2025, Term 3, Week 3 Newsletter

Child Safe Statement and Commitment

The Child Safety Officers at St Patrick's are Tegan McDonald and Shona Louden principal@spkoroit.catholic.edu.au or slouden@spkoroit.catholic.edu.au

Acknowledgement of Country

Principal's Message

Dear parents and carers,

Free Parenting Sessions with Helen Diamond – Don’t Miss Out!

We’re thrilled to be welcoming Helen Diamond, Parenting Practitioner from CatholicCare, to St Patrick’s on 28th August. With nearly three decades of experience, and her own journey as a parent and grandparent, Helen brings warmth, wisdom and practical support to families.

Helen will be offering free one-on-one parenting consultations during her visit. This is a wonderful opportunity to talk through any challenges, ask questions or simply gain new insights to support you on your parenting journey.

Spaces are limited, so be sure to register your interest by emailing Helen directly at helen.diamond@catholiccarevic.org.au. You won’t want to miss this! More information attached below.

Upcoming events for the week ahead:

• Eucharist formation day for students on Tuesday
• Wednesday at 7pm, Picnic in the Paddock meeting at school. All welcome!
• Foundation students celebrating 100 days of school on Thursday
• Mossman Park Wildlife at playgroup - all school students invited (thanks Koroit Playgroup)

Kind regards,

Tegan McDonald

Principal

Reflection

Friday 8th August marks the feast day of St Mary MacKillop, Australia's first saint. Born in Fitzroy in Melbourne in 1842, she was the first child of Scottish immigrants Alexander and Flora MacKillop.

Together with the Reverend Julian Tenison Woods, she founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart (the Josephites), a congregation that established schools and welfare institutions throughout Australia and New Zealand, with an emphasis on education for the rural poor.

A religious figure, educator and social reformer, she was beatified in 1995 and became the first Australian to be canonised as a saint (as Saint Mary of the Cross) in 2010.

Parenting Practitioner sessions

Please see below letter of introduction from Helen Diamond and an invitation to book an appointment for a parenting consultation to help you support your children.

School Closure Dates - Term 3

Please note that there are 2 school closure dates in Term 3 for staff Professional Development.

• Thursday 21st August
• Friday 22nd August
  

There will be no staff on site on these days.

Illness

We have had a confirmed case of Influenza A as well as students away with Gastroenteritis.

To avoid spread of illness, if your child is unwell, please keep them at home until symptoms have cleared.

Further information on symptoms of Influenza A and Gastroenteritis and management of illness can be found on the Australian Government HealthDirect website.

Influenza
Gastroenteritis

Exclusion periods for various illnesses can be found on the Department of Health website linked here.

National Week of Action against Bullying

This year our school has once again registered to take part in the National Week of Action against Bullying. The theme this year is 'Be Bold. Be Kind. Speak Up.'

Students are invited to wear a bit of purple each day to show their support, eg: socks, hair ties.

The National Definition for Bullying in Australian schools is-

'Bullying is an ongoing and deliberate misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behaviour that intends to cause physical, social and/or psychological harm. It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power, or perceived power, over one or more persons who feel unable to stop it from happening. Bullying can happen in person or online, via various digital platforms and devices and it can be obvious (overt) or hidden (covert). Bullying behaviour is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time (for example, through sharing of digital records). Bullying of any form or for any reason can have immediate, medium and long-term effects on those involved, including bystanders. Single incidents and conflict or fights between equals, whether in person or online, are not defined as bullying.'

Talking about bullying

Children and young people who know what bullying is, and know what to do about it if it happens, also know they are not alone in dealing with it. They know that parents and school staff will be willing to help if needed.

Don't wait for bullying to happen to talk about it.

Use opportunities in conversation

Parents and teachers can use the opportunities that arise to talk with children and young people about how people behave in various social situations and how people get on with each other.

If a child or young person tells you about things at school or you observe something in public that involves conflict or bullying, and if it is appropriate, take the opportunity to talk about what bullying is.

Talk about what bullying is before it happens so children can recognise it and know what to do.

First, make sure you have a clear idea yourself. Point out that bullying is not just when someone is mean to you once, but it happens repeatedly and makes you feel like you can't stop it. 

You could use some of the following questions to support your discussion.

• What do you think 'bullying' is?

• Have you seen bullying happening? What did you do? How did you feel?

• Why do you think some people bully other kids?

• Who are the adults you would talk to when it comes to things like bullying?

• Have you ever felt scared to go to school because you were afraid of someone bullying you?

• Has someone tried to bully you? What ways have you tried to change it?

• What do you think parents can do to help stop bullying?

• Have you or your friends left other kids out on purpose? Do you think that was bullying? Why or why not?

• Have you ever tried to help someone who is being bullied? What happened? What would you do if it happens again?

Tell children that bullying can happen to anyone but it is never okay. Talk about how to respond to bullying safely. Make sure children know what to do if it happens to them or they see it happening to someone else.

Most importantly, let children know how to get help if bullying happens.

• Encourage them to speak to an adult if it happens and to keep asking for help if the bullying doesn't stop. 
• Talk with children and young people about how they might handle other challenging social situations as well.
• Parents and carers have an important role to help children and young people learn how to manage their own feelings and to work out how to disagree with other people in appropriate ways. Everyday activities and issues can be valuable learning opportunities.

Words to avoid

Avoid using terminology such as 'bully' or a 'victim'. Although these words are often used in the media, they are not very helpful in describing the behaviour being displayed or in finding evidence-informed solutions.

