Newsletter 2024/05 ~ 1 March 2024

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

Last week I mentioned the 150th Anniversary of the Diocese. On Friday I received our Anniversary candle to use throughout this anniversary year.

We will use this candle for the first time when we celebrate St Patrick’s Day Mass on 15 March.

This week we continue our Lenten journey in preparation for the celebration of the great Easter mystery. Lent is not a time for doing special things just for the sake of it. If our Lenten practices do not help us understand God’s word more clearly and to live according to that word more generously, then they are not useful.

Lent has many traditions.  We notice the colour purple in our church and on our prayer tables.  There is also the absence of the “Alleluia,” we will not sing or hear it again until Easter when we will rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus.

During Lent we endeavour to become more prayerful, to make our lives simpler and to share what we have with those who are in need.

CURRENT & RECENT EVENTS

Swimming Carnivals

Yesterday saw the conclusion of our swimming and Water Safety Awareness program.  It was very pleasing to see so many families at Nhill Pool to support our children for their Swimming Carnival.  There was plenty of team spirit on display from students and parents as everyone cheered their particular representatives from Patrick (green), MacKillop (blue) and Joseph (yellow) houses.  The winning House will be named at our assembly this afternoon.

Wednesday’s Little Desert Swimming Carnival had to be postponed due to the Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating Day.  This carnival will now be held in Horsham next Wednesday.

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SWPBS Professional Learning Day

As part of our School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) program, staff attended a Professional Learning Day on Monday in conjunction with staff from Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School, Murtoa.

Our SWPBS Matrix underwent a review process and some slight changes have been made.  These will be shared with students during classes next week.

World Day of Prayer 2024 - Palestine

The World Day of Prayer is an international ecumenical Christian laywomen’s initiative. It is run under the motto “Informed Prayer and Prayerful Action,” and is celebrated annually in over 170 countries on the first Friday in March.

The movement aims to bring together women of various races, cultures and traditions in a yearly common Day of Prayer, as well as in closer fellowship, understanding and action throughout the year.

A special World Day of Prayer service will be held in St Patrick’s Catholic Church tonight at 7pm.

Cool lunches

While the weather continues to be hot, especially for those students whose school bags are stored on the racks in the undercover area, please pack a reusable ice brick in insulated lunch bag/boxes to keep food cold and avoid potential food-borne illness.

• Use insulated lunch boxes or cooler bags.
• Pack a frozen drink bottle or freezer brick inside the lunch box or bag, next to foods that should be kept cold, for example, soft cheese, yoghurt, meat and salad.
• If making lunch ahead of time, keep it in the fridge until leaving for school or freeze it in advance.
• Some foods are safe without a frozen ice pack or other cold sources. These include whole fruits, vegetables, hard cheeses, meat and fish in cans, bread, crackers and some spreads.
• Ask children to keep packed lunches out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources. A cool, dark place like a locker is better than a sunny school corridor.

While high temperatures experienced during Australian summers increase the risk of bacteria growth, these simple tips can help reduce the likelihood of food-borne illness.

Remember to pop the ice brick in the freezer overnight, ready for the next day.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Get To Know You meetings

Parents have the opportunity to meet with your child's teacher for a brief chat about the start of the school year and your child's progress on either Monday 4 March or Tuesday 5 March between 3.20 and 5.00pm.  

Parents may book an interview time via the Parent Access Module (PAM).  A link to Parent-Teacher Interviews appears on the homepage and you will be able to select the teacher you wish to meet with and the preferred time.  

If you experience difficulties logging on via PAM, please feel free to contact the school to arrange a meeting time.

St Patrick’s Day events

Save the date in your calendars and diaries!  We will be holding our St Patrick’s Day Family Fun Night on Friday 15 March from 6pm.  We hope to see as many St Patrick’s School families in attendance as possible.  This is a wonderful opportunity for us all to come together and enjoy a social setting with each other.  Please RSVP by Wednesday, 13 March by following the link below or returning the paper slip which has been sent home today.

Earlier in the day, everyone is welcome to attend our St Patrick’s Day Mass in the church from 12pm.

Upcoming School Closure Day

Please note in your calendars that Friday, 22nd March will be a student free day. All school staff will be involved in updating their First Aid training.

BookClub Issue 2 out now

Reasons to be excited for Issue 2...

• great variety - with over 360 titles, there's something for every student to get them reading
• curated by children's book experts
• affordable - 165 titles for just $10 or less!

Project Compassion

As we continue our Lenten journey, we are reminded of the wonderful work of Caritas Australia in supporting those in need around the world.  You can support Caritas Australia through Project Compassion.

Ronita is 22. She lives with her husband and two children in a barangay (local district) in Quezon City, which is situated in Metro Manila in the Philippines.  

Ronita left school when she became pregnant as a teenager. This could have had a life-long impact on her ability to find work and provide for her family but, thankfully, she heard about the Alternative Learning System (ALS) program run by the Faithful Companions of Jesus (FCJ), Caritas Australia’s local partner in the Philippines.

Through the FCJ, Ronita was able to re-enrol in her studies and continue learning in a safe and flexible environment – even with the arrival of her second child.

After completing her ALS classes, Ronita went on to earn her Grade 12 Senior High School Diploma. With her new diploma, Ronita has now secured a job at a call centre and is looking to a brighter future for her whole family.  

“I have now graduated senior school and I am so proud of myself,” she said. “I feel hopeful for the future… Now it’s not impossible for me to achieve my dream… Thank you.”  

