Newsletter 2024/14 ~ 17 May 2024
As partners in Catholic Education and open to God’s presence, we pursue the fullness of life for all.
St. Patrick’s School is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all students.
St. Patrick's School is a child safe school.
We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Victoria and pay respect to the ongoing living cultures of First Peoples.
This newsletter comes to you from the lands of the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagalk Nations.
From the Principal
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in Australia is observed in the week between Ascension and Pentecost.
The theme for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in 2024 was chosen by a working group from Burkina Faso. “You shall love the Lord your God ...and your neighbour as yourself…” (Luke 10:27).
The specific context of Burkina Faso reflects the need to place love at the centre of the quest for peace and reconciliation. This search has often been undermined by the loss of values and of a shared sense of humanity and by a diminished concern for the common good, probity, integrity and patriotism. The search for reconciliation has also been weakened by spiritual impoverishment and by the pursuit of easy gains. Faced with these realities, the imperative to witness to the love of God is all the more pressing.
A Christian Prayer for Unity
God,
Who is Spirit
Who is Christ,
You call us into community.
A community for the common good,
a community of oneness in our diversity.
People from every nation, tribe, culture, and language.
Unite us as we seek to live out your love.
You call us from the comfort of our familiar circles
and call us to be loving neighbours.
To go where our neighbour is,
to help them in their need
and let them help us in ours.
We are your family,
a part of your kin-dom of humankind,
each a beloved sibling to share in grace.
Bless us with your wisdom,
That we may walk and work together.
United we pray.
Amen.
(Source: adapted from a prayer by Rev Jon Humphries)
CURRENT & RECENT EVENTS
West Wimmera Cross Country
Congratulations to our students who competed in the West Wimmera Cross Country Championships at Nhill Racecourse on Monday.
- 9&10 Girls - Claire 10th, Tessa 14th
- 9&10 Boys - Steev 19th
- 11 Girls - Marnie 9th
- 11 Boys - Daniel B 6th, Ben 8th
- 12&13 Girls - Sophie 4th, Olive 6th, Jody 7th
- 12& 13 Boys - Douglas 7th, AJ 10th, Jonas 11th
Thank you to Mrs Bell for taking the students on Monday.
School Saving Bonus
In the recent Victorian budget, the Allan Labor Government announced a $400 School Saving Bonus for all school students in government schools regardless of income, but only for Health Care Card holders in Catholic schools.
This is deeply unfair.
We believe the payment should apply to all students or be means tested for all students.
It should not be based on which school you attend.
This policy punishes families for choosing to send their children to a Catholic school.
Our school, together with other non-government schools and our peak body, the Victorian Catholic Education Authority, are working hard to oppose this policy and we need your help.
We need to show the Victorian Government that punishing families who choose a Catholic school is unacceptable.
Please consider contacting our local Member of Parliament, Emma Kealy, to express your concern.
Emma Kealy’s office can be contacted by calling 53820097 or by emailing emma.kealy@parliament.vic.gov.au
Template letters are available to assist you with making your voice heard.
Australian Catholics Magazine
The Winter edition of the Australian Catholics Magazine is available to collect at school or read it online here:
UPCOMING EVENTS
National Simultaneous Storytime & Biggest Morning Tea
Families and friends are welcome to join us in St Patrick’s Community Hall on Wednesday 22 May from 11am for the annual National Simultaneous Storytime followed by a Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser.
Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places around the country. This year’s book is Bowerbird Blues by Aura Parker. Aura Parker is an award-winning illustrator, writer and designer. Her picture books are joyful with a playful sense of humour, brimming with details to explore. Aura Parker’s storytelling through words and pictures inspires imagination, courage and confidence in young readers as well as a love, curiosity and passion for nature.
We will follow the story with a quick morning tea of biscuits and a cuppa.
Donations to the Cancer Council’s Biggest Morning Tea support those impacted by cancer.
If you wish to come for the cuppa, please RSVP by today using this link:
Christmas In June
The SAC are planning a family social evening for next month. Christmas in June will be celebrated in the School Hall on Friday 21 June. See the flyer below. Invitations are being sent home to all families and we ask that the RSVP slips be returned to school by Monday 3 June to allow for catering purposes. Please note that this evening is for immediate family members only.
Strengthening Children and Teens against Anxiety
In our current world anxiety in children and others seems to be more and more prevalent. An event for parents, carers, professionals and others who are involved in caring for or raising our children is being held in Horsham on 4 June.
Strengthening Children and Teens Against Anxiety – June 4th – 2 sessions each 1.5 hours. The two sessions will be at 1.30 - 3.00pm and 6.30 - 8.00pm
Anxiety is a normal human experience. Sometimes it can become too big, and when children get caught in the tail whip of anxiety, it can swipe at their belief in themselves, their engagement with the world, and the glistening unfolding of their potential – but it doesn’t have to be this way. Anxiety is very manageable, and any important adult in the life of a child has a profound capacity to strengthen children and teens against anxiety and towards courage and resilience. With all anxiety, comes opportunities to strengthen children and teens with a mindset, skills and qualities that will lead them towards deeply fulfilling, brave, whole-hearted living. Let’s talk about how.
