Newsletter 2023/08 ~ 24 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

What a huge week it has been. 

Last Friday we celebrated St Patrick’s Day with Mass, an afternoon of activities and an evening of fun with our school community.  On Monday the Years 5 and 6 students headed off for three days of adventure on their Melbourne Camp.  On Tuesday we celebrated Harmony Week and Harmony Day by wearing orange, and then yesterday Miss Squires, Miss Attard and myself attended a Professional Learning day on Literacy Data.  You can read more about these below.

CURRENT & RECENT EVENTS

St Patrick's Day

Monsignor Glynn and Fr Matt led us in Mass last Friday as we celebrated the Feast Day of our Patron Saint, St Patrick.  Thank you to Miss Squires for preparing the PowerPoint presentation and music for the Mass.

In the afternoon the students rotated through activities including Auslan with Buffy Harrison, an art activity with Miss Williams, and an Irish jig with Miss Attard.

The evening was particularly pleasing as we had such a huge representation of families in attendance for our Family Fun Night.  Thank you to the School Advisory Council members for organising the catering and activities.  Special thank you to our cooks who kept themselves busy with the BBQ.  The biggest line-up on the night, though, was for the face painting with Bec Curtis.

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Senior Camp

The Years 5 and 6 students had a wonderful time on their camp to Melbourne earlier this week.  Students had the opportunity to visit Scienceworks, Queen Victoria Markets, Melbourne Museum, the MCG, Eureka Tower, and Melbourne Zoo.  They also had an evening at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre where they enjoyed the wave pool and another evening at Bounce with its variety of trampolines. 

See the Senior class report for more information.

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Harmony Day

It has certainly been a colourful week with our students dressing up in green for St Patrick’s Day last Friday and on Tuesday they were dressed in orange for Harmony Day.  

Harmony Week is being celebrated throughout this week.  It is a time to celebrate Australian multiculturalism, and the successful integration of migrants into our community.

Harmony Week is about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background, united by a set of core Australian values.

Orange is the colour chosen to represent Harmony Week. Traditionally, orange signifies social communication and meaningful conversations. It also relates to the freedom of ideas and encouragement of mutual respect.  

In our classrooms this week, students have been participating in activities and hearing about the underlying  messages of Harmony Week.

Homework Club - Nhill Learning Centre

Karen families are welcome to enrol their children in the Homework Club.

When: Tuesdays during school terms

Time: 3.30 - 5.00 pm

Where: The Patch, Clarence Street, Nhill

Contact for more information:

Nan Da San Bleh Dah (Coordinator) 0469064696

UPCOMING EVENTS

Cross Country and Athletics

Our Years 3-6 students have been invited to participate in the Nhill schools’ Cross Country event which will be held at the Nhill Golf Course on Monday 3 April.  Further information and permission notes will be sent home next week.

The Year 3-6 Athletics carnival will be held at Nhill College on the first Friday of Term 2, 28 April.  Once again, more information will be sent home soon.

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

Project Compassion

Thu lives in Vietnam. When Thu was 12 years old, he stepped on an unexploded land mine and lost his leg. ​

Living with a disability in rural Vietnam presented many challenges for Thu, who worked mainly as a rice farmer. Thu also took on the role of caring for his wife, Linh, after she suffered a stroke.​

Determined to turn their lives around, Thu and Linh joined the Empowerment of People with Disabilities program, run by Caritas Australia’s local partner in Vietnam, the Centre for Sustainable Rural Development (SRD).

For Thu, the greatest impact the program has had is enabling the change in Linh’s physical and mental wellbeing. With the support of a physiotherapist, Linh can now walk short distances with the aid of a walking stick.

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

John 9:1,6-9,13-17,34-38

Sunday’s Gospel shares the story of the miraculous healing of a man who was born blind.  The story highlights spiritual blindness versus spiritual sight. The blind man was physically blind, however the Pharisees, who were religious leaders of the time, were spiritually blind as they were unable to recognise the divine power of Jesus.

