School Newsletter - Week 9 Term 1- 2025
News from the Principal
Dear Families,
We have reached the second last week of Term One, with next week a time to reflect on the Season of Lent and begin to think of Holy Week and Easter. We look forward to inviting families to our Stations of the Cross this Friday at 12.30pm as we reflect on the most important events of the Catholic Church.
It has been an absolutely great Term One for the 2025 school year. Learning has been reimagined and the children are enjoying the new opportunities in class, with the teachers enjoying opportunities to increase their own knowledge. This will continue in Week One when all Ballarat Catholic primary schools - 500 staff - will gather to hear world renowned Finnish educator Pasi Sahlberg, who has led the 2025-2035 Ballarat Catholic Education education strategy, unpack learning approaches for the next decade.
To become this high-performing system of Catholic schools DOBCEL 2035 will build on the foundation of our Catholic identity and focus on five key pillars:
- Collaborative Cultures
- Engagement and Belonging
- School as Community
- Rich Pedagogical Practices for Deep Learning and Well-being
- Sustainable Stewardship
The highlight of any Term One is the way each of our Foundation students have grown in confidence and are so far removed from kindergarten. Their enthusiasm, joy for all things and willingness to share stories and discoveries, whether in the class or yard, are a joy. I still love it when you get yelled at with a "hello Mr. Paul" from across the yard.
A snapshot shared below shows the 4 Learning Groups and overall attendance rates for Term One. It is not in order from F-6 but randomly shared. What it tells us is the importance of children being present from 8.50am and participating in key Literacy learning moments. Illness is understandable for absences but please be mindful of allowing children random days off as we begin Term Two. Individual student attendance is shown on Mid Semester reports and we will look to celebrate those who have perfect attendance at the end of this term and at the end of Term Two in July. Learning achievement and social emotional growth are both linked to regular attendance.
I wish everyone a great last week of Term. I will be be away Thursday and Friday, but might pop in to see the Easter Hat parade. I am heading off to Echuca for the start off the Murray To Moyne cycling challenge insupport of Fiona Elsey Cancer Research. Many thanks for the kind thoughts of encouragement and donations. I'll keep you posted from the road next weekend to show I made it to Port Fairy.
Truly blessed to be part of the best community - St. Patrick's
Paul McDowell
Principal
Term One Attendance Snapshot
Friday, 4th April - School concludes at 1.15pm for students
The Y will be running After School Care from 1.15pm. Notification is being sent by The Y to families who are registered. Any new families should see Lisa before or after school or Wednesday.
Tuesday, 25th March we celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation with 4 beautiful people. Congratulations Izzy, Layla, Logan and Thomas and their families for preparing them for the day.
Fr. Justin told us 3 things we can never have enough of in our lives - to say thank you , to say I love you to those closest to us and be kind to others.
Midland District Amateur Swimming Association Carnival
Congratulations to Ollie, Jenna, Olivia and Henry who last night represented St. Patrick's at the 2025 swim meet. Each of our dolphins participated in the 25m freestyle and 25m backstroke events. A team haul of 3 ribbons and a medal - fantastic effort team.
A presentation of their certificates and medal will be held at a future assembly when they are received by school. Many thanks to their families for the training and taken each to the event. We loo forward to a bigger team in 2026.
Anzac Day falls on Friday, 25th April and is in our first week of Term 2.
RSL Ballan has asked St Patrick's this year to have up to 12 students march in the parade in school uniform, wearing appropriate medals of loved ones, as well as lead the singing of the National Anthem accompanied by the Daylesford Brass Band.
The time asked is for us to be there in Ballan at 12.45pm until 1.30pm If any families are willing to attend and bring students can you please let Paul know as to reply to the RSL's invitation.
You can contact Paul via Dojo or text 0488 456 480.
Hello everyone
I wanted to let you know I attended the "Peaceful kids training" last week. Some of your children may have attended this program with Vivian Lunt in previous years. I will be working with the staff to identify children who may benefit from this program. Essentially, the focus is on working with children over 8 weeks to focus on developing their skills to manage stress in this busy world.
