Mr Hyatt
A very busy time!
Welcome to this week’s newsletter. As we move into the heart of the term, our school calendar is brimming with exciting events, outstanding student achievements, and deep spiritual milestones. Following the beautiful celebrations of Easter and Pentecost, our Church calendar transitions this week into the season of Ordinary Time. Far from being mundane, this season is a wonderful invitation for our school community to find extraordinary grace, hope, and spiritual growth in the quiet routines of our daily lives.
We also have so much local success to celebrate this week! I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the 26 athletes who represented St Patrick's at the Diocesan Cross Country Trials in Barraba. Facing incredibly windy conditions, their resilience and team spirit were exemplary. A special congratulations goes to Josie (3rd overall) and Archie (5th overall), who have both qualified for the Polding Trials in Sydney next month.
Furthermore, our creative talents were on full display at the recent Deanery Mass, where it was announced that Hugh, Audrey, and Archer all gained placings in the prestigious 2026 Diocesan Mary Our Mother Art Competition. We are incredibly proud of all these students for representing St Pat's with such distinction.
Looking ahead, we are preparing for a busy few weeks with our upcoming School Advisory Council meeting this Tuesday evening, our High Jump competition on June 5th, and our annual Athletics Carnival at Walcha Central on June 10th. Thank you all for your ongoing partnership, volunteer support, and dedication to making our school such a vibrant place to learn and grow.
Catholic Schools Week Celebrations
Yesterday, St Patrick's Primary was proudly represented at a significant event for the Catholic education community in Armidale. Our School Captains, Sports Captains, and myself had the privilege of attending the Catholic Schools Week Mass held at the Sts Mary and Joseph Cathedral in Armidale.
The Mass was a celebration, bringing together students, staff, and leaders from various Catholic schools across the diocese to acknowledge the unique spirit and mission of Catholic education. It was an occasion that underscored the values and community that define our schools.
At the conclusion of the recent Deanery Mass, a very exciting announcement was made regarding the winners of the 2026 Armidale Catholic Schools Mary Our Mother Art Competition. This year’s theme, "Mary; Our Mother," inspired an incredible response, with a large number of entries received from schools all across the diocese.
I am proud to announce that three of our very own students—Hugh, Audrey, and Archer—received placings in their respective categories!
In the Stage 3 competition, Hugh achieved an outstanding 1st place, with Audrey following closely to secure 2nd place. Meanwhile, in the Stage 2 level of the competition, Archer performed brilliantly to take home 3rd place.
The organisers of the competition extended a heartfelt thank you to all the participating schools, noting that they were overwhelmed by the exceptional quality, deep devotion, and creativity displayed in the entries this year.
Congratulations to Hugh, Audrey, and Archer on this fantastic achievement, and a big thank you to all our students who dedicated their time and artistic talents to this special event!
A Proud Sporting Achievement
I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to Josie and the Polding Hockey Team for their phenomenal performance at the NSWPSSA Hockey Carnival in Bathurst last week. In a nail-biting grand final, the Polding team was narrowly defeated 2-1 by the Combined Independent Schools, finishing a highly competitive tournament as proud runners-up.
Throughout the entire carnival, Josie's exceptional skills, leadership, and determination shone brightly as she competed against the best young hockey players from across the state. As a result of her outstanding efforts all week, Josie has been selected to represent New South Wales at the Australian Under 12s Hockey Championships, which will be held in Newcastle from October 25th to 30th.
It is always a joy to see our students excel on the state stage while representing our region with such distinction. On behalf of the entire school community, I congratulate Josie and wish her the very best of luck as she prepares for the national championships!
ACS Cross Country Trials
A huge congratulations to the 26 students who represented St Patrick's Primary School at the Armidale Catholic Schools Cross Country Trials in Barraba last Friday! The dedication, grit, and excellent sportsmanship you showed out on the track were truly commendable. Competing against top runners from all across the diocese, each of you displayed incredible resilience and fantastic team spirit. I am proud of your hard work and the wonderful way you represented the St Pat's community.
For a full recount of the day's events, including individual performances and highlights, please refer to the sports section of this newsletter. I encourage everyone to read about the achievements of our talented athletes.
Reflecting on National Sorry Day
This past Tuesday, May 26th, our community joined the rest of the nation in observing National Sorry Day. This day holds deep significance as a time to remember, reflect on, and acknowledge the historical injustices experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The date marks the anniversary of the landmark "Bringing Them Home" report, which was presented to Parliament on May 26, 1997. This pivotal document exposed the painful reality and lasting impacts of past government policies that forcibly removed Indigenous children from their families and culture—those we remember today as the Stolen Generations.
