Newsletter 2023/37 ~ 8 December 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

$2.9 million Australian Government Capital Grant

Such exciting news was received on Tuesday when the letter from the Australian Government was opened and revealed that our submission for a Federal Government grant had been successful.

As outlined in my letter to parents and staff on Wednesday, we have been advised that the delegate of the Minister for Education has approved an Australian Government Capital Grant of $2.9 million to assist with our planned building project.  

Next Friday, I will meet with our architect, together with representatives of Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education Limited (DOBCEL), to refine the working drawings and project specifications in preparation for the tender process.  Once the tender process is completed, a final offer of Grant will be issued with approval to enter into a construction contract.  

Exciting times ahead!!

CURRENT & RECENT EVENTS

Golf

Last Friday, Jonas and Ben competed in the School Sport Victoria Golf Championships Regional Finals in Horsham after finishing in the top six in Nhill earlier this year.

Both boys played extremely well and Jonas finished second overall, just one shot behind the winner.

As a result of his performance, Jonas will now compete in the State Finals in Melbourne next Wednesday.  Congratulations Jonas, an outstanding achievement.

Final Assembly

Thank you to Miss Williams’ F-1 class who led us in our final assembly for the year yesterday. The assembly included a video package which highlighted many of the activities the children have been involved in throughout the year.

It was great to see so many parents in attendance as well.

Police Station

On Wednesday I took Sienna and AJ along to the Nhill Police Station for the unveiling of a portrait of Constable Edward O’Neill. Constable O’Neill was stationed in Nhill in 1922 when he died from injuries he sustained in an accident while patrolling on his police horse.

During the Blue Ribbon Foundation event, Sienna and AJ met the elderly grandchildren of Constable O’Neill and also heard about his service during World War I.  The students were also given a tour of the Police Station.

F-1 Excursion

Today the Foundation and Year 1 students have travelled to Horsham for a day of fun.  First stop was Horsham Lanes & Games for some 10-pin bowling.  From there the children headed to the Botanical Gardens and playground, together with the Horsham Water Park.  The last stop was a swim at Horsham pool.  Upon their return to school, the children will watch a movie together and enjoy a feed of popcorn.  The long day will come to a close at 5pm tonight.

Photos will be in next week's Newsletter.

Athletics Medals

Congratulations to Ben, Marnie and Claire who each received a medal yesterday in recognition of their achievements at the Nhill Athletics carnival earlier this year.  It has taken a while, however the three were named Age Champions in their respective age groups. Well done!

Lions Peace Posters

Also at yesterday’s assembly, we were fortunate to have Shirley Blackwood from the Nhill Lions Club come along and present Peace Poster certificates to some of our senior students.  Georgia won the competition and Honourable Mention awards were presented to Riley, Ma Thay Thay and K’Lu Doh Soe.

Colour Run and Water Fun

The children (and staff) had a lot of fun on Wednesday afternoon with our Colour Run and Water Fun event.  MacKillop children chose the event as the winning House from our SWPBS draws throughout Term 4.  Some of us are still washing the powder out of our hair (ok, so maybe not me!)

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Activities Week

Next week we will be participating in a week of activities as described on the flyer that was sent home yesterday.  If you haven’t already returned the permission slip attached to the note, this will need to be done by Monday please.

Monday's activities include swimming, and children will need to bring their sun-safe swimwear and a towel (as described in the yellow note).

Next week’s activities can be seen here.

Transition Day

Tuesday is Transition Day.  All students will graduate for the day.  Our Foundations will become Year 1s; the Year 1s will become Year 2s; the Year 2s will become Year 3s; etc.  The current Kinder children will join us on Tuesday as Foundation students.  The Year 6 students who are heading to Nhill College next year will have a full week of transition, except on Thursday when they will return for our Graduation Mass.

2024 Classes

Next year we will have two new teachers and a slight variation of class structures.  Miss Williams will be taking twelve months leave to work at St Alipius Primary School in Ballarat; Miss Squires has advised that she will not be returning to St Patrick’s after her overseas travels; and Mrs Wills will transition to a part-time role.  Miss Attard and Mrs Bell will be continuing in 2024.

We will welcome Ms Kate Farnham and Mrs Melissa Kupper to our staff next year.  These two teachers will also be joining us for our Transition Day on Tuesday.

Classes and teachers for 2024 will be:

• Junior Class - Years F-1 - Mrs Kupper 
• Middle Class - Years 2 & 3 - Miss Attard 
• Senior Class - Years 4, 5 & 6 - Ms Farnham 

Children will be in these classes on Tuesday.

Graduation Mass

Graduation Mass will be celebrated in the Church at 12pm next Thursday.  All parents are welcome to attend.

