Term 4, Week 3, 2023 School Newsletter

News from the Principal

Dear Families,

We began our week as a busy one, a celebration that only comes around for a school every five years.  We welcomed the external education review panel to hear the stories of successes and challenges at St Patrick's.  I thank the families who took the time to complete the written survey and to those of you who came in and met with the panel, Sheridan, JoAnne and Narelle. We certainly believe the students are benfiting from the learning opportunities and expereinces presented at St. Patrick's and the school community is as a supportive environment I have ever encountered in my time in education.

From here they will write a report that I will share in due course and send to each family the 3 main priorities we see in learning at St. Patrick's across 2024-2028 and what we will be doing around these in 2024.

Our Year Six students attended St Michael's in Daylesford for their Little Feet Big Footprints program.  They presented their Mission Day projects with their peers and teachers.  We were very proud of our students who presented with confidence and maturity, they displayed a great level of teamwork throughout the whole process.  We are aware of students mixing with peers from other schools at their secondary testing days so we cettainly see the value of the program and its continuation into its third year in 2024.

The whole school has been exploring our inner social justice. The senior students have chosen an organisation that they would like to support during this time.  The children are putting a lot of care and effort into these passion projects, you will hear more about Mission Day in our upcoming assemblies and on Dojo. Mission Day will take place on Friday, 3rd November. 

I would like to congratulate the hard working Parents and Friends for their mammoth effort in their fundraiser this year.  It took a great deal of time and effort on their behalf to compile recipies and sponsorship for the wonderful Cook Book. As a community we thank them for their dedication to our school. The last project has been a submisison to Moorabool Wind farms for a new adventure playspce and expanded current playground. We might be able to share some exciting progress shortly. Stay tuned!

Currently we have been doing consistent maintenance works at school - upgraded door locks, removal of gas heaters, current playground maintenance is scheduled for this term replacing tired and old pieces and we have moved forward with hopeful building refurbishments in the near future. Updates on this soon.

As we enter Term Four staffing is almost finalised along with our 2024 Year Level structure. Learning for each student is personalised and we work on achieving growth across 12 months and our classes will be structured to reflect that. There will be some changes to both staff and classes and these will be shared with families by mid term. If you have any questions about your child please make an appointment to meet with me or email at school on principal@spgrodon.catholic.edu.au

Enjoy the weekend.

Paul

Congratulations to the Maher family on the arrival of Esther, a beautiful daughter and sister!

An Irish blessing:

Lucky stars above you, sunshine on your way, 

Many friends to love you, joy in work and play.

Laughter to outweigh each care, in your heart a song,

And gladness waiting everywhere,

All your whole life long. 

Congratulations to Eliza and Zean on their engaement!💍💕🥂 

We hope that your love for one another shines brighter and your companionship grows richer with each passing day.

Dear Parents

As part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being at all students at St.
Patrick’s, we are reaching out to inquire about any unnotified asthma or allergy plans that may be in
place for your child.

Your child’s health and safety are our top priorities and your cooperation in providing this information is greatly appreciated.

If your child has been diagnosed with asthma or allergies (also seasonal), we kindly request that you
inform us of any existing plans or protocols that should be followed while they are at school. This
information will help us better understand your child’s needs and enable us to respond
appropriately in case of health related situations.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and please do not hesitate to contact us with any
questions or concerns.

End of an Era

St Brendan's Primary School of Dunnstown warmly invites you to celebrate with them the "End of an Era". 

Saturday, 25th November from 2pm onwards there will be a celebration at the school, including face painting, Kelly Sports, afternoon tea and official proceedings. 

If you would like to attend a Carvery Dinner from 6pm to 8pm please RSVP directly to St Brendan's on 5334 7604. 

Book Club provides families with an affordable and convenient way to bring the best in children’s literature into their homes. Each issue contains curated, age-appropriate titles that have been carefully selected and levelled by a dedicated team of professional booklovers.

Scholastic operates on a unique model, proudly partnering with Australian schools and educators for over 50 years. As well as bridging the important class-to-home reading gap, Book Club also benefits Australian schools—for every Book Club order placed, Scholastic gives back 15% of the order spend to schools to purchase valuable educational resources via its Scholastic Rewards program.

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 and story time with our foundation teacher and students. 

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to call the office on 5368 9495.

Story-Time

Story-time during playgroup on a Monday with our Foundation students and teacher. Such a fun and engaging activity for the playgroup children to sit and join in with the big school kids!

Damascus College Information Session

Gordon Parish Mass

School Term Dates

Music lessons