Mr Hyatt
Where has the term gone?
It’s hard to believe that we are close to the last week of Term 1! The past nine weeks have flown by, and in that time, we have achieved so much—both in and out of the classroom. Academically, our students have excelled, showing dedication and enthusiasm in their learning.
A special mention goes to Grace S, who proudly represented St Patrick’s and Armidale Catholic Schools at the Polding Swimming Trials yesterday. This is a fantastic achievement, and she should be incredibly proud of her efforts.
I also had a fantastic time with our students at the Da Vinci Decathlon earlier today, where they showcased their creativity, problem-solving skills, and teamwork. It was an inspiring day filled with challenges and excitement.
One of the highlights of my time this term so far has been visiting all the classrooms and engaging with students in their learning. I have particularly enjoyed teaching Year 1-2 in maths and science—their curiosity and enthusiasm have been wonderful to witness. The worm farm has been a real hit, sparking great discussions about sustainability and the environment!
With Easter fast approaching, some of our Mini Vinnies members have been busy selling tickets for the Principal for the Day raffle, which will be drawn at our Easter Hat Parade next Friday. I suppose I’d better start organising my hat!
My walking trek is fast approaching, and I must admit, I’m not as prepared as I’d like to be! While I know I’ll enjoy the experience once I find my rhythm, the thought of walking 160km is definitely a little daunting. I suppose I’d better get in a long walk—weather permitting!
Take care, and I look forward to catching up with everyone at the Easter Hat Parade next week.
OPEN MORNING for 2026 Kindergarten Students - 13th May 9:30am-11am
Our open morning will be held on Tuesday May 13th from 9:30am - 11am.
The Open Morning in 2026 provides parents with the chance to discover what St Patrick's School can offer their children. Parents can engage with the faculty, take a tour of the campus, and partake in a morning tea. Transition students are also welcome to participate in activities with the current Kindergarten class.
Should you be aware of individuals with a child preparing to begin school in the upcoming year, or individuals interested in exploring our school and its offerings, we kindly request that you extend an invitation to them for our Open Morning.
LET'S GET READY FOR KINDERGARTEN 2026
Enrolments are now open for Kindergarten 2026.
Our school open morning for Kindergarten will be Tuesday 13th May 2024.
Please contact the school for an enrolment package - 67772328 or email
Premier's Reading Challenge
Exciting news this year as St Patrick's students will again be participating in the Premier's Reading Challenge. We urge all students to take part.
Your child's login details will be sent home shortly. You and your child will then be required to log in, provide the child's information, so they can record their books online.
Many of the PRC books can be found in our school library, where we will encourage students to borrow them during library time. Additionally, we are introducing all students to "SORA" - an app tailored to the contemporary student reading experience. This app enables students to explore and enjoy ebooks and audiobooks from their school, for both recreational and assigned reading purposes. It also includes the PRC books. We aim to have this process completed for students very soon!
Northern NSW Da Vinci Decathlon at TAS
Today, our talented team of eight students – Tom, Jessica, Grace F, Kiara, Katie, Adelaide, Claire, and Indie – put their minds to the test at the Da Vinci Decathlon, held at The Armidale School (TAS). This academic competition challenged our students across a range of disciplines, fostering teamwork, problem-solving, and creative thinking.
Our team tackled a series of demanding tasks, showcasing their intellect and collaborative spirit. The Da Vinci Decathlon is known for its diverse challenges, spanning areas like engineering, mathematics, science, english, and creative production, providing an enriching and stimulating experience for all participants.
I extend a special thank you to Jess Williams, whose invaluable assistance with transport arrangements ensured our students arrived safely and ready to compete. Her support was instrumental in making the day run smoothly.
I am incredibly proud of our team for their dedication and hard work. They represented St Patrick's Primary with enthusiasm and commitment, demonstrating the intellectual curiosity and collaborative spirit we strive to cultivate in our students.
A full wrap-up of the day's events, including highlights and achievements, will be featured in next week's school newsletter. Stay tuned for a detailed account of our team's performance and the exciting challenges they faced!
ANZAC DAY MARCH
St Patrick’s School has been invited to attend the ANZAC Day March. Those children who are available to march on Friday 25th April, need to assemble with the school at 10:30am at the corner of Hill and South Streets. The service will begin at the end of the march, approximately 11:00am in ANZAC Memorial Park. After the service, the march will go down Derby Street to Fitzroy Street and finish at McHattan Park.
Parents could you please make sure:
*your son/daughter is in the correct school winter uniform, tie, black shoes and school hat
*you collect your son/daughter at McHattan Park after the march
A note was sent home earlier this week to find out who will be available to represent St Patrick's at this event as it is on during the second week of the school holidays.
Walk for Water on Thursday 10th April
On Thursday, 10th April, our students and staff will be taking meaningful steps in support of Project Compassion by participating in a special "Walk for Water" activity. This event aims to raise awareness about the global water crisis and the challenges faced by communities who lack access to clean, safe water.
We are inviting all students to wear yellow mufti clothing on Thursday as a symbol of solidarity and support. Additionally, we encourage students to bring a bucket to school. During Thursday afternoon, we will be participating in a walk that will help us to understand the difficulties faced by many who must walk long distances to collect water.
The "Walk for Water" activity is a powerful way for our students to learn about the importance of water conservation and to empathise with those who live without this essential resource. By carrying buckets, we will gain a small glimpse into the daily struggles of millions around the world.
This initiative is a part of our ongoing commitment to Project Compassion, a Caritas Australia program that supports vulnerable communities worldwide. We believe it is crucial to instill in our students a sense of global citizenship and a desire to make a positive impact.
We encourage all families to discuss the importance of water conservation with their children and to support our efforts in raising awareness and funds for Project Compassion.
We look forward to a meaningful and impactful "Walk for Water" on Thursday afternoon!
The Winner of 'Wearing Uniform With Pride' Award Is.......
This week, Cohen was presented with this week's 'Wearing Uniform With Pride' award. With so many students demonstrating great pride in their uniforms, choosing a winner is always a challenge. However, Cohen commitment to wearing both his school and sports uniforms with care and respect truly stands out. Congratulations, Cohen!
SCHOOL HOURS
Supervision of students commences at 8:30am, there is no supervision prior to this time, therefore no students should be onsite.
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.