School Newsletter - Term 4 Week 1- 2025

News from the Principal

Dear Families,

Welcome to Term Four!

Welcome back to what promises to be a fun, busy, and memorable Term Four! It’s always wonderful to see our students return with big smiles, ready to learn, reconnect with friends, and make the most of the final stretch of the school year.

As the sun starts shining brighter, it’s that time again — hats are a must! Our “No Hat, No Play” policy is back in full swing, helping to keep everyone sun-safe while enjoying outdoor activities. Please make sure your child’s hat is clearly named and in their bag each day, ready for playtime and sport.

This term is always packed full of special events and celebrations. We have plenty to look forward to — from end-of-year excursions for our seniors, transition days for our newest students starting in 2026,  graduation events, and festive activities that bring our school community together. It’s a time to celebrate achievements, reflect on growth, and enjoy the spirit of togetherness that makes our school so special.

Our staff have been busy planning engaging learning experiences to ensure that every week is filled with excitement and opportunities for success. Term Four often feels like it moves at lightning speed, so we encourage families to keep an eye on newsletters and updates to stay informed about all the important dates and activities coming up.

We welcome Miss Paige to our staff and I hope families embrace her and her enthusiasm as the staff and students have this week. Further announcements will be made upon my return as we plan for 2026.

We look forward to a wonderful final term, filled with learning, laughter, and plenty of sunshine. Let’s make it a fantastic finish to the school year!

As I previously shared I will be away for the next 2 weeks on Long Service Leave travelling to Japan to experience new cultures. I will look forward to sharing upon my return. You will have access to staff through the office, with Miss Fiona being your contact if your require any assistance in my absence. I will check on my emails at times so please do not be offended if there is a delay in communicating.

Enjoy your weekend and stay safe.

Paul McDowell
Principal

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 from 1.30pm - 3.30pm)

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

Melbourne Cup Public Holiday - Tuesday, 4th November

Curriculum Day - Literacy (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

Adventure Park - Thursday, 11th December - Grades 5/6

Afternoon Tea - Friday, 12th December - Celebrating Julie

Graduation Dinner - Wednesday, 3rd December - Grade 6

School Christmas Dinner - Monday, 8th December TBC

Tour de Gordon - Bike Ride - Monday, 15th December. Gordon Football Oval - F - 6

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

Staff Last Day - Thursday, 18th December

Scholastic Book Club – Issue 7 Out Now!

Issue 7 of the Scholastic Book Club is out and packed with fantastic reads for every age and interest! Orders can be placed online through the LOOP system or by returning order forms to school. Every purchase helps earn rewards for our school library – thank you for supporting a love of reading!

https://scholastic.com.au/book-club/book-club-parents/issue-preview/

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.