Newsletter 2022/10 ~ 8 April 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

Today we can celebrate the completion of the first term of 2022. At the same time we are celebrating our first full school term since 2019 without any interruptions to classes due to remote learning!! We pray that we will be able to continue on throughout the rest of the year in a similar way.

Next week we enter the final days of Lent. As Christians, we will immerse ourselves in the Easter story of Jesus’ death and resurrection. The three days from Holy Thursday evening through until Easter Sunday evening are the holiest days in the Christian year.  We will begin by celebrating the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, on Good Friday we remember Jesus’ passion and death, and on Easter Sunday we joyously celebrate Jesus’ resurrection to new life.

By the Holy Cross of Christ,

Save us and raise us up, O God,

Forgive our sins and lead us to eternal life.

God of the resurrection,

As grapes pressed and crushed

Ferment into rich wine,

So bless and transform us

In our ordinariness

To people alive with joy.

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Two years ago Fr Richard Leonard visited the Nhill Parish and in his talk he said, "God’s response to Good Friday, was Easter Sunday.  God’s response to suffering is life and healing. 

We’ve been going through a bit of a Good Friday for months and months (for the past two years during COVID) and we deserve a little bit of Easter Sunday, as it is a great season of Hope.

We are people of hope.

Some Catholics are trapped on Good Friday, they haven’t heard the Hope of Easter Sunday.

Humanity killed Jesus on Good Friday.  God’s response was to raise His Son from the dead on Easter Sunday.

That’s what we believe.

That’s our Hope.”

RECENT EVENTS

Cross Country

The Years 3-6 students competed in the Nhill Cross Country event at Nhill Golf Club on Monday.  Students ran either a 2km or 3km course, depending on their age group.  

Students who gained Top 8 placings in their age groups were:

• Stella Schnaars, 3rd, 13 Yr Girls
• Jack Cannell, 4th, 13 Yr Boys
• Ma Thay Thay Khin, 6th, 11 Yr Girls
• Sophie McEldrew, 7th, 10 Yr Girls
• Riley Wheeler, 8th, 10 Yr Boys
• Lexi Murphy, 8th, 10 Yr Girls
• Jet Taylor, 8th, 13 Yr Girls

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Soccer

Our soccer clinics concluded this week.  The children have certainly shown improvement in their ball skills over the past month with the sessions conducted by Jason from Football Victoria.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Catholic School Parents Victoria

The link below will take you to the latest edition of CSPV Newsletter.

This issue includes:

• Introduction to our new Chair
• Our latest Catholic school parent research report 
• Our new partnerships with SchoolTV, Lifesaving Victoria and others to bring parents information and resources to support children's learning and wellbeing
• Information on free swimming vounchers for students and survey for parents about water safety education
• Webinars from the Office of eSafety Commissioner and other articles

ANZAC Day

As a nation, we will stop on Monday 25 April to remember all who have served our nation in time of war.  ANZAC Day is a day to pay our respects to those who have died in battle or as a result of war, and those who have returned.  

As we prepare for ANZAC Day in 2022 it is sad to reflect that 100 years ago, World War I was believed to be the war to end all wars.  Sadly, there have been conflicts and wars in some part of the world every day since that time.

This year’s ANZAC Day commemorations will take place as conflicts and war continue in Ukraine, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Syria and other parts of our world.

We pray that our combined prayers may be loud enough to silence the guns of war and that we may indeed achieve peace in our world.  We pray that God, the source of all peace, together with the Spirit of ANZAC, may give us the courage to strive for peace in the world.

In Nhill on ANZAC Day morning, our students will march as part of the procession from near the Tourist Information Centre to the Cenotaph where a wreath laying ceremony will take place.  All St Patrick's School students are invited to participate in the march.  I encourage all families to attend the Commemorative Service from 10am and ask that all students be in full school uniform for the procession.

One of our senior students will lay a wreath on behalf of the St Patrick’s School Community and our choir will combine with students from Nhill Lutheran School to sing two hymns during the wreath laying.  Our students have been practising during lunchtimes and on Monday had a combined practice session with NLS.  

I look forward to seeing you all on ANZAC Day.

Students Return

Term 2 commences on Tuesday 26 April.  There is no school on Monday 25 April due to ANZAC Day.  Students are reminded that they will still need to wear their hats at the beginning of Term 2.  

Parents are asked to once again check all items of clothing, lunch boxes, drink bottles and ensure that they are clearly labelled with the child’s name on them.

Athletics

Students have been busy practising their Long Jumps, Triple Jumps, Shot Putt and Discus over the past couple of weeks in readiness for the Athletics carnival to be held on the first Friday of Term 2.   I hope that they can find time to practice during the school holidays as well so that they can perform well on the day.  The carnival, for students in years 3-6, will be held at Nhill College on Friday 29 April.  There will be a separate day for F-2 students on a date that is still to be determined.