The program focuses on breathing, meditation, how our brains respond to stress and helping children to understand their individual responses to stress. The program aims to teach children the life long skills that will hold them in good stead for the rest of their lives. In addition to the group work, I will work with children one on one to support them in their emotional resilience.
The key to this program is your engagement as a parent or caregiver. When we walk alongside our children and learn with them their engagement is much greater. Your contribution is vital. Children will be asked to talk with you at home about what they have learnt and they will show you some of the activities they have taken part in. Your role is to support this and perhaps try some of the activities together.
Please contact your child's teacher, Mr McDowell or myself if you think your child may benefit from being a part of a group or some one on one sessions.
I will run a session here at school on June 3rd and June 10th at 1pm for parents who may wish to learn more about the program.
I'm also happy to make time to chat with you individually.
The truth is we could all do with a little more deliberate breathing and calm in our busy lives.
Take care and reach out if there is anything you would like to discuss.
And just in case you need it - please follow the link below for meditation.
Thank you - Jacinta
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.
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.
Concussion - Important information
If your child has experienced concussion, it is important that you follow recommended medical advice. Returning to school can be a graduated approach with the aim of increasing tolerance to a full day, the same situation could occur with sport. It is always important to check with your doctor and seek medical treatment after a child sustains a concussion.
It is important to inform the school if your child has sustained a concussion outside of the school setting so we can monitor for ongoing symptoms and adapt activities if required.
This factsheet link below from the Royal Children's Hospital is valuable to read and understand.
https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Head_injury_return_to_school_and_sport/
There is also a great evidence-based app from the Murdoch Children's Research Institute that walks you through what to do in the result of a concussion.
https://www.headcheck.com.au/
Out of Hours School Care
We have had a smooth transition across the term to having YMCA at our school.
Staff have been employed to run our program, and have made a wonderful start to the new program supporting our families.
The strength of the program relies on families using the service so I encourage families to sign up - we look forward to continue with The Y in 2025.
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: Policy Update
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.
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.
The First Aid and Infection Control Policy states: Non-Prescribed: School staff are not permitted to store or administer any non-prescribed medications including analgesics (paracetamol and aspirin).
This is because analgesics and other non-prescribed medications can mask signs and symptoms of a serious illness or injury.
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.
This means that from the beginning of 2025 we will no longer accept medications for your child without doctor's instructions.
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
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.
PASTORAL CARE
You may be familiar with the work of Vivian Lunt, our Pastoral Care worker who has been with our community for the last few years - we now have Jacinta Cook joining us in the Pastoral Care role.
We warmly welcome Jacinta, who comes to us with a wealth of knowledge in the area of family relationships and the challenges that families, children and schools face on a day-to-day basis. Jacinta welcomes the opportunity to meet with any of you to have a conversation around ways she can support you and your family to ensure school is a positive experience for everybody.
Jacinta worked with Catholic Care for 19 years, overseeing a variety of programs which included school Pastoral Care, Family Mediation and Family Counselling. The last 12 months Jacinta has been working in the Catholic Education Office, as the Child Safe Manager along side St Patrick's Primary School and other schools across our Diocese.
Jacinta has two daughters, Grace who is 24 and Hannah who is 22, both now working in a similar field, who enjoy keeping it real by reminding Jacinta of the importance of being up-to-date with trends impacting families and children today.
Jacinta will be on site on Tuesdays, however is available to contact via email or the school phone.
Jacinta is looking forward to getting to know the students and families and continuing to emphasise the importance of Pastoral Care in all of our lives.
jacinta@spgordon.catholic.edu.au
0419 689 495
School Term Dates
Gordon Shop Hot school lunches available every Thursday (unless otherwise advised)
Term One Dates 2025
Friday, 4th April - Easter Hat Parade 9.15am
Friday, 4th April - Term 1 concludes at 1.15pm
Term Two Dates 2025
Tuesday, 22nd April - Staff Professional Learning Day
Wednesday, 23rd April - School commences for students
Friday, 25th April - ANZAC Day - School closure
Friday, 9th May - Mother's Day Lunch - Bungaree Football Club
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 2024 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.