Graduation Ceremony

Our Graduation Ceremony and awards presentations will be held in the hall from 6pm next Thursday evening.  Please bring your dinner along to enjoy afterwards as we share in fellowship with each other.

If you haven't already done so, please return the yellow RSVP note to school by next Tuesday, or RSVP online using the following link.

Christmas Carols

Carolling Through The Streets

The combined Churches of Nhill are conducting an evening of carolling tonight.  Starting at the lake at 5.45pm, the entourage will make its way to Avonlea, then to Goldsworthy Park and then to Jaypex Park.  There will be carols sung at each stop along the route. 

Children are encouraged to dress as shepherds or angels for the occasion.

Nhill Christmas Carols in the Park

The Nhill Town Committee’s night will be held at Jaypex Park on Saturday 16 December.  Our children will be performing on the night and have already started rehearsing for the occasion.  They will be signing songs that they have learnt during their Auslan sessions.  More details about this night will be included in next week’s newsletter.

School staff may be present at these events, but as they are not official school activities all children are the responsibility of their parents/carers.

Non-perishable foods collection

For the past few years, our school has donated non-perishable food items, gift cards and monetary contributions to help families in need in the lead up to Christmas. West Wimmera Health Service and local services have been pleasantly astounded by our generosity and again welcome our assistance in this area. We are asking St Patrick’s families, if they are able to do so, to contribute items to make up hampers for local families.

Non-perishable food items, IGA gift cards or monetary contributions can be sent to school and/or monetary or gift cards contributions made at the office. 

Please have contributions to school by Tuesday 12 December.

These gifts will be presented during our Graduation evening on Thursday 14 December.

Reports

Student Reports will be distributed with the children when they finish school for the year next Friday afternoon.

End of Term

Students will be dismissed at 3.15pm on Friday 15 December.

School Preparations for the Bushfire Season (repeated)

Today's Extreme fire danger rating has triggered some questions about school closures.

We are including  full details (in the Reminders section at the end of this newsletter) of the process when a Catastrophic fire danger rating is declared.

In summary:

• the school will close on any day forecasted as a Catastrophic fire danger rating
• the closure will be confirmed on the day prior by PAM (please continue to check your SIMON Everywhere app)
• once confirmed, the decision to close will not change, even if the weather forecast changes
• no-one will be on site on a declared closed day
• all bus routes will be cancelled.

Scroll down to Reminders to read this information in full.

Sunday's Gospel

Mark 13:33-37

Jesus said to his disciples: 'Be on your guard, stay awake, because you never know when the time will come. It is like a man travelling abroad: he has gone from home, and left his servants in charge, each with his own task; and he has told the doorkeeper to stay awake. So stay awake, because you do not know when the master of the house is coming, evening, midnight, cockcrow, dawn; if he comes unexpectedly, he must not find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake !

In Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus asks us to look out and keep our eyes open for what is happening around us. 

Do we sometimes see people who need our help? People who are lonely? People who are sad? People who do not feel well? We need to reflect and think what Jesus would like us to do when we see people who are sad, lonely, poor or sick. 

What will you do next time you see or hear about someone who needs your help? How will you make sure you are ready for Jesus when he comes again?

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

80% of the world’s soybean crop is fed to livestock, especially for beef, chicken, egg and dairy production.

Classroom and Student News

Middle Class Report

In the Middles Class we have been working hard to practice our Auslan with the song Do you hear what I hear?

Here is a clip of our whole class performing.

Last week Middles went on their camp to Little Desert Nature Lodge

Here is a powerpoint describing our adventures.

Senior Class Integrated Cooking

Little Joey Awards

We continue to acknowledge the significant role of the "Brown Joeys" in the establishment of St Patrick's School, and recognised Treesa and Olive 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:

100 nights - William, Fabian, Matthew, Daniel P, Jesinta

200 nights - Claire

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, 20 February 2024, 7pm
  

Dates and Reminders

School Calendar

December

Wed 13 10-11am - Senior RE Class Iona Visit

Wed 13 - Golf (SSV Primary Schools State Final)

Thu 14 12pm - Graduation Mass

Thu 14 6pm - Graduation Ceremony

Fri 15 - Last day for students - dismissal time 3:15pm

2024 January

Mon 29 - Staff first day

Wed 31 - Students' first day

St Patrick's Nhill

Church Times

Mass is held every Sunday at 11.00am

Community News

Hindmarsh Shire Youth Council 2024

Nominations for Hindmarsh Shire Youth Council 2024 are now open for anyone aged 12-25. 

If you have an inquiry, please email Nan Da San Bleh Dah at youth@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au or call 53914444.

