Newsletter 2024/12 ~ 3 May 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

This week we have joined with other Catholic Schools around the Ballarat Diocese to celebrate Catholic Education Week.

Catholic Education Week is an annual opportunity for the 63 Catholic schools across the Diocese of Ballarat to celebrate their achievements and distinctive ethos with their school and wider communities.

Whilst St Patrick's School celebrates its 75th Anniversary this year, Catholic Education Week takes on special significance this year as our community of schools acknowledges the 150th Anniversary of the formation of the Catholic Diocese of Ballarat with the theme:

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer. (Romans 12:12)

Catholic Education Week provides an occasion to reflect on the past, affirm people in the present and look hopefully to the future. We can see these elements in the themes for the 150th anniversary of our Diocese of Ballarat.

The word “Community” highlights the fact that a diocese is essentially a community drawn together by Christ. 

The word “Remember” refers us to the history of the diocese. In this remembering, we acknowledge the strengths and weaknesses of that history, celebrating the achievements and recognising the failures to live our Christian faith to the full. 

The word “Revitalise” calls us to invest ourselves in bringing new life to the community today. 

The word “Hope” encourages us to look forward to the future with confidence in God.

The Scripture verse chosen for our 150th anniversary year reflects various aspects of our vocation as a Christian community. The words are drawn from a passage in St Paul’s letter to the Romans in which the apostle lists qualities appropriate for a community inspired by Christ. As the years go by, the community will experience times of trial as well as times of gladness. Through it all, their trust in Christ will make them joyful in hope and patient in affliction. They will recognise that they need God’s help constantly and so they will be faithful in prayer day by day.

CURRENT & RECENT EVENTS

Catholic Education Week

Yesterday, Mons Glynn Murphy joined us for Mass.  Some of our students have also written their own prayers to celebrate being part of St Patrick's School and Catholic Education.

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School Advisory Council

The School Advisory Council met on Tuesday evening.  The SAC were able to provide details of funds raised through the sale of waffles and brownies at the recent Nhill Airshow.  After costs, the group managed to raise $1515.  Well done.

Planning is now in place for the next family social occasion which is scheduled for Friday 21 June.  Please save the date and look out for details in the next few weeks.

School Photos

School Photos were sent home with students this week.  We hope that you are pleased with this year’s photos.  If you have any questions or concerns regarding your photos, please contact Andrew (photographer) on 0417538633.

Project Compassion

Thank you to everyone who contributed to Project Compassion this year.  As a school community, we collected $648.90 which has been donated to Caritas Australia.

Oral Health Survey

The Health Promotion Team at West Wimmera Health Service, in collaboration with La Trobe University, are inviting parents to participate in their upcoming oral health survey.

The survey aims to gather valuable insights into oral health knowledge and behaviours within our community, which will enable them to restructure future health promotion initiatives. Parents can contribute to improving oral health outcomes in our region by participating in the survey and, by working together, comprehensive data can be gathered that will benefit our entire community.

Please see the flyer below or if you would like more information, please email health.promotion@wwhs.net.au

UPCOMING EVENTS

Mother's Day

Next Friday we will be welcoming all mums and special persons to join us at school for some morning activities and morning tea. 

Please keep an eye out for your special invitation and remember to RSVP to allow for catering.

Walk Safely to School Day

Friday 10 May is National Walk Safely to School Day.  Now in its 25th year, the annual campaign encourages all primary school children, their parents and carers to walk safely and regularly to school.  The event aims to promote health, road safety, public transport and the environment.

Sunday’s Gospel

John 15:1-8

Jesus said to his disciples:

'I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that bears no fruit he cuts away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes to make it bear even more. You are pruned already, by means of the word that I have spoken to you. Make your home in me, as I make mine in you. As a branch cannot bear fruit all by itself, but must remain part of the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me, with me in him, bears fruit in plenty; for cut off from me you can do nothing.'

Jesus describes himself as the true vine and his followers as the branches. Just as branches draw their life and sustenance from the vine, we draw our spiritual nourishment and strength from Jesus.

Jesus emphasises the role of pruning in the growth process. Just as a gardener prunes branches to ensure they bear more fruit, God disciplines and refines us to help us grow spiritually. While pruning may be painful or challenging, it ultimately leads to greater maturity and fruitfulness in our lives.

Furthermore, Jesus speaks about the necessity of abiding in him to bear fruit. He emphasises that apart from him, we can do nothing. This underscores the truth that our spiritual growth and effectiveness in serving God depend entirely on our relationship with Jesus.

By the Numbers

93 - The age of both William Shatner (Captain Kirk - Star Trek) and the Empire State Building.

Classroom and Student News

Middle Class Report

It’s been another busy week for the Middles. 

In Maths we’ve been practising our /10/ facts and doubles to help us improve our addition skills. 

We’ve been learning about long and short vowel sounds in Spelling and the different ways we can spell these sounds. We’ve also learnt some new tricky words - people, different, who and caught. The middles particularly had fun learning a chant to remember how to spell people. 

In Reading we’ve been learning how to make good predictions when reading and started a new class story book called The Stone Lion.

This week was Catholic Education Week. To celebrate this, and to acknowledge the 150th Anniversary of the Ballarat Diocese, we attended Mass on Wednesday. Our Senior students did a great job leading us in readings and prayers and all the students joined in our singing.  

Everyone’s excited to celebrate Mother’s Day next week and students are looking forward to welcoming their mums and special people to our activities and morning tea next Friday. 

Wishing everyone a great weekend and see you all next week!

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 week, Ben, Jack & Rahitya, and this week Shalom, Avery and Charlotte M 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 Destiny (last week) and Bethany (this week) 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 - Jewel, Julian, Fabian, William, Xavier, Sophie, Jonas, Zoe

50 nights - Treesa, Douglas, George, Steev

75 nights - Destiny, Valentino, Olive

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

Dates and Reminders

School Calendar

May

Wed 8 - Senior Class Iona Visit

Fri 10 - Walk Safely to School Day

Mon 13 - Little Desert Cross Country (Nhill)

June

Mon 10 - King's Birthday Public Holioday

Wed 12 - Senior Class Iona Visit

Fri 28 - End of Term 2

St Patrick's Nhill

Church Times

11:00am Mass each Sunday

Our Mission

Child Safe Standards

SchoolTV

SPECIAL REPORT: The Wellbeing Barometer - 2024

The Wellbeing Barometer survey has become a crucial tool for schools, offering insights into youth mental health and wellbeing. By understanding community concerns and the nature of these issues, schools are better equipped to support families and foster meaningful conversations, thereby building stronger relationships. This survey is part of an ongoing, longitudinal study, with the results being instrumental in tailoring support for students and their families. Participation is strongly encouraged, as it provides a comprehensive view of students' experiences, challenges, and achievements over the past year.

Participating in this year's survey, will assist your school in identifying areas of strength and concern, as well as pinpointing opportunities for early intervention. The survey aims to capture a comprehensive picture of young people's lives, allowing for a tailored approach to enhance mental and emotional wellbeing.

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