Newsletter 2024/20 ~ 28 June 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
The past eleven weeks have flown by and we now find ourselves at the end of the term. Today also marks the end of Semester 1.
There has been so much packed into the semester with many opportunities for our children to grow academically, socially and culturally.
Our staff have also been kept very busy throughout the first two terms and I wish to acknowledge their commitment and endeavour. The staff have kept our children at the centre of all that they do. Whether teaching, assisting in the classroom, conducting intervention sessions, coaching sporting teams, doing administrative tasks or simply ‘being there,’ our school, and especially our children, are very fortunate to have such wonderful, caring staff members. I know they are looking forward to a break over the next two weeks and yet I am also aware that teachers have planned to get together during the holidays to plan and prepare programs in readiness for term 3.
I hope everyone finds time to relax, enjoy some family time, and recharge before the start of the second semester.
Dear Heavenly Father,
As we come to the end of this school term,
we lift our hearts in gratitude to You.
Thank You for our dedicated staff,
whose commitment and passion guide us each day.
Bless them for their hard work and patience.
We thank You for our supportive parents,
who partner with us and believe in our potential.
Grant them peace and joy for their unwavering support.
We are grateful for our wonderful students,
who bring life and energy to our school.
Bless each one for their unique gifts and contributions.
As we enter this holiday break,
we ask for Your protection and blessings over everyone.
Keep us safe, healthy, and happy.
May this time be filled with rest, fun, and family.
Bring us back refreshed and ready for new challenges.
We trust in Your love and care always.
In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.
CURRENT & RECENT EVENTS
SWPBS Reward
Yesterday was Pyjama Day at St Patrick's School. This was the reward chosen by Patrick House for winning the SWPBS marbles count during Term 2.
The children (& staff) certainly enjoyed being snug and warm in their pyjamas yesterday.
Christmas in June
Well done to our SAC members who brought Christmas to June last Friday night. In excess of 100 parents, children and staff were in attendance for what I believe was a very enjoyable and social evening. The hall transformed beautifully for the festive celebrations. Thank you for the food donations that were placed under the Christmas Tree. Rhys Webb received the donations on behalf of West Wimmera Health Service at yesterday’s assembly.
Pizza Day
Thank you to Wimmera Bakery for the Pizza Day on Wednesday. The children certainly enjoyed their lunch!
Grug
Today students of the Junior and Middle Classes are enjoying the excursion to Horsham to see the live performance of Grug by the Windmill Theatre Company. We are unable to report on the event in this newsletter, but I'm sure your children will tell you all about it when they get home.
Here we are on the bus this morning, eager with anticipation.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Start of Term 3
- Monday, 15 July - student free day for staff professional development.
- Tuesday, 16 July - Students first day for Term 3
- Wednesday, 17 July from 1:30pm - student free afternoon for Parent Teacher interviews
Student Assessment - Semester 1 Reports and Parent Teacher Interviews
Students’ Semester 1 reports are now accessible by families through the PAM app. Please contact me by email principal@spnhill.catholic.edu.au if you have any issues accessing reports.
We will hold Parent-Teacher Interviews early next term on Wednesday July 17 (1.30 - 4.30pm) and Monday July 22 (3.30 - 4.30pm). Bookings can be made via PAM. The interviews will be held in person at the school. Parent-Teacher Interviews provide an important opportunity for families to discuss their child’s progress with their classroom teacher. If you are unable to attend on that date or require a phone interview, please contact your child’s teacher to arrange an alternative time.
Students will be dismissed at 1.30pm on Wednesday 17 July to enable the Parent-Teacher Interviews.
Meerkat Productions and Grandparents’ Day
We will have a visit from Meerkat Productions on Monday 22 July as they present their adaptation of the picture storybook “Timeless” by Kelly Canby.
Emit (whose parents turned back time to name him) is surrounded by busyness. Dad is too busy to read stories, Mum is too busy to play games and Emit’s brother and sister are simply too busy doing nothing to do anything, at all. Emit tries everything he can think of to get more time, he tries to catch it, wait for it, but it’s not until Emit tries to buy some time that he learns the secret which is, if you want time, you have to make it.
The performance will begin at 9.15am and we will again be combining the presentation with Grandparents’ Day. Children are welcome to invite their grandparents or special elderly person along to enjoy the show and stay for a cuppa afterwards. Invitations were sent home last week. Please RSVP by Friday 19 July.
Home Reading
We are delighted with an 88% participation rate in our Home Reading Program.
Reading is the fundamental skill of learning and life. We encourage students to pick up a book every day during the school holidays and record it in your diary. Just 10 minutes each day can make such a difference to a child’s learning.
Just a reminder: parents/guardians, all you have to do is record home reading into your child’s diary each day that they read. School staff will tally the results at the beginning of each week and certificates and prizes will be awarded at the next weekly assembly. Please keep in mind that occasionally milestones might be missed unintentionally due to altered classroom schedule or staff absence, but these will be caught up in subsequent weeks – reminders are not necessary.
Kinder Visit
Current 4-year-old Kinder students and their families are invited to visit our school on Friday 26 July from 9.15am until 11am.
Children and their parents will be able to join our Foundation-Year 1 class during the morning session. There will be an opportunity for a short walk-through of our school to see our classes in action. Parents will then be invited to an information session in the hall whilst the children continue with the classroom activity.
Children are to bring a drink bottle with water, and a piece of fresh fruit to eat during our Fruit Break time at 10am.
I invite all families who are considering their Primary School options for 2025, to come and take a look at what we have to offer at St Patrick’s School.
