Newsletter 2025/14 ~ 30 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

A PRAYER FOR CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK

God of all Creation,

In this Jubilee Year of Hope,

we give thanks for the gift of Catholic Schools

in the Diocese of Ballarat — past, present, and future. 

We give thanks for those who have worked tirelessly, 

in establishing our school communities 

In reflection we acknowledge the joys, hopes, and griefs 

that have been a part of the story of the Catholic schools in our Diocese 

You call us to be Pilgrims of Hope,

walking together with courage, compassion, and faith.

May we be a blessing to each other, our students and families

May we all be inspired by Your Spirit

to grow in wisdom, love, and service.

As we journey through this week of celebration and into the future,

help us to see You present in all those we encounter and through all creation

in our classrooms, on the playgrounds,

When things are going to plan and when a path emerges we have not considered.

May our schools be places of inclusion,

truth, and Gospel joy

Let the hope of Christ, light our way, especially, in the darkness

May our work build a future animated by hope, justice and peace.

We ask this through Jesus, our teacher.

Amen.

RECENT & CURRENT EVENTS

Catholic Education Week Mass

This week we are celebrating what makes Catholic Education special for us.  Activities have been incorporated into our classroom learning and on Tuesday we travelled to Murtoa to share a day with students and staff from Our Lady Help of Christians and St Mary's Warracknabeal.  Our students enjoyed the opportunity to mix with the children from the other two schools and shared in a BBQ lunch.

Mons Glynn Murphy led us in Mass which focused on this year's theme of Pilgrims of Hope.

Here are some reflections from some of the students in the Year 4,5,6 class.

Claire:  On Tuesday the 27th of May our school went to Murtoa to participate in Catholic Education Week. We were one of three schools there. There were St Mary's Warracknabeal, Our Lady Help of Christians and St Patrick’s (our school). When we got there, we had a play then ate our recess and then after that we went to mass. Some of the students from our school had specific roles in the mass. I brought up the school candle and all of the Grade 6s also had a part in the mass. After the mass there was a sausage sizzle for lunch and a juice box. When we had finished we were allowed to play a bit. Before we went to lunch we were divided into our groups for some activities to finish off the day. We got to know the teacher that had us for the activity. For the activity, the teacher gave us a piece of paper and we had to draw or write what gave us joy. When we had finished we were allowed to do a colouring page. The teacher told us that stickers made her happy, so we all got a sticker. I chose a bunny riding a scooter that said you got this!  I think it was really cute if you ask me. We got on the bus and came back to school. In the end, we had a great day and a big thanks to Our Lady Help of Christians for hosting Catholic Education Week.

Fabian: When we got there we were able to play recess and we also spent time making friends that we played together with at the playground. We had so much fun and we got to play soccer and tennis and we ate sausages. It was so good.

Mckenzie: We had mass and we had an activity where we had to draw something that brings us joy. I drew my family and my friend and a tree that looked like a hand. It had five fingers and then we had a big photo at the end and went on the bus back to school .   

Isabella:  Once we got there we had a little bit of time to play and were able to eat recess. After that we had mass and the focus was “May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace”. After mass we had a sausage sizzle and got a juice box and then we were allowed to play until the bell rang. After the bell rang, we split into groups. I was in the red group and we went into where they held the mass. The yellow group joined us as well. The first thing that we did was read a book called “Millie, Jack and the Dancing Cat.” The activity was to write what brings you joy. After the activity, we took a big photo then packed our bags and got on the buses and went back to school.

Ben:  It was fun.  l had fun because l could see friends from other schools. We all participated in the mass and I had a job, as well as the rest of the Grade Sixes. l took up a bowl of stones for our school. After the mass, we had lunch and we all had sausages and a juice box. All of us were playing lots of different games and in different areas. After play we went to a classroom and we all made a poster about what gives you joy or peace.

Marnie:  After our Mass we had another play then had our lunch which was sausages and fruit boxes. For most of the day Claire and I played netball. We also made a friend named Kirat, who we already knew because she came to the science and engineering day with us. She also played with us.

Jesinta:  When we got there we played for a bit and then the mass started. I was the one who took the backpack, map and other stuff that I can’t remember to the altar.  When we finished the mass, we had some food to eat and Gu Thay Paw, Shalom, Moe and I made friends. I can't really remember their names but we made a lot of friends and they are from Our Lady Help Of Christians.

Daniel B: When we got there, we got to look around and play for a while, and then after that we participated in the Mass. I had to read a prayer and sing songs as well as participate in the rest. After the mass, we got more play time but first we had to be divided into the groups for the activities after lunch.  I played basketball with a number of different people. The bell rang to have lunch and we were treated to a BBQ that had sausages and everyone could choose a juice box. It was very tasty. After that we got put in groups and my group was purple. I went to the library to draw and colour Lebron James, my Family, God and Jesus because that’s what makes you have joy and peace. After that we had to take a big photo, then we got on the little bus and played games. Thanks to Ms Farnham for driving the little bus and putting on the radio - it was great fun.

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New build update

The builders have started on our building project.  Whilst we were in Murtoa on Tuesday, a temporary wall was erected in the hall.  Yesterday, the Middles finally moved across to their new workspace.  This generated a lot of excitement for our Year 2-3s.

Matt Bone moved our roses from in front of the school to in front of the hall yesterday. 

Next week we will see the arrival of a temporary office for Mrs Rintoule and myself.  This will be situated on the grass area immediately in front of the hall.  A toilet block for the students will also arrive next week and fencing will then be placed around the existing building.  We will then vacate the building to allow for the builders to start on demolition and structural changes.

