Term 2, Week 7, 2024 School Newsletter

News from the Principal

Dear Families,

We've finished today Autmun and tomorrow we welcome Winter, and the halfway point of the year. It's amazing to see over this time the growth of each of our students and it is the privelege teachers have to see this happening every year.

With winter comes the dreaded colds and flus, along with the increase in respiratory illnesses. Please remember we allow the gumboots for outsdie play, slippers for indoor play and if a scarf is added to the school jacket or jumper outside along with gloves we are fine with thes to keep every warm and happy.

Along with the winter nasties, if children require medication or have updated asthma plans, could they please be forwarded to school. As staff currenlty update their First Aid there are some changes to paperwork for asthma and we will forward this to families to assist us in completing, mainly around noting triggers and updating if necessary contact details.

Teachers are busy writing Mid Semester reports for families which will be available in the last week of Term, with an opportunity to discuss the learning journey of your child in Week One next Term, across Tuesday and Wednesday, 16th and 17th July. Mark the dates in your diary and we will shortly send out interview schedules for families. A reminder to all that learning for children is not linear and occurs at  each child's indiviudal pace, does not occur at the same rate as the next student, and each child has strengths to be celebrated. We look for these everyday and celebrate with each learner. 

The last 4 weeks are extremely busy with many activities plus a public holiday. Nadia added a calendar update to Class Dojo today and also updated our school calendar. Please take the time to see what is happenening and talk with your child before and after events - practice lines for the production, ask about Scienceworks, Museum Victoria joining us for Dinosaurs in F-2 and Robotics in 3-6 and Sovereign Hill.

A constant reminder of the Digital Parent Evening listed below - it's a wonderful opprotunity and I strongly encourage all families to attend as all children are exposed in ways we don't even realise. I lok forward to seeing you there on Wednesday, 19th June.

I hope all enjoy the weekend as a family in whatever you may be doing. Stay safe and we will see everyone at school next Monday.

Paul McDowell

Principal

Sovereign District Sports

Well done to our senior students for a fantastic effort over the last few weeks, attending Sovereign District Sports, along with St Brigid's of Ballan.  It has certainly been a fun few weeks  and was a great opportunity for our seniors to show off their skills and to meet with other students and get to know them, all hailing from different schools, which is a great opportunity to meet with others who they may be attending secondary school with. 

Friday 24th May was "Walk to School Day" - it was a great way to start the morning, we thank Sen. Constable Luke for walking with us and reminding us to LOOK and LISTEN for traffic before we cross the road. 

Look out for your copy of Book Club coming home in your child's schoolbag or click on the below link! It's packed with hundreds of books from just $3 to help you on your child's reading journey.
Books will be available for ordering up until Friday 14th June.

https://www.scholastic.com.au/media/10414/bc_4-24_issuu.pdf

Our Japanese teacher, Sensei Kirrily is also an artist and fabric designer.  If you're in town and attending White Night on Saturday, you can see her work on display on the ceiling of The Mining Exchange in Lydiard Street.

Pirates of the Curry Bean Rehearsals

Tickets on Sale

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. 

We will be using the online platform Humatix for the school production whereby families will reserve specific seats at the time of booking. Alink will be forwarded by next Friday.

Prices are as follows:

Adults   $10 per ticket

Secondary Age Students $8 per ticket

Under school Age Free  (ticket required)

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. 

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

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

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

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. 

Health Update For All Families

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.