Newsletter 2024/26 ~ 23 August 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
TRUTH AND PEACE - A GOSPEL WORD IN A VIOLENT WORLD
This Sunday is Social Justice Sunday. Each year, The Australian Catholic Bishops produce a Social Justice Sunday Statement. This year’s statement is titled TRUTH AND PEACE - A GOSPEL WORD IN A VIOLENT WORLD.
The Bishops’ statement explores the concept of the Architecture of Peace, or the real steps we take to create peace. Catholic Education across the globe has recognised the importance of building peace in our schools and wider world. A peace that reveals the presence and love of God.
The bishops argue that peacemaking involves building a culture of dialogue and encounter in order to promote understanding, respect and the common good. This process is not limited to political decision-makers, they say, pointing out that while God is the ultimate source of peace, everyone can contribute to peace through actions such as prayer, advocacy and local community engagement. Education can also play a vital role in promoting peace by teaching the values of truth, trust and dialogue.
The statement also lists practical action that people can take to make a real difference, including ways to foster dialogue and understanding; support and promote educational initiatives that teach the values of peace, conflict resolution and empathy; advocate for disarmament; engage in community service and reconciliation efforts; and embrace non-violent approaches to conflict resolution in personal relationships, communities and broader society.
The full statement can be accessed at the following link.
A Reflection Day will be held in the Parish Centre in Horsham on Saturday 7 September as per below.
CURRENT & RECENT EVENTS
Athletics Sports on Wednesday
Our students did particularly well in their efforts at the West Wimmera School Sports Association Athletics Championships in Warracknabeal on Wednesday. Congratulations to the following students who achieved outstanding results.
Hannah G - G7Y 75m heat 1st
Tessa - G9Y discus 3rd, 75m 6th, 4x 100m Relay 4th
Gu Thay Paw - G9Y Triple Jump 2nd, Shot Put 3rd, Long Jump 4th, 4x 100m Relay 4th
Claire - G10Y Long Jump 2nd, 200m 3rd, Triple Jump 4th, 100m 4th, 4x100m Relay 2nd
Katherine - G10Y Discus 5th, Shot Put 5th, 800m 5th
Marnie - G11Y Triple Jump 2nd, 100m 3rd, 200m 3rd, 4x100m Relay 3rd
Olive - G12Y Long Jump 2nd, 4x100m Relay 3rd
Sophie - G12Y Triple Jump 1st, Discus 3rd, 100m 4th, 200m 5th, 4x100m Relay 3rd
Jody - G12Y Shot Put 3rd, 4x100m Relay 3rd
Jack - B8Y 75m heat 1 1st, 200m 1st, 4x 75m Shuttle Relay 1st
Freddie - B8Y 75m heat 2 1st, 4x 75m Shuttle Relay 1st
Oscar - B8Y 75m heat 3 1st, 4x 75m Shuttle Relay 1st
Xavier - B8Y 75m heat 4 1st, 4x 75m Shuttle Relay 1st
Max - B9Y Shot Put 1st, Long Jump 3rd, Discus 5th, Triple Jump 5th, 4x 100m Relay 4th
Fabian - B9Y 100m 6th, 200m 6th, 4x 100m Relay 4th
Adoni - B10Y Shot Put 4th, Discus 5th, 100m 5th, 10Y 4x 100m Relay 1st
Nile - B10Y 200m 4th, Long Jump 4th, 10Y 4x 100m Relay 1st
Daniel B - B11Y Long Jump 2nd, Triple Jump 2nd, 100m 2nd, 200m 2nd, 4x100m Relay 2nd
Ben - B11Y Shot Put 2nd, 4x100m Relay 2nd
AJ - B12Y Long Jump 1st, 100m 1st, 200m 1st, Triple Jump 3rd, 4x100m Relay 4th
Douglas - B12Y 800m 5th, 4x100m Relay 4th
Thank you to Mrs Bell and Mrs Pilgrim for organising our team and travelling with the students.
