Newsletter 2025/11 ~ 9 May 2025
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
Habemus Papam - We have a Pope
Pope Leo XIV
Oh God, who in Your providential design
willed that Your Church be built
upon blessed Peter, whom You set over the other Apostles,
look with favor, we pray, on Leo XIV our Pope
and grant that he, whom You have made Peter’s successor,
may be for Your people a visible source and foundation
of unity in faith and of communion.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God for ever and ever. Amen.
St. Peter, pray for us.
from the Mass for the Pope
RECENT & CURRENT EVENTS
Circus Challenge
We had an engaging performance with Ryn from Circus Challenge on Tuesday. There was a 45 minute show followed by a 60 minute workshop with our Year 2-6 students. Students learnt juggling skills, plate spinning and hula-hooping.
Freestyle Dance Ministry
Yesterday we were fortunate to have another visit from Justin and Freestyle Dance Ministry. Students participated in a one hour hip hop dance session on the hard court. Many were keen to show-off their new dance moves after the session.
Mother’s Day
It was pleasing to have a good number of mums and special guests visit our open classrooms yesterday afternoon and then joining us for our assembly in the church.
We hope all mums, grandmas, and special people have a wonderful day on Sunday.
Building Update
Last week I mentioned that the builders would be arriving on Tuesday. Well, that didn’t actually eventuate. I had a call from them to advise that they are still awaiting some documentation before they can commence. Hopefully we’ll see them soon.
SAC Parental Engagement Survey
Repeat from Issue #4 28 February
Parental engagement recognises the important role that both parents and teachers play in developing positive attitudes towards learning and education for children, building their motivation and confidence as learners, and fostering their enjoyment of learning.
Each year our School Advisory Council forms active Working Groups to assist with school operations. On occasions, these groups ask for assistance from our families.
We have prepared a survey which will assist us to better serve parents, with the ultimate goal of improving the school and your child's education. It is a simple survey with just five questions and it should take less than 5 minutes to complete. Please complete it by the end of May.
Parents should have received an email to complete the survey, or follow this link:
Project Compassion
Last call for the return of Project Compassion donation boxes. If you still have these at home could you please return them to school on Monday.
Thank you
Thank you to Clint, Bruce and Jonas Beattie for completing repairs to the back fence recently. A section of the fence between the oval and the paddock behind the school was down, however Clint and Jonas have since rectified this.
Jonas working on the fence
UPCOMING EVENTS
Little Desert Cross Country
Eleven of our students have qualified to compete at the Little Desert Cross Country Championships in Kaniva on Monday. We wish Jack, Xavier M, Freddie, Oscar, Hannah G, Tessa, Elvi, Claire, Marnie, Ben and Daniel B well for the event.
Student Free Day
A reminder that next Wednesday is a student-free day as all staff will be attending an information sharing day in Horsham. Staff will be attending a DOBCEL presentation of the recently launched Strategy 2035 which will guide Catholic Education within our Diocese for the next ten years.
Walk Safely to School Day
Next Friday is National Walk Safely to School Day. This is an annual campaign which encourages all primary school children, their parents and carers, to walk safely and regularly to school.
Physical activity has many social, emotional, physical and mental health benefits. Encouraging children to be active each day establishes good habits that can stay with them throughout their lives.
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.
Sunday’s Gospel Reflection
John 21: 1-14
Sunday’s Gospel told the story of Jesus appearing to the disciples after his death and resurrection. The disciples had spent the night fishing without any luck. As they returned to shore, a man was standing there and asked how they had fared. When they said they had not caught any fish, he told them to cast their net to the other side. They did this and were rewarded with a large haul of fish. Although they did not recognise Him, they knew that the man was Jesus.
The message that we can take from this is:
- Jesus cares about us, even in everyday things like eating and working.
- When we listen to Jesus, amazing things can happen.
- Jesus is always with us, ready to help, even when we don’t recognize Him at first.
- Jesus loves spending time with us, just like He did with His friends.
This story reminds us that Jesus is our friend. He wants to help us, guide us, and be with us always—even in the small moments of our day! 🐟🍞💛
By the Numbers
130 years ago (1895), all women in South Australia were permitted to vote and to stand for election. Previously, only property-owning women (granted in 1861) were permitted to vote. South Australia was the first colony in Australia to allow women to vote.
The rollercoaster ride that comes with supporting Port Adelaide continued last Saturday in Ballarat. Sadly, we were on one of the downhill tracks against the dogs last week. Hopefully it is a quick rise back up as we tackle the clowns in Showdown 57 tomorrow night! C’arn Port!
God Bless you all.
