Newsletter 2024/15 ~ 24 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
Laudato Si' Week: Planting Seeds of Hope in our World
Every year the Catholic Church marks the anniversary of Pope Francis’ landmark encyclical Laudato Si’. From the 19th – 26th of May we celebrate what it means to care for our common home.
In 2023, Pope Francis released a ‘sequel’ to his famous letter called Laudate Deum which reminds us of the urgent need to act.
Find out more about Laudato Deum at the link below.
This year the theme of Laudato Si’ Week centres around ‘seeds of hope’. We are called to consider how we can plant and nurture seeds to be the hope that the world needs during this time of suffering for our planet (Laudate Deum, 2).
For ideas regarding family engagement in Laudato Si Week please see the link below.
Invitation to prayer
Creator God,
You fill the earth with life,
Lead us to live in harmony with the earth you have created.
May we respect all life from the smallest of plants to the tallest of trees, the vastness of the oceans to the majesty of mountains and the tiniest insects to the wildest beasts.
We ask this in your name.
Amen
From Jim Waight (Catholic Ed Ballarat) and
https://www.caritas.org.au/news/blog/laudato-si-week-19-26-may-2024/
CURRENT & RECENT EVENTS
National Simultaneous Storytime and Biggest Morning Tea
National Simultaneous Storytime was celebrated in the hall on Wednesday. It was nice to see a few parents were able to join us as Mrs Kupper read Bowerbird Blues for all assembled students, staff and parents.
We combined the annual event with Cancer Council’s Biggest Morning Tea. From online donations and cash donations received on the day, we raised $426.40 for Cancer Council. Anyone who still wishes to donate can do so via the link here. We can still receive donations until the end of June.
Cross Country Participation Certificates
Last week I congratulated our senior students who competed in the West Wimmera Cross Country Championships. They each received certificates recognising their achievements at yesterday’s assembly.
Fr Matt
Yesterday I was in Ballarat and managed to catch up with Fr Matt Restall later in the afternoon. Fr Matt is based at St Alipius Presbytery. He misses everyone at St Patrick’s School and our Nhill community. He sends his best wishes to you all.
Work Experience Student
This week we have welcomed former St Patrick’s student Harmony Nyo. Harmony currently attends St Brigid’s College in Horsham where he is in Year 10. He joined us this week to complete his Work Experience program. Harmony spent time in the Year 2-3 classroom.
Illnesses
There have been a number of students with coughs, colds and asthma issues in the past few weeks. Thank you for your cooperation by keeping children home when they are unwell or showing signs of illness. This helps in preventing the spread of infections and ensuring the safety of other students and staff members.
Book Club Issue 4 - out now!
Every LOOP order will earn $5 to spend on Issue 5 (minimum order $15).
PAM Reminder
Please log in to your PAM account (SIMON Everywhere) and complete the Connect Field (PG Movie Consent).
UPCOMING EVENTS
Shekere Beats
Shekere is the name of an African percussion instrument made from the dried fruit of the gourd vine and loosely covered with a wide decorative band of beads. The sound is produced by holding the outer cover of beads in one hand and twisting the gourd across them or simply shaking the entire instrument.
Shekere Beats samples the various African rhythms produced by the shekere and other percussion instruments. With quirky African style, numerous drums and percussion instruments, guitar and a uniquely African wood and seed-pod xylophone, Shekere Beats is both a great exploration into the world of live music and a wonderful glimpse into another culture.
We look forward to experiencing Shekere Beats with a performance at school on Monday 3 June.
WWSSA Winter Lightning Premierships
This year the Winter Lightning Premierships will be held at Nhill College on Thursday, 13 June. The Year 4-6 students will be participating in Tee Ball. Parents are welcome to come and support the students. Students must wear school sports uniform. Students will need to bring a water bottle, lunch and snacks. Students with medical needs will need to bring their medications with them. Transport - Coach. Cost - $0.00. Teacher in charge - Mrs Bell. We will leave school at 9:00am and return by 3:15pm.
Parents of participating students can read the full details in the calendar event in PAM (SIMON Everywhere).
Christmas In June
(repeated)
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 have been 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
(repeated)
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.
NCCD Information Sheet for Parents, Carers and Guardians
National Reconciliation Week
The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2024, “Now More Than Ever”, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will — and must — continue.
We have a long way to go but there is no turning back. For Indigenous Australians, the acid test of reconciliation will be improved health, better housing, education and employment.
Reconciliation is the way of the future, our shared future in which Australia is united as one people ‘with many rich cultures and a commitment to justice and equity.’ Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue AC CBE DSG
Sunday’s Reading
Acts of the Apostles 2:1-11
The season of Easter concluded with Sunday's celebration, the feast of Pentecost, a great day in our Christian year. Pentecost celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles gathered in the upper room in Jerusalem. The story of Pentecost is found in the Acts of the Apostles, Sunday's first reading.
Pentecost occurs on the fiftieth day of Easter and is often referred to as the ‘birthday of the Church’ because on this day, many years ago, the gift of the Holy Spirit was given to the disciples. Jesus had promised that he would send the Holy Spirit to unify and strengthen his followers, and that they were to do as the Spirit guided them. Jesus spoke to them of the Holy Spirit who would be God’s everlasting presence.
After Jesus’ death the disciples were frightened; they went into hiding, too afraid to speak about the Good News that Jesus had shared with them. When the gift of the Spirit came to them on the day of Pentecost, they became transformed. They suddenly had the confidence to share the experiences they’d had with Jesus. It seemed as though they suddenly understood the significance of his life, his death and his resurrection. They spoke about Jesus’ message with such passion that many people were convinced by what they said. They were transformed by the gift of the Spirit and they began to transform the life of others.
The Holy Spirit brings God’s gifts of love, unity, wisdom and courage. We pray that the Spirit may have the same transforming effect on us as we live our lives.
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.
By the Numbers
96 - The number of inches in 8 feet.
Sit back and enjoy! I certainly have on many occasions.
God Bless you all.
Kingsley Dalgleish
Principal
Classroom and Student News
Bowerbird Blues art & craft
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 Steev, Georgia and AJ 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 Max with a Little Joey award.
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 - Jayden, Adoni
50 nights - Nile, Meena, Shalom
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
June
Mon 3 - Incursion: School Performance Tours "Shekere Beats"
Mon 10 - King's Birthday Public Holioday
Wed 12 - Senior Class Iona Visit
Thu 13 - WWSSA Winter Lightning Premierships - Tee Ball - Years 4-6
Fri 28 - End of Term 2
July
Mon 15 - Student free day for staff professional development
Tue 16 - First Day Term 3 for students
St Patrick's Nhill
Church Times
11:00am Mass each Sunday
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
How To Build Resilience In Your Child
Helping children build the inner strength to cope with adversity and the ups and downs of growing up is one of the best things parents can do. Having the confidence and skills to face, overcome or even be strengthened by hardship is a powerful thing to teach them.
Reminders
Parent Access Module PAM / SIMON Everywhere
The Parent Access Module PAM (SIMON Everywhere app) 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