Congratulations to Claire, Marnie, Olive, Sophie, Adoni, Nile, Daniel B, Ben and AJ who have all qualified to compete at the Little Desert Championships in Stawell on 12 September.
Book Week Dress Up Day
Yesterday we also had our Book Week Dress Up Day. It was wonderful to see the array of characters and costumes on display. Well done to all the children, parents and staff for joining in with the fun of the day.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Book Fair
Children have enjoyed previewing the books available at our Book Fair this week. Next week is our second week of Book Fair at school. Preview times for students are at recess on Monday (Juniors), Wednesday (Middles) and Friday (Seniors). Parents/carers are encouraged to preview the books after school on Tuesday or Thursday. Then our SAC will bring it to the Nhill Market at Jaypex Park on Sunday 15 September. Volunteers are still needed to help with the stall - please RSVP using the yellow note that was sent home last week or using the following link. All purchases will be received in the week following the Nhill Market.
Father's Day
Next Thursday afternoon we will be celebrating Father’s Day at school with a hot dog lunch and Tee-Ball and other games.
For catering purposes RSVPs are due today, or first thing Monday morning at the latest.
Middles Camp
The Year 2-3 Camp will be held on 12-13 Sept at Tandara Camp, Halls Gap. Details about the camp will be sent home next week.
Sunday’s Gospel
John 6:51-58
In John 6:51-58, Jesus talks about being the "living bread" that came from heaven. He says that just like we need food to grow and stay strong, we need Him to grow in love and stay close to God. Jesus explains that by believing in Him and accepting His love, we can have a special kind of life that lasts forever.
When Jesus says we need to eat His flesh and drink His blood, He’s using a picture to help us understand how close He wants us to be to Him. It’s like when we eat food and it becomes part of us—Jesus wants to be part of our lives in a deep, important way.
This means that when we think about Jesus, go to church, or pray, we're inviting Him to be a part of our life. And when we do, He promises to always be with us, helping us grow in faith and love every day.
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
107 - Of countries who have won at least one medal at a Summer Olympics, Costa Rica, Panama and Syria all rank 107th on the Medals Won Premiership ladder. Each have won one Gold, one Silver and two Bronze Medals. (Australia are 10th with 182 Gold, 192 Silver and 226 Bronze).
Wonderful to see Port Adelaide in their traditional strip knocking off the clowns in the Showdown last Saturday night. Now to consolidate second position as we lead into the finals. C’arn Port!
God Bless you all.
Kingsley Dalgleish
Principal
Classroom and Student News
Senior Class News
What an action packed week this has been - not only for St Patrick’s but also for the Senior Class.
On Monday we kicked off Book Week with an exploration of the theme of “Reading is Magic”. The Seniors have been looking at different genres of writing and how they could brainstorm different settings, characters, plots, obstacles and great resolutions. Additionally, they have been working on the partnerships between multiplication and division in Maths, exploring many different strategies to solve the problems presented.
On Wednesday, a great majority of the Senior Class went to Warracknabeal to participate in the next stage of Athletics. Below are some of the student reflections of the day.
