Newsletter 2024/37 ~ 6 December 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

As the second candle, the Peace Candle, of the Advent wreath is lit, we are reminded of the deep and lasting peace that Jesus brings into our lives. As I said last week, Advent is a season of waiting and preparation, and in this second week, we focus on the promise of peace—a peace that goes beyond the absence of conflict. It is the peace that comes from knowing God is with us, no matter what we face.

In our world today, peace can feel distant. We see conflict, division, and anxiety all around us. But the light of this candle calls us to remember that Jesus, the Prince of Peace, came to reconcile us to God and to one another. His peace calms our fears and helps us to be peacemakers in our own lives.

This week, let us reflect on how we can share Christ’s peace with those around us. Is there someone we need to forgive or a situation where we can bring understanding? Let us also take time to quiet our hearts in prayer, asking God to fill us with His peace and to guide us in spreading it to others.

As the light of the Peace Candle grows brighter, may it remind us that God’s peace is real, powerful, and always available to us. Let us walk in that peace and share it with the world.

CURRENT & RECENT EVENTS

SAC Annual Meeting

The annual meeting of the School Advisory Council was held on Monday and the following parents were duly elected to the SAC:

• Bec Curtis(re-elected)
• Zanny McEldrew (re-elected)
• Courtney Taylor
• Clint Beattie
• Bonnie McEldrew

They join continuing members Emily Gladdis and Ashleigh Meyer.

Thank you to retiring members Michaela Koop and Moo Khu James for their contributions to the SAC.

Elections for positions will be held at the next meeting which has been set for Tuesday, 11 February 2025 at 5:30pm.

DOBCEL Strategy 2035

Please find below a letter from Catholic Education Ballarat Executive Director, Tom Sexton and DOBCEL Board Chair Terry Harney regarding the DOBCEL  Strategy 2035.

This letter introduces the new strategy that all DOBCEL schools will be working through over the next ten years.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Junior Excursion

On Monday, Mrs Kupper’s F-1 class will be having an excursion to Horsham for the day.  The children will attend a movie at Horsham Cinema where they will also be joined by the F-1 students from Ss Michael & John’s Primary School.

After the movie, our students will go to the Botanical Gardens to eat their lunch before going to Kids Kapers for some fun activities.

Mrs Kupper, Mrs Woods and myself will be accompanying the students (I didn’t want to miss out on the popcorn!).

Transition Program

Year 6 to Year 7

• Year 6 students who have enrolled at Nhill College for next year, will have a transition week at the College next week, Monday 9 - Friday 13 December.

Kindergarten to Foundation

• Kinder students will have one more visit to school on Friday, 13th December.

All year levels

• All students will be involved in transition activities on Friday, 13 December, where they will spend the day in their next-year’s classes.
• The Year 6 students who are attending St Brigid’s College in 2025 will still attend St Patrick’s on that day.

End of Year Timetable/Activities Week

We are planning some fun activities to round up the end of the year. We are waiting for confirmations from venues about some of the activities, but here is a rough idea of the upcoming activities. Normal classes will continue where there is no activity. The swimming excursions will require parental permissions, which will be setup in PAM on Monday.

Monday 9th

• Junior class excursion to Horsham
• Carol singing practice

Tuesday 10th

• Carol singing practice
• Swimming after lunch

Wednesday 11th

• Carol singing practice
• Auslan (online with Buffy)
  

Thursday 12th

• Carol singing practice
  
• Christmas activities
• Assembly (final for the year)

Friday 13th

• Transition day (next year’s Foundation students will be here)
• 2025 Senior class - carol singing at Cooinda (wear uniform and Christmas-themed headgear)
• Christmas activities

Monday 16th

• Casual clothes day - Christmas theme
• Carol singing at Avonlea
• Swimming

Tuesday 17th

• Casual clothes day - Christmas theme
• SWPBS Reward - Wheelie & Skipping - bikes or scooters at Nhill Skate Park
• Sausage sizzle at Jaypex Park

Wednesday 18th

• Students’ last day - dismissal time 3:15pm
• Pizza lunch
• Year 6 students milkshakes
• Graduation Mass at 2pm
• Graduation Ceremony at 6pm

Lunch Orders

Next Wednesday, 11 December, is the final lunch orders day.

The following Wednesday, 18 December, the Nhill Bakery is generously supplying us with a pizza lunch. If your child does not eat pizza then they will need to bring their own.

Nhill Carols

The Nhill Town Committee Carols will be held at Jaypex Park on Saturday 14 December.  Santa will be arriving at the Carols at 6.30pm and the Carols will commence at 7.00pm

Students are currently learning three songs for the evening.  It is hoped that as many students as possible are able to attend on the night.  Children are to be dressed in their school uniform however they are also permitted to wear Santa hats or other appropriate Christmas items with their uniform.

Our SAC members will be selling soft drinks and water.  Any parents who may be able to assist with this, please contact one of the SAC members.

School staff may be present at this event but as this is not an official school activity all children are the responsibility of their parents/carers.

Graduation Mass and Ceremony

All students will finish school for the year on Wednesday 18 December, immediately after our Graduation Mass in the Church.  Mass will commence at 2:00pm and all parents are invited to attend.

