Newsletter 2023/17 ~ 16 June 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

Refugee Week commences on Sunday and World Refugee Day is on Tuesday 20 June.

He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigners residing among you, giving them food and clothing.  And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt (Deuteronomy 10:18-19)

God of Safety,

We remember that Mary and Joseph escaped to safety in Egypt when Herod tried to kill baby Jesus and we remember how Mary MacKillop found safe places for homeless mothers and children.

Let our country now find room for the refugees who come begging for safety.

Let our hearts be big enough to welcome them so that they can forget their terror and sadness and find peace here.

Let us give them a home and a good future in our country.

We ask this in the name of Jesus, who knew what it was like to be a refugee.

Amen.

CURRENT & RECENT EVENTS

Freestyle Dance

There were some great moves on display in the hall on Tuesday when Justin Seidel from Freestyle Dance Ministry led our students in Hip Hop dance workshops.  The students had a wonderful time and it is always great to have Justin visit us again.  Thank you to Hindmarsh Shire for their support of this program.

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 15

Next

Winter Lightning Premierships Tee-ball

A report on the Teeball from Treesa Alex

On Thursday the year 3,4,5,6 went to Teeball at Nhill College. St Pat’s was split into two groups: St Pat’s Red and St Pat’s Blue. Everyone had four games and the finals. St Pat’s Blue had a match against St Pat's Red in the quarter final and the Blue team lost. When the Red team went against Warracknabeal the Blue team cheered for the Red. Now we are going to take a look at other people's thoughts about the day.      

Jonas Beattie from St Pat’s Red said “When they first called out my name I was a bit worried about the team but when they got on the field for the first game they all did great. They all tried their best and I was very proud. We went up to the grand final and sadly lost against Warracknabeal. At the end of the day, everyone was so proud and happy that they at least got up to the grand final.”

Treesa Alex from the Blue team said “When I got into our group I thought we had no hope of winning any of the games at Nhill College. When we won the first game, I was very proud of everyone and I just felt so happy. The group was better than expected and we all tried our best. Since we were two players short, we got Jody (from the Red team) to join us and during the quarter final against Red we had to get Ben from the other team. We lost against St Pat’s Red but we cheered the Red team on when they went against Warracknabeal.

St Pat’s Red finished in second place and St Pat’s Blue finished in third place. Everyone had a great day and the weather was wonderful.

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 16

Next

Policy Update: Sun Protection Policy

We have recently updated our school Sun Protection Policy as part of the SunSmart Schools renewal process.  You can read the policy on our website https://spnhill.catholic.edu.au/policies-procedures.

Please note that the daily sun protection times are forecast by the Bureau of Meteorology for the time-of-day UV levels are predicted to reach 3 or higher, based on location. At these levels, sun protection is recommended for all skin types. In Victoria, UV levels typically reach 3 or higher daily from mid-August to the end of April, but can also reach this level outside of these times.  For this reason, the school will monitor UV levels regularly between April and August, and there may be days in this period of time when children will need to wear sun protection.

Parents/guardians are strongly encouraged to use the SunSmart widget (available on the Parent Access Module/SIMON Everywhere app) and download the widget to your mobile phone (search SunSmart in the Play Store/App Store) and check it regularly yourselves.

Push Up Challenge

With one week to go in The Push-Up Challenge, we have combined for over 3800 push-ups (or squats or lunges) so far.  Our biggest day was on Wednesday this week when we each had to complete 218 for the day.  Tomorrow is another big day with 200 to complete and then next Thursday is the biggest day of the challenge with 219 to be completed.

The challenge is to each complete 3144 push ups between 1-23 June.  This number represents the number of Australians who took their own lives during 2021.  By completing the push ups and fundraising efforts we are helping to promote awareness of Mental Health issues as well as supporting organisations such as Headspace and Lifeline.  Anyone wishing to join our team is welcome to do so.  Feel free to join or sponsor us at this link.

UPCOMING EVENTS

End of Term

Term 2 concludes next Friday and students will be dismissed at 2.15pm on that day.

Operation Christmas Child

Operation Christmas Child (Gifts in a Shoebox) is happening again this year.  You are invited to participate in giving gifts to children living in poverty, this being even more important now with the devastating COVID pandemic. Most of these children have never received a gift before so for them it really is a Gift of ‘Love in a Shoebox’.

Through the Shoe Box Gifts, Operation Christmas Child, (OCC) being a project of Samaritan’s Purse, connects with needy communities and meets other vital needs including safe water, (putting filters in homes, schools and communities), sanitation (building toilets and teaching hygiene), education (building and fully equipping schools and training teachers) and health (building fully equipped medical centres and training for professional care).