Kingsley Dalgleish
Principal
Classroom and Student News
Middle Class News
It’s been another busy week in the Middles Classroom. We’ve had lots of excitement this week, with two incursions, Mother’s Day activities and preparing for our big move.
Students had a chance to get moving and be creative with our two incursions this week. On Tuesday we had a visit from Circus Challenge, and after watching a show students had a go at some circus skills including scarf juggling, hoops, flower sticks and plate spinning. This was a great opportunity to challenge themselves and put their physical coordination skills to the test. The fun continued on Thursday with a visit from Freestyle Dance Ministry. Again, it was great to see our students show enthusiasm and challenge themselves by having a go at some new skills.
With Mother’s Day this weekend our Middles have also spent some time preparing something special for their Mums this week. We were also excited to welcome mothers into our classroom and at assembly on Thursday afternoon. The Middles had a great time playing Maths games and reading with their mums.
We’ve been slowly preparing our classroom for our (hopefully soon) moving day. The walls may be looking a little bare, but we have enjoyed having the building to ourselves while we wait. There have been some great opportunities to spread out to work alone or in small groups, and students have been enjoying the independence.
I wish everyone a restful weekend and a Happy Mothers Day. See everyone next week!
Regards,
Miss Attard
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 Meena, Jesinta and Zion.
Little Joey Awards
We continue to acknowledge the significant role of the "Brown Joeys" in the establishment of St Patrick's School, and recognised Sophia, Jack and Isabella 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 for their reading achievements:
50 nights - Daniel P, Matthew, Charlotte K, Hannah G
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 5 August 2025 5:30pm
Dates and Reminders
Term Dates
2025
Term 2 22 April (Staff), 28 April (Students) to 4 July
Term 3 21 July to 19 September
Term 4 6 October to 19 December
See dates on PAM (SIMON Everywhere)
School Calendar
May
Mon 12 - Little Desert Cross Country (Kaniva)
Wed 14 - Student Free Day for staff professional development
Fri 16 - Walk Safely to School Day
Wed 21 - National Simultaneous Storytime
M-F 26-30 - Catholic Education Week
Tue 27 - Excursion: Catholic Education Week Mass in Murtoa
June
Mon 9 - King's Birthday Public Holiday
July
Fri 4 - Last day Term 2 - dismissal time 2:15pm
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.
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
School TV
Special Report: Shaping Healthy Masculinity
In today's fast-moving world, many boys are struggling to find direction. Even well-meaning online searches about fitness, confidence or relationships can lead them to content that promotes rigid or unhealthy ideas about masculinity. The critically acclaimed TV show 'Adolescence' has brought fresh attention to this issue, highlighting how boys are often exposed to messages that glorify toughness and dominance, while dismissing empathy and emotional openness.
These outdated beliefs can limit emotional growth and impact how boys relate to others - with real consequences in schools, homes and communities. That's why it's more important than ever to guide boys with care, clarity and connection.
By offering healthier role models, safe spaces to talk, and encouraging respectful friendships - especially across genders - we can help boys develop the confidence, empathy and relationship skills they need to thrive.
This special report calls for a cultural shift and advocates for curiosity-driven dialogue that builds trust and critical thinking. The goal is to raise boys who are not just resistant to harmful influences, but actively capable of questioning and rejecting them.
We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in these editions of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact your child's teacher or the principal for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Reminders
School Office Hours
- M 8:45am - 4:15pm
- T 8:45am - 4:30pm
- W 8:45am - 4:30pm
- T 8:45am - 4:30pm
- F 8:45am - 1:00pm
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
Concussion Protocol
Concussion is a serious situation and children, like adults, need time to rest and recover after receiving a concussion. Schools have obligations for understanding if activities need to be adapted for students recovering from concussion sustained outside of school.
Given the requirement to rest, recover and adapt activities it is important schools are made aware when a student receives a concussion outside of the school setting.
Concussion – Important information to be aware of
If your child has experienced concussion outside of the school setting it is important that they rest for a period of 24 to 48 hours and then gradually return to activities after this time. Returning to school can be a graduated approach with the aim of increasing tolerance to a full day, the same situation could occur with sporting activities. It is always important to check with your doctor and seek medical treatment after a child sustains a concussion.
It is important to inform the school if your child has sustained a concussion outside of school; this is to ensure the school can monitor your child’s wellbeing and adapt activities as required.
Links:
- Factsheet from the Royal Children’s Hospital is valuable to read and understand.
- There is also a great evidence-based app from the Murdoch children’s research institute that walks you through what to do in the result of a concussion.
Community News
Horsham Youth
