Newsletter 2025/26~ 12 September 2025

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

Pope Leo's XIV's prayer intention for the month of September is “for our relationship with all of creation.”

RECENT & CURRENT EVENTS

R U OK? Day

Yesterday was R U OK? Day.  We marked the day with a Yellow clothes day.

R U OK? Day is an annual campaign aiming to inspire and empower people to meaningfully connect with those around them and to provide support when someone is in need.

We are all encouraged to ask R U OK?, Listen, Encourage Action, and Check In. ​

Explore what's happening and the ways that you can connect and support others by simply asking R U OK?

You don't need to be an expert to reach out - just a good friend and a great listener. Use these four steps and have a conversation that could change a life, it's as simple as ALEC:

     Ask R U OK?

     Listen

     Encourage action

     Check in

Footy Colours

There was a range of colours, guernseys, and sporting attire today for our Footy Colours Day.  It was great to see plenty of Nhill Tigers shirts and guernseys being worn to show support for the Under 14s and Seniors in tomorrow’s football.  A few wearing Hawks colours was also pleasing (for this week anyway), however I’ve had to have discussions with those in crows colours!

Father's Day

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Recycled items wanted please - all year levels

In preparation for craft activities for Nhill Show, please send any of the following items to school - bottles, ice cream tub lids, cardboard rolls/tubes, egg cartons.

UPCOMING EVENTS

No buses next Tuesday

Please note that there will be no buses running on Tuesday, 16 September due to a student-free day at Nhill College. Parents will need to make alternative arrangements to get your child/ren to and from school on that day.

End of Term

A reminder that students will finish school for the term at 3:15pm on Thursday 18 September as staff have a Professional Learning day about Literacy on the Friday.

Catholic Development Fund

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

145 - This year marks 145 years since Thomas Edison successfully demonstrated the Gramophone.  (Sadly, I know a lot of people who have since  been injected by a gramophone needle!).

Classroom and Student News

Junior Class News

What a busy week it has been in our Foundation/Year 1 classroom!

This week in Literacy, students continued with their InitiaLit lessons. Foundation students worked on the “ng” and “ay” sounds, building confidence in reading and spelling, while our Year 1s explored vowel teams such as eer (cheer), ear (ear), air (hair), and are (beware). Students also practised their handwriting and reading fluency, supported by classroom LSOs.

In Mathematics, both year levels focused on Location. Foundation students practised describing positions and learning about left and right, while Year 1s used written instructions to change locations and worked on solving position problems. Later in the week, both groups completed a location-based maths assessment to show their growing understanding.

On Thursday, students participated in Yarn Circle. They explored the theme of Family, learning new words like clan, kin, and tribe, as well as a Wurundjeri word for family – booboop narrkwarren. Students shared special stories about their families and reflected through illustrations and writing, helping us build respect and appreciation for the many different kinds of families in our community.

It was another wonderful week of learning, exploring, and celebrating together in F/1!

Cheers,
Mel

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. Students who were randomly drawn from the nominations for Respect, Responsibility and Safety, and have added tokens to their respective Houses' tallies, were Jesse, Marnie and Adoni.

Little Joey Awards

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

50 nights - Tyler

75 nights - Oscar

100 nights - Charlotte M, Samual

125 nights - Meena, Hannah E, Xavier M

150 nights - Valentino

Community News

School Advisory Council

Parent Representatives

• Clint Beattie
• Rebecca Curtis 
• Emily Gladdis
• Bonnie McEldrew
• Zanther McEldrew
• Ashleigh Meyer
  
• Courtney Taylor

Ex Officio

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

Next meeting date 

• Tuesday, 21 October 2025, 5:30pm

Dates and Reminders

School Calendar

September

Tue 16 - No school buses

Thu 18 - Last Day Term 3 for students - dismissal time 3:15pm

Fri 19 - Student free day for staff professional development

October

Mon 6 - First Day Term 4

M-F - Dental Heath Van

Fri 10 - GWR Athletics Ballarat

T-W 14-15 - Middles Camp, Naracoorte

Thu 16 - Local public holiday Nhill Show

Fri 17 - F-2 Sports Afternoon

Tue 21 - 5:30pm SAC Meeting

November

Wed 12 - Student-free day (staff professional development)

W-F 19-21 - Senior Camp, Sovereign Hill

St Patrick's Nhill

Church Times

11:00am Mass each Sunday

Our Mission

Child Safe Standards

School TV

SPECIAL REPORT: Parenting Styles

There's no such thing as perfect parenting. Every family is unique, and every child's needs are different. But by understanding the various parenting styles, we can make more thoughtful choices that support our children's growth in healthier and more effective ways.

Most of us parent as a blend of our own upbringing, lived experiences and external influences such as books, podcasts or parenting websites. Parenting is one of the most rewarding roles in life, but it is also one of the most challenging. The journey can be further complicated by circumstances such as divorce, separation, blended families, trauma or bereavement. Not to mention the many everyday pressures and hurdles that families face.

