Term 2, Week 4, 2023 School Newsletter
News from the Principal
Dear Families,
Well it has certainly been a hectic couple of weeks here at St Patrick's.
Last Thursday was our Mother's Day stall and Friday was our Mother's Day Liturgy and afternoon tea. We thank all families who had the opportunity to attend and we hope everyone enjoyed the student's reflections on their mum.
We have completed two weeks of our swim/gymnastic sessions, which is such a great activity and the enjoyment I see from children is a delight. This week's highlight has been our football particpation for our year 6 boys at Marty Busch Reserve.
A huge congratulations goes out to our combined football team of us - St Patrick’s Gordon, St Brigid’s Ballan, St Brendan’s Dunnstown and St Mary’s Clark’s Hill for winning all their games and the Grand final at Sovereign District AFL tournament.
There most certainly has also been lots of learning going on in the classrooms in between all the business! We continue this hectic pace by hosting Little Feet, Big Footprints Year Six initiative for our Year Six students. The secondary leaders from our three Catholic secondary schools will be with us on Monday sharing their journey from primary school to secondary leadership. We'll share photos and experiences of this next week.
Have a fantastic weekend and stay warm!
Paul
Mother's Day
It was lovely to see all the mums, grandmothers and special women last Friday for our Mother's Day Liturgy and afternoon tea. There was a buzz in the hall and the children and adults were having such an enjoyable time. It was great to see all the smiles and laughter everywhere.
We hope you enjoyed your special afternoon, we know the children had a great time preparing their individual messages for you all.
AFL
Congratulations and well done to our Year 6 boys for all their hard work and fantastic teamwork on Wednesday. A fun day was had by all and it was great to be a part of an awesome team, including St Brigid's - Ballan, St Brendan's - Dunnstown and St Mary's - Clark's Hill.
Walk safetly to school day
Today, Friday 19th May was "Walk safely to school day". A big shout out to Mrs J, Chloe, Susannah, Louise, Shannyn, Nadia (Nolan) and our local policeman Senior Constable Luke who braved the cold and fog to walk with the children who had such a fun time. It was a great way to wake up our brains for learning!
Camp recount
As you know, the Years Three, Four, Five and Six recently stayed at Camp Wilkin in Anglesea.
Please find a sample of the Year's Three and Four Recount writing about the school camp.
We are always looking for an audience for our writing, it helps provide a purpose to write!
We hope you enjoy our retells of camp.
CAMP WILKIN - by Yan Lehocky
On the first of May I was so excited it was my first time going to camp! We arrived at school early in the morning and went into our class room with the grade five sixes. We all got ready and rushed to the bus. I quickly picked my spot on the bus. It took one hour to get to Anglesea. At last we arrived.
We all carried our really heavy bags. I was so excited. After that we had a tour with the guide. It was so fun, then we played on the playground. The first activity was orienteering, we all got ready. It was really fun. Next, we went on the flying fox! It was really fast and felt like we were going to smash into the tree.
In the afternoon, we walked to the beach . We all took our shoes and socks off and jumped into the water, we were drenched. After we went to the beach we had ice cream. We were so cold, we had to drive back on the bus!
It was the best camp!
Written by Yan Lehocky
Camp Wilkin Anglesea - by Ruby Moran
On the 1st of May 3/4/5/6 were going to school camp. They were all excited. As I carried all of my luggage to Mr Paul (so he could put it in the trailer) before I knew it, we left. I found my seat next to my best friend Sienna and we chatted all the way there. As soon as I knew it we were there.
When we got to camp, we were kindly greeted by a man called Josh. He was going to show us around camp. Our first activity was orientering, Sienna and I were partners. We found all of the plaques in no time. Then after orientering we had the FLYING FOX! We all were excited. When we got there, we had to put on an uncomfortable harness, then a helmet.
Next thing we had to climb up the ladder to the flying fox and then Josh clipped us in and then pushed us off the platform.
I LOVED SCHOOL CAMP!
BY RUBY MORAN
IT IS FINALLY SCHOOL CAMP! - by Anika Pamic
On Monday, 1st May it was time for school camp. The grade ¾’s and ⅚’s took off together. We went on the bus and put on the disco light. We had one stop to have our fruit and then drove to Camp Wilkin in Anglesea.
When we got there we went for a beach walk which was fun.
Mabel and I went into the water and we got soaked. When we had to go back to camp, Mabel and I ran on the sand but Mabel had trouble because I think she was sinking. We left the beach and we begged Mr. Paul to get us some ice cream. He did get us ice cream and I chose fairy floss . We changed into our spare clothes and went to the flying fox. I was pretty frightened because I thought I would crash into a tree. We then did orienteering and after that got ready for dinner.
It was my first camp and I’m looking forward to my next.