Observing National Sorry Day allows all Australians to recognise the profound grief, suffering, and intergenerational trauma these policies caused. It is a vital milestone in our shared journey toward national healing and true reconciliation. By looking back with honesty and understanding the enduring effects of the past, we are all encouraged to commit to a fairer, more unified future built on empathy, truth-telling, and mutual respect.
SAC Meeting this upcoming Tuesday evening
The School Advisory Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, 2nd June commencing at 5:30 pm in the school staff room.
Semester 1 Reports
As this term is approaching its halfway point, our teachers are beginning to collect data as well as completing various student assessments in preparing for this semester's reports. These reports will be on Compass parent portal. Should you have any questions after reviewing your child's report, please feel free to contact their class teacher during Week 11.
The Semester 1 Report provides parents with an overview of their child's achievement and development in all key learning areas, as well as their level of engagement and socialinteraction.
The government requires a five scale grading system. In place of the A-E grade, a new language is being used to describe the level of knowledge and skills demonstrated by each child. This is comprehensively explained in your child's report.
ICAS Assessments 2026: Key Dates Approaching
The annual International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) are just around the corner for 2026, offering students an opportunity to challenge their academic skills in various subjects. These online assessments are designed to recognise and reward academic excellence, encouraging higher-order thinking and problem-solving abilities.
ICAS Assessments cover a range of subjects, including:
Digital Technologies
Writing
English
Science
Spelling Bee
Mathematics
For many subjects, the main sitting windows will occur in August 2026.
ICAS provides a valuable benchmark for students, allowing them to see how their performance compares against peers nationally and internationally. All participating students receive a certificate, with top performers also eligible for Distinction, High Distinction, and even medals.
How to participate in ICAS
If you wish for your child to participate in ICAS this year, please:
- read about ICAS subjects and prices here: (icasassessments.com/products-icas)
- go to Parent Portal to purchase tests here: https://shop.icasassessments.com/pages/parent-payment/YHA639
- enter the parent’s access code – YHA639
enter your child’s details, select the tests you would like to purchase, then proceed to payment.
Upcoming Event Term 4 - New England Sings 2026 Term 4 for Years 3-6
NEW ENGLAND SINGS! 2026 COMBINED PRIMARY CHOIRS REHEARSAL SCHEDULE Armidale and surrounding schools – outreach schools will have rehearsals scheduled at their own school. However, outreach schools are welcome to attend the Armidale workshops if possible.
This event is quickly beginning to take shape. It promises to be a massive celebration of music, with over 1,000 students participating from 36 different schools across the New England Region.
Ian Jefferson will attend the workshops throughout the year and conduct the Primary choirs at the final weekend of rehearsals and concerts.
St PATRICK’S WALCHA REHEARSAL with Ian Jefferson
Date: Wednesday 29th July
Time: 9.30am-10.45am
FINAL REHEARSAL (all schools, including outreach schools to attend):Date: Saturday 31 October (directed by Ian Jefferson) Time: Primary Choir 1 9:00am – 10:45am
Venue: Lazenby Hall, UNE
CONCERT:Date: Sunday 1 November Time: Primary Choir 1 11:00am – 1:00pm (arrive at 9:30am)
Venue: Lazenby Hall, UNE
St Patrick’s School is an outreach school for the rehearsals but we will attempt to attend two of the rehearsals in Armidale.
Parents will have to commit to the Saturday 31st October - Final Rehearsal and Sunday 1st November Concert. If they wish their child to participate in New England Sings.
A short video on what New England Sings! is all about is included below:
School Hours & Supervision
Teachers commence duty at 8:30am and finish duty when the last bus leaves St Patrick’s approximately 3:10pm.
Supervision begins at 8:30am in the COLA
School starts: 9am (Bell - 8:50am)
Recess: 11:00am – 11:30am
Lunch: 1:30pm – 2:10pm
School finishes: 3.00pm.
SCHOOL OFFICE HOURS
The school office hours are 8:30am to 3:30pm
Contacting Your Child's Teacher
Teachers welcome contact from parents, if you need to talk with staff please either contact the class teacher by phoning the school – 67772328 or email the school at spwadmin@arm.catholic.edu.au.