Our Graduation Ceremony will take place in the school hall from 6:00pm.  Parents are invited to bring along a basket supper/tea to enjoy some fellowship after the awards ceremony.

Students Reports

Students’ End of Semester Reports will be available through the Parent Access Module (PAM) from Thursday 19 December.  Parents wanting printed versions of the report will be able to download copies from PAM. If you have any questions about your child’s report, teachers will be at school on Thursday 19 December only, before commencing their Christmas breaks.  After that date you would need to wait until school returns in late January.

 WWHS Outside School Hours Care in Nhill

Opening for 'come and try days' from Wednesday next week.

Sunday’s Gospel

Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

In this passage, Jesus speaks of signs in the heavens, distress among nations, and the shaking of the world. He reminds His followers to stand firm and stay watchful. Amidst the chaos, Jesus offers hope: the Son of Man will come in glory, and redemption is near. He warns against being weighed down by the anxieties of life, urging us to remain vigilant and prayerful.

This Gospel passage encourages us to face challenges with faith and trust. Though the imagery may seem unsettling, Jesus’ words are ultimately about hope and preparation. They remind us to lift our heads, knowing God’s promises are true. In our busy lives, we can lose focus on what truly matters. 

This Advent, let us prepare not only for Christmas but for Christ’s return, staying alert in prayer and living with hearts open to His presence in our 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.

By the Numbers

118 years ago, the world’s first surf lifesaving club was formed at Bondi Beach.

Classroom and Student News

Middle Class News

The year has flown by and it’s hard to believe that this is the Middles’ last newsletter report for the year. We’ve had a busy couple of weeks finishing off projects in Art, Integrated Studies and Religion. It was wonderful to be able to show off our finished stop motion animations at assembly last week and we’re thrilled to be able to share them with everyone in this week’s newsletter too.

We’ve still got an action-packed week and a half to go and everyone’s looking forward to some Christmas activities and a few other surprises.

As it’s the Middle Class’ last newsletter for the year we’re finishing off with our highlights from this year. Enjoy!

Hananah G - I liked camp because the activities were fun and challenging

Isabella - Camp was my favourite because I found some things hard and challenging

Tessa - I liked our Christmas activity booklets.

Matthew - My favourite thing this year was camp, especially the flying kookaburra. It was so fun.

Hannah E - I liked the Junior Athletics at Nhill College. The blindfolded egg and spoon race was my favourite. 

Max - I liked making the stop motion videos and watching everyone’s finished movies at the end.

Oscar - I liked making my stop motion because I liked watching the croc eat the chicken.

Tegan - I liked the obstacle course on Camp.

Julian - I love everything we do at school everyday.

Jewel - I liked Art because we made lots of different things and used lots of different colours.

Daniel - My favourite thing this year was camp. The zoo was the best part.

Freddie - I liked making collages in Art.

Shalom - My favoutite class this year has been Art. I liked making our portraits.

Jack - Interschool Athletics. It was really fun and I came 1st in my race.

William - I like reading books.

Fabian - I liked going to Athletics at Nhill College.

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. Students who were randomly drawn from the nominations for Respect, Responsibility and Safety, and have added tokens to their respective Houses' tallies, were Moe, Bethany and Julian.

Little Joey Awards

We continue to acknowledge the significant role of the "Brown Joeys" in the establishment of St Patrick's School, and recognised Jack 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:

125 nights - Oscar

150 nights - Hannah G, April, William, Fabian, Nile

175 nights - Katherine

200 nights - Charlotte K

300 nights - Tegan

School Advisory Council

Parent Representatives

• Clint Beattie
• Rebecca Curtis 
• Emily Gladdis
  
• Bonnie McEldrew
• Zanther McEldrew
• Ashleigh Meyer
  
• Courtney Taylor
  

Ex Officio

• Mons. Glynn Murphy - Parish Priest
• Kingsley Dalgleish - Principal

Dates

• Meeting - Tuesday 11 December 2025, 5:30pm

Dates and Reminders

School Calendar

December

Mon 9 - Junior Excursion

M-F 9-13 - Nhill College Year 7 2025 Headstart program

Fri 13 - St Pat's Headstart day - Kinder children visiting

Sat 14 - Nhill Carols in the Park

Wed 18 - Last day for students (dismissal time 3:15pm)

Wed 18 - Graduation Mass 2pm

Wed 18 - Graduation & End of Year Presentation Night 6pm

2025 January

Tue 28 - First day for staff

Wed 29 - Student free day for staff professional development

Thu 30 - First day for students

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.

