Message From Our Principal

Haven’t the mornings been chilly? By lunch time though, we are loving getting outside and the children have been kicking the footy, playing downball, building in the sandpit, playing lego and just enjoying our space and the great outdoors. 

The Resilience Project Parent Session

Thursday 30th May from 6:30pm - 7:30pm (60 minutes)

What you can expect.

As we know a whole school approach is key to supporting student wellbeing. This workshop is designed to inspire parents with new ideas and simple strategies to extend GEM (Gratitude, Empathy & Mindfulness) practice from the classroom into the family home.

Please register for the webinar using the following link: https://au01web.zoom.us/meeting/register/u5MrdOmqrT0qG9akzct9a_3w4IQqn2AQMqBH

School Saving Bonus

You may have seen the measures announced earlier this week by the Allan Labor Government in the 2024-25 State budget.

A $400 School Saving Bonus was announced for all Government school students. However, only Health Care Card holders will be eligible for the payment in Catholic schools.

As we all know, families are feeling cost of living pressures and for Catholic school families to be discriminated against in this manner is deeply unfair.

I’m sure you would agree that there should be equality for all school children in Victoria. Either the payment should apply to all students, or it should be means tested for all students, as has been the case with programs like the Camps, Sports, and Excursions Fund.

I would respectfully ask that you reach out to our local member of parliament (Peter Walsh) to express our concerns that our St Patrick’s families will miss out on this $400 School Savings Bonus. Peter’s email is peter.walsh@parliament.vic.gov.au. I have drafted a template and emailed it to you, for you to use if you wish.

Thank you for ensuring we respond strongly. It is important for students, families and Catholic schools that we make our voices heard regarding this unfair decision. 

Student Teacher:

Next week a new student teacher will begin her placement in Grade 3 with Mrs Stock and her class. She has written the following message to our community:

Hello St Patrick’s, Primary School Community,

My name is Laura Lee , I am currently a second year Bachelor of Primary and Inclusive Education Student at Australian Catholic University in Ballarat. I have grown up on a dairy farm and like to spend my spare time either playing netball or reading.

I am looking forward to meeting you all during my upcoming placement and immersing myself in all aspects of school life.

Dental Form:

The dental Van is coming to visit St Patrick's students on Monday 22nd of July. We will send a copy of the form below home with all students on Monday the 27th of May.

Men's Shed:

We are looking for a person who is handy with wood and tools to lead our 'Men's Shed Group' for the term. The men who usually run it are on holidays this term so we were hoping someone knew someone who would be happy to give it a crack. It's 1 hour a week on Wednesday's between 9-10am.

If you a keen to give it a go or you know someone who is please send me an email.

Beanies:

As the weather gets cooler don’t forget our school beanies- $10, sold at the office. The Student Advisory council confirmed the design for our St Patrick's scarves that should arrive soon.

St Patrick's Rugby Tops:

Good news, we have gained enough interest in the rugby tops for them to be ordered. Hip Pocket will order enough jumpers to have a range of sizes in stock and they will arrive in 6-8 weeks. 

If you would like to call in to Hip Pocket in Echuca to try on a jumper and put your order in beforehand, you are welcome to do this - otherwise we will let you know when the first shipment arrives so you can go into the shop and purchase. 

They have suggested that families might like to get a name embroidered under the collar to ensure jumpers do not get lost.