2024, Term 1, Week 8 Newsletter

Acknowledgement of Country

St. Patrick's School acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work, the Koroitch-gundidj people of the Maar Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. 

Principal's Message

Dear parents and carers,

I would like to celebrate the success of our whole school athletics day yesterday! Congratulations are in order for our very own Mrs Helen Swarbrick, and her dedicated team for orchestrating an unforgettable Athletics Day! Thanks to the efforts of Mr Peter Varley, our parent volunteers,Tammy the catering team, and our helpful high school assistants, the day ran seamlessly. 

I am thrilled to see all students displaying outstanding sportsmanship and attitudes throughout the day making it a memorable and enjoyable day for everyone involved. They all cheered each other on enthusiastically, even in the face of competition, showing true camaraderie and support.Their respect and positive encouragement was exemplary, with numerous instances of students offering encouraging words and helping hands to those in need.

Today marked an enriching day of growth and reflection as our staff came together for a School Closure Day, hosted by Gina from DOBCEL. With our upcoming review on the horizon, this opportunity couldn't have come at a better time.

We delved into strategies for enhancing our Catholic school identity, exploring ways to infuse our values and beliefs into every aspect of our educational practice. The day provided us with a chance to unpack our own school data, celebrating our strengths, areas for growth, and aspirations for the future. This reflective process not only fostered a deeper understanding of our collective vision but also inspired renewed enthusiasm and dedication among our team.

As we move forward, we are energised to continue nurturing a learning environment that reflects the core principles of our Catholic faith. 

I hope students have had a relaxing day off today and that everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Kind regards,

Tegan McDonald 

Principal

Fifth Week of Lent

(Week beginning Monday 18 March)

Partnership in action  

The work of Caritas Australia is only possible with the dedication, passion and tenacity of our local partners who implement the programs. They are the heroes on the ground, working tirelessly behind-the-scenes every day to create a better future for their communities. 

Caritas Australia partners with the Faithful Companions of Jesus (FCJ) to support communities living in urban slums in the Philippines. FCJ runs a number of programs that include house renovating, food processing, basic literacy skills, urban gardening, upcycling and income generating activities. They also have a clinic visited weekly by a doctor and community nurse.  

Caritas Australia partners with Caritas Samoa to assist communities to have increased access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene to ensure human health and well-being by providing water tanks and sanitation facilities.

Caritas Australia partners with the Catholic Development Commission in Malawi through the A+ program. Since 2016, the A+ program has helped 7,397 families across Malawi improve their food security, access to basic water and sanitation, boost women’s income generation and strengthen child protection.   

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.

Photo: Richard Wainwright / Caritas Australia

Easter Liturgy

If you are attending the liturgy, you are welcome to take your child home at the conclusion.  Please the classroom teacher know if they are leaving before lunchtime.

School will be finishing for the term at 2.30pm which aligns with the school bus schedule for the end of Term.

School TV - Wellbeing Resources

This week is Neurodiversity Celebration Week. It is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. It aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported by providing schools, universities, and organisations with the opportunity to recognise the many talents and advantages of being neurodivergent, while creating more inclusive and equitable cultures that celebrate differences and empower every individual.

School TV has many articles on neurodiversity as well as an abundance of resources on other wellbeing topics.

Neurodiversity | St Patrick's School - Koroit (schooltv.me)

This week is also Harmony Week. It is celebrated annually during March to highlight our diverse cultures and help us better understand each other’s experiences and backgrounds. During this week, the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is also acknowledged on the 21 March. Harmony Week is an opportunity to recognise Australia's multiculturalism, which embraces people from all over the world, especially indigenous Australians. As a nation, we are encouraged to promote respect, understanding and appreciation for all cultures.

SPECIAL REPORT: Celebrating Harmony Week | St Patrick's School - Koroit (schooltv.me)

Eggs for Sale

We have a surplus of eggs from the Folk Festival BBQ - discounted to $3/doz from the office.

Social Justice - Room 7

Room 7 have been putting together fundraising ideas for Caritas Australia (Project Compassion) as a part of their Social Justice studies:

After a successful special canteen by some of the Room 6 students, the fun continues in the final week of term with Guess the number of lollies in the jar, Casual Clothes (with a touch of Easter) & a colouring competition on Thursday along with Musical Chairs.

