Term 4, Week 11, 2023 School Newsletter Final Newsletter 2023
News from the Principal
Dear Families,
We enter into our last full week of the 2023 school year and it is astounding how quickly time passes when we look back. Our last week is one where we look to celebrate all students and their achievements , especially our senior students who have come to the end of their primary journey and are ready for the next step. I have enjoyed getting to know them as young adults and we have always been proud of them and I hope they will remember St. Patrick's fondly.
We've all spent time this week in our new learning groups this week and with staff changes it was indeed a new adventure, with 2024 looking like one full of opportunities. If that wasn't fun enough, cinema and Adventure Park excursions along with a magnificent Christmas lunch from our wonderful families truly made it a special week.
Our Foundation - Year 2 students participated in their first Stay-Back in the past fortnight with Mrs J, Mr. Lamb and Miss Chloe and the intrepid campers were very excited for the experience and it was wonderfully prepered by staff. Well done team.
Over the last week of school ground works will begin outside to redesign the garden area on the ramp area, adding new steps and garden, with fencing built for our new and extended playground equipment that has been ordered. As you can see below some of the equipment that will really add some exciting oportunities for our students.
Reports will be available to families from next Tuesday via PAM - if a paper copy is required we can accommodate this request.
Enjoy the weekend, stay safe and dry and we'll look forward to a fanatastic last week at St. Patrick's.
Paul
We had a fantastic second and third transition day for 2024 Foundation students. Already on the matt learning and having fun!
A busy fortnight!!
What a fun and busy week we have had! We had the sunshine make an appearance for our year 5/6 excursion to Adventure Park. The F-year 4 had a day out too, they went to the movies and watched Wish. A fun day was had by all. Our students have also had fun finding the cheeky Christmas Elf who has come to visit.
Whole School Christmas Lunch 2023
Such a lovely afternoon spent eating and being merry! Today is a real highlight of the school year and we thank the parents who made it possible. Thankyou Gwen, Shannyn, Louise, Michelle, Sharon, Rosie, Nadia, Allisha, Kate, Pip and Rhonda your assistance with all the shopping, cooking, serving, baking and cleaning up, your time is precious and thankyou for sharing it and making the day memorable for the children. It always makes me thankful to be a part of such a caring community.
Foundation - Year 2 Stay Back
Gordon Fire Brigade
The whole school was lucky to have Captain Dianne and Lieutenant Tom come to speak to us about fire safety. We thank them for generously donating their time to speak with us about fire safety and all we need to know about calling 000.
After a successful grant application by our dedicated Parents and Friends we have now purchased and installed a defibrillator for our school and the wider community. It is in the foyer of the building and can currently be accessed from 6.00am - 6.00pm Monday to Friday as we work towards allowing 24 hour access to the whole community and families.
An absolute lifesaving gift which we hope to never use.
Year 6, Then & Now - 2017 - 2023
Eva Pamic Profile - Year 6 - Class of 2023
My favourite books when I was younger was all of the Dr Zeus books.
My favourite sports are soccer and horse riding, I like them both because I do them.
My best memory from school is Year 6 camp because it was fun and I was with my friends.
In ten years time I will hopefully be a veterinarian.
My advice for younger students is to always be kind and to listen to your teachers.
I am going to Damascus College in 2024.
Angela Tran Profile - Year 6 - Class of 2023
My favourite book to read is The Bad Guys.
My favourite sport is soccer because when I play I get to be with my friends and I like playing all positions, it is fun!
My best memories from school are spending time with my friends.
In ten years time I will maybe be an artist, every time I make a new piece of art I get to use my imagination.
My advice to younger students is to make new friends and use all opportunities provided to you.
I am going to Loreto College in 2024.
Jez Barnes Profile - Year 6 - Class of 2023
My favourite book is Specky Magee.
My favourtite sport is footy.
My best memory from school is going to Adventure Park with my mates.
In ten years time I hope to be an AFL player.
My advice to younger students is to always be nice to your teachers.
I am going to Siena Catholic College on the Sunshine Coast in 2024.
Jobe Blazko Profile - Year 6 - Class of 2023
My favourite book is Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
My favourite sport is footy because I am good at it.
My best memory from school is Jack falling in the bin.
In ten years time hopefully I am in some kind of trade.
My advice to younger students is to just have fun!
I am going to Damascus College in 2024.
Aidan Hughes Profile - Year 6 - Class of 2023
My favourite book is Fromelles. It is about the bloodiest day in Australian history.
My favourite sport is soccer because it is fun and the whole world is engaged with it.
My best memory from school is being with my mates.
In ten years time I hope to be a professional soccer player for any country.
My advice to younger students is to just keep it real.
I am going to Damascus College in 2024.
Ollie Hutchinson-Everist Profile - Year 6 - Class of 2023
My favourite book is Where's Waldo.
My favourite sport is football because it is fun to play.
My best memory from school is playing outside.
In ten years time I hope to be a cook, I think it is fun to cook.
My advice to younger students is to focus in class.
I am going to Damascus College in 2024.
Dylan Van Egmond Profile - Year 6 - Class of 2023
My favourite book is Gallipoli.
My favourite sport is football, it is fun and a country sport.
My best memories from school are playing games with my mates.
In ten years time I will hopefully be an AFL player.
My advice to younger students is to stick with school and learn.
I am going to Mount Clear College in 2024.
Information regarding the Sacramental program for St Patrick's Parish for 2024.
The Sacramental program is for students in Year 4 and above. If families are interested in the preparation for Baptism for all children of school age (7 years and up), please see the section on how you may begin this process.
Enrolment forms are available from the office if you require one for your family.
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.
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.
🎄 Playgroup Christmas 🎄
It looks like there has been a special delivery for all of our playgroup children! We look forward to seeing them this last week, it has been a joy having them and their families in each week, getting to know others in the community and watching the kids grow with confidence and having fun.
Gordon Parish Mass
LITURGIES /WEEKLY MASSES | |||||
Day & Time | 1st Sunday | 2nd Sunday | 3rd Sunday | 4th Sunday | 5th Sunday |
Saturday 6pm* or 6.30pm | Dunnstown | Springbank | Dunnstown | Ballan* Clarkes Hill | Springbank |
Sunday 8.45am or 9am* | 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 Four Dates
Thursday, 14th December - Whole School Mass - 2pm - 3.30pm
Thursday, 14th December - Year 6 Graduation Dinner
Friday, 15th December - Last day of Term 4 - Concludes at 3.3opm
Term One Dates 2024
Tuesday, 30th January - School Commences
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
We are now taking bookings for 2024 music lessons. If you would like any information please contact Tim on 0450 904 464 and he can discuss with you.