Samaritan’s Purse is a non-profit, non-denominational Christian, world-wide organisation. It also provides emergency relief and development assistance to families and children affected by war, poverty, natural disasters, famine, and disease, including floods and fire in Australia.

They also share the Gospel message when and where they are invited and are welcomed. For more information and resources, videos, and stories visit the Operation Christmas Child website at www.operationchristmaschild.org.au or see the flyer below.

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

Sunday’s Gospel

John 6: 51-58

Jesus said to the Jews:

'I am the living bread which has come down from heaven.

Anyone who eats this bread will live for ever; and the bread

that I shall give is my flesh, for the life of the world.'

On Sunday we celebrated the feast of The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi).  This is a day of gratitude for the gift of the Eucharist.

At Mass, the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ for us.  We give thanks to God and then, united with God and with one another, we share the bread and wine - the Body and Blood of Christ.

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.

Today we celebrate the Sacred Heart of Jesus.  The heart of Christ is a symbol of Jesus’ love for us.  

This feast is also an opportunity to remember those who suffer because of a lack of food, clothing or shelter.  This is also a good lead into Refugee Week which begins on Sunday.

By the Numbers

The highest possible score with one dart on a dartboard.

What a great week!!

Australia won the World Test Championship in cricket and the Power knocked off the dogs last Friday night and the cats last night.  Two wins for Port since our last newsletter! And doesn’t it make the ladder look good!

God Bless you all.

Kingsley Dalgleish

Principal  

Classroom and Student News

Senior Class

It may have only been a short week but it has still been a busy week for the Senior Class. Our week started with Tuesday when we had Justin from Freestyle Dance visit for a Hip-hop workshop. Everyone was excited to learn some new dances and show off their favourite moves. On Thursday we headed off to Nhill College for the Tee-ball Lightning Premiership. Our two St Pat’s teams tried their best and placed 2nd and 3rd in the competition. It was great to see the students showing teamwork and good sportsmanship.

This is also the Seniors’ last newsletter for the term so we’ll finish off with our highlights of the term:

Sienna - I enjoyed Master the Masters because we got to paint.

Declan - I liked going to see Suessical the Musical because it was funny.

Olive - I loved making the dioramas for Integrated Studies because I liked learning about the history of the Stolen Generation and doing the craft to make the dioramas.

Treesa - I liked T-ball because everyone tried their best and enjoyed the day.

AJ - I liked going to Hopetoun for Catholic Education Week because we got to meet people from other schools.

Ma Thay Thay - I liked homework because I got to learn new things.

Jonas - I liked the Hip-Hop dance with Justin, we got to learn lots of dance moves and I had a great time.

Jody - I liked making my Integrated studies diorama, I’m proud of the paperbark house that I made.

K’Lu Doh Soe - T-ball was my favourite because I liked playing against other schools and we came third. 

Georgia - I liked making the Integrated Studies diorama because I got to use my imagination. 

Sophie - I liked National Simultaneous Storytime, the book we read was exciting.

Kaw Mu - T-ball was my favourite because I liked batting.

Middle Class Assembly News Report

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 Amity, Jack and Tegan were randomly drawn from the nominations for Respect, Responsibility and Safety, and have added tokens to their respective Houses' tallies. 

Little Joey Awards

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

50 nights - Moe Tha Zin, Amity, David, Harlow, Agnes, Jack

75 nights - Hannah G

100 nights - Tegan, Declan

Important Dates and Reminders

All calendar dates are available on PAM (SIMON Everywhere)

School Calendar

June

Tue 20 - Primary Schools Golf Competition

Fri 23 - Last Day Term 2

July

Mon 10 - First Day Term 3

Fri 14 - Kinder Visit 9.15-11.00am

Tue 18 - SAC Meeting 7.30pm

St Patrick's Nhill Church Times

Mass is held every Sunday at 11.00am

Reminders

Student late arrival, early departure, temporary absence procedures

A reminder to parents that any student late arrival, early departure or temporary absence must be recorded in the SIMON KIOSK located in the foyer.  If you have any difficulty following the instructions at the kiosk, please ask office staff.

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 >School Links

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 18 July 2023, 7.30pm

Our Mission

Community News

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

MATES Mentoring Program

An information session will be held on Monday June 19 from 12-2pm at Nhill College for prospective Mentors to come along to and find out more information about what a Mentor with MATES involves and how the MATES Program can have a positive influence and outcome for students and also for volunteers.

There will be a light lunch provided and tea and coffee.

The MATES Mentoring Program is coordinated by Wimmera Southern Mallee LLEN.

MATES Mentoring is 1 hour per fortnight at school, during school hours.  

For more information, see the below flyers.

School Holiday Programs

Hindmarsh Shire

Horsham Regional Art Gallery

Kindergarten & Long Day Care 2024 - Open Day in Nhill