Bookings are open for both sessions.
End of Semester Reports
Teachers are in the process of gathering and updating data to assist with writing their Semester One reports. Research shows that children are more likely to perform better when school and families work together. Our formal reports are another opportunity for us to foster our school-home partnership with you. You will receive a formal written report for your child/ren on Thursday 30th June via the Parent Access Module (PAM). This report will provide feedback about your child’s progress and achievement in accordance with the Victorian Curriculum.
Sunday’s Gospel
Mark 16:15-20
Jesus showed himself to the Eleven, and said to them, 'Go out to the whole world, proclaim the Good News to all creation. He who believes and is baptised will be saved; he who does not believe will be condemned. These are the signs that will be associated with believers: in my name they will cast out devils; they will have the gift of tongues; they will pick up snakes in their hands, and be unharmed should they drink deadly poison; they will lay their hands on the sick, who will recover.'
And so the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven: there at the right hand of God he took his place, while they, going out, preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word by the signs that accompanied it.
What conversation do you need to have with Jesus about what’s happening in your life and in our world? Sit with the apostles and Jesus, and hear Jesus say to you, “Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News to all creation.” We are part of creation. How are you being called to make a difference in the world?
Our Josephite Heritage
The Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, often called the "Josephites" or "Brown Joeys", were founded in Penola, South Australia, in 1866 by Mary MacKillop and the Rev. Julian Tenison Woods. In 1949, three Josephite sisters arrived in Nhill to open St Patrick’s School. In 1978, the Sisters of St Joseph informed the Nhill Parish that they would no longer be able to maintain their role within the school.
We endeavour to honour our Josephite heritage through the regular presentation of the Little Joey awards at our assemblies. In support of this we also include a reflection from Mary MacKillop on our newsletter each week.
“Divine Spirit of Wisdom and Goodness, enlighten my mind, penetrate its blindness. Make me in all things what I ought to be.”
Mary MacKillop, 1881
By the Numbers
95% of the oldest and thickest ice in the Arctic has already melted. (Even if we significantly curb emissions in the coming decades, more than a third of the world’s remaining glaciers will melt before the year 2100).
What a fantastic win by Port against the cats last Friday night. The Suns did a great job on them up in Darwin last night as well. By the end of this weekend the cats may have fallen from top last week to seventh by Sunday night - how nice!! Looking forward to Nhill defeating Horsham tomorrow and my Power knocking off the Hawks on Sunday.
God Bless you all.
Kingsley Dalgleish
Principal
Classroom and Student News
Senior Class Report
Welcome to the Week 5 recap at St Patrick’s. The Seniors started the week strong with Sophie, Claire, Jody, Daniel, AJ, Douglas, Olive, Marni, Steev, Jonas, Ben and Tessa all participating in the second level of Cross Country on Monday.
Students have been working really hard on embedding routines and working quietly and efficiently in small groups. They have been working on studying various ways to revise, using spelling as an anchor and have worked on many different ways to revise for their 40 words they have been working on for the last four weeks.
Additionally, the Seniors have been busy researching and justifying the Top 10 Most Important Events in Australian History, as well as ensuring that we are working our way on being kinder and more inclusive people with our “Attitude of Gratitude” term long activity - where we give each other anonymous “warm fuzzies” words of praise as a way to be positive in the classroom.
St Patrick’s also had a visit from our Auslan guru, Buffy, and the Senior class enjoyed showing off their skill and expertise on Thursday. The Seniors have also started preparations for the upcoming Lightning Premierships (tee ball) at Nhill College in four weeks time.
It’s been a very busy week and the term looks to keep being active, busy and full of fun activities. We look forward to seeing and being involved in all upcoming events!
School Wide Positive Behaviour Support SWPBS
Throughout the day, staff monitor for students demonstrating aspects of Respect, Responsibility
and Safety within our school. Students are issued a ticket to place in their classroom container. During assemblies, a draw takes place and those who have their ticket drawn out are invited to place a marble in their House container. The House with the most marbles at the end of each term will be rewarded.
Congratulations to all children who were recognised for their positive actions around the school. This week Sophie, Stella and Nile were randomly drawn from the nominations for Respect, Responsibility and Safety, and have added tokens to their respective Houses' tallies.
Little Joey Awards
We continue to acknowledge the significant role of the "Brown Joeys" in the establishment of St Patrick's School, and recognised Jesinta and Jody with Little Joey awards.
Our Little Joeys receive a certificate, sticker and a voucher/goods donated by a local business. We are very grateful for the contributions from our local businesses.
