Newsletter 2022/05 ~ 4 March 2022
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.
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
Ash Wednesday
Today’s reflection comes from Michael McGirr’s book 'This Cup We Bless - A tea or coffee break for every day during Lent'. Each day, during the Lenten journey for 2022, he has written a thought provoking piece. This reflection is for Ash Wednesday.
Lent starts small. Over four days it will grow into a movement to change the world and us with it. But at the outset it asks us to remember that we are “dust”. To wear ashes on our foreheads as a reminder to keep what goes on behind our foreheads in perspective.
To use the colour purple in our worship, the colour of a bruise, a reminder that we are all hurt and need healing. To take a moment of honesty. To go into our private places and shut the door and to discover the God who finds us in our secret places and brings us into the light. To think about how we spend our time and energy and what really matters.
Loving God, help us to find you once again.
Our search for you asks us sometimes to be still,
For you are all tenderness and compassion, slow to anger, rich in graciousness.
You call us “fellow workers.”
May Lent renew our energy to find what matters
And to serve your kingdom of justice and peace.
Amen
At our Ash Wednesday Mass, Fr Anthony asked the children about Lent - How long does it last? What are we asked to do during this season of Lent? And they were able to respond with the answers he had hoped to hear from them. Lent is one of the Church’s seasons that we all seem to know about. We know that it lasts for forty days and that we are asked to fast, to pray, and to give alms (although this word was not common in our students' vocabulary - they did know that it is a time to be generous and kind and loving to others).
We were reminded that it is not a time for doing special things and saying prayers simply for the sake of it. Our Lenten practices need to help us understand God’s word more clearly and to live according to that word more generously. May we use this time to think about how much the Gospel means to us and how well we are living up to God’s law of love and the promises of our baptism.
Despite the wet conditions on Monday night, it was great to see a number of parents able to come along and meet with their child’s teacher to discuss the start of the school year. Equally pleasing was the fact that several parents who were unable to attend, made arrangements to catch up with the classroom teacher at a convenient time for both parties.
After two years with limited opportunities for parents to physically be a part of our school, we are hoping to see parents joining with us for more events and activities as the year progresses.
We have enjoyed seeing parents, and parishioners, celebrating Masses with us already this year, and it was nice to be able to welcome parents to our assembly yesterday afternoon. We will continue to abide by the regulations that are current at the time, however for now we invite you to join us on Thursday afternoons at 2.45pm for our weekly assemblies.
Recent Events
Hearing Awareness Week
This week is Hearing Awareness Week. This has tied in nicely with our start to the Auslan program at St Patrick’s School.
Hearing Awareness Week is Australia’s annual event to raise community awareness of hearing loss and ways to protect your hearing.
- We look after our eyes – we don’t look at really bright things and we don’t poke things in our eyes.
- We look after our skin from the sun – we use sunscreen, and moisturiser.
- We look after our sense of touch – we don’t hurt our fingers by touching really hot things and burning them.
- We look after our tongue – we try not to burn our tongue.
It is the same with our ears. We need to look after our ears and our hearing as it is very sensitive.
Almost 4 million Australians (one in six) are deaf or have some kind of hearing loss.
If you or someone you know is worried about hearing loss, I encourage you to have your hearing checked. Talk to your doctor and get a referral to see an audiologist.
Yesterday at our assembly, we welcomed Mrs Buffy Harrison who is deaf. Buffy will be working with our school on occasions throughout the year to assist us with our Auslan program.
Chrysalises
Mrs Bell brought some caterpillars and chrysalises to school for the children to watch over several days. We have been excited to see butterflies emerge from these cocoons and be released into the environment.
Pictured below are the chrysalides and a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis.
Upcoming Events
School Closure Day - next Friday, 11 March
Staff will be completing their First Aid, CPR, Asthma and Anaphylaxis training next Friday.
No students are to come to school on Friday 11 March.
St Patrick’s Music Bingo Night
St Patrick’s Day is fast approaching which means….
St Patrick’s School Music Bingo Night!!!!!
Friday, 18th March 2022 at 7.30pm
at St. Patrick's Community Hall
Tables of eight. $10 per person! There are capacity limits so book in now!!!! Those who were there last year can vouch for it being a night of great fun and laughs.
Don't miss out! Get a group of friends organised and book now!
To book a table contact Helen on 0419 829 272
School Photos Day
School Photos Day is Wednesday, 23 March. Order envelopes were sent home with students. If Family Photos are to be ordered, please contact the office to collect a Family Package envelope. Spare individual envelopes are also available at the office.
Individual portraits are taken of every student, even if individual photos are not being ordered. Therefore, each Individual (Traditional) Package envelope must be returned to school.
