School Newsletter - Term 2 Week 9- 2025

News from the Principal

Dear Families,

We enter our last two weeks of the term with a wonderful 2 afternoons to meet families and talk about each student's learning journey beginning the fortnight. I look forward to seeing you in the hallways and catching up at this time. These conversations are held to share learning achievements and areas for growth - we enter into these times knowing we share some results that are fantastic and sometimes not what is expected. All conversations are to held in a respectful manner and we thank you for your assistance and participation. Students in each year level are encouraged to be present.

We enter this week still suffering the effects of illness, myself included, so please be mindful to keep students at home to rest if they present with signs of influenza and or Covid.

This week we had Miss Megan join us as we begin to say farewell to Miss Sarah at the end of week 11. She will finish up on Thursday week and we wish her all the best with her overseas travels over the second semester. All going as planned we will see Miss Sarah in 2026. Miss Megan has some great ideas for STEAM in second semester so we look forward to these opportunities.

School Reports

These will be available to families via PAM from Wednesday, 2nd June for Semester One. The format is based on our ongoing review to ensure parents receive information in an easy to read mode and states achievements and areas for improvement in the key learning areas. Other areas are represented by a statement describing what has been taught in the semester.

All learning areas have identified a students behaviour in class and their relative effort in completing activities.

Attendance is noted in a percentage of time in class. Generally 95% or above is expected from students across the semester. This is a Ballarat Catholic School standard that allows a child to be in class receiving the minimum level of classroom instruction.

Professional Development Day - Change of Date

Please note a calendar date shift TO Thursday, 7th August FROM 14th August as previously listed on school calendar for a staff professional development day.  The Y may offer care if the numbers are appropriate.

Car Park Update

Each day we supervise students at the crossing and drivers are so respectful which alleviates any issues. Our oe area of concern is if families walk up the pathway and straight across to cars, students may run ahead and this is an issue that we need to stop so please use the walkway to access cars parked in the middle two angle bay areas.

Enjoy your evening and I will see you across the week.

Paul McDowell

Principal

Week 2 Swim & Gym

A Fantastic Finish to Swim & Gym!

What an incredible three weeks it’s been! Our Swim and Gym program wrapped up this week, and we couldn’t be prouder of all our students. Week 3 was the perfect finale—full of fun, energy, and lots of smiles.

The children approached each week with enthusiasm, determination, and a positive attitude. Whether splashing in the pool or tackling new challenges in the gym, they gave it their all and supported one another every step of the way.

It’s been amazing to watch their confidence grow, their skills improve, and their friendships strengthen. A big thank you to all the staff who made this program such a success—and most importantly, to the kids, who made it such a joy!

We’re already looking forward to next year!

Peaceful Kids - Run By Miss Jacinta Student Wellbeing

Out of Hours School Care 

We have wonderful staff in Lisa, Chloe and  Jess ably  supported by Emily and staff  from YMCA at our school. Students are treated with respect and are engaged in fun and varied activities Before and After School.

The strength of the program relies on families using the service so I encourage families to sign up and continue to use.

Children must be enrolled to attend the program - whether ongoing or casual

TO ENROL PLEASE USE THE ATTACHED LINK:

https://prodadmin.myxplor.com/enrollment_v2/centre/4MxeRH0TsTorIGPLx24356Sh0A

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. 

St John Defibrillators – Ready to help you save lives

Sudden Cardiac Arrest is one of the leading causes of death in Australia.

Defibrillators have the power to change this, with the potential to save thousands of lives if they are located within 1-2 minutes of where people work, live and spend their leisure time.

Having a defibrillator means you can step in with the tools to save a life before paramedics arrive – every minute counts. Research shows survival rates of up to 70% can be achieved if an AED is on hand.

We have a defibrillator located in the front foyer of St Patrick's Primary School - this is a lifesaving tool for our community.

Health Update For All Families: Winter Ashtma Plans

Dear Parents,

As part of our commitment to ensuring the ongoing safety and well-being at all students at St. Patrick’s, we are reaching out to inquire about any  asthma or allergy plans that may be in place for your child as we enter Winter that school is not aware of. We start to see children being prescribed for Winter asthma or a puffer just in case.

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.

Due to policy updates we will no longer be able to store or administer medications such as Panadol, Nurofen, pharmacy only medications (including zyrtec & claratyne) or other non-prescribed medications at school. 

As a result of this policy; medications will only be allowed on school property with a document signed by your doctor. This could include an action plan, letter or treatment plan. 

We thank you in advance for your support keeping all of our children safe.

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

Playgroup

Join Us for Playgroup!

Playgroup is a fun, welcoming time for children, parents, families, and the wider community to come together for play, connection, and social time. It’s a great chance for children to explore and build friendships, while adults enjoy a warm drink and friendly conversation.

Playgroup runs every Monday from 9:00am to 10:30am in the school hall. The space is cozy and inviting—heaters keep it warm and comfortable, and tea and coffee are available to help everyone feel right at home.

Each session finishes with a special story time led by our Foundation teacher and students—a calm and engaging way to end the morning and encourage a love of books.

All families are welcome, whether you’re new to our school or a familiar face. Come along and be part of this relaxed and friendly group—we’d love to see you there!

If you have any questions or would like to know more, feel free to contact the school office on 5368 9495.

School Term Dates

Gordon Parish Mass

Music lessons

We are now taking bookings for 2025 music lessons.  If you would like any information please contact Tim on 0450 904 464 and he can discuss with you. 

We acknowledge that St Patrick's Primary School is on Wadawurrung Country.

We would like to acknowledge and extend our appreciation for the Wadawurrung People, the Traditional Owners of the land that we are standing on today.

Today, we pay our respects to leaders and Elders past, present and future for they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture and the hopes of all Wadawurrung Peoples.

We express our gratitude in the sharing of this land, our sorrow for the personal, spiritual and cultural costs of that sharing and our hope that we may walk forward together in harmony and in the spirit of healing.