St Brigid's College Open Day

The St Brigid's College community would like to warmly invite you and your families to join them for their 2022 Open Day on Wednesday 4 May.
The range of discovery activities on offer on the day include:

• Learning Walks (12.00pm - 3.00pm)
• See our College in operation
  
• Tasters (4.00pm - 6.00pm)
• Experience learning sprints from various subjects
  
• Enrolment Information Evening (7.00pm - 7.45pm)
• To be held in the St Brigid's STEAM Centre
• This presentation will also be livestreamed via Zoom.

To register for any of these events, please scan the QR Code on the attached flyer or click this link:

Project Compassion

This week through Project Compassion we learn about Shaniella who is attending a vocational school in the Solomon Islands supported by Caritas Australia Solomon Islands (CASI).

Not long after Shaniella started, the school was hit by a landslide, flooding, and a cyclone, all in quick succession.

With your kind support, CASI helped install water tanks, restoring clean water access to nearby schools, health centres and the wider community. Training was held in agricultural skills to help boost the school community’s food security, as well as in environmental risk management and emergency responses.

Now, Shaniella can complete her skills training, with enough water and food to eat, and improved sanitation. She is improving her ability to earn an income, learning skills which will expand her job opportunities. Students are also better prepared to respond when disaster strikes.

Please remember, if you have not returned your Project Compassion collection boxes to school by today, we will require them early next term to allow for funds to be deposited to Caritas Australia.

Sunday's Gospel Reflection 

John 8:1-11

Sunday’s Gospel shares the story of the adulterous woman who is brought before Jesus by the Pharisees.

The Pharisees are testing Jesus by asking what should be done to the woman.  According to the Law of Moses, the woman should be stoned to death, however under Roman laws Jewish people could not authorise execution.  If Jesus was to abide by the Law of Moses and call for the woman to be stoned, then this would be a breach of Roman Law.  If he was to abide by Roman law and, as a Jew, not authorise execution, then he would be in breach of the Law of Moses.

So the test on Jesus is to answer in a manner that does not contravene either law.  Either answer, yes or no, will support the Pharisees' case against Jesus. 

Jesus, however, calls for the one who is without sin to cast the first stone.

As Jesus writes in the sand, the crowd gradually disperse until only the woman is left standing there.  It is a symbolic scene to imagine Jesus in a lowly position looking up at the woman as opposed to him being in an elevated position and looking down upon the woman.

The Pharisees, having reflected upon their own sins, have turned and left and Jesus notes that no one remains to condemn the woman and he tells her that he too does not condemn her and that she is free to go and tells her to sin no more.

The Gospel reminds us that we should not pass judgement on others as we are all sinners who are unworthy to judge the sins of others.

Yet Jesus, the one without sin and thus our judge, offers us who are sinners, his mercy and forgiveness.

Redeemed by Jesus' compassion, we are sent to sin no more and to live in God's love and peace.

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.

Classroom and Student News

Junior Class

Mrs Creek

I can tell this is our final week of Term 1 because we have filled our writing books with Literacy and Mathematics learning tasks. Our shared Big Book story this week is titled, Hungry Monster by Joy Cowley. We have had lots of experiences with hungry characters this term. This monster, though, eats a red letterbox, roller skates, and finally a car. We laughed. No wonder he didn’t want to eat breakfast when his family came down! We have enjoyed soccer for sport, and some students joined the singing group for ANZAC Day celebrations yet to come. Making measurement comparisons for height, length and weight has been explored. Auslan studies have given us a taste for conversations, greetings, as well as letters and numbers. Some posters were made for our Religion end of term unit.

Middle Class

Miss Williams

This week the Middle Class has had some great experiences for the final week of Term 1. Our Year 3s participated in cross country on Monday. Three of our students went to the Lutheran School on Monday afternoon to practise songs for ANZAC Day with the children of the Lutheran School and on Wednesday our whole class joined in with the final session of soccer.

In Writing we have had a focus on using technology and different types of software with our writing. We focused on creating an Easter card using Google Slides. Each student had to write their card in the book and then use the ipad to access Google slides, type their message and design the front page of their card before printing it. We then did some arts and crafts to create an Easter gift for the cards that we made.

In Maths we have continued the unit on measurement - measuring long jump, triple jump, discus and shot put. In addition, capacity, area, volume, mass and temperature were introduced to our learning. This involved some water play measuring the capacity of containers, measuring the area of squares on our floor using blocks, and measuring the volume of containers using blocks. We have also had a chance to compare the mass of objects and the temperature of objects. 