Our Mission

Reminders

School Preparations for the Bushfire Season

Each year, the Department of Education runs an annual fire risk assessment of schools and early childhood services. They are allocated a category of risk (categories 0 to 4) and are published on the Bushfire At-Risk Register (BARR).

All schools and early childhood services listed on the BARR list will also close when a Catastrophic fire danger rating day is forecast in their fire weather district.  

When the Bureau of Meteorology provides public fire danger rating forecasts or fire weather warnings, they use fire weather district areas. In Victoria, there are 9 fire weather districts, which are based on Local Government Area boundaries. Our school is in the Wimmera fire weather district.

As part of preparing our school for the fire season, we have updated and completed our Emergency Management Plan and have conducted other relevant preparedness actions, such as reprioritised any maintenance works that may assist in preparing for the threat of fire and cleared our facility’s grounds and gutters.

What does this mean for our school?

Our school has been identified as being at risk of bushfire or grassfire and is listed on the Bushfire At-Risk Register (BARR).

DOBCEL, in accordance with the department's Bushfire and Grassfire Preparedness Policy, requires our schools on the BARR list to close when a Catastrophic fire danger rating day is forecast in their fire weather district. All school bus routes which travel in or through a district with Catastrophic fire danger must also be cancelled.

Our school will close on any day forecasted as Catastrophic fire danger rating in Wimmera fire district.

Closure of the school due to a forecast Catastrophic day will be confirmed on the day prior and we will provide you with advice before the end of the school day when possible. Any information regarding potential or confirmed Catastrophic fire danger days will be communicated to you by PAM (SIMON Everywhere app).

Once confirmed, the decision to close will not change, even if the weather forecast changes.  This is to avoid confusion and help your family plan alternative care arrangements for your child/ren.  It is also important to be aware that:

• No one will be on site on days where the school is closed due to a forecast Catastrophic day.
• All bus routes that travel through the Catastrophic area will be cancelled.
• School camps will be cancelled if a Catastrophic fire danger rating day is forecast for fire weather district in which the camp is located, or if the travel involves passing through areas that have Catastrophic fire danger.

In addition, families are encouraged to action their Bushfire Survival Plan on Catastrophic fire danger rating days.  On such days, children should never be left at home alone or in the care of older children.

For those of us living in a bushfire prone area, the Country Fire Authority (CFA) advises that when Catastrophic days are forecast, the safest option is to leave the night before or early on the morning of the Catastrophic day.

What can families and the school community do to help us prepare?

• Ensure we have your current contact details, including your mobile phone numbers. 
• Keep in touch with us by reading our newsletters, checking PAM, and by talking to your child’s teacher or any other member of the teaching staff about our emergency management plan.
• Make sure your family’s bushfire survival plan is up-to-date and includes alternative care arrangements in the event that our school is learning from home due to elevated fire danger or closed due to a Catastrophic fire danger. Further information can be found on the CFA’s website.
• Action your family’s bushfire survival plan if your own triggers are met. Our school community may be spread out across many areas and some families may be at higher risk than others. Your family’s safety is critical, so please let us know if you are actioning your bushfire survival plan and if your children will be absent on these days.
• If your child is old enough, talk to them about bushfires and your family’s bushfire survival plan.

You can find more information on emergencies, warnings and preparedness actions here:

• VicEmergency app – that can be downloaded on your android and iOS mobile devices
• VicEmergency Hotline (1800 226 226)
• Website https://emergency.vic.gov.au
• Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/vicemergency)
• Twitter (https://twitter.com/vicemergency)
• ABC local radio, Sky News and other emergency broadcasters.

Parent Access Module PAM / SIMON Everywhere

The Parent Access Module PAM (SIMON Everywhere) is our "go-to" for all parent information. Download the SIMON Everywhere app from the app store on your mobile phone and login using your PAM credentials.

Simon Everywhere 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 Simon Everywhere, including:

• notify us of absences;
• view the school calendar;
• provide permission for student activities;
• update medical/contact information;
• view the lunch orders menu; 
• read the newsletter.

Please contact the office with any questions.

Student late arrival, early departure, temporary absence procedures

All student late arrivals, early departures or temporary absences must be recorded in the Passtab iPad located in the foyer.  Please ask office staff for assistance.

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 SIMON Everywhere: - >Home, scroll down to >School Links

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)
  • we have put this link onto PAM (Simon Everywhere) >Home, scroll down to >Parent Links
• 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.

*Six simple steps to protect yourself and those most at risk

1. Wear a face mask
2. Take a test
3. Stay at home
4. Meet outdoors
5. Talk to your GP about COVID medications
6. Get vaccinated

*coronavirus.vic.gov.au