School Newsletter - Term 3 Week 5- 2025
News from the Principal
Dear Families,
I have just returned from a week long conference and am just catching up on the week we have had and I have missed. Book Week is a highlight of the school calendar and the costumes and effort did not disappoint. In Cairns I attended the Australian Catholic Education Conference with the theme Hope, Anchored in Faith. It was great to catch up with colleagues and over 1500 principals and delegates. I found sessions on Community and Parent Education reflective and as always, I ask our question " what ways do parents want to be engaged in school?" As always in the coming months I will seek feedback to ensure we are working the best with families. Many thanks to the families who recently completed the Insight SRC survey that is a measure of what we are doing well and where we can improve. our parent response rate of 60% exceeded the average 8-22% response rate. Insight SRC were astounded with this figure so thank you so much for your participation. Sessions on Mathematics were also insightful and our next area of curriculum development as we seek to provide the best opportunities for all students.
As we enjoy the remainder of 2025, you are aware of some recent changes that have been announced and our recruitment has begun for new staff to join us in 2025. In early Term Four we should be well placed to share what 2026 will look like.
Another New Initiative for 2026
St. Patrick's has secured funding to participate int he State Government Mental Health in Primary Schools (MiHPS) whereby we will employ a teacher 2 days per week to work with groups of children on projects that are designed to build mental health, to cultivate whole-school, building staff capacity, creating referral pathways, and embedding mental health strategies school-wide. It is not a clinical role but will work in tandem with our Pastoral and Wellbeing worker Miss Jacinta. As we receive more specific details of the ways the role will work at St. Patrick's I will share these with the community.
A snapshot of the past fortnight - what a vibrant community!
We started off last Saturday with our Parents and Friends Trivia Night, and what a night it was! I heard on the grapevine that the room was buzzing with laughter, friendly competition, and some surprisingly tricky questions that had everyone scratching their heads. Thank you to everyone who joined in, brought their energy, and made the evening such a fun and memorable event. A special thank you goes to our P&F team for organising every detail so beautifully – from the delicious food to the prizes – and for creating such a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Monday brought the magic of Book Week, with our theme “Book an Adventure” encouraging us all to step into the pages of our favourite stories. The creativity on display during our dress-up day was simply amazing – from courageous superheroes to whimsical characters and a few unexpected (but very clever!) literary surprises. It’s always wonderful to see our students not only having fun but also celebrating the joy of reading.
Wednesday had our students lined up in their neatest uniforms and brightest smiles for our whole school photos. It was a wonderful opportunity to capture a moment in time with our entire school community together. These photos are a special keepsake, reflecting not only the faces of our students and staff but also the spirit and unity that make our school such a great place to be. We look forward to seeing the finished photos and sharing them with families soon.
To top it all off, some of our students took part in the Athletics Carnival last Friday. The effort, sportsmanship, and team spirit on display were truly inspiring. Whether it was sprinting down the track, giving their all in the field events, or cheering from the sidelines, our students showed determination and pride in representing our school, which was no mean feat, we were also up against the weather Gods that day.
This week, we also say a heartfelt thank you and farewell to our pre-service teachers, Sian and Georgia. They have been an incredible part of our classrooms, bringing fresh ideas, enthusiasm, and a genuine care for our students. We are so grateful for their hard work and dedication, and we wish them every success as they continue their teaching journey. Sian and St. Patrick's was also featured in Social Media posts by the Victorian Catholic Education Authority so a nice little promotion for us. Screenshot shared below.
Weeks like this remind me why our school is such a special place – we learn together, we celebrate together, and we create memories that will stay with us for years to come. Thank you to all our families for your ongoing support, and to our students for bringing such enthusiasm and heart to everything they do. The weeks ahead have Father's Day and special people in the lives of our students celebrated and our Bunnings BBQ on Sunday, 31st August.
Here’s to another great week ahead!