Talk about bullying with the understanding that children and young people are growing and still learning how to be effective members of the community.

When you talk about bullying, focus on more appropriate ways to act with others and positive ways to get on with other people.

Children can modify their behaviour with support from parents and teachers. If the labels of 'bully' or 'victim' stick, it can make it harder for them to change. Using these words can suggest that bullying and being bullied are due to unchangeable things about the children involved.

The labels of 'bully' or 'victim' can also cause further harm if a child accepts them as part of their social identity.

Keep communication open

Children and young people are more likely to ask for advice and help with problems if they think adults are interested in them and their concerns.

When parents and carers spend time on a regular basis asking about what happened during the day and show genuine interest in their feelings and experiences, children will know that they can talk to their parents if they have a problem.

Check in with children often. Listen to them. Know their friends, ask about school and understand their concerns. Ask them about issues they tell you about but don't feel like you always have to jump in to solve their problems. Instead, you can ask them what they think they can do about it.

It is important to be aware that children sometimes 'shut down' and become reluctant to talk if they are experiencing bullying and don't know what to do. Be alert to the signs of bullying. Sensitive and caring conversations about what is happening for your child can make a difference.

Our Diocesan Community

Please click on the link for the July 2025 edition of “Our Diocesan Community”

School TV - Youth Anxiety

Most young people today experience anxiety at some point in their life. Sometimes that slight rush of anxiety that occurs prior to an exam or sporting event, can enhance their performance. However, experiencing too much anxiety, over long periods of time, can be extremely damaging to their health and wellbeing. There is a difference between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ anxiety.

Statistics show, that the psychological health of young people today is far worse than it was a generation ago. This is having an adverse affect on children in both primary and secondary levels. Some of their issues of concern include stress, school, study, body image and friendship.

Parents need to be aware of the warning signs of ‘bad’ anxiety. There are preventative measures parents can implement as well as teaching kids the skills to cope more efficiently with their anxiety.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Enrolment Information

Letters of offer have now been issued to those who have submitted enrolment applications for next year and we were excited to have many of our 2026 Foundation students visit us last Friday for the first Little Learners session. The next Little Learners is Friday 15th August, please register via the website.

Our class structures and staff allocations will not be announced until the end of Term 4 which is our standard practice.

Teeth On Wheels

Teeth On Wheels is all about making dental care fun and stress-free while teaching children the importance of oral health. They specialise in working with children, offering services such as check-ups, cleans, and more—right here at the School! The team is specially trained to provide compassionate and tailored care for neurodiverse patients, ensuring a respectful and supportive experience for everyone.

If eligible under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), your child may even receive FREE dental care. 

To participate, complete the E-form by the cut-off date August 5th 2025.

Picnic in the Paddock

Please note - Meeting this Wednesday - all welcome.

Picnic in the Paddock is a major event on the St Pat's calendar and hosts families and friends from all over the south west to come and see our wonderful school and enjoy a really fun day out for everyone. We have a committee who meet twice per term to organise the event. PIP is on Sunday October 26. 

We have 3 meetings remaining before the event:

• Wednesday August 6th @ 7pm (Term 3)
• Wednesday September 10th @ 7pm (Term 3)
• Wednesday October 8th @ 7pm (Term 4)

If you have been interested to know more about PIP or wondering if you'd like to get involved, please feel free to come along to any or all of these meetings, without any commitment. We will be organising sponsorship packs, sampling some new merchandise, and chatting about tasks to be completed before the event. We'd love to see you there!

Little Makers Market

The call is out for any young creatives (15 years & younger) who might wish to have a stall at the the Little Makers Market at Picnic in the Paddock this year. Please see flyer below for more information.

Parent contact information

If you have changed your phone or email, address or wish you update your non-guardian emergency contact details, please send an email to Bronie or Kate so we can update your detail in our database. 

bmoloney@spkoroit.catholic.edu.au or kdobson@spkoroit.catholic.edu.au 

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

NEW ST PATRICK'S SOFTSHELL JACKETS!
Now available to order through Directwear.

We’re excited to introduce our brand new school softshell, waterproof jacket!

These jackets are warm, durable and feature the school logo – perfect for chilly mornings and outdoor play.

✔ Comfortable and weather-resistant
✔ Smart, uniform compliant design
✔ Available in a wide range of sizes

Current families are welcome to purchase and begin wearing these immediately!

📌 PLEASE NOTE:
From 2026, these jackets will become a compulsory uniform item (if wearing a jacket) for all new Foundation students as we begin to phase them in across the school. Current families are not expected to purchase but are welcome to.

Canteen & Cake Raffle

The Canteen & Cake Raffle are coordinated by our P&F.

Canteen operates at lunchtime on Wednesday and Friday.  Wednesday is sales of  icy-poles and snacks and Friday includes distribution of lunch orders. 

Click here to sign up for the Term 3 Roster

Cake Raffle is just something for fun! Students can purchase tickets in the classroom on Friday mornings for 20cents and the raffle is drawn by a student from the family who has supplied the cake.  "Cake" is a general term - the prize does not have to be home made and you can choose to bring whatever you like biscuits, slice or chocolates.

Click here to sign up for the Cake Raffle Roster

Assembly Roster

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to Malachi Milward, Ada Leishman and Lachlan Gallogly who celebrated birthdays last week.  We hope you had a fantastic time celebrating with family and friends!

Star of the Sea - Parish Bulletin

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