School Newsletter - Term 3 Week 9- 2025

News from the Principal

Dear Families,

What a busy and rewarding fortnight it has been at our school! The energy, creativity, and spirit within our community have shone through in so many ways, and it’s a privilege to share just a few highlights.

One of the standout events was our 2025 Visual Art Show, where the incredible talent and imagination of our students were on full display. The range of artworks—from vibrant paintings to thoughtful mixed-media pieces—showed not only skill but also the joy and pride our children take in expressing themselves. A special thank you must go to the wonderful Miss Trish, whose passion, encouragement, and guidance inspire our students to explore their creativity and share it so confidently. The Art Show was a true celebration of learning and artistry, and we are grateful for the effort that went into making it such a success.

Another highlight was our Pizza Day, kindly supported by McCain’s. The smell of fresh pizza filled the air, and the smiles on the children’s faces were a delight to see. Thank you to McCain’s through past parent Narelle Conroy for their generosity and to our children, who of course supported the day with such enthusiasm! It was a reminder of the joy that comes when we gather together and share in simple, fun experiences.

Yesterday our school was awash with colour, excitement, and team spirit as students and staff proudly wore their footy colours. It was wonderful to see everyone celebrating together, showing off their favourite teams, and joining in the fun. The smiles, laughter, and sense of community made it such a special end to the term. We were blessed to have the Western Bulldogs educator Summer Marchewka, cousin of Ella in Foundation, lead s through a range of fun activities.

Throughout the fortnight, we’ve been reminded once again of the wonderful community spirit that makes our school such a special place. From families lending a hand, to parents and friends showing up to support events, your involvement and encouragement make all the difference to our students’ experiences.

As we reach the end of Term Three, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all families, staff, and students for your contributions, energy, and positivity. We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for the adventures and opportunities that Term 4 will bring. Please see important dates below for your calendar.

We wish you a safe, restful, and enjoyable Term break.

Paul McDowell
Principal

A Fortnight of Fun!

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 19

Next

Important Dates - Term Four

Start Term Four - Monday, 6th October

Summer Uniform - school hats required for recess and lunch play

No School Hat - No Play

Mission Fete - Friday, 31st October (BBQ lunch stalls from1.30pm - 3.00pm)

Curriculum Day (Pupil Free) - Monday, 3rd November

Melbourne Cup Public Holiday - Tuesday, 4th November

Curriculum Day (Pupil Free) - Monday, 10th November

2026 Foundation Orientation Days: Monday, 17th and Monday, 24th November

and Monday, 1st December

2026 Orientation Day: new classes for all students - Monday, 1st December

End of Year School Mass and Christmas Carols - Wednesday, 10th December @ 5.30pm

Student's Last Day for 2026 - Wednesday, 17th December. School conclude at 1.15pm

Staff Last Day - Thursday, 18th December

Curriculum Day Care and Holiday Program -

The Y OHSC

St. Patrick's had over a number of years ran a Holiday Program across all Term holidays and Summer Holiday Periods. They attracted a considerable number of children, with 90% coming from other local primary schools. Attendance by St. Patrick's families was less than 3 children per week.

We will continue, under the guidance of Lisa Plaisted, seek to run programs if we have confirmed attendance, whether it is for certain days of both weeks or only 1 week per holidays period. Ten (10) students is the desired number to run a program.

Care is also offered on Curriculum Days if we have minimum numbers, which usually is 10 students. This can be negotiated if necessary.

I am aware Lisa is running surveys to gauge participation from families. Please see Lisa if you would be needing care and if numbers are sufficient we can look to run programs on both Curriculum Days and Holiday periods.

Please see me if you have any questions.

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.

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.