Principal's Report

Learning:

 Wandering through learning spaces and having conversations with learners about learning gives me a great buzz. It also triggers my reflection around  my schooling experiences and compares the then and now. How learning is experienced now is vastly different! 

In mine, and most likely your primary school days, there were no modelled, shared and independent learning experiences which students today thrive on. Learning spaces in 2021 encourage shared conversations about learning, working in pairs, groups, independently and collectively sharing the findings of the learning experience. The language of learning intentions and success criteria are part of every key learning area (subject), every day. Students are clearly informed about what they are learning about and the criteria which will measure their success. 

Catholic Missions, the Power of the Coin: 

The word mission in this context means respond to action. The actions of Catholic schools to raise money for those less fortunate is a long historic event, one which I remember participating in as a child. The cumulative power of coins, no matter the denomination, has an incredible impact in a country which needs help. In 2021, our diocesan collection, along with all those across Australia, will go towards supporting The Good Shepherd Sisters Kindergarten Centre in Thailand. Among the many programs run by the Sisters in the bustling capital of Bangkok is a kindergarten for children from an urban slum, where many simply cannot afford to send their children to school. The kindergarten offers two life‑changing services for both local women and their children. Firstly, the Sisters provide a loving education in a safe place, catering for essential needs; and secondly, this allows the parents to freely work and earn a living for their families without fear for their children’s safety.  https://www.socktober.org.au/thailand  

Receiving the Sacraments 

We keep in our prayers those students who will be receiving the sacrament of either First Holy Communion or Confirmation in the early weeks of November. In the faith journey of a young Catholic person, these sacramental celebrations are very important and significant.  

The Parish of St Patrick, Celebrates its Sesquicentenary (150 years) 

The Parish of St Patrick, our parish, celebrates its Sesquicentenary on 21 November with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Kennedy at 10:30am. Like many plans, more significant celebratory plans were abandoned due to COVID restrictions. Consider joining this special occasion.

Annual School Survey

Thank you for taking the time to complete the Annual School Survey. All Australian schools;  Government, Independent and Catholic are required to offer the opportunity to seek feedback from the parent, student and staff community. Responses become part of valuable data which schools use to assist make their schools even better places.