Term 2, Week 3, 2024 School Newsletter

News from the Principal

Dear Families,

The start to the school week saw the enrolment mass for our students beginning thier preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Well done to Michael, Theo, Anika, Charlotte, Mabel Ollie and Yan. I ask that you keep each of these children in your prayers.

We have had a great week with a range of learning experiences and it's always a joy to see the smiles on our students faces in every interaction. I hope they enjoy the weekend and their activities and are ready to go again next Monday.

Interviewing for a maternity replacement for Mrs J will be ongoing in the next fortnight with an announcemnet expected by the end of Week Five. Whilst Mrs J wil be missed on her leave, we aim to have a smooth tranisiton for the learning journey of each of our F/1 students.

We will host the secondary leaders of St. Patrick's, Loreto and Damascus Colleges next Monday as we host our local Catholic schools in our senior Little Feet Big Footprints program. We look forward to sharing their experiences next week and what leadership projects our senior stundets will take on after hearing their stories. Last year's leaders had some fantastic ideas in leading our Mission Fete Day so we have big shoes to fill.

Today we sent home the flier to invite families to the Parent Evening connected to our Digital Learning program. With our Federal Minister for Education Jason Clare this week saying social media is the biggest problem facing schools I encourage all families to attend to be informed of the world our children live in online and to hear tips to support them as they become more digital aware.

Enjoy your weekend

Paul McDowell

Swim & Gym Week 3

Three weeks done, two more to go.  The children's eagerness for Swim & Gym is still  evident in the way they are having fun and giving 100% effort every week!

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

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.