament against other schools from around the region. Each student displayed both fantastic skill and great sportsmanship qualities while representing our school.The boys won every game to qualify for the grand final where unfortunately they were beaten by Ararat West while the girls’ team went through the day undefeated winning the final by 27 runs. They will now progress to the next level in Ballarat. A big thankyou to Miss Warren and Ryder Sullivan for helping out on the day, the parents who came along to support their child and the Grade 6 girls and P & F helpers who helped out in the canteen.
Living in Faith:
The Religious Connection to Halloween in the Catholic Faith Tradition
As the end of October approaches, we often see Halloween celebrated with costumes, decorations and trick-or-treating. While these customs are fun and light-hearted, the celebration has deep roots in the Catholic faith tradition, closely linked to one of the most meaningful times in the Church’s liturgical calendar — the Feast of All Saints and All Souls’ Day.
The name Halloween comes from All Hallows’ Eve — the vigil of All Hallows’ (All Saints’) Day on November 1. This feast day calls Catholics to honour all the saints — those officially recognised by the Church. It is a time to remember the many people who lived lives of faith, courage and compassion, such as St Patrick and St Mary Mackillop who are two very special saints to us at St Patrick's.
The following day, All Souls’ Day on November 2, invites us to pray for all who have died, especially our loved ones, trusting in God’s mercy and the promise of eternal life.
In the early Church, the night before All Saints’ Day was a time of reflection and prayer. Christians would light candles. Over time, cultural practices such as dressing in costumes and sharing food became part of how communities prepared for this sacred time.
For Catholics today, Halloween can be seen as an opportunity to reflect on those of the past, the goodness and courage that they had to stand up for what they believed in. While we can still enjoy the fun and creativity of the season, we are also called to remember its sacred meaning — to honour the saints, to pray for the dead, and to celebrate God’s everlasting love.
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
Sec. and Public Officer, Stawell Inter Church Council (welfare Cottage)
President, Stawell conference of the St Vincent de Paul Society
FUNDRAISING:
Each Friday our MiniVinnies group will be selling Zooper Doopers for $1.00 each. This is a 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
Term 4 Week 3:
Paige
For being a learner and keen to help fellow classmates.
Thank you for your Kindness.
Term 4 Week 4:
Judd
For looking after his classmate at assembly.
Thank you for your Kindness.
Birthdays:
Congratulations to these students who celebrate their birthday in week 3 & 4:
Evie F, Thomas, Jarli, Liam, Ted G, Lewis, Texas, Sophie S, Chevy, Jack W, Zoey and Bridgette
Parents and Friends:
On Tuesday we wrapped up our final catering gig for the 2025 fundraising year at the Black Ranges Cricket 8’s.
A big thank you to Jake Goodes, Mel Sutherland, Marietta Rowe and the Grade Six girls who all assisted me, as well as to the general committee who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make it another successful day.
All that’s left now is our Christmas Raffle! We encourage everyone to sell as many tickets as possible to help us reach our 2025 fundraising goal, and to give yourself the chance to win one of three amazing prizes. If you need extra books, please see the school office.
A reminder that our AGM will be held on November 17th at 6.30pm, in the school hall. All positions will be declared open, with a number of current members stepping down.
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 July 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.