Please return order envelopes by Wednesday, 16 March.
Project Compassion
This week marks the launch of Project Compassion, Caritas Australia’s annual fundraising campaign that spans across the six weeks of Lent every year. Project Compassion brings together thousands of Australian schools, parishes and supporters to raise funds for people living in some of the most vulnerable communities across the world.
Donations to Project Compassion allows Caritas Australia, the Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development, to work with local communities around the world to end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity.
The theme of Project Compassion 2022 is ‘For All Future Generations’ and reminds us that the good that we do today will extend and impact the lives of generations to come. It invites us to make the world a better place by working together now and finding long-term solutions to global issues. We encourage you to put your compassion into action this Lent through your prayer, fasting and almsgiving by supporting Project Compassion. Each family has received a Project Compassion box for their donations or you can donate online via the Caritas Australia website at: lent.caritas.org.au
St Paul VI Parish Wimmera-Mallee Survey
The St Paul VI Parish Council are wanting your feedback on how you, as a Parishioner, feel they are going at the moment.
The Parish Council are hoping you may be able to find the time to complete the short questionnaire they have compiled so they can get a sense of what is working well, and the areas in which they need to improve.
To provide your feedback simply enter the following web address into your internet browser and complete survey- https://forms.gle/8BGh1ZL9SJWffNn46 , or use the link button below.
Parishioners have until Sunday the 20th of March to provide feedback.
World's Greatest Shave
Tracey Matthews will be losing her dreadlocks and shaving her head on Saturday as she takes part in The Leukaemia Foundation’s World's Greatest Shave in support of cancer patients and their families.
I am looking forward to seeing what will be an enormous transformation from the purple dreadlocks to (another) shiny bald head around the St Patrick’s School community.
There will be plenty of entertainment throughout the day at Jaypex Park so, if you are able to do so, please get along on Saturday and help raise funds for this great cause.
When: Saturday 5 March 2022, 10am-3pm
Where: Jaypex Park Nhill
Reminders
From the office
Please remember to -
- Return fees and digital technology notes
- Return completed school photos order envelopes with payment
Parent Access Module (PAM)
We strongly encourage parents to use the Parent Access Module PAM (SIMON Everywhere) to inform us of student absences. These notes can be set in advance (if, for example, you know that your child will be absent a week in the future). Notes written in the diary are for communicating with teachers. Absent notes need to be directed to the office.
Please speak with office staff if you have any questions about PAM.
Simon Everywhere
The Simon Everywhere app delivers instant notifications to parents' mobile phones, delivering the functionality of PAM (SIMON Parent Access Module) in an easy to navigate app.
We request that all parents please download the Simon Everywhere app, add St Patrick's School, Nhill and login using your existing PAM credentials.
We will use Simon Everywhere for all important notifications.
You will be able to manage all your day-to-day school needs from the Simon Everywhere app - notify us of absences, view the lunch orders menu, read the newsletter ...
Please contact the office with any questions.
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 -
- calling our school office 53911575
- sending an email to principal@spnhill.catholic.edu.au or krintoule@spnhill.catholic.edu.au
- use the Bus Change Notification Form on their website - this is a quick and easy process on your mobile phone (hint: add this as a quick link on your phone's home screen)
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.
Coronavirus Information
(School Operations Guide, Term 1, from Monday 28 February)
COVIDSafe requirements for visitors and volunteers performing work
- The third dose vaccination requirement applies to any visitor or volunteer performing work on school sites.
- Visitors and volunteers must adhere to COVIDSafe requirements – including vaccination, physical distancing, face mask requirements, respiratory etiquette and good hand hygiene.
COVIDSafe requirements for visitors (not performing work)
- In Victorian Catholic schools, parents, carers and other adult visitors who enter school buildings must be able to show evidence of two doses of COVID-19 vaccine or have a valid medical exception.
- Proof of vaccination can be checked by a COVID-19 digital certificate (Service Victoria app or smartphone wallet) or printed copy of a digital certificate or immunisation history statement.
Rapid antigen testing
- Free rapid antigen tests will be made available for all staff and students in Victorian schools throughout Term 1 2022. Rapid antigen testing will be voluntary for all primary school students and staff.
- Students should continue to conduct the tests at home and must report any positive test results to -
- the Department of Health system (Rapid antigen tests | Coronavirus Victoria) or via the coronavirus hotline at 1800 675 398, and
- the school by phone or written notification.
- Tests should be conducted twice weekly, and we encourage this to be done on Monday and Thursday
Face masks
For all school settings:
- School staff will be required to always wear masks indoors. There is an exemption from this requirement if they are actively teaching and clear enunciation or visibility of their mouth is essential.
