Catholic Identity

Catholic Social Teaching at St Patrick's

Participation

Participation teaches us that everyone has the right to contribute to their communities and make a difference.

At St Patrick’s, we encourage students to use their gifts, talents and voices in positive ways. We work to create opportunities for students to actively participate in learning, leadership and school life.

Through our school values of Kindness, Respect and Learning, students are encouraged to contribute ideas, work collaboratively and take part in opportunities that help strengthen our school community.

Participation is lived out through leadership opportunities, classroom discussions, teamwork and students having a voice within the life of the school. These opportunities help students continue developing the confidence, responsibility and compassion reflected in our Graduate Outcomes.

By helping students understand that their ideas and contributions matter, we continue to build a school community where every student feels empowered to make a positive difference.

Care for Creation

Care for Creation reminds us that we need to care for the Earth and all life in it because it is a gift from God.

At St Patrick’s, we encourage students to appreciate and care for the world around them. We help students understand that even small actions can positively impact our environment and our community.

Inspired by Laudato Si’, students are encouraged to care for our school grounds, respect nature and make thoughtful choices that help protect our common home.

Care for Creation is lived out through sustainable practices, caring for shared spaces and developing an appreciation for the beauty and importance of God’s creation.

By helping students understand the importance of caring for the environment, we continue to nurture responsible stewards of creation for the future.

Scripture - Words to Live By

This term, we are introducing a new Scripture reflection to our newsletter. Each edition will feature a short passage from the Bible, explained in a simple and practical way. We hope these words encourage our families to pause, reflect and consider how their message might guide us in our everyday lives.

“Let all that you do be done in love.”1 Corinthians 16:14 (NRSV Catholic Edition)

This short verse offers a powerful guide for our daily lives. Whether we are learning, working, playing sport or helping at home, we are called to act with love and respect.

Love is not just a feeling—it is something we show through our actions, words and choices.

Something to think about: What is one thing I can do this week to show love to someone else?

Upcoming Liturgy

We are looking forward to welcoming grandparents and special friends to St Patrick's on Friday 31 July for our annual Grandparents & Special Friends celebration.

Due to a scheduling clash with the installation of Bishop René Ramírez as Bishop of the Diocese of Sandhurst, Fr Uday is unavailable to celebrate Mass on this occasion. As a result, this year's gathering will be a student-led liturgy rather than a Mass.

Our liturgy will begin at 2:00pm in St Patrick's Church and will be led by our students, who are excited to share this special celebration with the important people in their lives.

Following the liturgy, guests are warmly invited back to the school for a cuppa and the opportunity to spend some time in classrooms with their grandchildren or special friends.

We look forward to celebrating this special afternoon together.