Newsletter 2024/09 ~ 28 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
The season of Lent concludes today and the church begins three days of special celebrations. Tonight we remember the Last Supper, on Good Friday, Jesus’ suffering and death, and on Saturday night and Sunday, his resurrection. At his last meal with the disciples, Jesus gave them his whole self - his body and blood - as bread and wine. He still does that today at every Mass.
Term 1 has been a very busy term. We’ve welcomed new students and families; we welcomed new staff members; we welcomed our Foundation students to their first year of school; we’ve participated in swimming programs and carnivals, a cross country carnival, hockey clinics, Science & Engineering Discovery Day; we’ve had a senior camp to Melbourne; we’ve had Masses and Assemblies; and we had a great St Patrick’s Day gathering for families. And we’ve done a lot of learning in the classrooms as well. I think everyone has deserved the upcoming school holidays. I trust that it will be relaxing and enjoyable for all.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and that you take the time to reflect on the true meaning of Easter.
Lord God,
You loved this world so much that you gave your one and only Son, that we might be called your children too. Lord, help us to live in the gladness and grace of Easter Sunday, every day. Let us have hearts of thankfulness for your sacrifice.
Amen.
CURRENT & RECENT EVENTS
Senior Camp
The senior students enjoyed three wonderful days in Melbourne this week on their annual camp.
The students visited ScienceWorks where they engaged in interactive activities as well as visiting the Planetarium. On Tuesday they went to the Shrine of Remembrance, Eureka Tower and Skydeck, Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and a night tour of the Melbourne Zoo. Yesterday they went ice-skating and visited ArtVo.
A lot of fun was had by all.
Liturgy
Today the Year 6 students led us in our Holy Thursday Liturgy. The students also presented a PowerPoint of the Stations of the Cross. Well done to all of the students for their involvement in today’s Liturgy.
Lost Property
A reminder for students and parents to check the lost property bin in the foyer.
Please ensure all belongings, including all items of uniform and clothing, are clearly named for next term. It is very difficult to return belongings to their owners without names.
A salad server was left behind after the Family Fun evening a couple of weeks ago.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Nhill Air Show
New Lunch Orders Menu
We have provided each family with a new lunch order menu, starting next term. Please destroy any old menus that you have. This has also been uploaded to School Links in PAM.
Years 3-6 Athletics
The Year 3-6 students will be joining with Nhill College for the Athletics Sports Carnival on Tuesday 16 April (day 2 of next term). All students will come to school first and then travel to the College together. Students can leave with parents at the end of the day or will return to school for normal dismissal.
Office
Mrs Rintoule is taking some long service leave and will be away for the first six days of next term. Please direct any queries to me on 0419929271 or principal@spnhill.catholic.edu.au during that time.
SAC Survey (repeat)
Parental engagement recognises the important role that both parents and teachers play in developing positive attitudes towards learning and education for children, building their motivation and confidence as learners, and fostering their enjoyment of learning.
Each year our School Advisory Council forms active Working Groups to assist with school operations.
On occasions, these groups ask for assistance from our families.
This survey will assist us to better serve parents, with the ultimate goal of improving the school and your child's education.
Please complete this survey during the school holidays, if you haven’t already done so.
Project Compassion
As we conclude 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.
This year, we shared with you the story of three inspiring women from across the globe, who overcame challenges to complete their education, access water and find secure employment. With the support of compassionate people like you, they are now forging a path to a better future for their families and their communities.
Ronita from the Philippines has now graduated high school and secured a job at a call centre. This job was only possible because of a certificate she gained from completing her studies.
Leaia and her family now have a water tank at their home in Samoa. She and her family now have a steady supply of clean drinking water. Next year, they will also have a toilet built, with the support of Caritas Samoa, which will further improve their health and living conditions.
Memory completed her vocational training course in carpentry and joinery. After completing a work contract at one of the largest electrical companies in Malawi, Memory now plans to return to her village and provide carpentry services to people in her community.
It’s through the generosity of people like you that we can continue to support people like Ronita, Leaia and Memory.
There is still time to donate! Together, we can help vulnerable communities face their challenges today and build a better tomorrow, for all future generations.
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
Any Project Compassion boxes that are still at home should be delivered to school by the end of week 1 next term please.
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.
“I hope that everything will turn out well for you and that you will in the future, as in the past, do great things for God and God’s poor ones.” Mary MacKillop, 1881
By the Numbers
90 - The number of degrees in a right-angle.
Thank you for contributing to a great Term 1. I wish you all a Happy Easter.
God Bless you all.
Kingsley Dalgleish
Principal
Classroom and Student News
Middle Class Report
We’ve reached the end of a very busy Term. The Middles and Juniors have enjoyed having the run of the school while the Seniors have been away on camp. We’ve prepared for Easter by learning all about Holy Week in Religion and at our Easter Liturgy; and celebrated by making Easter bonnets and baskets. It was wonderful to see everyone’s hard work and creativity celebrated at our Easter Bonnet Parade yesterday.