BY ANIKA PAMIC
World’s Best Camp Ever - by Ollie Lehocky
On Monday the first of May, Grade 3/4/5/6 hopped on the school bus excitedly to drive to Camp Wilkin in Anglesea. It took roughly about one and a half hours to get there but it was worth it. I was so glad that we all survived the long drive without getting bus sick and vomiting - I was busting to get out of the bus and stretch. When everyone finally got out of the bus, our tour guide showed us where to place our luggage. After we placed our suitcases and bags on shelves, all of us sat on a bench and our tour guide named Josh discussed what we were going to do at camp.
First, three/four did orienteering and Josh told us to make groups, I was with Ruby, Harry and Sienna. After that, we all gathered round to count how many words we collected and who had the most, so at the end me and my friends had won.
Josh led us to the flying fox. Most of my class went first then eventually it was my turn to hop on, but I felt nervous because my friends kept saying that you nearly crash into a tree. You ride so fast - but when I hopped on, I didn’t feel AS nervous. When I got off I really wanted to go again but I couldn’t. Everyone had a turn. We walked off to see our cabins, got our luggage and originised our cabins.
After that we all went on a walk to the beach. When we arrived there, we all splashed into the icy cold water. Once we settled into the cold water our teacher took a picture of the boys on the beach. Seconds after the picture a big wave splurged on us and we all got drenched. Before we all went back to the camp we all walked to the ice-cream shop - everyone lined up and got our ice cream.
School camp was the best!
Written by Ollie Lehocky
AT HOME IN BED! - by Michael Tran
When Grade three and four was on school camp I was sick at home and I couldn't go. I stayed in my pajamas all day long. I was sitting on the couch watching TV. My mum and dad were sick too.
I felt disappointed that I didn't go to school camp. My mum made Tum Yum soup for dinner because we were sick. We went to bed early and we felt better the next day.
I hope I get to go to camp next year.
Written by Michael Tran
Camp Wilkin ⛺ Anglesea - by Mabel Flint
I was so excited because Monday 1st of May was my first day of camp. As I put my bag on the bus I got nervous, before we went down to the grade 3/4s class room I gave my mum a humongous hug. Then we went down to the class room so Miss Fiona could mark the roll but it was already done. Then we went on the bus, it took one hour and a half to get to Camp Wilkin in Anglesea.
We had a snack and then we had a play on the playground. After, we met our co-ordinator. His name was Josh, he took us to our first activity - orienteering. We had to find these little word plates that were nailed in the ground. My team was Anika, Charlotte and me. It was fun, we only found 25 but the other team that won had 30.
Then we went on with a different activity, it was flying fox also known as zipline . I was afraid but also enthusiastic. When it was my turn, I suited up and climbed the ladder. I sat on the swing and Josh pushed me off, when you got to the end you almost fell back because there was a tyre. I went backwards and forwards. It was the most enjoyable thing ever. I giggled the whole way.
After that, we walked down to the beach. It was fun but I got drenched. Anika, Ruby, Sienna Charlotte and I all made a big sand castle. Afterwards we got ice cream, I had the lemon flavor. Mr Paul went to get the bus so we could have a ride back.
We had dinner. It was spaghetti, normal spaghetti is good but not this one, no one liked it. Well some people did, but not me. After dinner we had a campfire, that was when Charlotte felt sick. We watched a movie called Big Hero 6. When we were watching the movie Miss Fiona brought a yummy slice, then we went to bed. We had a midnight feast! Charlotte didn’t because she was sick in the night and vomited. It was disgusting, then we went back to sleep.
by Mabel Flint
Camp Wilkin - by Conor Donohoe
First of May 2023. We met in the 3/4 classroom at St Patrick's School down in Gordon. We wheeled our bags up the ramp to the car park with a bus that had a trailer on the back. The sign on the trailer read: Gordon Football Club. After everyone got their bags in the trailer everyone got on the bus. After an hour and a half we finally arrived at Camp Wilkin. Although, this wasn’t my first time. We all took our bags out of the trailer and placed our bags on some shelves. After that we ate some food while we listened to our instructor named Josh. Shortly after eating we had a tour around Camp Wilkin.
There was an oval, low ropes course, flying fox, toilets, some houses, cafeteria, hall, cabins and more! Then we started an activity called orienteering which means that you have to find stuff. But, instead, we had to find plaques to make some sentences on a sheet.
Next was the flying fox. You had to wear a helmet and harness, sit on a seat and get pushed down to a tree. There was a tyre on the string so you didn’t bang into the tree. Two runners pulled you back to the platform. After that we all had lunch and then free time. After free time we settled into our rooms and unpacked our bags.
Shortly after settling in our rooms we went to the beach. I took off my shoes and socks and went to the wet bit of the sand. I didn’t want to get wet so I just brushed the sand off my feet and put my shoes and socks on. Then we left the beach and went downtown to get ice cream from an ice cream shop.