- Students in Grade 3 and above must wear a face mask indoors at school, unless a lawful exception applies. Students must wear face masks even if vaccinated. Students are not required to wear masks outside, however they are strongly recommended if physical distance cannot be maintained, even outdoors, when students are not undertaking physical exercise (for example: masks are strongly recommended when classes are held outside).
- For composite classes that include students in and above Grade 3 and below Grade 3, those below Grade 3 are strongly encouraged to wear masks (Year 2 students).
- Students in Prep to Grade 2 are strongly recommended to wear a face mask indoors at school.
- Everyone over eight years old must wear a face mask when travelling to and from school on public transport, taxis or rideshare vehicles.
- Visitors to schools aged eight and above must wear a face mask in all indoor spaces, unless a lawful exception applies.
- Use single-use mask, or reusable cloth mask made from 100 per cent cotton, for increased breathability.
- A face mask must cover the nose and mouth. Face shields, scarves or bandanas do not meet these requirements.
Service Victoria QR Code Check-in
- is no longer required at schools.
- Routine school visitor record keeping arrangements continue to apply.
- All visitors to school must report to the school office to sign in.
Practise good hygiene
- 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 is available at entry points to classrooms.
- Sharing of food is not permitted.
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.
Positive Start
The Victorian Government has provided information on the Positive Start in 2022 initiative, which offers students in all low-fee Catholic schools a chance to reconnect with peers and enjoy the kinds of activities that many missed out on over the past two years.
With Positive Start, Victorian students will be more active, reconnect with friends, and find inspiration in new and exciting places.
Holiday camps
Eligible parents and/or carers can book a free holiday camp for their child who is in Year 3 or above.
Holiday camps give children a positive and fun experience away from the regular holiday routine.
Whether a single overnight experience or spending several nights away, taking part in a school holiday camp program is a great way for your child to try new things, make new friends and enjoy active time in the great outdoors.
If students wish to go to a holiday camp, parents and carers will need to book. Schools do not organise these camps for students.
To be eligible for free holiday camps, students must meet one or more of the following criteria:
- attend a school that experienced closures of five days or more due to COVID-19 in 2021
- have an approved Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) application for 2022
- have a parent who holds a valid means-tested concession card
- are Indigenous students
- reside in out-of-home care (temporary or permanent)
- are from a refugee background
- are students with a disability.
All of our students would qualify based on the first dot point listed above. Some will meet several of the criteria listed.
More information about this initiative can be found here, or by using the link button below.
An expression of interest letter was emailed to all families yesterday. The letter outlines how families can express an interest in their child attending a free holiday camp.
Families must register their interest by Friday 25 March 2022 to be considered.
Australian Catholics Magazine
The Autumn 2022 Schools Edition of Australian Catholics is out now - at the following link:
Sunday's Gospel Reflection
LUKE 6: 39—45
Sunday’s Gospel asked us to consider our behaviour when we experience conflict with others. For most of us it is much easier to judge or blame others rather than reflect on our own behaviour or attitude. But that is what Jesus warns against in this week’s Gospel. The more we look at our faults - knowing God loves us despite them - the more we mature and our faults no longer control us. It is then that we can discover our full potential.
When we are honest with ourselves and able to identify our strengths and weaknesses, we allow ourselves the opportunity to grow, to change, and to contribute to our family and our community in a positive and powerful way. It is both important and healthy for us to take the time each night to reflect on our day and be honest in our self-assessment. Be pleased with those things that we did well and that were good, but own up to our mistakes and ask God to help us learn from them. Over time, the ability to be really honest about ourselves will develop and with this habit will come pride, maturity and the respect of those around us.
This week, we are reminded to focus less on the blindness caused by the splinter in another’s eye, and more on the blindness of the I.
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
10 -The number of Hail Marys said while focusing on each Mystery during the Rosary.
Only one round of cricket remaining before the finals and only one more week until the AFL season kicks off - exciting times! Go Horsham Saints and Go Port!!
God Bless you all.
Kingsley Dalgleish
Principal
Classroom News and Student Awards
Junior Class
Mrs Creek
We have enjoyed acting out a simple shared story this week called Buster McCluster. He is a farmer who plants sprouts in his vegetable garden. Unfortunately bugs and slugs soon like his plants too. When they finally cook them, bugs and slugs POP out. The students like the YUCK, YUCK, YUCK at the end. 2D and 3D songs continue to be a favourite for Maths. Our first greeting lessons for Auslan are being explored and I hope you see the signs coming home. In Religion, we have watched a delightful book called ‘Images of God for young children’. It has helped us to understand the many ways God can bring his presence amongst us each day.
