Term 4, 2021 End of School Year Newsletter.
News from the Principal
Dear Families,
We now have a chance to look back on the full year and while it was not all that we expected nonetheless I think we can call it a success. As a community we have been able to celebrate several events together, my highlight being the warm welcome I received in Term One at our Twilight sports and that has continued throughout the year.
As a new member to St. Patrick’s, I feel very honoured to be part of the community and I look forward to a full year in 2022.
This week, families will receive their online Semester Two reports. The reports will outline what has been taught, both whilst students worked remotely and onsite. Teacher judgements has been made in certain areas when reporting, due to children learning for long periods at home. This approach has been followed by schools across Victoria as per the government guidelines. Please read with your child, highlight their achievements and share in their success.
We farewell our Year Six students as they continue their learning journey at secondary school next year and we wish them every success and want them to know they are always welcome to visit and share stories of their new beginnings with us.
We welcomed across the past 3 weeks our newest Foundation students and their eagerness to begin their learning with us in 2022. This is a joy to see as both a teacher and a principal.
To the families who will leave us at year’s end, please remember you are still part of the St. Patrick’s family and call in anytime you are free to say hello. We thank you all for the great contribution you have made to our school.
Next year will be a new beginning with our 4 learning groups. The classrooms have undergone upgrades, with new painting, furniture and interactive smart boards being installed across the school, with 2 already installed in our Foundation and Junior spaces.
Our chicken coop is rebuilt and we continue with our garden upgrade and will continue to bring
environmental land food technology learning into the classroom.
A new shade sail will also be installed in Term One, to provide another space for children both as an outdoor learning area and a shady play space.
A reminder that school commences for all students for 2022 on Monday, 31 st January at
9.00am. The first day is an exciting time for new beginnings and I still enjoy them after so
many years of being part of them.
Teacher professional development will be part of each term with 2 closure days planned for
Term One to focus on Literacy and Religious Education. The dates for your diary are:
Monday, 28th February and Friday, 8th April.
Please view the Term One Dates below for other events which will be opportunities for
families to gather.
Finally, a warm thank-you for the support given to all staff this year. From Julie who drives
our communication to families and is the face of school, to Libby, Eliza, Jamie, Fiona, Trish,
Denise, Amanda, Cheryl and Vivian who devote their time and energy to providing a learning space that is both engaging and positive for all students. They, along with you again, in a year of remote learning, have worked tirelessly to support each student.
I wish all of you a Spirit filled Christmas. Enjoy the time with family and friends, take a
moment to rest and recognise your achievements and I look forward to seeing you all as we
begin another school year together in 2022.
Paul McDowell
Principal
CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES
December 24th (Christmas Eve)
Clarkes Hill 6 pm, Springbank 6 pm, Bungaree 8 pm, Gordon 7.30 pm.
December 25th (Christmas Day)
Dunnstown 9.30 am and Ballan 9 am
Term One Dates
Monday, 31st January 2022 school year commences at 9.00am. Summer Uniform
February Dates
Friday, 4th February School Assembly at 3.15pm (held fortnightly – all welcome)
Monday, 7th February Playgroup commences at 9.15am
Monday, 28th February -School Closure Day – Scaffolding Literacy PD for staff
March Dates
Tuesday, 1st March-Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day @ St. Patrick’s)
Wednesday, 2nd March - Ash Wednesday (mass time TBC)
Friday, 11th March - Twilight House Sports (5.30pm-7.0ppm)
Monday 14th March - Labour Day Public Holiday
Tuesday, 15th March - Year Three Four School Camp (Log Cabin, Creswick)
Wednesday, 16th March - Year Three Four School Camp (Log Cabin, Creswick)
Thursday, 17th March - St. Patrick’s Day (Mass and excursion to Ballarat TBC)
Monday, 21st March - Moorabool Sports Day (Masons Lane Bacchus Marsh – whole school)
April Dates
Thursday, 7th April - Easter Paraliturgy @ 2.15pm followed by Easter Hat parade
Thursday 7th April - Term One concludes at 3.30pm
Friday, 8th April -School Closure Day – Christian Meditation PD for staff
We farewell our Year 6 Graduents of 2021. We thank them for the wonderful memories they have created here at St Patrick's Gordon.