SchoolTV

Cultural Diversity

Cultural diversity is an inherent aspect of modern society. It enriches our communities by bringing together a wide array of cultures, traditions, and histories, contributing to our unique identity and strength. Embracing and celebrating this diversity is essential for fostering inclusion and a sense of belonging among children. By valuing every child's cultural background, we enable them to excel in all facets of life. Nurturing an environment of curiosity, open-mindedness, and respect for all cultures, will set a strong example for all young people. Through collective efforts, we can pave the way for a more accepting and vibrant future.

eSafety

from the office of the eSafety Commissioner

Tech updates to keep children safe

Apple makes changes to improve child safety 

Apple has introduced a new feature that allows Australian children to easily report unwanted nude images. This is a positive step that will help protect children from receiving unsolicited nudes using Apple devices. eSafety first highlighted the lack of basic safety measures on Apple products nearly two years ago, so it is no coincidence Apple is introducing this feature in Australia before rolling it out worldwide. The new in-app reporting feature is available by default to children in Australia, with Australian adults able to opt-in.  

Instagram campaign to prevent sextortion

Instagram has launched a new education campaign to raise awareness among teens and parents about how to spot sextortion scams, and what to do if you’re targeted. The educational video helps teens recognise red flags, including if someone is coming on too strong, asking to trade photos, or suggesting to move the conversation to a different app. 

If someone shares or threatens to share an intimate image or video of you or your child, you can turn to eSafety for help. 

Your guide for tech gifts

Unwrap the secrets to smart, safe tech gifts!  

Tis’ the season to find tech gifts that don’t come with hidden surprises! But how do you choose tech gifts that are both fun and safe for your kids? eSafety’s Gift Guide is here to help you unwrap age-appropriate options in tech. From gaming consoles to drones, we’ve done the homework so you can make safe, informed decisions.

Reminders

School Preparations for the Bushfire Season

Each year, the Department of Education runs an annual fire risk assessment of schools and early childhood services. They are allocated a category of risk (categories 0 to 4) and are published on the Bushfire At-Risk Register (BARR).

All schools and early childhood services listed on the BARR list will also close when a Catastrophic fire danger rating day is forecast in their fire weather district.  

When the Bureau of Meteorology provides public fire danger rating forecasts or fire weather warnings, they use fire weather district areas. In Victoria, there are 9 fire weather districts, which are based on Local Government Area boundaries. Our school is in the Wimmera fire weather district.

As part of preparing our school for the fire season, we have updated and completed our Emergency Management Plan and have conducted other relevant preparedness actions, such as reprioritised any maintenance works that may assist in preparing for the threat of fire and cleared our facility’s grounds and gutters.

What does this mean for our school?

Our school has been identified as being at risk of bushfire or grassfire and is listed on the Bushfire At-Risk Register (BARR).

DOBCEL, in accordance with the department’s Bushfire and Grassfire Preparedness Policy, requires our schools on the BARR list to close when a Catastrophic fire danger rating day is forecast in their fire weather district. All school bus routes which travel in or through a district with Catastrophic fire danger must also be cancelled.

Our school will close on any day forecasted as Catastrophic fire danger rating in Wimmera fire district.

Closure of the school due to a forecast Catastrophic day will be confirmed on the day prior and we will provide you with advice before the end of the school day when possible. Any information regarding potential or confirmed Catastrophic fire danger days will be communicated to you by PAM.

Once confirmed, the decision to close will not change, even if the weather forecast changes.  This is to avoid confusion and help your family plan alternative care arrangements for your child/ren.  It is also important to be aware that:

• No one will be on site on days where the school is closed due to a forecast Catastrophic day.
• All bus routes that travel through the Catastrophic area will be cancelled.
• School camps will be cancelled if a Catastrophic fire danger rating day is forecast for fire weather district in which the camp is located, or if the travel involves passing through areas that have Catastrophic fire danger.

In addition, families are encouraged to action their Bushfire Survival Plan on Catastrophic fire danger rating days.  On such days, children should never be left at home alone or in the care of older children.

For those of us living in a bushfire prone area, the Country Fire Authority (CFA) advises that when Catastrophic days are forecast, the safest option is to leave the night before or early on the morning of the Catastrophic day.

What can families and the school community do to help us prepare?

• Ensure we have your current contact details, including your mobile phone numbers. 
• Keep in touch with us by reading our newsletters, checking PAM, and by talking to your child’s teacher or any other member of the teaching staff about our emergency management plan.
• Make sure your family’s bushfire survival plan is up-to-date and includes alternative care arrangements in the event that our school is learning from home due to elevated fire danger or closed due to a Catastrophic fire danger. Further information can be found on the CFA’s website.
• Action your family’s bushfire survival plan if your own triggers are met. Our school community may be spread out across many areas and some families may be at higher risk than others. Your family’s safety is critical, so please let us know if you are actioning your bushfire survival plan and if your children will be absent on these days.
• If your child is old enough, talk to them about bushfires and your family’s bushfire survival plan. There is a link below with some activities to assist with this discussion.

You can find more information on emergencies, warnings and preparedness actions here:

• VicEmergency app – that can be downloaded on your android and iOS mobile devices
• VicEmergency Hotline (1800 226 226)
• Website https://emergency.vic.gov.au

• Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/vicemergency)
• Twitter (https://twitter.com/vicemergency)

ABC local radio, Sky News and other emergency broadcasters

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

1. Wear a face mask
2. Take a test
3. Stay at home
4. Meet outdoors
5. Talk to your GP about COVID medications
6. Get vaccinated

*coronavirus.vic.gov.au