If you are unable to attend on 26 July and would like to arrange an alternate time, please contact me on 0419929271 or principal@spnhill.catholic.edu.au
We look forward to nurturing your child’s future.
Enrolments for 2025 are now being accepted across all year levels. Please contact the front office for an enrolment package.
Nhill Kindergarten Open Day
3- and 4-year-old Kindergarten - Wednesday 17 July 2-3pm
Operation Christmas Child (repeat)
As we celebrate Christmas in June tonight, it is timely that we have been invited to once again participate in Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse. Many families have supported this project in recent years and are encouraged to do so again in 2024.
Please read the flyer below for more details on how your family can get involved.
St Paul VI Parish Sacramental Preparation
First Holy Communion
Parents of those children who have celebrated their First Reconciliation sacrament earlier this year will be notified by email in early June of an Information Session date, where resources for First Holy Communion preparation will be distributed. Initial guidance will be given at the Information Session along with the resources and two further meeting dates will follow, to complete the necessary requirements before the sacrament is received.
Celebration of First Holy Communion will occur in Sunday Masses on set dates across the parish, most likely over August/September.
Confirmation
Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation will take place with a similar structure (home preparation and consolidation discussions in different churches) on a slightly later date scale.
Confirmation will be celebrated with Bishop Paul attending/visiting the parish as part of our Diocese 150th Year jubilee. Currently that timing is set for November.
Any questions, please contact the Parish Office on 5382 1155.
NCCD Information Sheet for Parents, Carers and Guardians
Sunday’s Reading
Mark 4:35-41
In Mark Gospel last weekend, Jesus and His disciples are on a boat when a fierce storm arises. The disciples are terrified, but Jesus is asleep. They wake Him, crying out for help. Jesus calms the storm with a command, then asks His disciples why they are so afraid and if they still have no faith.
This passage teaches us about trust and faith in Jesus. Even in scary situations, Jesus is with us and has the power to help. The disciples were afraid because they focused on the storm instead of trusting Jesus. For us, this means that when we face difficulties or feel scared, we should remember that Jesus is always with us and can bring peace to our hearts. It reminds us to have faith in His power and love, no matter what challenges we face. Trusting in Jesus can help us find courage and calm, just as He calmed the storm for His disciples.
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
101 - the number of Dalmations made famous by Disney.
What a week - a disastrous performance by Port against the Lions last Sunday; a disastrous performance by the Aussies against Afghanistan at the ICC World Cup; a disastrous performance by Qld at the MCG in the Rugby League State of Origin. I think I need to take a couple of weeks off.
Enjoy the holidays (and please Port - find some form!)
God Bless you all.
Kingsley Dalgleish
Principal
Classroom and Student News
Senior Class News
The time has finally arrived! We have reached the last day of Term Two! It has been an action packed week for St Patrick’s School with the countdown on for the holidays to begin.
In an action packed have enjoyed our Term 2 Pyjama and Movie Day. The students rose to the occasion and we had plenty colourful, fuzzy and warm students enjoying the day.
Students have been hard at work finalising assessments and preparing for Term 3.
The Senior Class have been researching and preparing for the celebration of the Paris Olympic Games that will be the main focus of early Term 3. They have all planned, drafted and completed a piece of artwork that has been submitted to be on display at the Australian quarters of the Paris Olympic Athletes Housing Complex so that the Aussies competing for Australia will have a little piece of home on their walls in France.
Additionally, they have completed a Geography task where they have created their own map of a world of their making.
The first day back for students in Term 3 is Tuesday 16th of July.
I hope that you have a safe, relaxing and warm holidays!
Regards,
Kate Farnham
Middles Cooking
Little Joey Awards
We continue to acknowledge the significant role of the "Brown Joeys" in the establishment of St Patrick's School, and recognised Hannah E 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:
50 nights - Stella
75 nights - Katherine, Nile, Daniel P, Tessa, George, Kyan, Brodyn, Eliza
School Holidays Activities
Basketball Clinic
Hindmarsh Shire Council July 2024 School Holiday Program
Hindmarsh Shire staff have been busy preparing a new range of free and fun school holiday activities to be held across the Shire during the July school holidays.
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
July
Mon 15 - Student free day for staff professional development
Tue 16 - First Day Term 3 for students
Wed 17 - 1:30pm Dismissal time - student free afternoon for Parent-Teacher Interviews
Mon 22 - Meerkat Performance combined with Grandparents Day 9-11am
Mon 22 - 3.30pm Parent-Teacher Interviews
Tue 23 - 7.30pm SAC Meeting
Fri 26 - 9:15-11:00am Kinder Visit
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
SPECIAL REPORT: Celebrating NAIDOC Week
NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. Its origins can be traced back to the Aboriginal rights movement, and on Australia Day 1938, protestors marched through the streets of Sydney to highlight the status and treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
This protest was one of the first major civil rights gatherings in the world and was known as the 'Day of Mourning'. This later became 'Aborigines Day', and in 1955, it was decided that it should become a positive celebration of Aboriginal culture, heritage and achievement, rather than a protest.
Today, celebrations consist of range of traditional and contemporary activities. There are many gatherings of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people coming together to celebrate and share with non-Aboriginal people the strengths of its First Nations People. This important event helps build positive relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, enabling a deeper understanding of our differences and similarities. NAIDOC week is an opportunity for all Australians to eliminate bias and discrimination by reflecting and reconciling the wrongs of the past to facilitate hope and build a fairer future.
It is important for children and teens to have an understanding that we do not need to assimilate into one culture in preference over others. Difference is a great thing and our society can only benefit from a range of world views and experiences. This Special Report offers caregivers suggestions on how to celebrate ‘NAIDOC Week’.
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