School Newsletter - Term 3 Week 7- 2025

News from the Principal

Dear Families,

What a busy and exciting fortnight it has been at our school! Our classrooms and playgrounds have been buzzing with learning, activities, and community spirit, and it is always a joy to see our students thriving in so many different ways.

One of the absolute highlights over the past two weeks was the Senior Years Camp to Camp Wilkin in Anglesea. Our senior students embraced the opportunity to challenge themselves, strengthen friendships, and work together in a new environment. From outdoor adventure activities to team challenges and evening reflections, the camp was filled with memorable moments. It was wonderful to see students encouraging one another, trying new things, and stepping outside their comfort zones. Camps like this play such an important role in developing independence, resilience, and leadership, and we are very proud of the way our students represented our school. A huge thank you goes to the staff who attended, for giving their time and energy to ensure the camp was such a success.

Back at school, there has been no shortage of activity either. Classrooms have been filled with creativity, curiosity, and lots of hard work as students continue to grow in their learning. Teachers have been busy planning rich learning experiences, and it is heartening to see students tackling challenges with enthusiasm and persistence.

I’d also like to take a moment to acknowledge the wonderful support of our families and community. Whether it’s helping out with events, or encouraging students at home, your contribution makes a huge difference to the life of our school, such as as the Bunnings Sausage Sizzle, it was fantastic to see so many families and supporters stopping by to enjoy a classic sausage in bread while helping contribute to our fundraising efforts. The money raised will go straight back into supporting programs and opportunities for our students.

We are so grateful to the Parents & Friends for their organisation, energy, and commitment to making this event such a great achievement. Likewise with our Father’s Day Afternoon Tea today.  It was such a special celebration. It was heartwarming to see the smiles on the children’s faces as they shared this time with their dads and the important people in their lives. These moments of connection are what make our school community so strong. A huge thank you to our wonderful Parents and Friends committee for all their effort in hosting the afternoon – your care and dedication help create memories our families will treasure.

As we head into the last fortnight of the term, I encourage everyone to keep celebrating the small wins, the moments of kindness, and the joy that comes from learning together. We have much to look forward to in the weeks ahead, and I am excited to see what our students will achieve next.

Please view the Dates for the remainder of the year listed below for your calendar @ home.

Enjoy your weekend and Sunday sleep in for all dads,
Paul McDowell
Principal

                                                                                 Father's Day Prayer

Heavenly Father,
you entrusted your Son Jesus,
the child of Mary,
to the care of Joseph, an earthly father.

Bless all fathers
as they care for their families.
Give them strength and wisdom,
tenderness and patience;
support them in the work they have to do,
protecting those who look to them,
as we look to you for love and salvation,
through Jesus Christ
our rock and defender.

Amen.

Camp Wilkin Anglesea

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Middle to Senior Years Camp – Camp Wilkin, Anglesea

Last week, our Middle to Senior Years students enjoyed an exciting and memorable camp at Camp Wilkin in Anglesea. The three days were filled with adventure, teamwork, and plenty of opportunities to challenge themselves and try new things.

Students took part in a variety of activities such as beach walks, surfing, mini-golf, team-building games, and outdoor challenges that encouraged resilience, cooperation, and problem-solving. Camp also gave everyone the chance to connect with nature, enjoy time with friends, and strengthen relationships across year levels.

A highlight for many was the chance to spend time by the coast, making the most of the fresh air and beautiful surroundings. Evenings were filled with fun group activities, night walks,  laughter, and plenty of stories shared.

We are so proud of the way our students represented our school, showing kindness, encouragement, and a positive attitude throughout. A huge thank you to the staff who attended and supported the students, making this camp such a valuable and rewarding experience.

