Newsletter 2022/30 ~ 14 October 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.

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

Children Learn What They Live

If children live with criticism

         They learn to condemn

If children live with hostility

         They learn to fight

If children live with ridicule

         They learn to be shy

If children live with shame

         They learn to feel guilty

If children live with tolerance

         They learn to be patient

If children live with encouragement

         They learn confidence

If children live with praise

         They learn to appreciate

If children live with fairness

         They learn justice

If children live with security

         They learn to have faith

If children live with approval

         They learn to like themselves

If children live with acceptance and friendship

         They learn to find love in the world.

CURRENT & RECENT EVENTS

New Lunch Orders Menu

Wimmera Bakery have recently updated their price list.  We have sent home a copy of the new menu.  You can also find this document in PAM (SIMON Everywhere) >Home, scroll down to >Knowledge Bank, >Parent Documents, >Action, >Preview

Nhill Show

Finally the Nhill Show returned yesterday for the first time in three years - and I think we almost got three years worth of rain to coincide with it!!

For those who braved the elements and ventured along to the showgrounds, they were able to see some of the features and events in action.  Attendees were also able to see the students’ artwork and our decorated doors that had earlier appeared in The Gallery.

Congratulations to all who were awarded prizes for their efforts as well.

Well done to the organisers who managed to ensure that our Show still went ahead and to all who were able to get along and show their support.

Nhill Heritage Weekend

Nhill is hosting an open weekend this weekend.  Nhill Heritage Weekend has various entertainment offers available for people to enjoy such as aircrafts, vintage tractors and tours of Nhill's historic silo-mill.  Keep your eyes open for the events happening in Nhill across the weekend.

Emergency School Lockdown Drill

On Monday we had an Emergency School Lockdown Drill.  Each term we complete a drill in response to any one of possible situations that we as a school may be faced with.  This term we practised a lockdown situation in the event that we may have an intruder on the school grounds.  All classes handled the situation very well.  We hope that we never have to face such a situation in reality but it is comforting to know that staff and students are able to respond appropriately and readily.

Australian Parents Council Newsletter

The latest edition of Australian Parents Council Schoolzine eNewsletter is now available at the below link.

In this issue:-

• From the President's desk
• Introducing MyKidsCareer
• Disability Standards for Education Toolkit
• NAPLAN News for 2023
• Exam tips for parents 
• Upcoming webinar

School Wide Positive Behaviour 

During play times, staff have been monitoring for students demonstrating aspects of Respect, Responsibility and Safety within the school yard.  Names are collated and shared during our weekly assemblies.  Names are drawn randomly for each category and that student’s House receives a token for their House jar.  The House with the most tokens later in the year will be rewarded.

Congratulations to all children who were recognised for their positive actions around the school over the last week of Term 3 and this week.  Hser Wah (Patrick), Sophie (Joseph) and Liberty (Patrick) were randomly drawn from the names listed for Respect, Responsibility and Safety, and have added tokens to their respective Houses' tallies.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday’s Gospel Reflection

Luke 17:11-19

Sunday’s Gospel told the story of Jesus healing ten lepers who had asked for his pity on them.  Once healed and on their way, only one turned back to thank Jesus and give praise to God.  Perhaps the other nine were overwhelmed by the fact that they had been healed and were in a hurry to return to their families and friends - people whom they would have been ostracised from due to their leprosy.

Like those in the story, we have all received blessings from our loving God.  Sometimes we remember to thank God and sometimes we don’t.  Let us challenge ourselves to remember to give thanks for all that God provides for us.

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

It has been great to delve into our shared information text this week, called Feelings. We have discovered different words to describe the feelings we may experience, such as: worried, shy, disgusted. We also read how our body can inform us how we may feel. We can be itchy, hot, or tired, to name a few. It was our turn for Assembly, and we showcased this alongside our number concepts. At the start of the Assembly when we sang ‘Every day is a gift from God’ we read how God is one, and three.

Middle Class

Miss Williams

This week has been exciting to get everything ready and finalised for the Nhill Show. We entered some amazing artworks and even had some of our robots from last term entered in as well.

In Reading we have been reading Windmill, and have had some wonderful discussions about how things have changed.

In Writing we have been working on some letters.

We have been continuing division in Maths this week, and in Art we are looking at media art and creating our videos.

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 Tegan 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 this week for their reading achievements:

75 nights - Marnie

100 nights - Hser Wah

125 nights - David, Doh Wah, Moe Tha Zin, Liberty

150 nights - Nile

200 nights - Tyler

Important Dates and Reminders

All calendar dates are available on PAM (SIMON Everywhere)

Term Dates

Term 4   3 October to 20 December (Students' last day is Friday, 16 December)

School Calendar

OCTOBER

Wednesday 19

Incursion: Circus Challenge

Friday 21

Book Club orders due date

Monday 31

Student Free Day - Staff Professional Development

NOVEMBER

Wednesday 2 - Friday 4

Senior Class Camp

Tuesday 22

SAC Meeting 7.30pm

DECEMBER

Thursday 1 - Friday 2

Middle Class Camp

Tuesday 6

SAC Annual Meeting 7.30pm

Friday 16

Students' last day (dismissal time 3.15pm)

Reminders

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 PAM (SIMON Everywhere) >Home, scroll down to >Knowledge Bank, >Parent Documents, >Action, >Preview

Parent Access Module PAM / SIMON Everywhere

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.

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.

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

• Tuesday, 22 November at 7.30pm
• AGM Tuesday, 6 December at 7.30pm

Our Mission

Community News

Primary Basketball Competition Update

Primary Basketball will return in 2022 with an expected start date in late October.