When it got dark we found some sticks to light the fire before we roasted our marshmallows. We all had two marshmallows. We also had a movie after roasting the marshmallows called Big Hero 6. It's a very good movie. I was very tired after the movie, so before I went to sleep I had a few lollies and gave a few to my friends, then finally I went to sleep.
Written by Conor Donohoe
School Camp - by Sienna Kenna
At school it was Monday, 1st of May, but no ordinary Monday - it was School camp. Grades three, four, five and six were going. As I wheeled my suitcase onto the bus, I was feeling cheerful and happy. I found my seat and got ready to go. We were off, before we knew it we were there, we put all of the luggage in the cabins at Camp Wilkin, Anglesea.
Time for our first activity which was orienteering. Ruby and I were partners. It was so much fun! We found all the clues and made a sentence at the end. When it was time for the flying fox we had to put on a harness, it felt strange, I got to go on it first. It went super fast, it felt like I was going to crash into the tree at the end! We got two turns. It was so much fun.
After the flying fox we went for a beach walk. As soon as we got to the beach, I took my shoes off and ran into the water! It was freezing! My legs felt like ice blocks but I got used to it. A humongous wave came to drench us all but I ran back to the sand. Charlotte was not quick enough and got drenched. We had to go back to the Camp, but Mr. Paul was waiting with the bus next to the ice-cream shop. I gobbled down my choc mint ice-cream.
School camp was the BEST!
Written by Sienna Kenna
Thankyou for taking the time to read our camp recounts, we hope you enjoyed them!
Grade 3/4
Swimming & Gymnastics Program
We suggest that children wear their bathers under their school uniform. Their uniform for the day will be school tracksuits or sports shorts and polos. We request that children bring a small backpack containing a towel, underwear, thongs/sandals and a plastic bag for wet swimwear.
Children will be eating lunch on return to school and we ask that they bring a small bottle of water to have during gym and a piece of fruit morning tea for easy eating.
We will be departing from school at approximately 11am and returning approximately 2.45pm.
We will be travelling on a bus provided by Ballarat Coachlines.
Thankyou for your support.
Playgroup
Playgroup is a fun and relaxed opportunity for children, parents, families and communities to come together for play and social interaction.
It is an inviting and relaxing atmosphere and all families are welcome to join in, it is held from 9am until 10.30am every Monday in the school hall. Heaters are turned on, it will be warm and toasty, tea and coffee making facilities available.
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to call the office.
Rapid Antigen Test
We have rapid antigen tests available if anyone would like to take one home.
They are in the foyer, or alternatively call the school and we will ensure one gets put into your child's bag.
PAM - (Parent Access Module) User Guide
Dear Families,
Please find instruction attachment for PAM, this provides parents online access to a range of functions and information specific to their children(s), including attendance records, student assessment area and learning areas. It also allows parents to provide medical details, grant excursion and school activity permissions. Please ensure that you have updated all your child's information on PAM. You will not be able to approve permission slips until medical information is entered and approved in the system.
If you have any questions please ring our office.
Gordon Parish Mass
Please note: Vigil Mass every 4th Saturday at St Brigid's- Ballan at 6pm
(No Sunday Mass when Vigil Mass scheduled)
1st Sunday | 2nd Sunday | 3rd Sunday | 4th Sunday | 5th Sunday | |
Vigil Mass Saturday 6.30pm | Dunnstown | Springbank | Dunnstown | Ballan/Clarke’s Hill | Springbank |
Sunday 8.45am | Gordon | Bungaree | Gordon | Gordon | Bungaree |
Sunday 10.30am | Ballan | Ballan | Ballan | Ballan |
School Term Dates
Gordon Shop Hot school lunches available every Thursday (unless otherwise advised)
Term Two Dates
May
Tuesday, 9th May, Foundation-Year Six Swim/Gym Program commences (5 consecutive weeks)
Friday, 19th May - Active Kids are Healthy Kids - Walk safely to school day
June
Monday, 12th June - King's Birthday - PUBLIC HOLIDAY
Tuesday, 13th June - Parent Teacher Conferences
Wednesday, 14th June - Semester Reports available to parents via PAM
Thursday, 15th June - Inquiry Expo Afternoon (2.15pm onwards) to celebrate
our Learning for the term.
Friday, 23rd June - Last Day of term Two. Dismissal of students @ 1.15pm
Pastoral Care
Pastoral care is key to our strong sense of community across the School. There are many threads to the programme – both formal and informal – and all have the intention of addressing the well-being of each student at their individual point of need.
Vivian Lunt is the Pastoral Care Worker at our school. She is a qualified and a very professional and caring Pastoral Care Worker employed at our school every Thursday.
Vivian works with individual children on request, small groups and parents and families as required. All interactions remain strictly confidential.
If any family would like to access this service, either for themselves personally or their child, please contact the school office to arrange an appointment with Vivian.
Music lessons
