Newsletter 2024/21 ~ 19 July 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
Despite the chilly start on Tuesday morning, it was great to be back together for the start of Term 3 and Semester 2.
The children eagerly shared stories of how they spent the mid-year break. I hope that you were all able to spend some family time together.
We are looking forward to another busy term. We are in the midst of Parent-Teacher interviews; we have our Grandparents Day next week as well as the visit from current 4 year old Kinder children and their families; senior students will continue their visits to Iona; in interschool sport we will have hockey and athletics; we have a school compliance review by the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA); 100 Days of school for our Foundation students; and, of course, we’ll be supporting Nhill’s Lucy Stephan as she rows for back-to-back Gold at the Paris Olympics.
There will be lots of classroom learning as well.
CURRENT & RECENT EVENTS
Grug
Foundations, Year Ones and the Middles went to Horsham to see ‘Grug’ the play. Everyone loved the play and everyone loved the part where Grug fell in the water. After that we went to the Botanical Gardens where we found a Grug. It had fallen off a tree - well a part of it at least - a little bit of Grug. We took a photo of everyone with Grug in front of us.
by Hannah G
On the last day of Term 2, the Grade F/1 and 2/3s went to see Grug. Everyone loved Grug. Some kids thought Grug was very funny, especially when he fell into the water. After the play they provided morning tea. For morning tea we had fairy bread, fruit and muffins. For lunch we went to the Botanical Gardens. There we found a branch that looked like Grug so we took a photo with Grug. After the photo we came back to school.
by Isabella
Portable Classroom
Our school has been a work site both in the classrooms and outside this week. While the students returned to their classes and their school work, we have also had builders on-site working on our portable building to help get it ready for us to start using.
The cladding on the outside of the building has been replaced so that it ties in nicely with the hall. Steps have been installed, together with a new ramp. Cabinetry inside the classroom has been installed and internal painting has taken place. Hopefully we will soon be in a position to be able to use the room.
Staff Professional Learning
The Student Free Day on Monday allowed our teaching staff to attend a Professional Learning Day in Halls Gap. Teachers joined staff from many of our Diocesan primary schools to learn more about the ‘FLARE’ Primary Literacy Strategy that is being rolled out to assist with our structured literacy program.
Parent-Teacher Interviews
It was pleasing to see a number of parents take advantage of the opportunity to discuss their child’s progress with class teachers at the Parent-Teacher interviews on Wednesday afternoon. Such opportunities continue to affirm our aim to work in partnership with parents in the children’s educational journey.
Anyone who has not yet booked in for interviews can still do so as we have another block of interviews after school next Monday. Please book via PAM.
Book Club Issue 5 OUT NOW!
Catalogues have been sent home this week. Orders are due by 28 August.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Meerkat Productions and Grandparents Day
We will have a visit from Meerkat Productions next Monday 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 be combining the presentation with Grandparents’ Day. Grandparents or special elderly persons have been invited along to enjoy the show and stay for a cuppa afterwards. Invitations were sent home last term and RSVPs are due today.
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.
Iona Visits
Our Senior Class students will recommence their regular visits to Iona next Wednesday. This program of intergenerational sessions was seen as beneficial by the residents and students alike. Details can be viewed on the calendar in PAM.
Dental Van
The Dental Health Australia van will be visiting the school in Week 1 of Term 4.
Medical History & Consent forms were sent home yesterday and need to be returned to school by next Wednesday, 24 July.
Growing Resilient Kids
A ‘Growing Resilient Kids’ workshop will be held on Monday August 12 from 6.45pm-8.30pm at Nhill Lutheran School. The workshop is designed for parents/caregivers, grandparents and educators. Please see the flyer for details of how to register for the evening.
Sunday’s Gospel
Mark 6:7-13
Sunday’s Gospel narrates the sending of the twelve apostles on a mission by Jesus, a pivotal moment that underscores themes of faith, dependence, and the spreading of the Kingdom of God. In this passage, Jesus empowers the apostles with authority over unclean spirits and instructs them to travel light, carrying only a staff, wearing sandals, and taking no bread, bag, or money. This directive emphasises complete reliance on God and the hospitality of those they encounter, fostering a deep trust in divine provision and human kindness.
The instructions to take nothing extra serve as a powerful lesson in humility and simplicity. By forgoing material security, the apostles embody a radical trust in God’s providence and an unwavering focus on their mission. This approach also reinforces the transient nature of their journey, reminding them and us that the mission of spreading the Gospel requires freedom from worldly attachments and a readiness to move and adapt.
Jesus’ command to shake off the dust from any place that does not welcome them speaks to the importance of perseverance and discernment. It underscores that rejection is a part of the missionary journey, yet it should not deter the apostles from their mission. Instead, they are to move forward with resilience, leaving behind the burden of rejection and trusting that their efforts will bear fruit elsewhere.
This passage ultimately calls us to reflect on our own faith and mission.
Are we willing to trust in God’s provision and let go of our attachments? Are we prepared to face rejection and still press on with our purpose? Mark 6:7-13 invites us to embrace a life of faith, simplicity, and unwavering commitment to the mission of the Gospel.
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
102 - The sum of consecutive numbers 33, 34, 35
Collingwood - gone! Richmond - gone! Adelaide Clowns - gone! Sadly, my mob are almost gone! A win last weekend and we would’ve been fourth; instead, a loss sees us outside the eight! Still, a win against the Tigers tomorrow night will have us back in the top 8.
The local Tigers are going well though. Last time they met Stawell they pushed them all the way, hopefully the result can be reversed at Davis Park tomorrow.
God Bless you all.
Kingsley Dalgleish
Principal
Classroom and Student News
Middle Class News
Welcome back to Term 3! It was great to see everyone so excited to be back and hear about everyone’s holidays.
The Middles have been very busy getting straight back into learning. In Spelling we have learnt two new phonemes ‘oy and oi’ and ‘ph’ making a /f/ sound. In Grammar we have been learning all about verbs. In Maths we have started a new unit - Multiplication and have spent the week being pattern detectives, trying to find patterns when we skip count by 2s, 4s, 5s and 10s.
But the thing the Middles are most excited about this term is Science. We’re growing mushrooms! We are going to observe them each day and hopefully we’ll be able to have a go at making some tasty mushroom dishes in a few weeks time.
We also read a new story called Timeless in which a boy called Emit tries to find more time. Everyone’s very excited to see a play based on the book next Monday when we have our Meerkat Productions incursion. We’re also looking forward to welcoming our Grandparents to the show for our Grandparents’ Day celebration.
Have a great weekend everyone, and see you next week!
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 Stella, Tegan and Claire 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 Steev 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 - Riley
50 nights - Sophie, Riley, Gu Thay Paw
75 nights - Matthew P, Shalom
100 nights - Charlotte K
150 nights - 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 3 15 Jul to 20 Sep
Term 4 7 Oct to 20 Dec
See dates on PAM (SIMON Everywhere)
School Calendar
July
Mon 22 - Meerkat Performance combined with Grandparents Day 9-11am
Mon 22 - 3.30pm Parent-Teacher Interviews
Tue 23 - 7.30pm SAC Meeting
Wed 24 - 10am Senior Class Iona Visit
Fri 26 - 9:15-11:00am Kinder Visit
August
Thu 1 - Excursion: Hockey 7's
Thu 1 - 100 days of school (Foundation 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
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