On Wednesday the 21st of August a few students from the Middle and Senior classes went to athletics for the second level in Warracknabeal and there were events like 100m, 200m, 800m, 1500m, Shot Put, Long Jump, Triple Jump, Discus and 4x 100m Relay. The ones I did were the 100m at 10:56, 200m at 12:51, Long Jump at 12:19, Triple Jump at 12:36 and 4x 100m Relay at 1:35. I got second in all of them but with the 200m, I lost to a Warracknabeal kid by 3 milliseconds. It was like the Olympics and when I was doing my relay with Ben Claire and Rex, I was the last runner and when I was running I lost my shoe and still got second! I ate lunch and watched AJ do the Long Jump and played soccer. We got on the bus and when we were going back, Mrs P got us ice-cream. It was good and I played pranks and threw paper. When we got to school, they were watching a movie called Wish Dragon and I went to hockey training then I went to bed. ~ Daniel B
On Wednesday 21st of August a few students from the Middle and Senior classes went to Warracknabeal for the second level of athletics. My events were 1500m, Long Jump, 800m and 4 x 100m relay. In my 1500m I came 2nd last because I sprinted at the start when I shouldn't have. I came 2nd in my long jump because there was no way i was beating first but I was so happy because I think I am going to the next level. In my 800m I came 3rd last ( 7 ). I would have come 6th but my friend from Kaniva dropped her hair tie and didn't know so I stopped turned around and grabbed it when I over took her i gave it back. In my relay I was 1st, Jody was 2nd, Marnie was 3rd and Sophie was 4th. We came 3rd in our relay. Overall we were very successful. I really loved going and I also got Christmas coloured ribbons red and green. ~ Olive
Yesterday on the 21st of August a few students from the Middle and Senior class went to athletics in Warracknabeal. I competed in Long Jump, Triple Jump, 100m, 200m and a Relay. I got 2nd in Long Jump, 3rd in 200m and then my Relay Team and I got 2nd. I was in a relay with Ben, Daniel B and Clayton from the Nhill Lutheran. We all did really well and I’m pretty sure we all got a ribbon. After that we took a school photo and then packed up and left. Sophie, Xavier and I went home with mum, we had to do a few jobs and then the school bus passed us and everyone on the bus annoyed us by showing off their ice creams but after all we all had a great day. ~ Claire
Yesterday on the 21st of August a few kids from the Middle and the Senior class went to Warracknabeal for the 2nd level of athletics. They went with their two teachers - Mrs Bell and Mrs Pilgrim. My events for athletics were the 100m, triple jump, long jump, 200m and relays. I got first in long jump, 100m and 200m but in the triple jump I did okay getting third place. It was the relays that went terribly bad but I almost caught up to the third and second place. We had an awesome and fabulous time that day but some students didn’t because they didn’t do well that day. During athletics when we didn’t do our events yet we would either have been eating, cheering on our teammates or have been playing with my soccer ball, and when Ben wanted to kick my soccer ball up high he got it stuck up in a tree but luckily a kid from the Nhill College, who was a friend of ours climbed up the tree and got my soccer ball down. It was lucky that he didn’t fall down the tree. When we finished athletics we were headed back to our school, but we stopped by so Mrs P could get some money. While she was doing that we were all complaining about how Mrs P was taking so long but when she came back we were all happy because she bought all of us frozen yoghurt ice cream. After we’ve had our ice cream, we all had our own conversations either about athletics or other stuff. When we got back to school we went back to our classes and my class was watching a movie called A Wish Dragon and then when the movie was finished, we packed our bags, went to say the Lord’s Prayer and school was finished and everyone went back home. ~ AJ
On the 21st of August (my birthday) some of the Middle and Senior students went to Athletics in Warracknabeal to compete against other schools. All of the events were the 200m, 100m, High Jump, Long Jump, Triple Jump, 1500m, 800m, Shot Put, Discus, 75m and a Relay. I did the 100m, 200m, Triple Jump, Discus and a Relay. I got a 3rd in Discus, 3rd in 200m but I was coming first until it evened out and I started going slower. I came 3rd in the 100m and 3rd in my relay with the 12 year old girls. I came 2nd in the Triple Jump. I got some presents from Claire, Sophie and my Grandma. Soph and Claire got me some nail polish and a nail set in blue. My Grandma got me a paint set, body pens and a glass stone making kit. I had a chocolate ripple cake and it was so amazing! ~ Marnie
