2024, Term 3, Week 8 Newsletter

Acknowledgement of Country

Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Carers,

Today, St. Pat's had the honour of hosting the Southern Zone Principals' meeting. I had the pleasure of leading a learning walk with a focus on structured literacy. It was truly inspiring to witness explicit, engaging, and valuable learning taking place in every classroom. The students confidently articulated their learning to the visiting principals, showcasing our progress in the literacy space and dedication to a structured, evidence based approach to teaching and learning. We have made significant strides in our journey towards structured literacy, aiming to provide our students with the highest standards of education and fostering both high expectations and growth. I am incredibly proud to be part of this amazing school. Well done to everyone involved!

We are excited to announce updates to our school canteen that aim to promote healthier eating habits among our students. We are now operating under a colour-coded food category system: Green (healthy/everyday foods), Orange (sometimes foods), and Red (treats). This system is designed to educate students about making healthier food choices.

To support this initiative, students will be permitted to purchase only one item from the Red category. If you choose to send your child with money for canteen purchases, we kindly request that you limit the amount. Most food items are priced between $0.50 and $2.00, so a maximum of $2.00 is sufficient. Thank you for your support in encouraging healthier eating habits!

Starting from Term 4, our weekly newsletter will be sent out on Mondays. This change is intended to keep you better informed at the beginning of each week.

Today is Igwe's last day with us, and we want to take a moment to say goodbye and wish him and his family the very best as they embark on their new adventure in Mortlake. Igwe has been a wonderful part of our community, and we will miss his bright smile and friendly spirit. We hope this next chapter brings him happiness and success. Good luck, Igwe—we'll be cheering you on from afar!

Coming up:

Week 9

Monday 9th September - Message Stick Liturgy
Monday 9th September - Strive Gymnastics (Grade 3-6)
Thursday 12th September - R U Ok? Day, wear a splash of yellow
Thursday 12th September & Friday 13th September - School Review onsite (Classes as normal)

Week 10

Monday 16th - Wednesday 18th September - Year 5/6 Camp to Roses Gap
Monday 16th -Strive Gymnastics (Grade 2-4) - permission form to come next week
Tuesday 17th - Fire Station Excursion (Foundation/Grade 1)
Thursday 19th - Strive Gymnastics (Grade 1/2) - permission form to come next week
Thursday 19th September - Footy Colours & Hot Dog Day
Friday 20th September - End of Term 3

Have a relaxing and enjoyable weekend.

Kind regards,

Tegan McDonald 

Principal

Message Stick

Today we celebrate the arrival of one of five Message Sticks that will be travelling across our Diocese in honour of 150 years.

Four of these Message Sticks will be carried from school to school to remind us of the inter-connectedness of all our school communities - from the Murray to the Sea.

In Aboriginal culture, Message Sticks were passed between different clans and language groups to establish information and transmit messages. They were often used to invite neighbouring groups to corroborees, initiation ceremonies, right of entry to country and invitation to religious rituals.

To mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of the Ballarat Diocese, five Message Sticks were gifted to carry the message to:

Be joyful in hope,

patient in affliction,

faithful in prayer

 (Romans 12:12).

From the Murray to the Sea the Creator Spirit spoke to the Ancestors thousands of years before Abraham and Moses. The Creator Spirit touched the sacredness of country and all that had been created, gifting the Ancestors with the Law to care for country, the water ways, care for the animals and co-exist with all that has been created.

When a Message Stick is handed to you from another person, you are the custodian of an Aboriginal artefact and it should only be passed to another worthy custodian.

  Vicki Clark OAM

On Monday, we will have our special liturgy to celebrate the Message Stick.

Rhiannon Lumsden

Religious Education Coordinator

HeapsART Everyday - Pop Up Shop

There are still some items available from the Pop Up Shop with all proceeds going to St Vinnies.  Call in to view products in the display space and make purchases from the office.

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School TV - Wellbeing Resources

SPECIAL REPORT: R U OK?Day

Understanding the growing challenges related to mental health among young people is an important consideration. Anxiety, depression and self-harm - are all causes for concern. Factors like academic pressure, social media, family dynamics, and societal expectations, are contributing to these issues. It's therefore crucial for parents and caregivers to take action early, remove the stigma around discussing mental health, and offer accessible support to address these issues and the wellbeing of their children.

R U OK?Day is an initiative that focuses on preventing suicide by encouraging meaningful personal connections and helping informal support networks to help recognise the signs of distress. We urge all families to take part, emphasising the value of genuine human relationships and reminding everyone to ask the important question, "Are you OK?"

Engaging in R U OK?Day activities goes beyond the classroom; it's a commitment to our students' overall development. By talking openly about mental health, schools create safe spaces where students feel understood, valued, and supported. As parents and caregivers, you can contribute by fostering open conversations, normalising feelings and breaking down mental health stigmas. Participating in R U OK?Day promotes compassion and shows our dedication to the wellbeing of the entire school community, reaffirming that together, we can truly make a difference.

This Special Report provides guidance on how to talk to your child about mental health and engage in meaningful discussions.

RUOK? Day Special Report

There are resources available for a range of topics through the School TV website.  You can access it by clicking the above link and use the search function to find the topic you are looking for.  There is also a School TV link under the "Parents and Community".