The idea of "parenting styles" has been researched for decades, showing that the way we interact with, nurture, and guide our children has a significant impact on their development. Whilst there are a number of different approaches, research consistently shows that children thrive when parents and caregivers are both warm and loving, while also providing clear guidance, structure and support. This balance helps children feel safe and valued, while also encouraging independence, resilience and emotional wellbeing.

By learning more about the different styles and how they influence children, you can make informed choices about the approach that best suits your family. And remember, styles are not fixed. They can evolve over time as your child grows and their needs change.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in these editions of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact your child's teacher or the principal for further information or seek medical or professional help.

From the office of eSafety Commissioner:

National Child Protection Week 7-13 September

“It’s not a ban. It’s a delay to having accounts."  Update on social media age restrictions.

From mid-December, Australian children under 16 will not be allowed to hold accounts on certain social media platforms. The age restrictions are likely to apply to Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube, among other platforms. Online gaming and standalone messaging apps are among a number of types of services that will not be included. 

Holding and being logged into an account increases the likelihood that under-16s will be exposed to pressures and risks that can be hard to deal with. For example, the pressure to constantly respond to notifications and alerts, and the risk of exposure to content that can harm their wellbeing. Delaying account access until 16 will give young people more time to build digital literacy, critical reasoning, social and emotional skills and resilience. 

It’s important that we support under-16s by talking openly about the age restrictions, finding out how they currently use social media and how they may be impacted by the law.

Reminders

School Office Hours

• M 8:45am - 4:15pm
• T 8:45am - 4:30pm
• W 8:45am - 4:30pm
• T 8:45am - 4:30pm
• F 8:45am - 1:00pm

Parent Access Module PAM / SIMON Everywhere app

The Parent Access Module PAM (SIMON Everywhere app) 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.

If the office is unattended, please use the QR code on the door (which will open the Passtab iPad in your phone).

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.

Thunderstorm asthma

St. Patrick’s School reminds our wider community that grass pollen season brings an increased risk of asthma and hay fever.  

Thunderstorm asthma is thought to be triggered by a unique combination of high amounts of grass pollen in the air and a certain type of thunderstorm (typically between October and end December). It can result in people wheezing, feeling short of breath, and tight in the chest with coughing. This can be sudden, serious, and even life threatening. 

Anyone can be affected, even if they don’t have a history of asthma.  

If your child has current, past or undiagnosed asthma or seasonal hay fever they are at risk of thunderstorm asthma. Don't ignore symptoms like wheezing or shortness of breath.   

St. Patrick’s School encourages families to communicate any updated asthma action plans with staff. Our staff will monitor the Vic Emergency app to receive thunderstorm warnings, and, where appropriate, keep students indoors when weather forecasts identify a greater level of risk. 

Protect your family this pollen season 

For people with asthma or hay fever, especially those who wheeze and sneeze during spring, thunderstorm asthma can be sudden, serious and even life threatening. 

There are things you can do to prepare and protect yourself and those in your care: 

• It’s important for everyone in the community to know the four steps of asthma first aid so they know what to do if they or someone is having an asthma attack.  

• Avoid being outside during thunderstorms from October through December – especially in the wind gusts that come before the storm. Go inside and close your doors and windows. Turn off any air conditioner that brings outside air in (e.g. evaporative air conditioners).  

• If your child has ever had asthma – talk to your doctor about what you can do to help protect them from the risk of thunderstorm asthma this pollen season, including updating their asthma action plan. Remember, taking an asthma preventer as prescribed is key to preventing asthma, including thunderstorm asthma.  

• If your child has ever had hay fever – see your GP to make sure they don’t also have asthma and discuss how to stay safe during grass pollen season.   

• Asthma reliever medication is available over the counter at pharmacies. Ideally, this should be used with a spacer, for both children and adults. If your child is needing to use their reliever medication more than usual, this may mean that their asthma management plan needs updating – see your GP and make sure that you communicate updated asthma action plans with your child’s school.  
• Monitor the epidemic thunderstorm asthma risk forecast on the Vic Emergency thunderstorm asthma forecast webpage or download the VicEmergency app (App Store or Google Play) – you can set up a 'watch zone' for your location to receive advice and warnings about potential epidemic thunderstorm asthma events during the grass pollen season. 

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

Concussion Protocol

Concussion is a serious situation and children, like adults, need time to rest and recover after receiving a concussion. Schools have obligations for understanding if activities need to be adapted for students recovering from concussion sustained outside of school.

Given the requirement to rest, recover and adapt activities it is important schools are made aware when a student receives a concussion outside of the school setting.

Concussion – Important information to be aware of

If your child has experienced concussion outside of the school setting it is important that they rest for a period of 24 to 48 hours and then gradually return to activities after this time. Returning to school can be a graduated approach with the aim of increasing tolerance to a full day, the same situation could occur with sporting activities. It is always important to check with your doctor and seek medical treatment after a child sustains a concussion.

It is important to inform the school if your child has sustained a concussion outside of school; this is to ensure the school can monitor your child’s wellbeing and adapt activities as required.

Links:

• Factsheet from the Royal Children’s Hospital is valuable to read and understand.
• There is also a great evidence-based app from the Murdoch children’s research institute that walks you through what to do in the result of a concussion.