2024, Term 4, Week 7 Newsletter

Acknowledgement of Country

Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Carers,

Wow, can you believe it’s already Week 7? Time really does fly when we’re having fun! I hope you all had a fantastic weekend and managed to soak up the beautiful weather on Saturday—it was certainly a day to enjoy!

Tomorrow, our Year 3-6 students will participate in the Try-Athlon in Port Fairy! This event encourages students to stay active, build resilience, and have fun as they swim, bike, and run their way through the course. The students have been lucky to have some extra training sessions with Mr. Varley, which has helped them feel confident and ready to give their best effort. We wish them all the best for a great day!

For our younger students, we have two special events coming up to wrap up the year: the Foundation and Year 1 Extended Stay and the Year 2 Sleepover. These events are wonderful opportunities for students to build independence and enjoy time with their classmates outside of regular school hours. Detailed information about these activities is available on Class Dojo. If you are able to lend a hand at either of these events, we’d love to hear from you! Please get in touch with me or your child’s classroom teacher to volunteer.

As we approach the end of the year, we have some bittersweet news to share. We’ll be saying goodbye and good luck to two wonderful team members: Mrs. Lisa Q and Sensei Emily Brough. Lisa will be focusing on her creative ventures outside of St. Pat’s, and Emily will be taking her passion for Japanese language and culture to the lucky students of St. Joseph’s Primary. If you see them, please take a moment to wish them well! We’ll celebrate Lisa, Emily, and Lynn Dwyer in style as we wrap up the year.

On a brighter note, I’m thrilled to announce the appointment of Miss Georgia O’Keefe as a classroom teacher for 2025! Georgia will join us from St. Pius X, where she’s completing her first year of teaching. She brings incredible enthusiasm, a knack for fostering student connection, and a strong focus on wellbeing.

Georgia is also passionate about structured literacy and has completed her first year of training under the SunLit project, which will be a fantastic asset as we continue to enhance our literacy programs.

As previously announced, our trainees for 2025 are Amy Jones and Josie Colins. These two wonderful young women will be starting their journey with us straight after finishing high school, and we couldn’t be happier to have them on board.

Amy and Josie bring enthusiasm and fresh perspectives, and we’re looking forward to seeing them grow and contribute to our school community. 

Please join me in congratulating Georgia, Amy and Josie and welcoming them to the St. Pat’s team. 

Finally, a reminder that class structures and teacher allocations will be announced on Orientation Day, Tuesday, 10th December 2025. Stay tuned!

Have a wonderful week.

Kind regards,

Tegan McDonald 

Principal

HeapsART - Exhibition

An exhibition of the works of our Term 4 HeapsART program will be opened on Wednesday afternoon at 3.30pm.

The HeapsART program is a wellbeing initiative based on the understanding that Art making allows for a unique, personal expression and encouraging young people to communicate their inner world in ways beyond words. The HeapsART Everyday program encourages young people to practise art regularly. 

We thank Anna Schlooz for facilitating the program along with her visiting artists.

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.

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:

Our Try-athlon training culminates with the Moyne Schools Try-athlon this week at Port Fairy.  Could parents of students involved please approve permission forms in PAM and refer to the note for further information.

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.

Hats

In line with SunSmart requirements, students are required to wear hats outside during recess and lunch.  Please ensure your child brings their hat to school each day.  

If you do require a new hat, they can be purchased through CDF Pay.  (For Grade 6 students without a school hat - we don't expect you to purchase a new school hat with just a few weeks to go but do expect a plain broad brimmed style hat with plenty of sun coverage).

TheirCare School Holiday program

TheirCare are offering a School Holiday program in Port Fairy and Warrnambool during December and January - please refer to their website or the attached flyers for further information.

www.theircare.com.au

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

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 Zephyr Lane, Phoenix Lane and Amelia Johnson 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