I wish everyone a safe and restful break and look forward to hearing about everyone’s holiday adventures next term.
Finally, our Middles would like to share their highlights of the term, so over to you Middles:
My favourite thing this term has been maths, especially learning how to do timetables. - Amity
My favourite thing has been reading. - William
My favourite thing has been doing art and having fun with the teachers. - Hannah G
My favourite thing has been learning new signs in Auslan. - Julian
My favourite things this term have been reading and cross country, even though I’m not a very good runner. - Isabella
My favourite thing this term has been swimming. - Jewel
My favourite thing is P.E. - Matthew
My favourite thing was cross country, I was the second St Pat’s kid to get back. - Tessa
My favourite thing was making our easter baskets. - Liberty
My favourite thing has been art, especially making our easter hats and baskets. - Hannah E
My favourite things this term have been PE, Swimming and Cross Country. - Fabian
My favourite thing has been swimming. - Freddie
My favourite things have been PE and Morning Fitness. - Oscar
My favourite things have been PE, Science and swimming - Shalom
My favourite thing has been finding rocks at playtime. - Daniel
My favourite things were PE, Morning Fitness and Science. Science was my favourite because it was fun and we got to do experiments. - Xavier
My favourite things were PE, Morning Fitness and swimming and finding spiders at recess. - Jack
My favourite thing was making my Easter hat. - Max
Junior Class - Months of the Year
Easter Hat Parade Gallery
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 Brodyn, Avery and Tegan were randomly drawn from the nominations for Respect, Responsibility and Safety, and have added tokens to their respective Houses' tallies. Patrick House was the overall winner for the Term and the reward will be taken next term.
Little Joey Awards
We continue to acknowledge the significant role of the "Brown Joeys" in the establishment of St Patrick's School, and recognised Rahitya, William and Douglas 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 for their reading achievements:
25 nights - Matthew, Daniel P, Rahitya, George, Oscar
50 nights - Valentino, Destiny, Declan
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
Term Dates 2024
Term 1 29 Jan (Staff) 31 Jan (Students) to 28 Mar
Term 2 15 Apr to 28 Jun
Term 3 15 Jul to 20 Sep
Term 4 7 Oct to 20 Dec
All calendar dates are available on PAM (SIMON Everywhere)
School Calendar
March
Thu 28 - Last Day Term 1 - dismissal time 2:15pm
April
Mon 15 - First Day Term 2
Tue 16 - 3-6 Athletics Sports
Wed 17 - Senior Class Iona Visit
Thu 18 - Freestyle Dance Workshops
Thu 25 - ANZAC Day Public Holiday
Mon 29 Apr - Fri 3 May - Catholic Education Week
St Patrick's Nhill
Holy Week Liturgies
HOLY THURSDAY ~ Mass at 7pm
GOOD FRIDAY ~ Liturgy of the Lord's Passion at 3pm
FAREWELL LUNCH FOR FR. MATT
Fr Matt will celebrate his last Mass with us here in Nhill on Sunday, April 7 at 11am.
Parishioners and friends are invited over to St Patrick's hall for a finger lunch following this Mass to thank Fr Matt for his pastoral guidance and friendship over the past 18 months.
To assist with catering, please bring a plate of food to share. Tea and coffee will be provided.
Enquires to Ann Munro 0427 688 591
Our Mission
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
Community News
- Book online for discounted prices.
- Have you entered the colouring competition in the Weekly Advertiser?
- More details on the Nhill Airshow website.
SchoolTV
This year, World Health Day falls on the April 7, during the holidays. The focus for this year is My Health, My Right, chosen to champion the rights of individuals to have access to health services, education and conditions conducive to good health.
Physical activity and exercise is not only vital to a child’s overall development but it has so many other benefits. With children spending more time on computers being sedentary, it is even more important to get kids moving more. As well as maintaining a healthy weight, it also improves concentration by helping to establish connections between different parts of the brain. It helps kids develop fundamental movement skills impacting positively on their confidence, self-esteem and ability to develop social skills. On an emotional level, it reduces stress and anxiety while improving posture and sleep. Physical activity and exercise is good for your child’s health, now and in the future. Parents should encourage their kids to move or play sport at every opportunity – in and out of school.
As the Autumn school holidays approach it’s the perfect time to think about how we can incorporate more ‘active time’ into each day. School TV has lots of great information to support parents and carers in having these conversations with their children.
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
- Wear a face mask
- Take a test
- Stay at home
- Meet outdoors
- Talk to your GP about COVID medications
- Get vaccinated
*coronavirus.vic.gov.au
Healthy Lunch Ideas
Some recipes -