In Reading we have focussed  on the book The Silly Sheepdog, discussing why the characters thought the dog was silly and how their opinions about him changed when they learnt more information. We have also made assumptions about how the different animals in the book might have felt when the sheepdog chased them.

In Religion we have finished listening to the story of Holy Week and have created a wonderful display of crosses. On one side of the cross we have a small section of the Holy Week story and the other side shows how we can have a relationship with other people in our own lives that is similar to what was happening in the story of Holy Week.

For Art this week we have finished off all our art works from this term and have created a colourful display in our classroom and school. We are keeping our artworks at school so that we might choose some of our favourite pieces in October to enter into the Nhill Show.

Have a wonderful, safe and relaxing Easter break!

Senior Class

Ms Murphy

Well done everyone on our first uninterrupted term since 2019! We hope you all have a happy and safe Easter break. Please read about the Cross Country and ANZAC Day.

On Monday the 4th of April 2022 Cross Country started, Grade 3s and up had to go to the Nhill local golf club to run.

Grade 3s and 4s had to run two ks and 5s and 6s do 3ks. As the whistle blew everyone ran flat out, l started to run… but then I remembered what my dad said to me, “At the start of the race jog, and when you see the finish line run flat out!”

I did what my dad said and I maybe came 6s or 7s out of the girls! Last time l came 2nd but I still had fun. 

by Sophie                                 

ANZAC DAY

What is ANZAC Day?

ANZAC Day is where people go to say thankyou to those who went away to fight in the many wars, and remember those who died.

When did ANZAC Day start?

ANZAC Day started on the 25th of April, 1915 and  more than 10000 ANZACs died. 

Did you know?

Red poppies are the first flower that grew after the war.

Rosemary represents ANZAC Day.
In my family there have been many sent away to fight, including my Great Great Uncle who died in France in 1915 and that was in the 1st World War. And three great uncles in Papua New Guinea in the 2nd World War. And my Great Grandfather in the 2nd World War in Africa who was also a prisoner for three years.

On ANZAC Day people bake ANZAC biscuits to send to the soldiers. 

The first ANZAC Day was on the 25th of April 1916.

by Georgia

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 Isabella and Nile 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 - Ben, Hser Wah, Tegan.

50 nights - Sophie, Tessa.

Important Dates and Reminders

Term Dates

Term 1

28 January (staff) 1 February (students) to 8 April

Term 2

26 April to 24 June

Term 3

11 July to 16 September

Term 4

3 October to 20 December

School Calendar

APRIL

Reminders

From the office

Please remember to -

• Return fees and digital technology notes
  

Visitors to school - Assembly

We love that we are once again able to host visitors at our weekly assembly on Thursday afternoons.  It's so great to be able to share our school and classroom happenings and celebrations with our families after all the closures, restrictions and frustrations of the last two  years.  Families are very welcome to join us in the hall for assembly at 2.45 each Thursday.

A reminder, though, that the School Operations Guide (coronavirus restrictions) requires that visitors must -

• wear a mask;
• sign in to the school (in the foyer); and
• be able to show evidence of two doses of COVID-19 vaccine or have a valid medical exception.

Please remember to bring your mobile phone with you!

A detailed list of all coronavirus restrictions/requirements is set out later in the newsletter.

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

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

If a student tests positive through a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT), but don’t have symptoms or have not been in contact with anyone who has COVID-19 it is recommended that they get a PCR test within 48 hours and stay isolated until they receive their result.  

If the PCR test is negative, the student or staff member can return to school.

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.

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

Easter fun

Start playing netball ... NetSetGO!

Venue - Nhill & District Sporting Club, Davis Park, Nhill

Session days and times - Thursdays at 4.00pm

Start date - Thursday, 28th April 2022

Suitable for children aged 5 to 10 years old

Contact - Casey Hiscock 0427227382

Registrations are now open

GET ACTIVE VICTORIA - KIDS VOUCHER PROGRAM  is available to eligible families

Trinket the Robot Puppet Show

School Holidays fun with Junior Landcare

During the school holidays there are 60 fun activities children can do to keep busy. With 17 Just for Kids activity sheets, children will learn about food production, biodiversity, waste management and First Nations perspectives.

The activity sheets are based on the learning activities from the Junior Landcare Learning Centre and have been developed by educators. Children can have fun designing a poster, doing the worm crossword, playing the Who am I? insect game, Spot the Animal crossword and the soil word challenge. Make up your own Just for Kids activity sheet and send your idea to us!

School Holidays Program - Hindmarsh Shire Council

For more information and book, visit www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/events, call 53914444 or email info@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au

School Holidays Program - Uniting Wimmera

Bookings essential.

Email shwwimmera@vt.uniting.org or call Ari on 0481063747

Dentist