Thank you to all my attendees at the Get To Know You Meetings on Monday.
Middle Class
Miss Williams
This week we have been focusing on a book called The Stone Lion. We have used this book in our Reading and Writing and related it to Religion this week. In Reading and Writing we have been involved in a scaffolding literacy cycle in which we take a sentence from our book - The lion grabbed the handle of the basket in his powerful mouth. We looked at the parts of the sentences and identified nouns, verbs and adjectives. We have then used the structure of our sentence to imitate it and create our own sentences. In Religion we have discussed Lent and what we can be doing during this Lenten time. We have related the ideas from our book of caring and helping others as well as giving to others to begin to identify how we can show alm-giving during Lent and build a relationship with God or other people. In Maths we have been continuing to work on 2D and 3D shapes as well as identifying different types of angles around the classroom and within shapes as well.
Little Joey Awards
This week we continue to acknowledge the significant role of the "Brown Joeys" in the establishment of St Patrick's School, and recognised Oscar and Daniel with Little Joey awards.
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 this week for their reading achievements:
25 nights - Tyler, Kelsey, Stella, Lexi
Important Dates
St. Patrick's, Nhill
Church Times
Sunday, 6th March
10.00 a.m.
L.L.A.
School Advisory Council
Parent Representatives
Helen Cannell
Moo Khu James
Zanther McEldrew
Emily Gladdis
Nathan Wheeler
Appointed Representatives
Ann Munro - Parish
Ex Officio
Mons. Glynn Murphy - Parish Priest
Kingsley Dalgleish - Principal
Next Meeting
Wednesday, 4 May 2022, 7.30pm
Our Mission
Community News
COVID-19 Children's Vaccination Clinic in Nhill
Showgrounds Testing Clinic
The new West Wimmera Health Service clinic replaces the Nhill Trailer Exchange clinic, which ceased at the end of January.
Location - Nhill Showgrounds (A & P Society Young Farmers' Pavilion), 91-95 Victoria Street, Nhill
Hours of operation - Monday to Friday, 9am to 12pm
Bookings are required - call (03)53632201 during business hours to book a test
HOOKIN2HOCKEY has started ...
Historic Engineering Expo at Nhill Aerodrome
Saturday, 19th March, 10am-4pm
Easter Colouring Competition
As Easter is approaching, we would like to invite children between the ages of 4 and 7 years old and children between the ages of 8 and 12 years old to participate in our 'Colour to Win' colouring competition. Your students could win and so could their school - YOUR SCHOOL!
Each student can enter the competition at their Newspower Newsagency. Each participating Newspower store has two Russel the Rabbit prizes to be won, but it gets even better!
Both store winners will automatically enter the National competition, where they have the chance to win a $100.00 Bunny Bucks voucher. Plus if one of your students is the National winner in either the Infants or Primary category, your school will win a Bunny Bucks voucher to the value of $500.00.
Competition closes on 14th April.
Vinnies food van
Do you know Australia produces enough food for 75 MILLION PEOPLE*? So why can’t we feed everyone?
Our goal is to raise $150,000 TO FEED 6,000 HUNGRY VICTORIANS with our Vinnies Soup Vans.
Will you help us FILL THE VAN?
WHAT WE DO
Vinnies Soup Vans provide nutritious meals, hampers and support to people experiencing poverty and homelessness. Throughout the pandemic, our Soup Van volunteers have also been a consistent and friendly presence on the streets building social connections that people in our community so desperately need.
WHAT WE’VE ACHIEVED
Last year, our Vinnies Soup Van services provided more than 561,390 meals to people in need. Your support can feed hungry Victorians by helping us fill the van.
Since the pandemic, we have seen demand for these services DOUBLE.
- $25 feeds one person
- $50 feeds two people
- $125 feeds an entire family
- $500 funds the van for a night
Thank you in advance, you are helping Vinnies Victoria stock our Soup Vans full of fresh fruit, vegetables and other essential groceries that we will put into the hands of adults and children who desperately need them this week.
Thank you,
The Vinnies Victoria Team
P.S. Check out our new TikTok account @VinniesVictoria, see what amazing things our community is achieving.
* Australian Food and Grocery Council
Strengthening Parent Support Program
The Strengthening Parent Support Program encourages the families and carers of a child with a disability or developmental delay to build support networks with other families in their local area. We provide parents with the opportunity to meet other local families in a supportive, relaxed setting where they can socialise, share information or take part in training programs to support them in their caring role. The child is not required to have a formal diagnosis for parents and carers to attend. We generally meet for an informal lunch (which is provided by our program) once a month but also run many other activities/events in the region which everyone can attend.