Newsletter 2023/06 ~ 10 March 2023

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

We have passed the halfway point of this first term and are less than a month away from the first round of school holidays and Easter. This term is certainly flying by quite quickly.  And we have been busy too, having participated in events such as Stomp Dance, Hockey clinics, swimming programs and carnivals, lots of professional learning activities for staff, Masses for the start of the school year and for Ash Wednesday, and lots of classroom learning too. School has well and truly settled into a gentle rhythm of learning as the children have acclimatised to their new teachers and have begun to understand routines and expectations. Our Foundation students will commence full time learning soon as they begin attending on Wednesdays from next week.

We're excited for next week's St Patrick's Day celebrations, with Mass during the day, a family fun evening and all students (and staff) dressing in green.

CURRENT & RECENT EVENTS

Swim Carnival

Whilst the weather may not have been quite what we would have liked yesterday, it was great to see all the children getting involved in the various activities at our swimming carnival.  Thank you to Mrs Dickinson for coordinating the day's events and to all staff for their involvement on the day.  A big thank you to the parents and friends who were able to come along and support the children as well.

In what was a very close result, it was Joseph who came out on top by eight points from MacKillop and Patrick who tied for second.  Well done to everyone for getting in the spirit and supporting your House teams.

What was particularly pleasing was the number of children who came up to me to say that they had helped out other students, even though they were in different Houses.  We are truly blessed to have such wonderful caring, considerate children in our school who readily display the values that we endeavour to promote.

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Child Safe 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.

All parents and volunteers that are onsite when students are onsite, or attend school events, are required to hold a Working with Children Check (WWCC) and sign the school’s Child Safety Code of Conduct. If we do not have a current copy of your WWCC, please present your card to the office for photocopying. We will endeavour to get all families to sign the code of conduct in the very near future.

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

UPCOMING EVENTS

Public Holiday

A reminder that Monday 13 March is a public holiday.  There is no school on Monday.

Sacramental Program

St Paul VI Parish is pleased to announce that over the course of 2023, children will be able to again choose to progress in being part of the Sacramental life of the Catholic Church. The Parish will offer a new program of preparation to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Communion and Confirmation. Parents are the first teachers of the faith to their children and are therefore encouraged to play an active part in helping their child prepare for the Sacraments.

To give parents, teachers, catechists and children time to discuss, absorb, and appreciate the fundamental truths and gifts of each Sacrament offered to us from God, the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion will be encountered in the Year 4 (and above) age group. Then, in the Years 6 and 7 age groups (primary and secondary) the Sacrament ‘confirming’ our place in faith (Confirmation) will be offered. This timeline allows better opportunity for families to make the faith journey across these important Sacraments.

Registration forms for the Sacramental Programs are available from school.  Forms will also be available at an Information Session being held on Tuesday afternoon. Please return your completed form to school, the Parish office, or Parish Clergy by 3rd April 2023.

Families are invited to attend an Information Session on Tuesday 14 March at 4.00pm in the Church, where further details will be provided, and any questions can be answered.

Foundation students & Wednesdays

As from next Wednesday, our Foundation students will attend each school day.

School Photos

Next Wednesday morning we will be having our school photos.  Please ensure that your child is dressed in the correct school uniform and arrives at school on time.

If you have not yet returned the school photos envelope, please send these to school on Tuesday or Wednesday next week.

NAPLAN

Students in Years 3 and 5 will be participating in National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) tests on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday next week.  NAPLAN assesses literacy and numeracy skills across four tests - Language Conventions, Writing, Reading, and Numeracy.  The NAPLAN results will be sent to the school and parents later in the year. 

Last year I shared a letter which had been sent by a school principal to all the students in his school, as they received their state standardised testing scores, and I wish to share it again. It reminds us that our children are much more than their NAPLAN scores and that one test does not tell us everything about them as individuals or, indeed, as learners.

"We are concerned that these tests do not always assess all of what it is that makes each of you special and unique. The people who create these tests and score them do not know each of you - the way your teachers do, the way I do, and certainly not the way your families do. They do not know that many of you speak two languages. They do not know that you can play a musical instrument or that you can dance or paint a picture. They do not know that your friends count on you to be there for them or that your laughter can brighten the dreariest day. They do not know that you write poetry or songs, play or participate in sports, wonder about the future, or that sometimes you take care of your little brother or sister after school. They do not know that you have travelled to a really neat place or that you know how to tell a great story or that you really love spending time with special family members and friends. They do not know that you can be trustworthy, kind or thoughtful, and that you try, every day, to be your very best ... the scores you get will tell you something, but they will not tell you everything. There are many ways of being smart." 

It is with these thoughts that I wish our students the very best in their assessment and remind them that we are very proud of them.

St Patrick's Day

Friday, 17 March

St Patrick's Day is fast approaching, which means ...

Mass

Monsignor Glynn Murphy will be celebrating Mass with us in the Church next Friday, 17 March, at 12pm for St Patrick’s Day.  All parents and friends are invited to join us.