The Gospel also touches on the concept of suffering and its role in spiritual growth.  The blind man endured years of hardship and marginalisation, however his suffering ultimately led him to encounter Jesus and receive healing.  We are reminded that regardless how difficult our experiences are, they can be opportunities for spiritual growth and transformation.

The Gospel also emphasises the power of faith and obedience.  The man who was born blind demonstrated his faith in Jesus by obeying his command and this faith led to his healing.  We too can achieve miraculous transformation in our own lives through our own faith and obedience to God.

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 (we had a similar post two weeks ago but have increased by a couple of students since then).

Classroom and Student News

Junior Class

This week the Junior Class showed off what we have been learning about this week at yesterday's assembly that we hosted. We showed the Aboriginal artworks we have made, the Foundation students showed us the letters they know and how we have been working to sound out three-letter words in a sentence, and the Year 1 students told us what they know about nouns, verbs and adverbs with their sentences they have been writing; and we showed what we got up to for Harmony Day and St Patrick’s Day.

This week in Reading we have been reading the book Willy the Wimp by Anthony Browne. We discussed what a 'wimp' is and other words we can use instead of 'wimp'. We have used lots of actions to go with the story, and use the actions to assist us to retell the story.

In Writing the Foundation students have been learning to say the words in our sentence and sound out each word. We have been using dots to show how many words we need and how many sounds in each word. Year 1 students have been writing  nouns, verbs and adverbs in their sentences and then using them to tell an interesting story.

In Maths we are continuing on with counting. We are working really hard on what comes before and after a number, and representing, counting and recognising different numbers. 

In Religion this week we have been learning about the ways in which people can belong to the Catholic Church. We talked about Baptism and how it is the initiation into the Catholic Church that shows that someone belongs to the Church. We looked at the signs and symbols related to Baptism and then showed what we had learnt during the lesson when we talked about how we could baptise a doll. Lots of water was spilt on the floor during this exercise!

Middle Class

Over to the Middles for a recap of their week!

Maths: Ben says we have been learning about time. Telling the time on a clock, months of the year, and seasons of the year in the southern hemisphere.

Writing: Caleb says we have been writing information reports. Each day we looked at different animals and wrote facts down in our books.

Reading: Moe Tha Zin says we have been reading ‘We Belong’. It is a book about including everyone no matter what.

Spelling:  Tyler says our focus in spelling is  ‘ay’, as in nowadays, multiplayer and mayonnaise.

Harmony Day: David says we learnt about what makes us unique and coloured in a Harmony Day picture.

Senior Class

Students have written reports about their experiences on camp this week.

Melbourne cricket ground #MCG by Jonas, Declan and Riley

The lights at the MCG are the tallest of any sporting venue. The MCG was the main stadium for the 1956 Olympic Games and the 2006 Commonwealth Games. But it's most well known for AFL and cricket. The MCG holds the record for the biggest VFL/AFL crowd (121,696). We got to stand on the grass.

Is the MCG the biggest stadium in Australia?

With a capacity of 100,000 people, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is the largest stadium in Australia,

We got to go to the fourth floor.

Eureka Tower by Sienna and Olive

During Melbourne camp on Tuesday the 21st of March it was our second day of camp and we went to Eureka Tower. First we tried to find the entrance because Mr Dalgleish got us lost, when we finally got in and we went up the elevator, everyone's ears popped. Once we got up we saw the most amazing view and we got to go on a skydeck and we saw some kids in the glass room and they screamed, it was funny to watch them. On the way back down from the skydeck the girls got to chew on mentos but the boys didn't. The camp was so much fun!

Bounce by Georgia and Jody

On Tuesday the 21st we went to Bounce. It had lots of trampolines and an obstacle course. Ben showed us where to go and he told us the rules on Bounce. Ben gave us grippy socks and wristbands. He told us not to  go on the same trampoline. Georgia  was very exhausted. Jody learned new tricks on the trampoline. Georgia  loved it and Jody had fun.

MSAC by Ma Thay Thay and Kaw Mu

We went to the swimming pool on Monday night, and we got to free swim. There was a wave pool and the waves were so big it knocked us over! It was very late when we got back to Urban camp, we were all exhausted and ready for bed. Mr Dalgleish was driving our bus around the city and did a great job.

