2024, Term 2, Week 6 Newsletter

Acknowledgement of Country

Principal's Message

Dear parents and carers,

2025 Enrolments

On Monday evening this week, we held our formal Information Evening for new students in 2025. We were delighted with the attendance on the night.  While all our formal planned information sessions have been held this week, we are of course still happy to show prospective families through the school. Please advise any families asking about enrolments to contact the school office to arrange a tour.

For existing families with students starting Foundation in 2025, please collect an enrolment form from the office if you do not already have one. Thank you.

Government School Saving Bonus

As we have mentioned previoulsy in the newsletter, the Allan Labor Government announced a $400 School Saving Bonus for all school students in government schools regardless of income, but only for Health Care Card holders in Catholic schools.

Our position on this is that it is deeply unfair.

We believe the payment should be means tested for all students or apply to all students.

It should not be based on which school you attend. This policy punishes families for choosing to send their children to a Catholic school. Our school, St Patrick’s School Koroit and the peak body, the Victorian Catholic Education Authority, are working hard to oppose this policy and we need your help.

We need to show the Victorian Government that punishing families who choose a Catholic school is unacceptable.

Our school’s local MP is Roma Britnell and they can be contacted by calling 5562 8230 or by emailing roma.britnell@parliament.vic.gov.au

A template letter is available to assist you with making your voice heard. 

Link to template

Thank you for your time in reading this and for advocating for your family and our school.

Have a fabulous weekend.

Kind regards,

Tegan McDonald 

Principal

National Reconciliation Week

Prayer for Reconciliation

God of all creation,

as we journey together in this Great Southern Land,

we pray for healing, forgiveness and unity,

 creating a path of good will, with justice and compassion.

Jesus, through the power of your love, you have given us the courage, wisdom and strength to share our gifts and talents in humility.

 In peace and understanding we reconcile with each other.

Creator Spirit, we come together in prayer and thanksgiving for the many blessings we have received. Allow your Spirit to wash over us and give us strength to walk together as one.

This Reconciliation Church prayer was written by a small group of Aboriginal Elder women and Reconciliation Church staff members in 2014. Find it and more liturgical resources on the NATSICC website. St Patrick’s Koroit is a proud partner and member of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council

Artwork by Queenie McKenzie, theme image for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday 2019.

While our formal information sessions have been held this week, we still happy to show prospective families through the school. Please advise any families asking about enrolments to contact the school office to arrange a tour.

For existing families with students starting Foundation in 2025, please collect an enrolment form from the office if you do not already have one. Thank you.

School TV - Wellbeing Resources

We share again our School TV item on "Bullying".

We encourage you to explore all of the School TV site for a variety of wellbeing resources.

School TV - Bullying

Shona Louden

Wellbeing Leader

Warrnambool Eisteddfod

Congratulations to Tarneisha, Mazie and Ava who performed solo pieces at the Warrnambool Eisteddfod on Tuesday. They demonstrated great confidence and received higly commended places.

After School Supervision

Our staff members ensure the safety of all students until 3:30 pm in the junior area after school. However, after this time, students will be directed to the school office for continued supervision until they are picked up.

We kindly request your assistance in reminding your children that they should wait with a teacher until they are picked up by the designated person. This ensures proper supervision and minimises any risks associated with playing in the playground or leaving the school grounds unaccompanied.

Your cooperation in reinforcing this message with your child is greatly appreciated, as it contributes to maintaining a secure environment for all students.

Thank you for your understanding and assistance in this matter. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Changes to Maths Reporting

Please see the below letter with important information regarding changes to Maths Reporting.

Book Club

Issue 4 of the Scholastic Bookclub is now available.

https://www.scholastic.com.au/book-club/book-club-parents/book-club/

• $5 Credit Promotion. Families who ordered books on Issue 3 can spend the $5 promo code they earned on Issue 4. Plus, they will get another $5 promo code to spend on Issue 5!
• A diverse range of books available for $10 or less throughout the entire catalogue.
• BEST OF THE CLASSICS on page 32
• Forever Fairies is thefeature book for Issue 4. 

Toastie Tuesdays

There will be no Toastie Tuesday next week (28th May) due to our hall being booked for another professional development day.  We apologise for the inconsistent dates for Toasties but they are beyond our control.

Volunteer Levy

There are many opportunities at school to claim off your volunteer levy.

As you would imagine, there are lots of jobs that need to be done at a school.  Between classroom responsibilites and duties during most breaks, there are many things that staff don't get the opportunity to do. In times gone by, some of these would be done at working bees.  In recent years, we have not had great success in attracting families to working bees as times do not always suit. 

If you see a job that needs to be done, that you are happy to take on, we would love your help and can arrange for the credit to your volunteer levy.

