Term 2, Week 1, 2024 School Newsletter

News from the Principal

Dear Families,

Welcome to the beginning of another term. This week has seen so much activity that makes school such a vibrant place to be, from playgroup to swimming, production rehearsal and specialist program to everythign in between. We look forward to the next 10 weeks of Term Two.

It is great to see the uniforms changing from summer to winter and that gumboots and slippers are certainly welcome as we begin some cooler days. A reminder that elements of the unifom such as black shoes are required across the week, excluding Thursday and for girls long pants similar to the boys are available from Crockers. Tight fitting leggings are not part of the uniform and should not be worn as an outer garment. At our next School Advisory meeting in mid May will propse any change sto the uniform to circulate to families for consultation.

As I mentioned last weekend we have begun the process of changing providers for our Before and After school program. Care is still being provided and we hope to share the new model by Week Three. In the meantime all bookings should be coordinated through myself via email or message on 0448 456 480.

As we begin a new term we are always striving to ensure we use every learning opportunity to assist every student. A new program aimed at students across Foundation - Year Two titled MiniLit Sage focusses on 5 literacy skills (1) Phonemic Awareness, (2) Phonics, (3) Fluency, (4) Vocabulary and (5) Comprehension, particularly the first three. Notification to some families may have caused concern due to the initial letter being ambiguous and lacking some details and for this I do apologise.

Today a letter also went home  outlining our new approach to our Digital World. Please see a snapshot article below on Roblox and the parent night scheduled for June 19th at the Ballan Recreation Reserve, as we cohost the event, is a must for parenst. The presenters are world class and very engaging. Please look to attend when the booking flier is sent home in the next week.

This weekend we will have 12 semi-mature trees (3.5 meteres tall) added to the oval boundary so it will be a new look come Monday. We have been supported by Winwood Advanced Trees in the selection who are also planting them for us. A huge thanks to Brenton Eastwood and Rob Winter from Winwood. We'll share the new look on Monday.

Enjoy your weekend - whatever the family may be doing. 

Paul McDowell

New Playground

We have been very fortunate to have the support of Goldwinds Australia through Moorabool Windfarms  to have the new additions to our playground. These elemenst are the result of our past Parents and Friends as their departing project so thanks Allisha, Cathryn and Rhonda. They certianly are getting plenty of use.

Our new Parents and Friends are coordinating our calendar for 2024-2025 and we'll share this by our next newsletter.

Swim & Gym

Pirates of the Curry Bean Rehearsals

Rehearsals are underway!  Every Wednesday and Friday  from 2.15pm - 3.30pm the whole school will be rehearsing for our end of term production, Pirates of the Curry Bean. Please keep this in mind if needing to pick up children early.

A reminder that on the production day, Thursday 27th June - school day for all students will commence at 12.00pm

This is to ensure that all children will travel by bus at 3.30pm to Mount Clear Secondary College for a full dress rehearsal prior to the main event.  Families are then free to travel to the college free of worry. 

Ticket information and Before School Care information will be provided in the coming weeks. 

A survey link is below and  has been created and sent to families via Dojo.  Could you please fill out and advise us of the number of attendees. 

https://spgordon.schoolzineplus.com/survey/23

A letter has gone home today with every student with information about Inform & Empower, a high-quality provider who works with teachers, students and families in the digital space. 

Please take some time to read the letter and the Tip Sheets. There is an opportunity for familes to come together for a Parent Information Evening, titled Raising Kids in a Digital World that is highly recommended and we encourage you to attend. 

Above is an article on Roblox and is an example of information you can find on the Inform & Empower website. 

This will be held on Wednesday, 19th June at the Ballan Recreation Reserve, commencing at 7.00pm.

A flier with QR code for attendance will be forwarded when available next week.

Here is the link to Inform & Empower for you to view.

https://www.informandempower.com.au/

Teeth on Wheels are visiting our school on Friday, 17th May.  A form has gone home if you would like your child to have their teeth checked by Teeth on Wheel's dental team.

Please return the form to our office by Friday, 26th April.

Sadly, the number of children in out of home care are increasing while the number of foster carers are decreasing. This often results in very young children residing in residential care, or moving regularly from home to home.

If you or anyone you know may be interested in this worthwhile cause please reach out to CAFS. 

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. 

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.

Gordon Parish Mass

School Term Dates

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.