Warm regards,
Paul McDowell
Principal
Book Week Parade
Our “Book an Adventure” Book Week parade was a colourful celebration of imagination and creativity! From beloved storybook characters to clever, original creations, the effort put into costumes this year was outstanding. It was wonderful to see students (and staff!) stepping into the shoes of their favourite characters and proudly sharing their love of reading with our school community. A huge thank you to families for helping bring these literary adventures to life – the results were truly spectacular!
Book an Adventure Parade!
Golf Skills in Action - Sporting Schools Term Three
This week, our students have been enjoying the sunny weather while learning and mastering the skills of golf. With plenty of time outdoors, they have been developing their swings, practicing accuracy, and building confidence in this new sport. It has been wonderful to see so many smiles as students challenge themselves and celebrate their progress. We are looking forward to watching their skills continue to improve over the weeks ahead.
Gold with Ballarat Professional Andrew Cartledge will be held over the next 4 weeks.
Golf
Inspiring Project by one of St. Patrick's Wonderful Students
Tommy Low, one of our Year Two students has been working on a social justice project, and we thought we’d share it with the wider school community.
It’s called The Good Sock Project. With a bit of help from his wonderful mum Cassie, Tommy designed several sock patterns and this family had them manufactured. For every pair sold, they donate a warm pair to someone in need. It’s been a lovely way to give back and also teach Tommy about kindness and helping others. Please look at the socks via the weblink and if you wish, please support Tommy's fantastic initiative:
https://thegoodsockproject.bigcartel.com
Please view Tommy's project in his own words below. Fantastic work Tommy.
Wellbeing @ St. Patrick's
Miss Jacinta is on staff every Tuesday to support students and families with a range of issues around wellbeing and offering support and strategies. Peaceful Kids is a program around relationship and friendship which is currently running. If you wish to speak with Jacinta you may contact her through the office each Tuesday or by emailing Paul and he will pass on your details for a call from Jacinta.
A reminder that School TV on our school website is a wellbeing resource that can support you in the challenges relating to modern-day parenting: https://spgordon.catholic.schooltv.me/
This award-winning resource helps build relationships, foster connections, enable understanding and break down barriers to navigate a pathway towards better mental health and wellbeing for young people. It can assist in starting conversations on topics that are sometimes awkward or difficult to tackle.
pmcdowell@spgordon.catholic.edu.au
REMINDER - Late Arrivals/Early Departures
School commences with the first bell at 8.50am for students to enter their classroom and prepare for learning. Learning commences with daily review at 9.00am and late arrivals do miss important learning opportunities
Please ensure students are at school prior to the first bell. It does also alleviate anxiety for some who do not like coming into school late. Your assistance is appreciated by classroom teachers.
All parents/caregivers who are dropping off late or collecting students early please ensure that you drop/pick your child off from the rear carpark and REPORT TO THE SCHOOL OFFICE to mark the roll - Please do not go and take your student from the classroom without letting the office know.
It is a legal requirement that all schools keep up to date records of students throughout the school day.
Please also remind your student to see the front office if arriving late.
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 Shop Hot school lunches available every Thursday (unless otherwise advised)
Term Three Dates 2025
Monday, 25th August - Wednesday 27th August - Senior Camp
Sunday, 31st August - Bunnings BBQ Fundraiser P&F
Thursday, 4th September - Father's Day Stall
Friday, 5th September - Father's Day Afternoon Tea
Thursday, 11th September - Whole School Art Show 5.30pm
Thursday, 18th September - Term 3 Concludes for students @ 3.30pm
Friday, 19th September - Pupil Free Day FLARE PD
Gordon Parish Mass
LITURGIES /WEEKLY MASSES | |||||
Day & Time | 1st Sunday | 2nd Sunday | 3rd Sunday | 4th Sunday | 5th Sunday |
Saturday 6.30pm | Dunnstown | Springbank | Dunnstown | Clarkes Hill | Springbank |
Sunday 9am | Gordon | Bungaree | Gordon | Gordon | Bungaree |
Sunday 10.30am | Ballan | Ballan | Ballan | Ballan | Ballan |
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.