Some suggestions - Canteen deep clean, library tidying, lost property sorting.  This list is just a start.

Parents & Friends

Catering

Again, Tammy and Mary have been busy catering 

If you are able to help with supplying food or serving at future events, please indicate on the form below and we will be in touch when we have events scheduled.  If the date/time does not suit you, you do not have to commit to helping when you are contacted.

Catering Support Form

Disco

The Disco is on tonight! Please remember to sign your child in at the Hall door and provide a contact phone number for during the event incase your child wishes to be collected early.

Student Awards

Room 1

Layla Briggs- approaches every day with enthusiasm, cheerfulness and a willingness to do her best. It is wonderful to see her personality shine through. 

Igwe Kalu- for having a vibrant imagination and sharing his creative ideas with the class. He brings his energy and enthusiasm to all aspects of the curriculum. Keep up the great work Igwe!

Room 2

Annie McMahon for always being a critical thinker and creative learner, who enjoys new challenges. Annie is always ready to learn and eager to share her thoughts. Your enthusiasm in the classroom motivates us all.

Billy Martin - Billy is always willing to help others and is a most cooperative and helpful member of the class. He has also been working very hard to improve on his maths skills these two weeks, being a superstar in subtraction. Keep up the good work Billy!

Room 4

Nora Povey for being consistently respectful and responsible in our classroom. Your positive attitude and dependable behaviour set a great example for your peers. You are always willing to help others, deliver messages and make our classroom a great place to be.

Ora Coulahan for being such a thoughtful, kind, and respectful student this week. Your willingness to help your peers and your positive attitude contribute greatly to making our classroom a wonderful place for learning. Your actions set a wonderful example, and I appreciate your efforts in fostering a supportive and friendly environment.  Keep up the fantastic work!

Room 6

Neve Harlock for being a responsible partner in learning. Neve I was very impressed with the way you supervised and supported the learning of the year 2 students last week. Your maturity and patience is a credit to you. Well done

Ada Leishman for being a responsible partner in learning. I was truly impressed by your conscientious approach to supporting the learning of the year 2 students last week, Ada. You worked quietly and gave great instructions. Excellent job!"

Edmund McMahon for being a respectful learning buddy. Edmund, we are so pleased with the way you share your understanding of concepts with your buddy, and you must be very helpful for him because he asks to work with you every time. Well done.

Mav Cuolahan for the responsible way you showed the year 2 students how to use the Study Ladder platform. Mav, I was impressed that you allowed the students to use your laptop and to make decisions with your guidance. It was great to see.

Room 7

Tarneisha Harris for her courage to perform at the Warrnambool Eisteddfod. Tarneisha, you put a great deal of effort into your preparation for your solo spoken performance, right down to the accent. Tarneisha, we are very proud of you and the willingness you demonstrated to try something new. Well done! 

Ava Monnier for a wonderful performance at the Warrnambool Eisteddfod, speaking clearly and with great expression in her solo performance. Ava, we are very proud of you and the willingness you demonstrated to try something new. Well done! 

Mazie Fechete for the time and effort you put into preparing a very expressive solo performance at the Warrnambool Eisteddfod. Mazie, we are very proud of you and the willingness you demonstrated to try something new. Well done!

Phoenix Lane for being a clearly spoken and expressive leader at the parent information  night, when thrown on the spot to highlight the sporting opportunities at St. Patrick’s. Thanks Phoenix, for talking to parents about these extra things we offer at St. Pat’s.  

Indiana Cuomo for extending herself more in her writing tasks, to be expressive and choose more interesting and challenging words. Keep up the great effort in this area Indiana!

Sports Awards

Will Foster for his exceptional leadership in coaching the St. Patrick’s footy team at the Moyne Winter Sports last Tuesday. Will, you embraced the coaching role with ease, providing outstanding support before and during the event. Your guidance, encouragement, and support of each player strengthened our team immensely. Thank you for setting such a positive example and inspiring us all with your dedication and teamwork!

Charlotte Lilley for showing great sportsmanship whilst playing netball at the Moyne Winter Sports on Tuesday. Your support and encouragement for your teammates made a big difference. You lead by example and your dedication to helping everyone in your team was truly inspiring. Thank you for your kindness and team spirit Charlotte!

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 can 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. 

There are still lots of gaps in this Term's Canteen Roster. 

CAKE RAFFLE ROSTER (Term 2)

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

Term 2 Assembly Roster

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to Neve Harlock and Remi O'Connor who celebrate their birthdays this week.  We hope you have a great time celebrating with family and friends.

Star Of the Sea Parish Bulletin

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

Sports Polo Shirts

The School Sports Polo shirts are purchased through the school via CDF Pay.

There has been an increase in the price of sports shirts to $50 - this is cost price from our supplier.

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

Community News