Newsletter 175- October 16th 2025
Prayer of the Week:
God, thank you for Spring and the hope of warmer, longer, brighter days.
Thank you for the coming of growth and life and birth.
Thank you that things are coming awake in the world.
This is what our calendar says, and we do see some signs that it is real.
But we also still struggle with the residual layover of winter.
Now we ask that you bring into reality all that belongs in this season.
Your word says that we will have provision, and hope, and joy, and health and loving relationships here and now in this life.
We ask that what belongs in this season would become actual in our practical lives.
We hope in you and in your promises. We hope in your gift of Spring.
Amen.
From the Principal’s Desk:
It has been a wonderful start to the term. The sunshine and warmer weather have brought plenty of smiles to the playground, and it’s been great to see everyone settling quickly back into the rhythm of school life.
School Disco
Last week’s school disco was a huge success. The students had a fantastic time dancing and laughing together. A heartfelt thank you to our Parents and Friends (PNF) for organising this event. Your efforts in creating such memorable experiences for our students are truly appreciated.
Parents and Friends AGM
Our PNF Annual General Meeting will be held soon, and we warmly invite all parents to consider getting involved. The PNF is a vital part of our school community, supporting initiatives that enrich student learning and build community connection.
Meetings are relaxed, friendly, and a great opportunity to catch up socially with other parents while contributing to the life of the school. Please consider coming along – your ideas, energy and enthusiasm are always welcome.
Building Update
Our building works have now progressed to a new stage, with the tender process currently underway. We’ve worked through several of the hurdles that were holding things up – there’s still one more to go, but we’re confident in the progress.
While the new building was originally designed as a Foundation Learning Hub, plans have been adjusted to best meet the needs of our growing school. With two Foundation classes planned for 2026, and a strong desire to have these classrooms side-by-side to support team teaching and shared learning experiences, another year level will now move into the new space when it is finished in the 2026 school year. This will ensure the Foundation classes can remain together in the Junior Hub in 2026.
At this stage, we anticipate construction will begin in January, once building companies return from their Christmas break. This marks an exciting step forward in bringing this long-awaited project to life.
Bettina
Wellbeing:
💚 World Mental Health Day – 10 October
World Mental Health Day reminds us that mental health matters for everyone – children, teens and adults.
It is a chance to:
- Start conversations
- Reduce stigma
- Show that it’s OK to ask for help
Parents and caregivers play an important role in supporting children’s wellbeing. Even small actions at home - talking about feelings, finding balance with school and technology, or modelling healthy coping skills can make a big difference.
This Special Report shares simple, practical ways your family can acknowledge and support mental health together.
Special Report Link https://spstawell.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-world-mental-health-day-au
Raising Children Network – A Trusted Support for Families
https://raisingchildren.net.au/
Raising Children Network is Australia’s leading parenting website, supported by experts from The Royal Children’s Hospital, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and the Parenting Research Centre.
It provides free, reliable and practical information to support families from pregnancy right through to the teenage years.
Families can find help with:
- Child development and milestones
- Behaviour, emotions and wellbeing
- Routines such as sleep, eating and screen time
- School transitions and learning
- Family relationships and parenting strategies
Raising Children Network also offers free podcasts and webinars designed for busy parents:
- Raising Learners Podcast – short episodes with experts on topics like confidence, friendships, resilience, learning, and online safety.
- Parent Webinars – live and recorded sessions on sleep, behaviour, anxiety, school transitions, healthy habits and more.
These are easy to listen to at home, in the car, or on the go!
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 2- Year 3/4 H
Week 3- Senior R
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 3-4
This term across the school, students are learning about the topics of My Body, Life Cycles, and Relationships. At St Patrick’s, we use the Fullness of Life for All resource to approach these topics through a Catholic lens that upholds the dignity of each person and supports the development of healthy, respectful relationships.
This resource is produced by the Catholic Education Office Ballarat (CEOB) in response to the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria’s commitment to the Victorian Government’s child safety reforms. These reforms require all school governing authorities to ensure appropriate education about healthy and respectful relationships (including sexuality), together with education about child abuse awareness and prevention.
The Diocese of Ballarat provides a curriculum scope and sequence outlining what is taught in primary schools from Foundation to Year 6. Through this learning, students are supported to understand themselves and others as created and loved by God, and to make decisions that reflect respect, empathy, and care.
An Executive Summary of the Fullness of Life for All resource is attached to the newsletter, providing an overview of what is covered at each year level. We encourage families to read through this document to gain an understanding of what is being taught, so that school and home can continue to work in partnership to support our students’ learning and growth. Parents are encouraged to speak with their classroom teachers if they have any questions about what is being taught.
Students of the Week:
Week 1:
Patrick Crosbie - For showing excellent focus during InitiaLit PowerPoints, which has supported great progress in your writing and reading. You’ve been working hard to sound out words, add detail to your writing, and read with confidence. Keep up the fantastic effort!
Bridgette Harrington - For starting the term with a calm attitude. You have shown increased independence and settled back into the classroom routine with confidence.
Joanna Sandeep - For working really hard to complete all written tasks and for increasing the amount of work which you can do. Congratulations Joanna and keep up the wonderful efforts!
Charlie Terwisscha - For working really hard to listen carefully, participate fully and complete all tasks to the best of your ability. Congratulations and thank you Charlie. Keep up the great efforts!
Ruby Driscoll - For the wonderful way you helped a classmate during Maths time. You showed great patience and kindness Ruby. Well done!
