Newsletter 2025/18 ~ 4 July 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

Today marks the end of Semester One. Although this term has been a longer one, it seems to have passed quickly. We are now half way through our school year which means the Foundation students are half way through their first year of schooling and the Year 6 students have less than six months left of their primary schooling years.  

Despite an ‘extended summer’, this term has seen many children, families, and staff, struggling with colds and flus, Covid, and other ailments.  I want to thank everyone for their patience and understanding as we have worked as best we can to cover staff absences as well. I hope that we can all return in good health at the start of Term 3.

Today, parents will be able to access their child’s Semester One reports. It has been a pleasure to be able to read all the comments that have been written by the teaching staff as they have documented the children’s progress.  I certainly wish to acknowledge the efforts of our wonderful teaching team who put in so much effort in writing detailed and descriptive reports about the students in their care. I trust that you will enjoy taking some time to reflect on and acknowledge the great things your children have achieved this semester. 

I hope and pray that you are all able to find some good quality family time over the next two weeks and I look forward to seeing you all on Monday 21 July.

God Bless 

Mr Dalgleish

RECENT & CURRENT EVENTS

Increase in Respiratory Illnesses

There is an increased number of respiratory cases in the community at the moment, including influenza, COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). All of these conditions have vaccination programs available which should be considered by those eligible, especially those with underlying susceptibilities.

Some links which you may find useful:

Student Reports

Parents will be able to access their children’s Semester One reports via PAM this afternoon.

Building Update

The temporary office for Mrs Rintoule and myself is almost ready for us to move into, however we still need electricity and data connections (and heating!), all of which should be done next week, and then we’ll be able to make the move out of our current offices.

The student toilets were being finished off yesterday and will be in operation from the start of next term.

Demolition of the current toilet block is expected to happen during the holidays.

Cold Weather

I knew it was getting colder but I was not expecting bits of Antarctica to be drifting into the schoolyard this week!

School visitor

We have had a visitor walking to school this week with Avery, Elvi and Agnes. I’m not sure where Mary is!

Support for drought-affected families

As many in our community continue to face the impact of drought, DOBCEL want to acknowledge the strain this places on families, particularly those in farming and related industries.

In collaboration with CatholicCare Victoria and the St Vincent de Paul Society, they have compiled a summary of the support available to families experiencing financial hardship due to drought. This includes access to school fee assistance, wellbeing and parenting services, and practical material support such as uniforms, fuel vouchers and help with utility bills.

Please view the Executive Director’s letter to families at the link below.

Families are also reminded that you can speak confidentially with myself at any time in relation to school fees.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Term 3 Dates

Please note the following dates for Term 3:

• Students return - Monday 21 July
• Hockey 7s - Wednesday 23 July
• Kinder Visit - Friday 8 August
• Bullying No Way - National Week of Action - 11-15 August
• West Wimmera Athletics - Wednesday 20 August
• Gifting Mass - Friday 29 August
• Little Desert Athletics - Wednesday 10 September
• Students finish Term 3 - Thursday 18 September
• Staff Professional Learning Day - Friday 19 September

100 Days of School Celebration - Foundation/Year 1

Youth Mental  Health Roadshow - Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

When: Tuesday 29 July, 7.00 – 8.00pm Parent/Carer session

Where: Kaniva Community Hub, 132 Budjik Street, Kaniva

Join leading psychologist Dr. Michael Carr-Gregg for a free session tailored for educators, school leaders, and wellbeing staff. Gain practical strategies to support student mental health and navigate challenges facing young people today.

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

Matthew 16:13-19

The Gospel story of Matthew 16:13–19 is rich in meaning and significance for both the early Church and for Christians today.

Key Meaning and Themes:

1. Recognising Jesus as the Messiah
   When Jesus asks, “Who do you say I am?”, Peter responds with deep faith: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” This moment shows the importance of personal faith and recognising Jesus’ true identity—not just as a good teacher or prophet, but as the divine Saviour.
   
   
2. Peter’s Role and Leadership
   Jesus declares that Peter (whose name means “rock”) will be the foundation of the Church. This highlights Peter’s special role as a leader among the apostles and the beginning of what we understand as the papacy.
   
