2024, Term 4, Week 6 Newsletter

Acknowledgement of Country

Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Carers,

Today our students joined together in a meaningful observance to honour the service and sacrifices of men and women in the armed forces. Foundation to Year 4 students gathered in the church for a beautiful liturgy, thoughtfully organised by Miss Lumsden, who ensured the event was conducted with the utmost respect and reverence. Thank you, Miss Lumsden, for creating a space for our younger students to reflect and learn about the significance of this day.

Our Year 5/6 students had the privilege of attending the local Koroit Remembrance Day service. From all accounts, it was a powerful and memorable experience, and we are proud of our students for representing our school so well in this special community event. This day of reflection has deepened our students' understanding of the sacrifices made for the freedoms we enjoy today.

Last week, we participated in our school review, an important step in our ongoing improvement journey. Thank you to the parents, students, and staff who contributed their time and insights—it was a powerful reminder of our community’s shared commitment to growth. The two days left us feeling positive and inspired for the next five years and the future advancements awaiting St. Pat’s. I look forward to sharing the review results with you as soon as they become available.

Have a wonderful week.

Kind regards,

Tegan McDonald 

Principal

Community Bank - Port Fairy & District - Year 7 Scholarship program

Community Bank Port Fairy & District is pleased to continue supporting students moving into year 7 at secondary school through its scholarship program. The Year 7 Scholarship aims to assist academically motivated students from Port Fairy or
surrounding districts who have been offered a place at a local secondary school in 2025.

This Scholarship program supports the school fees incurred for the commencement of Year 7 studies. Scholarships will be awarded on the recommendation of a Selection Committee and will be based on how an applicant addresses the qualification criteria.

There are 6 X Scholarship awards totaling the value of $2,000 per year (2 X Scholarships at $500 and 4 X Scholarships at $250). Each successful recipient will have the award transferred to the chosen school of enrolment for 2025 to support school fees and costs.

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A copy of the application form has been sent home with Grade 6 students.  If you would like an electronic copy, please email and I will send it to you - Kate.  kdobson@spkoroit.catholic.edu.au 

Parents & Friends

Planning for 2025

As we look ahead to 2025, we’re excited to invite new faces to get involved with one or more of our fabulous Parents and Friends subcommittees (see image below). Our P&F operates with an executive model, with coordinators for each of our key fundraising events: Port Fairy Folk Festival BBQ, Koroit Irish Festival, Picnic in the Paddock, and Student Engagement.

In addition to these subcommittees, we also run an amazing catering group all year round that provides delicious home cooked food and baked goods for events hosted by St Pat’s. This group not only provides our school community with yummy food, they also contribute significant fundraising for our school!

This setup allows families to volunteer at various events throughout the year without the need to commit to regular meetings. You can simply lend a hand when it suits you! Whether it’s helping with a specific event or activity like organising the disco, a family picnic, or milkshake day, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved.

The coordinators will meet with the principal and the principal’s delegate periodically to plan and review activities, but there’s no ongoing time commitment for volunteers—just jump in where and when you can.

We’d love to see more families join in and help make our school events successful and fun! If you would like any further information, please contact either myself or Todd Noble on todd.james.noble@gmail.com.

Tegan

Colour Run t-shirts

If you are after a t-shirt for the upcoming Colour Run, we have a selection of long & short sleeved t-shirts in a range of sizes in the old white school uniform style (see photo for example).

Gold coin donation.  See Bronie or Kate in the office.

Further information about the Colour Run on the last day of school will be provided in the coming weeks.

Picnic in the Paddock - Raffle Winners

Oops - we forgot to include details of our lucky Raffle Winners in last week's newsletter.

1st prize - Helen Murrell
2nd prize - Neale and Kate Dobson
3rd prize - Mabel Finnigan

Congratulations to everyone.

Thanks also to everyone who stayed back after the fun last week to help out with the pack up - what an efficient crew! Just an hour or so after the festivities had finished and you wouldn't know all the action that had taken place.  We've also had people back in during the week to put away the last bits and pieces - thanks so much.

Committee Vacancies 2025

Have you been wondering what getting involved in St Pat’s might look like? How can I be a part of the team and help? How can I work off my participation levy or meet some new people? Then this should be helpful for you! There are many groups to be involved with, one of which is Picnic in the Paddock. 

As part of the Picnic in the Paddock committee, we all work together and no one is left to sort anything out on their own. You are allocated a specific area to work alongside a smaller team. We meet a few times in the first half of the year, then monthly moving towards the event via online meetings and in person meetings.  

The sub-committee groups are:

• Sponsorship and grants (team of about 4-5 people)
• Market coordinators (team of about 3 people that organise the food and pop up shops)
• Rides (team of 2)
• Community connections (team of 1-2)
• Stage organiser (team of 1-2)
• Media coordination (team of 2-3 people that organize social media, print media, and local publicity)

Chairperson, secretary and treasurer roles are also key roles for this event. If you might be interested in one of these roles in 2026 or beyond, we are keen to hear from you! Shadowing opportunities throughout 2025 can be arranged to support a successful transition into these leadership roles. 

We would absolutely love to see some new fresh faces on our committee in 2025 and help take Picnic in the Paddock to a new level. It is such an awesome day for our school and local community. Please feel free to message Amy on 0429 416 830, or ask any of our committee members, about any questions regarding any of the positions or joining our committee. 

RSL Poppy Appeal

We have a range of products available at school to support the RSL Poppy Appeal.

Poppies - $2
Wristbands - $3
Key Rings - $4
Slouch Hat pins - $5
Pens - $5

These are available at reception & the senior students will also visit classrooms as a reminder during the coming weeks.