Reading Achievements
The following students were recognised for their reading achievements:
25 nights - Nile
50 nights - Matthew, Daniel P, Hannah G, Hannah E, Jesinta, Tessa
75 nights - Liberty
100 nights - Destiny, Tegan, Declan
School Advisory Council
Parent Representatives
- Rebecca Curtis
- Emily Gladdis
- Moo Khu James
- Michaela Koop
- Zanther McEldrew
- Ashleigh Meyer
Ex Officio
- Mons. Glynn Murphy - Parish Priest
- Kingsley Dalgleish - Principal
Meeting Dates
- Tuesday, 23 July 2024, 7:30pm
- Tuesday, 15 October 2024, 7:30pm
Dates and Reminders
Term Dates 2024
Term 2 15 Apr to 28 Jun
Term 3 15 Jul to 20 Sep
Term 4 7 Oct to 20 Dec
See dates on PAM (SIMON Everywhere)
School Calendar
May
Wed 22 - 11-11:30am National Simultaneous Storytime & Biggest Morning Tea
June
Mon 10 - King's Birthday Public Holioday
Wed 12 - Senior Class Iona Visit
Fri 28 - End of Term 2
St Patrick's Nhill
Church Times
11:00am Mass each Sunday
Community News
Horsham College Chaplaincy - Book Fair
Our Mission
Child Safe Standards
All students enrolled at St Patrick’s School have the right to feel safe and be safe. The safety and wellbeing of children in the school’s care will always be our first priority and the school will not tolerate child abuse. The school will create a child-safe and child-friendly environment where children are free to enjoy life to the full without any concern for their safety. Particular attention is paid to the most vulnerable children and young people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, those from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, children with a disability, children who are unable to live at home, international students, and LGBTQIA+ students. The full policy can be accessed via our school’s website: https://spnhill.catholic.edu.au/policies-procedures
The school’s Child Safety Officer is the Principal, Mr Kingsley Dalgleish.
We are committed to continuous improvement in our approach to child safety and well-being and welcome feedback from families and members of our school community on ways we can further strengthen our child safety policies, procedures, and practices. If you have any suggestions, comments, or questions, please contact the Principal either by phone or email principal@spnhill.catholic.edu.au
SchoolTV
SPECIAL REPORT: Celebrating IDAHOBIT
"We have the power to shape our children's attitudes and beliefs, and instil values of acceptance, inclusivity and respect for all. By fostering acceptance, we can help young people become compassionate and informed advocates for equality." Dr Michael Carr-Gregg
Reminders
Parent Access Module PAM / SIMON Everywhere
The Parent Access Module PAM (SIMON Everywhere) is our "go-to" for all parent information. Download the SIMON Everywhere app from the app store on your mobile phone and login using your PAM credentials.
Simon Everywhere delivers instant notifications to parents' mobile phones, delivering the functionality of PAM in an easy to navigate app. We will use Simon Everywhere for all important notifications.
You will be able to manage all your day-to-day school needs from Simon Everywhere, including:
- notify us of absences;
- view the school calendar;
- provide permission for student activities;
- update medical/contact information;
- view the lunch orders menu;
- read the newsletter.
Please contact the office with any questions.
Student late arrival, early departure, temporary absence procedures
All student late arrivals, early departures or temporary absences must be recorded in the Passtab iPad located in the foyer. Please ask office staff for assistance.
Lunch Orders
Lunch orders should be written onto an envelope with correct money sealed inside. Please don’t use plastic bags or waxed bags. The writing wipes off these and the staff at the bakery find it hard to read.
You can find the lunch orders menu in SIMON Everywhere: - >Home, scroll down to >School Links
Bus notes
Parents of bus travelling students please note that Nhill College has requested that any changes to travel arrangements (e.g. if you are picking up your child after school) be notified before 3.00pm on that day.
You can do this by -
- use the Bus Change Notification Form on their website (link below) - this is a quick and easy process on your mobile phone (hint: add this as a quick link on your phone's home screen)
- we have put this link onto PAM (Simon Everywhere) >Home, scroll down to >Parent Links
- calling our school office 53911575
- sending an email to principal@spnhill.catholic.edu.au or krintoule@spnhill.catholic.edu.au
Remember to follow us on Facebook
Those who are on Facebook are encouraged to follow our page at St Patrick's School, Nhill. 'Like' our page, enjoy our posts, and share them with your friends. Stay connected through our Social Media page.
What you need to know about COVID-19 in Victoria
Please visit the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Victoria website (link below) for all up-to-date information about the response to COVID-19.
- All staff, students and visitors to schools should undertake regular hand hygiene, particularly on arrival to school, before and after eating, after blowing their nose, coughing, sneezing or using the toilet.
- Hand sanitiser will continue to be available for staff, students and visitors.
- The most important action school communities can take to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 is to ensure that any unwell staff, parents/carers and students do not attend school sites, even with the mildest of symptoms, and get tested.
*Six simple steps to protect yourself and those most at risk
- Wear a face mask
- Take a test
- Stay at home
- Meet outdoors
- Talk to your GP about COVID medications
- Get vaccinated
*coronavirus.vic.gov.au