The camp was so much fun.

Scienceworks by Olive and Sienna

On Monday we got to Melbourne and then went straight to Scienceworks. At Scienceworks we saw lots of screens with patterns on them and lots of inventions. We got to play with lots of the inventions and there was a remote controlled blowing thing and we blew snow around with them. There was a vibrating  chair in Scienceworks and Mr Dalgleish was laying on the chair on his phone while we were running around.

Melbourne Zoo by Treesa and K'Lu Doh Soe

What is Melbourne Zoo?

Melbourne Zoo is the oldest zoo in Australia. It was opened on 6 October 1862. It is 160 years old right now. It has 3742 animals and 243 species.

What did we see in Melbourne Zoo?

We saw different types of animals and species. Our favourite animal was the tasmanian devil. We also went into the butterfly house and lots of butterflies landed on us. After we saw the animals we were so exhausted, so we sat down to eat lunch.

Queen Victoria Market and Melbourne Museum by AJ and Sophie

On camp we went to the Queen Victoria Market and we saw lots of cool things such as fidgets,hats,socks and even crystals!

I tried to get something relating to Collingwood, but somehow found nothing,that was sad.

Everyone got something that they like and had a great day.

On Urban camp we went to the  Melbourne Museum on Tuesday and we saw lots of dinosaur fossils and they also talked about what they eat and what the predators were. We also went to the bug area. They were alive, some were disgusting and some were really cool. We all enjoyed going to the Melbourne Museum.

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 Oscar, Max and Nile were randomly drawn from the nominations for Respect, Responsibility and Safety, and have added tokens to their respective Houses' tallies. 

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 Stella, Charlotte K and Xavier 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 - Liberty, Hannah E, Sophie, Tegan, Amity, Xavier, AJ.

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

April

Mon 3 - Cross Country Yrs 3-6

Tue 4 - SAC Meeting 7.30pm

Thu 6 - Last day Term 1 

Mon 24 - Student free day for Staff Professional Development

Tue 25 - ANZAC Day Public Holiday

Wed 26 - First day Term 2 for students

Fri 28 - Athletics Yrs 3-6

May

Fri 12 - Student free day for Staff Professional Development

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 -

• 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)
• 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.
• 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

Community News

Saver Plus

Saver Plus is a free financial education program where participants can plan ahead for next year’s expenses and get up to $500 for education costs.

Register for the April’23 information sessions by clicking on this link.

About Saver Plus:

Saver Plus is a free community program where you can get up to $500 in matched funding for education costs.

The program was developed by Brotherhood of St Laurence and ANZ in 2003. It is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services and ANZ.

There are three parts to the program:

1. SAVING – ANZ bank will match what participants save up to $50 a month to a total of $500 over 10 months
2. WORKSHOPS - fun workshops where participants build on their money management skills and we share lots of resources. These are held on Zoom and have never been more flexible to attend.
3. CLAIMING - On the 11th month of the program participants claim their matched funding.

In the information session we will discuss how the program works, eligibility criteria and how participants can get up to $500 as matched savings for education costs. Also answer questions about the program.

Zoom link: https://bsl.zoom.us/j/68016074995?pwd=K2d4dWI4WjRMbGRlRng0NGhoVVVVZz09

Meeting id: 680 1607 4995

Passcode: 027166

Auskick

Nhill & District Sporting Club

Registrations are now open!

Join in the fun at Nhill: Davis Park, 4:30 Thursday afternoons.

Come Try Free Session: 27th April 2023. Week 1 starts 4th May.

Boys and girls (best suited to ages 5-12). All skill levels welcome.

For more information contact Zanny 0410 292 094

To register:

Get Active Kids Voucher Program

Are you or your family eligible for the Get Active Kids Voucher Program?

If you or your child has a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card, you may be eligible for up to $200 to put towards the cost of each child's Auskick registration (Nhill & District Sporting Club provider number 2942452).

Visit the link below to arrange for your reimbursement.

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