Finn Greenhalgh - For the fantastic participation during our Auslan lessons this week. You were able to recall the signs for colours and demonstrated this successfully. Well done Finn!
Isla Mackley - For being a wonderful learner and using interesting verbs in your sentence of the day. Keep up the great work!
Lucas Papadopoulos - For being a Risk-Taker and extending your writing in all tasks. Well Done Lucas!
Saviero Di Pietro - For always staying focussed and working hard to complete tasks with care and determination. Well done Sav!
Arli Werry - For being a quiet achiever who never stops trying to learn and grow. Congratulations Arli!
Texas Davenport - For the respect and effort you put into our Auslan lessons. Well done on being able to teach others new signs. Keep working hard!
Lilly Hine - For your excellent results in your Maths Quarterly Assessment. Keep asking questions as all your hard work is paying off. Congratulations!
Aaliyah Carlsen - For the outstanding improvement you showed in Maths last term. Your Stepping Stones post-test results were a reward for all your hard work.
Marnie Currie - For the valuable contributions you make to classroom discussions. Your knowledge, humour and personality are valued by all your classmates.
Week 2:
Patrick McKay - For the incredible effort you are showing in Maths by taking on challenges and being brave! You have shown a strong growth mindset even when tasks are tricky.
Ayah Gwyneth De La Cerna - For always being a kind and caring friend. You go out of your way to help others and your positivity makes our classroom a happier place.
Oyin Ogunmola - For knowing lots of words and sounds. I am very impressed with all of the learning you have done since you have been at St Patrick's. Congratulations!
Zeke Sheen - For showing a great understanding of lots of the learning in the classroom - sounds, words and maths concepts. Well done!
Valeria Di Pietro - For the fantastic sentences you have been producing during Sentence a Day. Your sentences are detailed and it has been great to see your humour shine through your writing. Well done!
Mackenzie Stevenson - For the wonderful self-motivation you have been demonstrating throughout all areas of your learning this week. You are always ready to learn. Keep up the great work Mackenzie!
Dixie Davenport - For displaying your Resilience and Risk-Taker learning superpowers during writing. You accepted and applied feedback to your writing piece to ensure you met all the success criteria. Well done Dixie!
Emila Jones - For the wonderful use of facial expressions during our Auslan lessons. Your signing of the characters from Hairy Maclary and their actions was very engaging. Keep it up!
Daniella Parkin Alamo - For always lending a helping hand to classmates and showing kindness in everything you do, keep up the great work Daniella!
Wilem Lovett - For working hard and staying focussed in maths, showing great determination to improve. Well done Wilem!
Liam Kingan - For your determination and resilience in solving problems using the division bracket. Keep up the hard work!
Boston McGaffin - For the effort and thoughts you are putting into your leadership application letter for Grade 6. You should be very proud of your work!
Lachy Mackley - For continuing to seek out and act upon feedback when completing tasks in the classroom. Keep it up Lachy!
Tamieka Austin - For all the hard work you have put into the neatness of your handwriting. Congratulations on receiving your pen licence.
Living in Faith:
Our partnership with Eventide continues to be one of the most meaningful ways our students live out the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. Through these visits, students practice solidarity and the dignity of the human person by forming genuine friendships with residents and recognising the sacredness of every life, regardless of age or circumstance.
During my presentation at the recent Eventide AGM, I shared reflections from students about what they gain from these visits. Many spoke about how much they enjoy listening to the residents’ stories, sharing laughter, and offering companionship. Others reflected on how it helps them see the face of God in others and understand the importance of community and care.
We were deeply grateful to receive a $2000 donation from The Bookworm Gallery, part of Eventide’s not-for-profit arm. This generosity will help us continue to foster this beautiful intergenerational connection and support further initiatives that allow our students to live their faith in action.
As we look ahead, we also prepare to mark All Souls Day on November 2. This special day in our Church calendar invites us to remember and pray for those who have gone before us. If any families would like the name of a loved one who has passed away read out in memory during our prayers on this day, please let Bettina know.
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 1:
Mason
For seeing someone in need of help and offering assistance. You're always a helpful person.
Thank you for your Kindness.
Term 4 Week 2:
Scott
For caring for a student who had been injured and then giving up some of his own time to make them feel better.
Thank you for your Kindness.
Birthdays:
Congratulations to these students who celebrated their birthday since our last Newsletter:
Ayah, Alivia, Eleanor, Luke, Ruby A, Lilah, Allira, Rhylen, Sophie O, Arli, Harry D, Emila, Charlie M, Klia, James and Emilia
Parents and Friends:
We hope everyone had a blast at the Disco last week! A huge thank you to Mel, Emma, Erin and Renee for all their hard work on the day and in the lead-up, and to our wonderful teachers who generously stayed back after hours to supervise the students.
This week, Christmas Raffle tickets have gone home with the eldest child in each family. You’ll have until mid-December to sell and return them to school. If you’d like an extra book, please contact the office.
Prizes
• 1st Prize: 4 x AFL Tickets + Melbourne Accommodation
• 2nd Prize: ‘Local Day Out’ Voucher Package
• 3rd Prize: Food & Wine Hamper
A reminder that our AGM will be held on Monday 17 November at 6.30pm. We warmly invite all families to attend and consider joining the committee. A few of our current members, including myself, will be stepping down in 2026, creating a great opportunity for new faces and fresh ideas to join a well-established, supportive group of parents who are more than happy to guide you in a fun and welcoming environment.
Thanks again for your ongoing support, we truly appreciate it!
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.