Shona Louden

Wellbeing Leader

RU OK? Day - Wear a Splash of Yellow

Knitting/Crochet Supplies

We have some students interested in knitting and crochet - if you have any supplies surplus to your requirements, we would welcome them at school.

Sporting Schools - Gymnastics

After a false start on Monday, yesterday our Grade 3, 4, 5 & 6 students had the opportunity to visit Strive Gymnastics in Warrnambool.  This program is available through funding from the Sporting Schools program.

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NCCD Parent Information Sheet

Over the coming weeks at St Patrick's classroom teachers are holding Program Support (PSG) Meetings for students who are a part of the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD) count in August of each year. If your child is a part of these meetings I will have contacted you via email or phone. 

I have attached a parent information sheet below for you to read about this process. 

Bridget Van Den Broek,
Learning Diversity Leader

Traffic Management - School Drop Off and Pick Up

Could all parents please encourage their children to cross the road at the safest points at school drop off and pick up times. 

Anzac Ave - cross at the flags at the corner.

Queen St - cross at the corner or in front of reception where there are no cars parked.

We know parking is at a premium at these busy times - parents are welcome to use the parking spaces at the Church where no on street parking is available.

STOP, LOOK, LISTEN and THINK: 

STOP one step back from the kerb, or shoulder of the road if there is no footpath. 
LOOK in all directions for approaching traffic. 
LISTEN in all directions for approaching traffic.
THINK about whether it is safe to cross the road – when the road is clear or all traffic has stopped. When crossing, walk straight across the road. Keep LOOKING and LISTENING for traffic while crossing.

~ Kidsafe Victoria (www.kidsafevic.com.au/road-safety/pedestrian-safety)

Lost Property & Second Hand Uniform

With the onset of colder weather, you may have noticed you are missing a school jumper (or two!). Please take a look in the lost property basket to find your lost items. 

If you could please remember also to label your uniform items so your uniforms don't end up here!

Second Hand Uniform

Please speak to Becc Sanderson 0423 956 556 if you wish to purchase or donate some preloved items of uniform.

Beanies

Keep your head warm in winter! School Beanies are available for $15 on CDF Pay.

Parents & Friends

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

Assembly Roster

Parents, siblings, Grandparents and friends are all welcome to join us for our assembly - held on nominated weeks in the school hall from 2.45pm - any late changes will be notified via ClassDojo.

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.

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 3.  We appreciate everyone's help with Canteen - without your assistance, it can not run. 

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. 

Canteen Sign Up Sheet - volunteersignup.org/ACK7W

Cake Raffle Sign Up Sheet - volunteersignup.org/PTFPM

CANTEEN ROSTER

CAKE RAFFLE ROSTER

Foster Care Week

MacKillop Family Services is calling on communities of the South-West to understand the need for local foster carers and highlighting the positive impact foster carers make to children’s lives.

8-14 September is Foster Care Week, when MacKillop celebrates the work foster carers do for children temporarily unable to live at home.

People like Rachael and Matthew Buck, who have provided respite and emergency care to over 100 children and young people.

See their story here: www.mackillop.org.au/theirstory and visit www.mackillop.org.au/fostercare for more information.

Happy Birthday

Sending birthday greetings to Isla Lilley, Jonty O'Keefe and Mrs Houlihan who celebrate their birthdays this week. We hope you have a fantastic time celebrating with family and friends!

Star Of the Sea Parish Bulletin & website information

Student Awards

Room 1

Roy Wright for your hard work in phonics this term! You have made amazing progress in your ability to read unknown words. Keep up the great work! 

Maisie McElgunn for your leadership in our classroom. You show initiative and motivation within the classroom and are always looking for ways to help out. Keep up the great work! 

Elliott King for your hard work in phonics this term. You are doing a fantastic job sounding out and writing CVC words. Keep up the great work!

Room 2

Leo Wright you contribute great ideas and have an excellent attitude to all learning tasks. Leo you have been working very hard this week coming to school happy, keep up the great work!

Scout Langdon for working very hard on your handwriting. You have shown great effort this week in your work. You are making fantastic progress. Keep up the good work Scout!

Room 4

Harley Watson for being a caring, kind and compassionate student who shows initiative in helping a friend when they are hurt. 

Harper Cuomo for being a caring, kind and compassionate student who shows initiative in helping a friend when they are hurt.

Tilly Balcombe for being positive, happy and willing to take on new tasks and challenges.

Max Hillam for listening carefully to instructions, then working hard to complete set work to a very good standard

Room 6

Sam Mahony for being such a supportive team player while on camp. Sam, we loved how you encouraged your team mates and urged them to do their best in such a cheerful way. Well done.

Jack Lane for overcoming your nervousness on a very wild night at camp. Jack, you showed maturity and bravery at a difficult time. So proud of you Jack.

Sienna Keane for having a go at every camp activity with such enthusiasm. You looked like you had a ball, Sienna.

Ayla De Graaf for participating so well in all activities on camp and showing that you can support your team mates with words of encouragement.

Room 7

Bailey Askew for settling back into St Patrick’s and into our classroom with a positive attitude- welcome back Bailey, we are happy you are here! 

John Kelly for having a really positive attitude in Math lessons and working through number problems. Keep up the great work John!

Denham McCauley for having a go at completing simple Maths tasks and having a positive attitude in Maths, even when something might be tricky. We are very proud of your efforts Denham!

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