Congratulation Sophie, Kurt, Zoe, Hannah, Sienna and Jess.
"For I know the plans I have for you....plans to prosper you....plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11
Sophie Sawicki
My best memory at St Patrick's is the 80's themed concert held at Our Lady Help of Christians concert hall.
My hobby outside of school is equestrian and horse riding.
My favourite subject is P.E., as I enjoy all sports.
In 2031 I hope that I will have a good job that I enjoy and that I continue to compete with my horses.
My advice for younger students is that you should always be kind.
Jess Van Egmond
My best memory at St Patrick's is climbing Black Hill in Gordon.
My hobby outside of school is gaming. I like playing video games, especially horror games.
My favourite subject is P.E. and especially soccer.
In 2031, I would like to be teaching and gaming.
My advice to younger students at St Patrick's is that "tough roads lead to great destinations".
Hannah Lynch
My best memories at St Patrick's are my first school photo, my first school concert and climbing Black Hill in Gordon.
My hobbies outside of school are riding my horse, netball, basketball and rounding up the sheep and cows on the farm.
My favourite subject is P.E. and especially playing cricket and soccer.
In 2031, I see myself living on a farm, training horses and going to university.
My advice for younger students at St Patrick's is to stay at school and learn as much as you can and once you graduate from secondary school, go to university.
Sienna Muir
My best memory at St Patrick's is climbing up Black Hill in Gordon with all the students from St Pats and St Michael's, Springbank.
My hobby outside of school is hanging out with my friends.
My favourite subject is P.E. and especially cricket.
In 2031, I would like to be studying law at university or travelling.
My advice for younger students at St Patrick's, is to do what you want in life.
Kurt Newman
My best memory at St Patrick's is climbing Black Hill and the 80's themed school concert.
My hobbies outside of school are riding my dirtbike, playing footy and fishing.
My favourite subject is Physical Education.
In 2031, I hope that I am an electrician.
The advice I would give younger students is to make the most of school years.
Zoe Barnes
My best memory at St Patrick's is my first school concert and the costumes.
My hobby outside of school is horse riding.
My favourite subject is Physical Education.
In 2031, I think I will have a job and I hope to have lots of land in a country town, just like Gordon.
My advice for younger students is to try your best always.
SEMESTER TWO REPORTS
Reports are now available for viewing online today. Parents will be able to access them from the Parent Portal on SIMON.
https://pam.spgordon.catholic.edu.au
Username is your email address and your password was set by you previously. If you do not remember your password, please select the forgot password option, and you will be able to reset your password.
Click on your child's profile picture and choose the Assessment Reports option.
If you have any concerns about your child's academic progress, please contact the teacher directly. Our teachers are always happy to discuss your child’s progress at a mutually convenient time.
SCHOOL FEES 2022
Dear Families,
Our 2022 school fees have been ratified by our School Advisory Council. For holders of current Government Health Care Cards, there are further substantial deductions available.
Per Family
- Tuition Fee $1200
- Capital Fees $ 170
Per Child
- Classroom Fee $ 245
- Excursion Fee $ 135
- Technology Fee $ 120
Total Cost
- Total cost for 1 child: $1,670 ($39.76 per week over 42) weeks
- Two children: $2,170 ($51.66 per week over 42) weeks
- Three Children: $2,670 ($63.57 per week over 42) weeks
- Year 3 & Year 4 Camp $ 160
- Year 5 & 6 Camp $ 290
- Swim/Gym Program $ 120
Camps and Swimming & Gym costed at the beginning of the school year.
Families who hold a valid means tested Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card or Veteran Affairs Pensioner Card, are eligible for financial assistance through the Catholic Education Office’s Family Fee Assistance Scheme and the Victorian Government’s Camp Sport and Excursion Fund. Please contact the school office for further information.