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Tom Sexton visit

We had a visit from the Executive Director of DOBCEL yesterday.  Mr Tom Sexton endeavours to visit each of the schools with our Diocese at least once each year.  Mr Sexton had been at a Northern Zone gathering in Euston and diverted his return to Ballarat by coming to visit St Patrick’s School.  He looked over our building plans, looked in on each of the classes, and discussed issues relevant to our school and/or Catholic Education in the Diocese.

National Reconciliation Week

The National Reconciliation Week (NRW) 2025 theme, Bridging Now to Next, reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future.

Bridging Now to Next urges us to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us.

At a time when Australia faces uncertainty in its reconciliation journey, this theme calls on all Australians to step forward together.

In the NRW 2025 theme artwork, created by Kalkadoon woman Bree Buttenshaw, native plants − known for regenerating after fire and thriving through adversity − symbolise our collective strength and the possibilities of renewal.

This is a time for growth, reflection, and commitment to walking together.

From Reconciliation Australia

Bringing the joy of reading to our school community.

Issue 4 is an important one—not only does it feature brand-new releases AND new iterations from much-loved authors, it’s also the last chance for families to redeem the $5 promo code they earned from their Issue 3 orders. This promo code is only valid for Issue 4, so don’t miss out!

Read every day, read more in May!

Families taking the National Family Reading Month 31-Day Challenge can WIN $1,000 IN BOOKS!

Click the link below  to learn more... 

Australian Catholics Magazine

The Winter Edition of Australian Catholics magazine is out now. Click the link below or get your hardcopy from the school office.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Winter Lightning Premierships

This year the Winter Lightning Premierships will be held at Nhill College on Thursday, 12 June. The Years 4-6 students will be participating in Tee-ball. Parents are welcome to come and support the students. Students must wear school sports uniform. Be prepared for cold weather. Students will need to bring a water bottle, lunch and snacks. Students with medical needs will need to bring their medications with them. Transport - Bus. Cost - $0.00. Teacher in charge - Mrs Bell. As the venue for this activity is within the Nhill town boundaries, consent is not required as it is covered by the Local Excursions Consent provided by parents/guardians earlier in the year.

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 14:23-29

In Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus speaks words of deep comfort and assurance to His disciples—and to us. He reminds us that those who love Him and keep His word will be united with Him and the Father. This is not a distant promise, but a very present one: “We will come to them and make our home with them.”

Jesus also promises the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, who will continue to teach us and remind us of everything Jesus has said. This is not just a historical event, but an ongoing gift. The Spirit is present in our lives today, gently guiding us, challenging us, and encouraging us to live out the Gospel in real and meaningful ways.

Then Jesus offers something the world cannot give: His peace. This peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of Christ in the midst of it. It is the quiet confidence that we are held by God, even in uncertain or painful times.

As adults, with all the demands and stresses of daily life, these words are a powerful reminder: we are not alone. The Spirit is with us, and Jesus’ peace is available to all who trust in Him.

By the Numbers

133 - Sikandar Raza smashed an unbeaten 133, off just 43 balls, as Zimbabwe set a record innings score of 4-344 in their T20 Cricket World Cup sub-regional Africa qualifier against the Gambia.

Classroom and Student News

Middle Class News

It’s been another action packed week for the Middles, the term has been flying by and it’s hard to believe we’ve hit our half-way point. 

There’s been lots of learning in the classroom. In Literacy our spelling groups have been learning about irregular vowel sounds, silent letters and ‘x’ sounds. We’ve also been learning about making connections in Reading and how to write rich compound sentences in Writing. In Maths we’ve moved on from addition and have started a new subtraction unit. However I encourage all our middles to keep practicing 10 facts, doubles and near doubles. Knowing these facts are just as important for subtraction as they were for addition. In Art we’ve been learning about the element of line. We’ve  been using line to create art inspired by a book we read, Turtle’s Song, all about the life cycle of a turtle.

However this week was not just all about the classroom. On Tuesday we headed over to Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School in Murtoa to celebrate Catholic Education Week with two other schools. We celebrated mass, and reflected on the theme 'May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace’. There was also plenty of playtime, and it was great to see our students take the opportunity to mix with and befriend students from all the different schools.

Thursday, however, was our most exciting day this week. After a number of delays our long awaited ‘moving day’ finally arrived. We’ve packed up our classroom and moved it into the hall, where we will stay for the rest of the year while the main school building is renovated and extended. The Middles displayed some great teamwork, perseverance and problem solving skills as we moved everything across and worked out where it should all go. It was also great to see how eager everyone was to help carry, build and move things.

Wishing everyone a great weekend, and see you all 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 Valentino, Adoni and Claire.

Little Joey Awards

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

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

School Calendar

June

Mon 9 - King's Birthday Public Holiday

Thu 12 - Winter Lightning Premierships

July

Fri 4 - Last day Term 2 - dismissal time 2:15pm

Mon 21 - First day Term 3

St Patrick's Nhill

Church Times

11:00am Mass each Sunday

Our Mission

Child Safe Standards

School TV

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.

Click the link below to read more ...

Digital Media Webinar

Parents, carers, grandparents, educators and school leaders are invited to attend an exclusive webinar supporting primary and secondary students.

• WEBINAR: Digital Media Literacy & Safety (Part II)
• DATE: Wednesday, 18 June 2025
• TIME: 7:30 pm

Join us for an exclusive session with two of Australia's leading experts in youth wellbeing and cybersafety, Susan McLean and Dr Michael Carr-Gregg. They will share invaluable insights on how to empower young people to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.

Topics in this webinar include:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Misinformation & Algorithms
• Sexting and Sextortion
• Online Grooming

Please note, this webinar is a one-off event and will not be available to replay later.

Participants must register prior to the commencement of the webinar to gain access.

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

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

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