Parents & Friends

Folk Festival

Don't forget to return aprons and t-shirts via the office.  Thanks.

Easter Raffle 

Please remember to return your Easter Raffle tickets early next week.

Hot Cross Buns

The P&F will provide Hot Cross Buns for students at recess on the last day of term.

Koroit Irish Festival

The Irish Festival will be upon us early in Term 2.  This year we again have our famous Baked Spuds and the toastie van which was introduced in 2023. We have made the tough decision to remove the delicious Irish Stew from the menu and cease our sales at the Theatre on the Saturday evening.  While the stew was always well received, extending our sales into the evening was demanding for our volunteers who already work a very long day.  The Irish Festival is a wonderful event for our town and we want to relieve some pressure on our families so that they can enjoy it too.

Many thanks to Andrew McMahon of McMahon's Family Catering who have done a fantastic job in cooking the stew over the last few years.

Thanks also to the Committee of the Irish Festival who continue to support us and lots of other community groups.

Please see the attached Volunteer Sign Up sheet for the Festival - these shift are on the Saturday at the Festival either in the Food Truck cooking Toasties or on the Spud Production & Sales line.

If you require any further information, please contact Kate - 0408 399 144. Thanks.

Irish Festival Volunteer Sign Up link: volunteersignup.org/TKAAE

Assembly Schedule - Term 1

***Please note that Student Awards will only be published in the newsletter and presented on weeks where there is assembly.

Casserole Bank

The St Pat's community has a wonderful tradition of the "Casserole Bank" where families come together to provide a meal or snacks/lunchbox items for families within our school who are in need of support (for example, a new arrival, family illness or bereavement).

This year, the Casserole Bank will be coordinated through the school office.  If you are aware of a family requiring support, please contact the office.

If you are willing to help out during the year, please register your name details on the google form below & we will reach out when the need arises.  The more volunteers we have, the fewer times people will be called upon to help out.

Canteen & Cake Raffle Rosters

Thanks to those who have already signed up for the Canteen & Cake Raffle Rosters. We now have a new Canteen Sign Up Sheet available for Term 2.  We appreciate everyone's help with Canteen - without your assistance, it could not run.

Canteen Sign Up Sheet - volunteersignup.org/BCXRE

Cake Raffle Sign Up Sheet - volunteersignup.org/PTFPM

CANTEEN ROSTER

Virginia Martin co-ordinates the canteen, arranging for the stocking of snack items and is happy to take questions from prospective volunteers  - 0419 883 657.

CAKE RAFFLE ROSTER (Term 2)

If you have any questions about the Cake Raffle, please contact Kate Dobson 0408 399 144.

Star of the Sea Parish Bulletin

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to Georgie Atwell, Savannah Wood and Charlotte Wright who celebrate their birthdays this week.  We hope you all have a great time celebrating with family and friends.

Mothers who Pray for their Children

'Mothers Who Pray for Their Children’ will hold their first Australian conference, in Melbourne, at the Catholic Leadership Centre.

Immerse yourself in a day, beginning with adoration and Holy Mass. Join for enlightening talks from local, interstate, and international speakers. Listen to the uplifting melodies of acclaimed Catholic musicians, and explore stalls showcasing the richness of our Catholic community, all while embracing the conference’s central theme—‘Walking the Path of Holiness.’

Mothers, grandmother‘s, Godmothers and spiritual mother's, come and secure your place for an enriching day of spiritual growth and community connection!

https://www.motherswhoprayfortheirchildren.com/

Theircare Newsletter

Directwear Uniform

School Uniform is available from Directwear www.directwear.com.au  

Uniforms can be collected from the Directwear home address in Warrnambool or posted to you.

Contact details for Direct wear are:

email info@directwear.com.au or phone Dion Jansz: 0412 654 406

Dates to Remember

Please refer to the public calendar on the school website for the most up to date calendar items.

https://www.spkoroit.catholic.edu.au/news-events

Save the Date!

Community News

Check the Koroit CWA page for details of how and where you can get a map for over 30 houses to visit to grab a bargain.