Please donate to Project Compassion

Together, we can help vulnerable communities face their challenges today and build a better tomorrow for all future generations.

You can donate through Project Compassion donation boxes, online by visiting caritas.org.au/project-compassion or by calling 1800 024 413

Sunday’s Gospel

Mark 9:2-10

Last Sunday’s Gospel tells the story of the Transfiguration, a significant and transformative moment in the life of Jesus Christ. The passage tells how Jesus, accompanied by Peter, James, and John, ascends a mountain where a miraculous event unfolds: Jesus is transfigured before them, and his clothes become dazzling white. Elijah and Moses, representing the Law and the Prophets, appear and converse with Jesus.

The radiant transformation of Jesus symbolises his divine glory and prefigures his resurrection. The presence of Moses and Elijah underscores the continuity between the Old Testament and the fulfilment of God's promises in Jesus.

A voice from heaven declares, "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!"

As the vision dissipates, Jesus instructs his disciples not to speak of the event until after his resurrection. This command reflects a deliberate timing in God's plan, emphasising the disciples' need to comprehend the full significance of the Transfiguration in light of Jesus' impending suffering and death.

The Transfiguration serves as a pivotal point in the Gospel, bridging Jesus' earthly ministry and the culmination of God's redemptive work.

It strengthens the disciples for the challenges ahead and provides a glimpse of the glorious future awaiting those who follow Christ.

In our lives, this passage invites reflection on the transformative encounters with the divine that shape our understanding of God's purpose and the significance of Christ in our journey of faith. It calls us to listen to Jesus, to embrace his teachings, and to find hope in the promise of resurrection amid life's trials.

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.

“May our good God grant you all a holy and truly happy Christmas. We can all meet together in spirit at the Crib of our loving infant and pray for one another.  I wish you every grace and blessing of this holy time with fondest love.”  Mary MacKillop, 1881

By the Numbers

86 - The Agent number of Maxwell Smart in the TV Series & Movie ‘Get Smart’.

Classroom and Student News

Senior Class Report

It has continued to be an action packed week at St Patrick’s School Nhill, despite the school closure days on Monday and Wednesday. Students got to enjoy a long weekend as the St Patrick’s Nhill and Murtoa staff enjoyed a SWPBS Workshop on Monday and then had a day at home in response to the catastrophic fire rating warning declaring all of Victoria to be a Total Fire Ban.

Despite these two interruptions, the students have continued to work hard in their Literacy and Numeracy Programs, some testing has continued and the students have also been proactive in the approaches to upcoming sports training.

This week the school has successfully finished their 2024 Swimming Program, which culminated in the St Patrick’s School Swimming Carnival yesterday afternoon. All the students came dressed to the nines and happy to represent their house in their specific colours.

Students in Years 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 have also begun training for the Cross Country event that will be held on Friday the 15th March. They have been practising and conditioning themselves for 15 minutes every morning and attempting to beat their personal bests each day.

It has been wonderful to be getting to know the students across all aspects, not just in the classroom environment. I look forward to meeting with you at our Getting to Know You interviews on March 4th and 5th.

Ms Farnham

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. Last Friday,  Liberty, George and Jewel 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 last Friday we recognised Meena 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. 

School Advisory Council

Parent Representatives

• Rebecca Curtis 
• Emily Gladdis
• Moo Khu James
• Michaela Koop
• Zanther McEldrew
• Ashleigh Meyer

Ex Officio

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

Meeting Dates

• Tuesday, 30 April 2024, 7:30pm
  
• Tuesday, 23 July 2024, 7:30pm
• Tuesday, 15 October 2024, 7:30pm

Dates and Reminders

School Calendar

March

Fri 1 - Assembly 2.45pm

Mon 4 - "Get To Know You" meetings 3.15-5.00pm

Tue 5 - "Get To Know You" meetings 3.15-5.00pm

Wed 6 - Foundation Students Rest Day

Wed 6 - Little Desert/Black Ranges Swimming Carnival Horsham

Thu 7 - AFL Superkick footy clinic

Mon 11 - Labour Day Public Holiday

Wed 13 - School Photos Day

Wed 13 - Senior Class Iona Excursion

Fri 15 - Nhill Schools' Cross Country

Fri 15 - St Patrick's Day Mass 12.00pm

Fri 15 - St Patrick's Day Family Fun Night 6pm

Fri 22 - School Closure Day - Staff Professional Development (First Aid Training)

M-W 25-27 - Senior Camp

Thu 28 - Last Day Term 1 - dismissal time 2:15pm

April

Mon 15 - First Day Term 2

St Patrick's Nhill

Church Times

Mass is held every Sunday at 11.00am

Our Mission

Child Safe Standards

SchoolTV

Respectful Relationships

"Respectful relationships promotes respect and gender equality and helps students learn how to build healthy relationships. It prepares students to face challenges by developing problem-solving skills and building resilience and confidence."

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

Overview of this edition

Initiating conversations about respectful relationships with children is crucial for their emotional and social development. By addressing topics like kindness, empathy, and communication, parents create a foundation for healthy interactions. These discussions promote awareness of boundaries, consent, and mutual understanding, fostering a safe environment where children can thrive. Teaching respect from an early age equips kids with essential skills to navigate friendships and romantic relationships, building a future based on empathy and equality. Open dialogues about respect empower children to recognise and value their own feelings and those of others, cultivating a positive and harmonious approach to all relationships.

Reminders

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

Healthy Lunch Ideas

Some recipes -

Community News