The Primary Competition will run on Tuesdays for Years 2 – 6.

An Aussie Hoops program is currently being developed for Foundation – Year 2 for a November start – stay tuned for more details!

Registrations are now open for Primary Basketball at https://www.playhq.com/ (search Nhill Basketball Association). The registration fee will include $26 annual Basketball Victoria Licence (renewal lands on 12 months from payment in 2021) and $30 to cover stadium entry. The Nhill Basketball Association has confirmed free membership for all players for the 2022/23 season.

It will be wonderful to see as many kids back playing basketball as possible.

We will be also looking for Coaches and Team Managers for the Primary Competition to support the coordinator and players.

Enquiries can be directed to Tracey Bell 0418 607 321 on or Kat Colbert on 0409 527 041 or nhillbasketball@gmail.com

Follow your creative dreams at Horsham Regional Art Gallery!

It is a new term, so it's time to start getting ready for Art Club and Mini Makers Story Time.

Art Club
Starts Tuesday 18th October to 29th November
4:00 - 5:30pm for children aged 7-12.
A course of 6 sessions for $72.

Art Club is about supporting our emerging young artists in making and creating artworks. We’ll help children discover new skills and express their ideas through a stimulating program of visual art practices guided by renowned local artists.

Children’s will take part in a progression of lessons over the 6 weeks, but students are able to participate in single sessions if required.

Mini Makers Storytime
Fortnightly from Tuesday 11 Oct / 25 Oct / 8 Nov / 22 Nov / 6 Dec
10- 10.45am for children aged 0 - 5 yrs. 
$5 per child

Let’s get together around art and storytelling!

Art for our Mini Makers is all about discovery and fun … unleash your child’s creativity through wonderful books and fun art activities.

Links / Information

COVID-19 Update

Summary

• RAT kits will be provided during Term 4.
• RATs are to be used when symptomatic.
• Report positive test results to Victorian Department of Health (link below).
• Report positive test (student and/or family member/close contact) to school - phone 53911575 or 0419929271, SMS 0419929271, email principal@spnhill.catholic.edu.au.
• Students who test postive must isolate for minimum of 5 days, return on day 6 if no symptoms, any symptoms after day 6 must remain in isolation, consider another RAT before return to school.
• Mask wearing - recommended indoors or outdoors where physical distancing is not possible; if leaving isolation wear a mask for the next 2-5 days; everyone (including students aged 8 years and above) must wear a face mask when travelling on public transport, taxis or rideshare vehicles; students who are household contacts must wear a mask at school (indoors).
• Practice good hygiene (hand sanitiser is provided throughout the school).
• Stay  home if unwell, even with the mildest of symptoms, and get tested.

Rapid antigen testing / Isolating / Leaving Isolation

• The Victorian Government is providing further deliveries of rapid antigen tests in Term 4 to schools.
• It is recommended that rapid antigen tests are used by students and staff when symptomatic.
• If staff or students receive a positive test result at any time, they must report this through the Department of Health system (Rapid antigen tests | Coronavirus Victoria) or via the coronavirus hotline at 1800 675 398, and isolate for at least 5 days or up to 7 days. 
• Students (or their parents) must also report a positive result to their school by phone or written notification; this is so the school can support them, record that they will be absent while in isolation, and let the rest of the school community know there has been a positive case onsite and that they should monitor for symptoms.
• Students who report a positive result must isolate for 5 days and not attend school until their symptoms resolve.
• Any student or staff member who tests positive to COVID-19 must now isolate for a minimum of 5 days. If they are asymptomatic, they may return to school on day 6. If they are symptomatic, they must remain in isolation until day 7. If they have symptoms after 7 days, they are strongly advised to stay home until their symptoms have resolved.
• As an additional risk mitigation, the Department of Health strongly recommends that you wear a face mask away from home indoors and outdoors when you cannot physically distance. If you are leaving isolation on day 6, wear a mask for 5 days but particularly the first 2 days. If you are leaving isolation on day 7, wear a mask for 4 days but particularly the first 2 days.
• Consider taking rapid antigen tests before attending a workplace, including schools, sensitive settings or visiting people at higher risk of severe illness. If you are positive, stay home.
• Where a student is a household contact of a positive case (that is, they have spent more than four hours with someone who has COVID-19 inside a house, accommodation, or care facility) they must inform the school. Household and household-like contacts are no longer required to quarantine as long as they take additional safety measures in the 7 days that would have been their quarantine period (see Table 1). If household contacts do not undertake the safety measures they are required to isolate and test on Day 1 and Day 6 of isolation. Household contacts are required to inform the school that they are attending during the 7 day period.
  

Face masks

• Current advice from the Victorian Government on the wearing of face masks is available here: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/face-masks.
• Wearing a face mask can help protect you and those around you. Face masks stop droplets spreading when you talk, cough, sneeze and laugh, which lowers your chance of spreading or catching the virus.
• The advice strongly recommends the wearing of face masks in indoor settings (noting that exceptions to the recommendation apply to teaching circumstances when clear enunciation or visibility of the mouth is essential) or outside where physical distancing is not possible.
• As an additional risk mitigation, it is strongly recommended by the Department of Health that anyone leaving isolation on day 6 or 7, wears a face mask indoors away from home, and outdoors where they cannot physically distance. For those leaving isolation on day 6, wear a mask for 5 days but particularly the first 2 days. For those who are leaving isolation on day 7, wear a mask for 4 days but particularly the first 2 days.
• Everyone including students aged 8 years and above must wear a face mask when travelling on public transport, taxis or rideshare vehicles.
• If face masks are required, they should be worn for up to four hours and replaced after this time.

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.

Stay home if unwell

• 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.

Links