   
3. Authority of the Church
   Jesus gives Peter the “keys of the kingdom,” symbolising spiritual authority. The power to “bind and loose” means the ability to make decisions in guiding the community of believers, with heavenly support.
   
   
4. Faith as the Foundation
   Ultimately, the Church is built on faith—like Peter’s bold confession. It’s a reminder that Jesus builds His Church not on perfection, but on faith-filled people willing to follow Him.

This Gospel passage highlights the importance of recognising Jesus' true identity and marks Peter’s special role as leader of the Church. It reminds us that faith in Christ is the foundation upon which the Church is built.

By the Numbers

137 is a prime number, meaning that it cannot be divided exactly by any other whole, positive numbers other than 1 and itself.  It is the 33rd prime number.

Classroom and Student News

Senior Class News

Well it is that time! Well done to all the students, staff, parents and wider community for making it to the end of Term Two!

The students have been busy testing in Maths and Literacy, ready for Term Three. They have also been working on making sure they have finalised all their outstanding work before the end of the week.

The colder weather has well and truly arrived and with it brings jumpers, jackets, beanies and scarves. This also seems like an appropriate time to remind everyone that uniforms, lunch boxes, water bottles or anything that students may bring to school and leave around the school grounds needs to be named. Please make sure that you take the opportunity over the holidays to make this happen.

The building works are also expected to launch into full steam ahead mode when the break occurs. It has been a great opportunity to wait and watch the developments around the building site and I know that the students are excited to see what changes will happen over the holidays when they return for Term 3.

I hope that you all have a restful break, and take the opportunity to recharge and spend time with friends and families. Please be safe over the break and we look forward to seeing everyone when Term 3 starts on Monday 21st July.

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 term. We will recommence the draws next term.

Little Joey Awards

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

25 nights - Gu Thay Paw

50 nights - Zoe

75 nights - Xavier H, Marina, Charlotte K, Jesinta, Srishti

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

July

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

Mon 21 - First day Term 3

Wed 23 - Hockey 7s

August

Tue 5 - SAC Meeting 5.30pm

Wed 20 - WWSSA Athletics

Fri 29 - Gifting Mass

September

Thu 18 - Last Day Term 3 - dismissal time 3:15pm

Fri 19 - Student free day for staff professional development

St Patrick's Nhill

Church Times

11:00am Mass each Sunday

Our Mission

Child Safe Standards

School TV

SPECIAL REPORT: Celebrating NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC celebrations will occur during the school holidays between 6-13 July and this week-long event helps build positive relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, enabling a deeper understanding of our differences and similarities.

NAIDOC week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It is celebrated by all Australians and is a great opportunity to recognise and learn more about the history and culture of Indigenous communities.

NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. Its origins can be traced back to the Aboriginal rights movement, when on Australia Day 1938, protestors marched through the streets of Sydney to highlight the status and treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. Today, it is a week-long celebration held in July that consists of range of traditional and contemporary activities.

NAIDOC Week is an important event that helps build positive relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. It enables a deeper understanding of our differences and similarities and is a great opportunity for all Australians to eliminate bias and discrimination by reflecting and reconciling the wrongs of the past to facilitate hope and build a fairer future. Families are encouraged to join in and support young people in learning the significance of NAIDOC Week.

This Special Report offers suggestions on how families can celebrate NAIDOC Week together. We hope you take a moment to reflect on the information offered, and as always, we welcome your feedback. If this raises any concerns for you, a loved one or the wellbeing of your child, please seek medical or professional help.

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.

School Holiday Programs / Vacation Care

Vacation Care, West Wimmera Health Service

Other submitted information

Kindergarten & Long Day Care 2026 - Open Days

Brotherhood of St Laurence - Saver Plus

Journalist Jo Abi recently featured an article on Nine Honey about her shock power bill — and included some simple, practical ways to save energy and reduce costs. It's a great read, especially for families looking for budget-friendly strategies. She’s paired it with one of her “simple ways to save”.

This ties in perfectly with the Saver Plus program, which supports eligible families from the school community, to build healthy savings habits and reduce financial stress. It’s a free program that matches participants’ savings dollar for dollar, up to $500, to help with school-related expenses.