Important Dates - Term Three and Term Four

A reminder of the following dates for your family calendar

Visual Arts Show @ 5.30pm - 7.00pm - Thursday, 11th September 

McCains Pizza Day (no charge) - Wednesday, 17th September

Sports Colour Day (casual clothes) - Thursday, 18th September

End of Term Three @ 3.30pm - Thursday, 18th September

Start Term Four - Monday, 6th October

Summer Uniform - school hats required for recess and lunch play

Mission Fete - Friday, 31st October

Curriculum Day (Pupil Free) - Monday, 3rd November

Melbourne Cup Public Holiday - Tuesday, 4th November

Curriculum Day (Pupil Free) - Monday, 10th November

2026 Foundation Orientation Days: Monday, 17th and Monday, 24th November

and Monday, 1st December

2026 Orientation Day: new classes for all students - Monday, 1st December

End of Year School Mass and Christmas Carols - Wednesday, 10th December @ 5.30pm

Student's Last Day for 2026 - Wednesday, 17th December. School conclude at 1.15pm

Staff Last Day - Thursday, 18th December

Curriculum Day Care and Holiday Program -

The Y OHSC

St. Patrick's had over a number of years ran a Holiday Program across all Term holidays and Summer Holiday Periods. They attracted a considerable number of children, with 90% coming from other local primary schools. Attendance by St. Patrick's families was less than 3 children per week.

We will continue, under the guidance of Lisa Plaisted, seek to run programs if we have confirmed attendance, whether it is for certain days of both weeks or only 1 week per holidays period. Ten (10) students is the desired number to run a program.

Care is also offered on Curriculum Days if we have minimum numbers, which usually is 10 students. This can be negotiated if necessary.

I am aware Lisa is running surveys to gauge participation from families. Please see Lisa if you would be needing care and if numbers are sufficient we can look to run programs on both Curriculum Days and Holiday periods.

Please see me if you have any questions.

Bunnings Sausage Sizzle Success!

A huge thank you to our Parents & Friends team and the many volunteers who helped out at our recent Bunnings Sausage Sizzle. With their hard work and organisation, the day was a great success, raising over $2,000 for our school!

This fantastic result would not have been possible without the generosity of our families who donated their time and energy, and of course everyone who stopped by to purchase a sausage (or two!). The funds raised will directly support our students and school community, and we are very grateful for such strong support.

Well done and thank you again to the P&F for their outstanding effort in making this fundraiser such a success.

Father’s Day Afternoon Tea

Today we were delighted to host our Father’s Day Afternoon Tea, a special opportunity to celebrate the dads and important people in our students’ lives. The afternoon was filled with smiles, laughter, and plenty of chatter as families came together to share in this occasion.

The children loved welcoming their dads, grandads, and special guests into the school and proudly showing them around. It was wonderful to see everyone enjoying the chance to sit together, catch up, and take part in the activities on offer. The excitement from the students was clear, with many eager to share stories and spend that precious time with their loved ones.

We hope all who joined us enjoyed the afternoon as much as we did. Congratulations to our Bunnings Voucher winner Ryan O'Donnell, which was donated by the wonderful Parents and Friends.

Thank you to everyone who came along to help make this a truly memorable celebration of the important role fathers and special people play in our school community.

Please view the beautiful photos on Class Dojo and Video produced by Miss Chloe.

Inspiring Project by one of St. Patrick's Wonderful Students

Tommy Low, one of our Year Two students has been working on a social justice project, and we thought we’d share it with the wider school community.

It’s called The Good Sock Project. With a bit of help from his wonderful mum Cassie, Tommy designed several sock patterns and this family had them manufactured. For every pair sold, they donate a warm pair to someone in need. It’s been a lovely way to give back and also teach Tommy about kindness and helping others. Please look at the socks via the weblink and if you wish, please support Tommy's fantastic initiative:
https://thegoodsockproject.bigcartel.com

Please view Tommy's project in his own words below. Fantastic work Tommy.

Wellbeing @ St. Patrick's

Miss Jacinta is on staff every Tuesday to support students and families with a range of issues around wellbeing and offering support and strategies. Peaceful Kids is a program around relationship and friendship which is currently running. If  you wish to speak with Jacinta you may contact her through the office each Tuesday or by emailing Paul and he will pass on your details for a call from Jacinta.