On Wednesday the 21st of August, we made dream catchers. I made a rainbow dream catcher and we used rainbow popsicle sticks and glue to make them. We also practised our spelling words. I was partners with Jesinta and we also coloured in. When we were done colouring, we had free time. The Senior Class and the Middle Class had a video call with Buffy for Auslan. When we finished video calling with Buffy, the Senior and the Middle Class all watched a movie called Wish Dragon. At the end of the day, all the athletic students came back to school. ~ Elvi
On Wednesday the 21st of August, we were doing dream catchers. We were using rainbow sticks and glue. We also practised our spelling words. I was with Elvi. We were also colouring and when we were done colouring, we had free time. The Senior Class and the Middle Class had a video call from Buffy and when we finished video calling Buffy, the Seniors and the Middles were watching a movie called Wish Dragon. All the athletics students came back to school. ~ Jesinta
On Wednesday 21st of August there were seven of us. We watched people reading us books and we had to write a few short sentences about what the books were about. We also made dream catchers they're supposed to catch the bad dreams and leave the good dreams but Jayden's one kept falling apart so he had to put sticky tape on his dream catcher. The bell rang and we were going to recess. After recess we continued making the dream catchers until it was lunch and the bell rang. After lunch the middles joined us for Auslan with Buffy. We had some problems with Buffy where she couldn’t see us and we didn’t hear her but the problem got solved. When Auslan was done we watched a movie called Wish Dragon. We spent the whole afternoon watching it until the others came back.Then we prayed and went home. ~ K’Lu Doh Soe
On Wednesday we made dream catchers. Most of the Senior class were at athletics. I made a rainbow dream catcher. It was really fun but we had to use glue which made a mess. Then we did colourings after lunch and then we had a video call with Buffy. At the end of the day we watched a movie called Wish Dragon. The students got back from athletics and we did the prayer. The bell went so it’s home time. ~ Tyler
Yesterday, we had the dress up day for Book Week. St Patrick’s was swimming in superheroes, Harry Potter and other magical characters. A shout out to the staff who all coordinated in Wizard of Oz costumes.
This week has been a great one of recognition and exploration. As such, don’t forget to drop in and see what books are on offer at the Book Fair - that is also running next week!
Below are some photos of Senior Integrated cooking yesterday.
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 Moe, Caleb and Agnes 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 Amity 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:
75 nights - Jewel
100 nights - Daniel P, Matthew, Jesinta
100 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
Dates
- Book Fair at Nhill Market - Sunday, 15 September 2024, 9:00am-1:00pm
- Meeting - Tuesday, 8 October 2024, 5:00pm
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
August
Mon 26-Fri 30 - Book Fair
Book Fair preview times:
Students - 11-11:15am Mon 26, Wed 28, Fri 30
Parents - 3:15-3:45pm Tue 27, Thu 29
Thu 29 - 1:30pm Father's Day lunch and games afternoon
September
Fri 6 - Footy Colours Day
Thu 12 - Little Desert Athletics Stawell
Thu 12 - Fri 13 - Middles Camp
Sun 15 - 9am-1pm Book Fair at Nhill Market
Fri 20 - Last Day Term 3 - dismissal time 2:15pm
October
Mon 7 - First Day Term 1
Tue 8 - 5pm SAC Meeting
Thu 17 - Nhill Show Day (local public holiday)
St Patrick's Nhill
Church Times
11:00am Mass each Sunday
Our Mission
Child Safe Standards
The Child Safe Standards began in Victoria in 2016. The 11 Child Safe Standards are designed to help keep children safe from abuse and harm. Organisations working with children must comply with these Standards.
The Commission for Children and Young People have produced a plain language guide for the Standards which will be shared through our newsletter.
From: Victoria’s Child Safe Standards: Plain Language Guide
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
Managing Screen Time
“Parents have an important part to play in role modelling a positive approach to using screens and assisting young people to navigate the content they watch.” Dr Michael Carr-Gregg
Many parents have reported excessive screen time as the number one health concern affecting kids, especially now in the hyperconnected world we live in. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that there should be no screen time at all for children under two, less than an hour a day for children aged from two to five, and less than two hours for five to 17 year olds. However, these guidelines have been disputed by experts and often ignored by families. Parents must play an important role in modelling a positive approach to using screens, and assisting children to navigate the content they access.
Reminders
Parent Access Module PAM / SIMON Everywhere app
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