School Newsletter - Term 2 Week 7- 2025
News from the Principal
Dear Families,
Welcome to our first newsletter as we enter the Winter Season and move closer to the mid semester break. Students have been as busy as ever and the imagination shown in the yard and in their learning shows just what joy we see everyday in your children.
I have attached an update from our School Advisory Council meeting last week - it is the result of work by staff and students in how we best show our School Values to each other and those we meet. Please view it and my points shared on how we assist all students with their learning journey and how we value each child. If any questions arise please reach out.
Teachers are busy completing Mid Semester reports to show the learning journey of our students and I encourage you to book in a meeting time on Monday, 23rd - Tuesday, 24th to celebrate achievements and see areas for future growth. All children learn differently and it is not a linear path of constant progression, sometimes we plateau, go backwards before moving forwards again.
Enjoy the King's Birthday long weekend - it's looking a little wet and chilly. Travel safely and we'l see everyone on Tuesday for Week Two of Swimming.
Paul McDowell
Principal
Splashing into Swim and Gym!
Our first week of Swim and Gym has been a fantastic success! From the youngest to the oldest, every child took part with great enthusiasm. The whole school joined in, making it a truly inclusive and energetic week.
In the pool, students had the chance to develop their swimming skills, build confidence in the water, and most importantly—have fun! Whether it was their first time in the water or they were seasoned swimmers, everyone gave it their best shot and supported one another with big smiles and lots of cheering.
Over in the gym, the energy was just as high. The children tackled a range of fun physical activities designed to get them moving, working together, and enjoying fitness in a playful, positive environment. It was wonderful to see such teamwork, resilience, and joy in the session.
We’ve completed one exciting week, and there are still two more to go. We can’t wait to see what progress and adventures lie ahead. A big well done to all our students for their fantastic efforts—let’s keep the momentum going!
Scienceworks Excursion Years 3 - 6
Our Design Sprint Challenge today is based around circuits and electronic games ⚡️💡🔌🔋🔦🪫
ScienceWorks Sparks Curiosity!
On Wednesday, our students took a fascinating journey into the world of electricity during our excursion to ScienceWorks. The day was packed with hands-on learning and electrifying fun as we explored how electricity works and even designed our very own circuits!
With guidance from the friendly ScienceWorks staff, students connected batteries, wires, switches, and light bulbs to bring their designs to life. It was amazing to see the excitement as circuits lit up and buzzed with energy. From simple setups to more complex creations, everyone had the chance to experiment, problem-solve, and learn by doing. We even got to watch a lighting show!
This hands-on experience sparked plenty of curiosity. Who knew science could be this fun?
School Closure – King's Birthday Public Holiday
Please be reminded that the school will be closed on Monday, 9th June in observance of the King’s Birthday public holiday. We hope all our families enjoy a safe and relaxing long weekend. Classes will resume as normal on Tuesday, 10th June.
Peaceful Kids - Run By Miss Jacinta Student Wellbeing
The program focuses on breathing, meditation, how our brains respond to stress and helping children to understand their individual responses to stress. The program aims to teach children the life long skills that will hold them in good stead for the rest of their lives. In addition to the group work, I will work with children one on one to support them in their emotional resilience.
The key to this program is your engagement as a parent or caregiver. When we walk alongside our children and learn with them their engagement is much greater. Your contribution is vital. Children will be asked to talk with you at home about what they have learnt and they will show you some of the activities they have taken part in. Your role is to support this and perhaps try some of the activities together.
Please contact your child's teacher, Mr McDowell or myself if you think your child may benefit from being a part of a group or some one on one sessions.
I will run a session here at school on June 3rd and June 10th at 1pm for parents who may wish to learn more about the program.
I'm also happy to make time to chat with you individually.
The truth is we could all do with a little more deliberate breathing and calm in our busy lives.
Take care and reach out if there is anything you would like to discuss.
And just in case you need it - please follow the link below for meditation.
Thank you - Jacinta
REMINDER - Late Arrivals/Early Departures
School commences with the first bell at 8.50am for students to enter their classroom and prepare for learning. Learning commences with daily review at 9.00am and late arrivals do miss important learning opportunities
Please ensure students are at school prior to the first bell. It does also alleviate anxiety for some who do not like coming into school late. Your assistance is appreciated by classroom teachers.
All parents/caregivers who are dropping off late or collecting students early please ensure that you drop/pick your child off from the rear carpark and report to the school office to mark the roll.
It is a legal requirement that all schools keep up to date records of students throughout the school day.
Please also remind your student to see the front office if arriving late.
Concussion - Important information
If your child has experienced concussion, it is important that you follow recommended medical advice. Returning to school can be a graduated approach with the aim of increasing tolerance to a full day, the same situation could occur with sport. 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 the school setting so we can monitor for ongoing symptoms and adapt activities if required.
This factsheet link below from the Royal Children's Hospital is valuable to read and understand.
https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Head_injury_return_to_school_and_sport/
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.
https://www.headcheck.com.au/
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 Shop Hot school lunches available every Thursday (unless otherwise advised)
Term Two Dates 2025
Monday, 9th June - King's Birthday - Public Holiday
Tuesday, 10th June - Swimming
Tuesday, 17th June - Swimming
Wednesday, 25th June - Teeth on Wheels
Friday, 4th July - End of Term - Concludes 1:15pm
Term Three Dates 2025
Monday, 21st July - Term 3 Commences
Thursday, 11th September - Whole School Art Show
Saturday, 9th August - Trivia Night - Hosted by P&F
Sunday, 31st August - Bunnings Sausage Sizzle - P&F
Gordon Parish Mass
LITURGIES /WEEKLY MASSES | |||||
Day & Time | 1st Sunday | 2nd Sunday | 3rd Sunday | 4th Sunday | 5th Sunday |
Saturday 6.30pm | Dunnstown | Springbank | Dunnstown | Clarkes Hill | Springbank |
Sunday 9am | Gordon | Bungaree | Gordon | Gordon | Bungaree |
Sunday 10.30am | Ballan | Ballan | Ballan | Ballan | Ballan |
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.