A reminder that  School TV on our school website  is a wellbeing resource that can support you in the challenges relating to modern-day parenting:  https://spgordon.catholic.schooltv.me/

This award-winning resource helps build relationships, foster connections, enable understanding and break down barriers to navigate a pathway towards better mental health and wellbeing for young people. It can assist in starting conversations on topics that are sometimes awkward or difficult to tackle.

Out of Hours School Care 

We have wonderful staff in Lisa, Chloe and  Jess ably  supported by Emily and staff  from YMCA at our school. Students are treated with respect and are engaged in fun and varied activities Before and After School.

The strength of the program relies on families using the service so I encourage families to sign up and continue to use.

Children must be enrolled to attend the program - whether ongoing or casual

TO ENROL PLEASE USE THE ATTACHED LINK:

https://prodadmin.myxplor.com/enrollment_v2/centre/4MxeRH0TsTorIGPLx24356Sh0A

Sadly, the number of children in out of home care are increasing while the number of foster carers are decreasing. This often results in very young children residing in residential care, or moving regularly from home to home.

If you or anyone you know may be interested in this worthwhile cause please reach out to CAFS. 

St John Defibrillators – Ready to help you save lives

Sudden Cardiac Arrest is one of the leading causes of death in Australia.

Defibrillators have the power to change this, with the potential to save thousands of lives if they are located within 1-2 minutes of where people work, live and spend their leisure time.

Having a defibrillator means you can step in with the tools to save a life before paramedics arrive – every minute counts. Research shows survival rates of up to 70% can be achieved if an AED is on hand.

We have a defibrillator located in the front foyer of St Patrick's Primary School - this is a lifesaving tool for our community.

Health Update For All Families: Winter Ashtma Plans

Dear Parents,

As part of our commitment to ensuring the ongoing safety and well-being at all students at St. Patrick’s, we are reaching out to inquire about any  asthma or allergy plans that may be in place for your child as we enter Winter that school is not aware of. We start to see children being prescribed for Winter asthma or a puffer just in case.

Your child’s health and safety are our top priorities and your cooperation in providing this information is greatly appreciated.

If your child has been diagnosed with asthma or allergies (also seasonal), we kindly request that you inform us of any existing plans or protocols that should be followed while they are at school. This information will help us better understand your child’s needs and enable us to respond appropriately in case of health related situations.

Due to policy updates we will no longer be able to store or administer medications such as Panadol, Nurofen, pharmacy only medications (including zyrtec & claratyne) or other non-prescribed medications at school. 

As a result of this policy; medications will only be allowed on school property with a document signed by your doctor. This could include an action plan, letter or treatment plan. 

We thank you in advance for your support keeping all of our children safe.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.

Playgroup

Join Us for Playgroup!

Playgroup is a fun, welcoming time for children, parents, families, and the wider community to come together for play, connection, and social time. It’s a great chance for children to explore and build friendships, while adults enjoy a warm drink and friendly conversation.

Playgroup runs every Monday from 9:00am to 10:30am in the school hall. The space is cozy and inviting—heaters keep it warm and comfortable, and tea and coffee are available to help everyone feel right at home.

Each session finishes with a special story time led by our Foundation teacher and students—a calm and engaging way to end the morning and encourage a love of books.

All families are welcome, whether you’re new to our school or a familiar face. Come along and be part of this relaxed and friendly group—we’d love to see you there!

If you have any questions or would like to know more, feel free to contact the school office on 5368 9495.

School Term Dates

Gordon Parish Mass

Music lessons

We are now taking bookings for 2025 music lessons.  If you would like any information please contact Tim on 0450 904 464 and he can discuss with you. 

We acknowledge that St Patrick's Primary School is on Wadawurrung Country.

We would like to acknowledge and extend our appreciation for the Wadawurrung People, the Traditional Owners of the land that we are standing on today.

Today, we pay our respects to leaders and Elders past, present and future for they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture and the hopes of all Wadawurrung Peoples.

We express our gratitude in the sharing of this land, our sorrow for the personal, spiritual and cultural costs of that sharing and our hope that we may walk forward together in harmony and in the spirit of healing.