2025 Japanese Study Tour

An information session was held last week for students interested in going on the study tour in 2025.

If you are still interested in your child participating in this tour, it is not too late.  Confirmation is required by 29th November.  Please see the attached letter for further information.

Moyne Try-athlon

Message from Mr Varley:

The Try-athlon program continues this week with extra sessions on Tuesday and incorporated into the sports lesson on Wednesday.

Tue Nov 12 - Bikes 
Wed Nov 13 - Bikes
Tue Nov 19 - Moyne Schools Try-athlon (Grade 3-6 only)

Sports uniform should be worn on these days.

Can students please bring a ‘roadworthy bike’, a fitting helmet, and suitable shoes (runners) to school for the next three. These requirements will be discussed with the students on Tuesday.

We will not be leaving the school grounds during these three sessions.

The Moyne school’s Try-athlon will be held in Port Fairy on Tuesday Nov 19. Students from grades 3-6 will be given the opportunity to participate in this fun day in individual and in team events and the students involved will receive a permission form via PAM.

Thanks,

Peter Varley

Scholastic Book Club

Our final book club catalog for 2024 will be heading home this week.

In Book Club we have …

• A wide selection of book packs from our most popular series.
• Our final $5 promo code for the year can be redeemed on all issue 8 LOOP orders, and spent on Issue 1, 2025
• Graphic Novels feature on page 25.
• Win tickets to the new DOG MAN MOVIE, coming to cinemas in April, 2025.  Take a look on page 32.
• Kylain Mbappe is our feature book for Issue 8 
  

Before and After School Supervision

A reminder for parents that supervision at school commences at 8.30am.  Children should not be dropped off at school prior to this time.

Supervision outside in the afternoon concludes at 3.30pm. Students will be advised to wait in the foyer after this time and can be collected from here.

Thunderstorm Asthma - being prepared

What is Thunderstorm Asthma?

Thunderstorm asthma is a serious and potentially life-threatening phenomenon that can occur during specific weather conditions. It is common throughout all parts of Victoria, particularly during spring when thunderstorms coincide with high levels of pollen in the air.

This combination can trigger severe asthma symptoms, even in people who have not previously experienced asthma or allergies.

Epidemic thunderstorm asthma events are uncommon and don't occur every year. In south-east Australia they can happen during grass pollen season from October through December.

What Causes Thunderstorm Asthma?

During a thunderstorm, pollen grains can be swept up into the clouds, where they break into smaller particles due to moisture. These tiny particles then get blown down by the winds and spread across a wide area. Because they are so small, they can be easily inhaled, reaching deep into the lungs and triggering asthma symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.

Being Prepared

Schools and DOBCEL will monitor the VicEmergency app to receive thunderstorm warnings and when appropriate, students will be kept indoors when weather forecasts identify greater risk. 

By raising awareness and being prepared, we can protect our students and staff from the risks associated with thunderstorm asthma, ensuring a safer environment for everyone.

We ask that parents of students with known asthma have an up to date asthma action plan registered with the school.

Find out more

Further information regarding thunderstorm asthma can be found at https://asthma.org.au/triggers/thunderstorm-asthma/ and https://www.health.vic.gov.au/environmental-health/epidemic-thunderstorm-asthma-risk-forecast.

Concussion

Bullying -School TV

Student Awards

Congratulations to the recipients of the Student Awards, presented at assembly last week:

Room 1

Chad Collins for trying your best every day, working hard and learning so many new things. Keep up the great work! 

Layla Briggs for your hard work in Phonics this week. You have been doing a fantastic job sounding out and writing words. Keep up the great work!

Room 2

Atticus Sherry for being responsible, safe and respectful during your swimming lessons. Atticus, you also did a fantastic job sharing your ideas and showing great enthusiasm in your learning . Keep up the good work.

Lenny Stonehouse for being polite, respectful and responsible this week. Lenny, you have shown so much enthusiasm sharing your ideas and taking on challenges in your learning. You always display a positive outlook and attitude. Thank you for brightening everyone’s day!

Room 4

Banjo Milward for being a very focused learner this week. Banjo you have been leading by example, striving to do your best in every curriculum and have made very good progress.  Keep up the great work!

Harley Watson for being very responsible in your learning and demonstrating to others your strategies you use to complete set tasks. Harley, you always help others and show a kind caring nature. You are an amazing student, Harley!

Room 6

Sienna Keane for helping Mrs V with packing up the STEM materials. 

Tilly Van Rysingen for showing perseverance with her Essential Assessment. 

Olivia Foster for being a compassionate and caring friend to everyone in our classroom. You recognised a friend that needed support and were able to show kindness and compassion. They are qualities of a great friend.

Room 7

Dom McEachern for being a great leader and representing our school at the Hamilton Regional Basketball finals. Dom, your respect and leadership towards your opponents and your own team mates was commendable. I am so proud of what you have learnt and achieved with your future stars team. Well done! 

Will Foster for being a great leader and representing our school at the Hamilton Regional Basketball finals. Will your respect and leadership to ensure all of your teammates were having equal opportunities to play was commendable. You understand that sometimes it is not all about winning but enjoying yourself with friends. Well done Will.

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.

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.

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 4.  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/HJWFR

Cake Raffle Sign Up Sheet - volunteersignup.org/PTFPM

Canteen Roster

Cake Raffle Roster

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to Denham McCauley, Jack Lane, Zephyr Lane, Monique and Arwen who are celebrating birthdays this week! We hope you have a fantastic 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