Dress Up Day

Students and staff are encouraged to come to school dressed in green.

Family Games Night

The SAC (Community Engagement) have organised a night of fun for all our families.

All families are welcome to join us for the evening with a bbq tea and entertainment for the whole family. It's sure to be a fun time.

Please note that this is an alcohol-free event.

Senior Camp

We are looking forward to the upcoming Senior Camp for Years 5 and 6 students which will take place from 20-22 March.  The students will be heading to Melbourne where they will be staying at Urban Camp in Parkville.  Students will participate in educational visits and tours to places such as Scienceworks, Melbourne Museum, the MCG and Melbourne Zoo. 

Information is being sent out for parents today.

DOBCEL Consultative Committee Vacancies

The DOBCEL Board provides opportunities for members of the diocesan education community, and others with relevant expertise, to participate in the mission of DOBCEL, to assist its governance and decision making and to inform faithful stewardship of the mission through DOBCEL Consultative Committees.

A range of vacancies exists across the DOBCEL Consultative Committees. These committees are an invaluable opportunity to ensure that the work of the Board and CEB reflects the needs of DOBCEL school communities right across the Diocese. Typically, the committees meet once each term for a duration of 90-120 minutes. The opportunity exists to attend face-to-face or virtually.  For volunteers to the organisation, compensation for expenses is available. 

Opportunities exist for parents/guardians/carers with a child/children enrolled in a DOBCEL School to join one of the following; 

• Catholic Faith Community & Culture Consultative Committee
• Children & Young People Safeguarding & Wellbeing Consultative Committee
• Family and Community Engagement Consultative Committee
• Learning and Teaching Consultative Committee

In the event of multiple nominations, the Board will invite Consultative Committee members on the basis of the general balance of the committee, taking into account factors such as gender, diversity, skill mix, location, school size, etc.

For more information please contact Jo Mckee jmckee@dobcel.catholic.edu.au or speak with your school principal. Expressions of interest are open until Wednesday, 26th April.

Nhill College "Awkward Conversations" 

Marriage Encounter Weekend

“Live Your Best Life in Love”

Every relationship is a journey and the grind of everyday life can cause you to lose touch with your spouse. This experience gives married couples the tools to keep your passion alive in a gentle, nurturing environment, away from pressures and distractions of daily living. The weekend is based around Catholic values and couples of all faiths are welcome.

Please check our website for more details.

 28-30 April 2023 in  Melbourne (Book early to avoid disappointment)

Information/Bookings: Phone Mercy & James 0409 183 676 or

Email: vicbookings@wwme.org.au    Website: wwme.org.au

Under 14s Footy Training

• When: Saturday morning, 18th March 10am (before the first senior football practice match)
• Where: Davis Park
• Who: all players, new and old needed to build our numbers
• Contact: Nathan Schneider (Football Manager, Nhill & District Sporting Club) 0427913221

Project Compassion

Tereesa is a Gamilaroi woman from Western Sydney who struggled with homelessness while raising her four children. At just 16 years old, she had to leave school after falling pregnant with her first child. A single mother struggling with homelessness, Tereesa’s only concern was finding stability for her children.

Seeking a better future for her family, Tereesa joined Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation’s Young Mums and Bubs Group, supported by Caritas Australia. Baabayn helped Tereesa access housing and psychological support. Today, Tereesa is studying a certificate in Community Services so that she can strengthen her skills and give back to her community.

Tereesa now works at Baabayn, providing support to young mothers and mentoring the next generation of young people.

Please donate to Project Compassion 2023.

Together, we can help vulnerable communities face their challenges today and build a better tomorrow For All Future Generations.

You can donate through the distributed Project Compassion donation boxes, by visiting the website (link below), or by calling 1800 024 413.

Sunday’s Gospel

Matthew 17: 1-9

Sunday’s Gospel of the Transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain tells of a moment of revelation and divine manifestation in the life of Jesus. The Transfiguration of Jesus demonstrated his divine nature as the Son of God.  The three disciples who had accompanied him were awestruck and didn’t know what to say, but then a voice from heaven spoke and said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him, I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

This particular story is an invitation for us to reflect on the significance of moments of divine revelation and how they shape our lives.  It’s a reminder that God can reveal himself to us in profound ways, whether it be through a transformative experience or a moment of spiritual insight.

We are reminded to listen to the teachings of Jesus and to follow his example.  Just as the voice from heaven instructed the disciples to listen to Jesus, we too are called to listen to his teachings and strive to live a life that reflects his love and compassion for others.  By doing so, we can cultivate a deeper understanding of ourselves, our relationship with God, and our place in the world.

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.

By the Numbers

The current number of students enrolled at St Patrick’s School

Classroom and Student News

Junior Class

This week the Junior class have been working very hard, trying to cover all the work that Miss Williams has left for us.

The Foundation students report that they have been doing a lot of work! They have been counting from 0-20, creating number lines and matching numbers to groups of objects.

Year 1 students have been counting forwards and backwards from 0-50. They have also been concentrating on numbers before and after a certain number.

All students have been learning how to hold their pencil correctly and sit with correct posture during a formal handwriting lesson. The students have been learning how to correctly  form the letters Oo, Gg and Uu. Foundation students have also been learning the letter names and sounds of these letters. 

The students have created some interesting pieces of writing from our text, “The Lost Stars”. They have been invited to view the night sky, where a full moon has been evident.

The class enjoyed working with Buffy (Auslan). This week they have learnt how to sign - when, where, what, why, how and who.

At swimming yesterday all children performed to the best of their ability. Well done.

Our Foundation students have enjoyed their last rest day and they will be “full timers” following the long weekend.

We wish all our staff and families and enjoyable long weekend.

Middle Class

We have Elvi, Marnie and Isabella giving a run down of some of the many activities they did this week.

Writing - Elvi says "We read the story, ‘Can I be your Dog?’. It was about Arfy the dog trying to find a home. We used the story to give us ideas about why we think Arfy would be a good pet. Now we are trying to convince the other houses in the street that Arfy would be the perfect dog for their home."

Maths - Marnie says "We are still working on place value. This week we have been learning about odd and even numbers. We played a game called ‘Even Steven and Odd Todd’."

Art - Isabella says "We are practising our drawing patterns. We chose an animal outline and drew patterns inside it."

Next week homework will be sent home. It is a grid system for Spelling, Reading, Writing and Maths. Once students complete the entire grid system, please return the homework book for correction. Students will also be taking home spelling words in their diaries next week.

Congratulations to everyone on a successful swimming carnival yesterday. It was great to see everyone dressed up. Well done to Joseph House for winning.

Have a lovely long weekend, see you all on Tuesday!

Senior Class

It’s been a short but busy week for the Seniors. We have continued to learn about persuasive writing in Literacy this week, focusing on the different techniques we use in our writing to persuade. Our grammar focus has been adjectives, and we have been exploring how to strengthen our persuasive arguments with them.

In Maths we have begun learning about factors and multiples, along with continuing to review our multiplication facts.

We are continuing to learn about the different visual elements in Art. This week we have been learning about Line and using it to create different Auslan signs. It was great to see everyone spending time to research their chosen signs for homework. 

Everyone was excited for our swimming carnival yesterday. It was great to see everyone dressed in their house colours and giving every activity a go, whether in the water or on land. Well done to everyone on a successful carnival and for the effort everyone has shown for our swimming program over the last four weeks.

Wishing everyone a restful long weekend, see you all on Tuesday!

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 week Nile, Olive and K'Lu Doh Soe were randomly drawn from the nominations for Respect, Responsibility and Safety, and have added tokens to their respective Houses' tallies. Last week's names drawn were Jack, Ben and Caleb.

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 Tyler 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:

25 nights - Steev, Gu Thay Paw

Important Dates and Reminders

All calendar dates are available on PAM (SIMON Everywhere)

Term Dates

2023

Term 1   27 Jan (Staff), 30 Jan (Students) to 6 Apr

Term 2   24 Apr to 23 Jun

Term 3   10 Jul to 15 Sep

Term 4   2 Oct to 20 Dec

School Calendar

March

Mon 13 Labour Day Public Holiday

Tue 14 Parish Sacramental Program Meeting 4pm

Wed 15 School Photos Day

Fri 17 St. Patrick's Day

• Dress Up Day
• Mass 12pm
• Family evening 6pm
  

Mon 20 - Sun 26 Harmony Week

Monday 20 - Wed 22 Senior Camp

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.

The Simon Everywhere app 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 PAM (Simon Everywhere) - notify us of absences, provide permission for student activities, update medical/contact information, 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.

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.
• It is recommended that rapid antigen tests (RATs) are used by students and staff if they:
• • have symptoms of COVID-19 infection, no matter how mild
  • are a household or close contact of someone who has COVID-19
  • are a social contact of someone who has COVID-19.
• The Department of Health recommends that all Victorians report their positive RAT result via the online form or by calling 1800 675 398 and inform those with whom they have recently been in contact, including their workplace, school and household.
• Principals are no longer required to inform their school community of a positive case associated with the school.

RATs are available for all Victorians from council sites. Individuals can obtain two free packs (10 tests) for themselves and two free packs (10 tests) for each household member. People with disability and their carers can get up to four free packs (20 tests) in line with existing RAT distribution for people with disability.

School Advisory Council

Parent Representatives

• Rebecca Curtis
• Emily Gladdis
• Moo Khu James
• Michaela Koop
• Zanther McEldrew
• Nathan Wheeler

Ex Officio

• Mons. Glynn Murphy - Parish Priest
• Kingsley Dalgleish - Principal

Next Meeting

• Tuesday 4 April 2023, 7.30pm

Our Mission