Welcome back...

Well here we are again!

I certainly hope you all had a restful Term 2 break. People certainly look a little more spritely than they did at the end of last term. It's always lovely to return to watch the students return to school after a holiday with happy faces, ready to greet their friends and full of optimism for the term ahead.

I hope that anyone who experienced illness during Term 2 had the opportunity to recover fully and are fit and ready for all the rigours of another busy term at St. Pat's.

Welcome to new students

We'd like to extend a very warm welcome to the Ella - Year 4, Nate - Year 2, and Harrison - Kindergarten, along with their parents Luke and Alyce, who have recently joined our school community.

We're thrilled to have you all with us and hope you quickly feel at home.

Students as Authors Competition Winner

We've done it again!

Yesterday we received notification that Jess Patterson-Kane (Year 6) won the Years 3-6 category for this year's Students as Authors Writing Competition, with her fabulous story "Boris The Bruise".

This is a very big deal and the whole St Patrick's community are super proud of Jess. Congratulations to Jess, her teachers and her family.

Jess will participate in three meetings over the term with illustrator, Trish Donald, who will be working with her to make her story into an eBook to be published on SORA where it will be available to borrow for more than 250,000 students across Catholic schools in Australia!

Jess below - looking every inch the author!

Let's Hang It Awards

Congratulations to Anna Blomfield and Oscar Young who have been selected as finalists in this year's art prize. On Friday night, Anna, Oscar and their families will attend the presentation ceremony at New England Regional Art Museum for the announcement of the competition's prize winners.

This is a significant achievement for these students and we are very proud of them.

The judge this year for the first and second place prizes is Armidale photographer and filmmaker Mike Terry. The four first prize-winning artworks will enter the art collection of the University of New England. The Director of NERAM, Rachael Parsons, will also present a Director’s Choice Award. Throughout the duration of the exhibition, people will be able to vote online for the People’s Choice Award.

The exhibition opening of finalists’ artworks will include the announcement of prize-winners and is usually an exciting event for all participants and we hope all finalists and their families will be able to attend. The exhibition will run until Sunday 10 August 2025.

School Audit

St Patrick's School will be undergoing a school audit on Tuesday, August 6th. A team from the Armidale Catholic Schools Office will be visiting our school to conduct a comprehensive review.

This audit is a regular process, occurring every five years, and is crucial for ensuring we maintain best practice across all areas of the school. The team will be checking our adherence to various school operations, including our academic programs and our compliance with all school policies and procedures.

The insights gained from this audit are invaluable in helping us to continuously improve and ensure we are providing the best possible learning environment for your children.

NAPLAN Reports

Naplan results went home with Year 3 and Year 5 today. Should you need clarification, please contact the school.

A message from Fr Anthony

We've received news from Father Anthony that he'll be away for the foreseeable future. He's taking time to care for his elderly mother, who continues to experience ill health.

During his absence, there will be no weekday or school masses. However, a visiting priest from Armidale will be celebrating weekend masses.

We extend our heartfelt well wishes to Father Anthony and his mum, and we'll keep them both in our prayers.

Lexus Melbourne Cup Visits St Patrick's School!

As you are no doubt aware, the Lexus Melbourne Cup will be visiting our school for a special presentation by representatives from Victorian Racing on Friday the 15th August.

To mark this momentous occasion, students will showcase their creativity by decking themselves out in their best school-constructed racing millinery! (Well that should be interesting)

Important Information Regarding the Street Parade:

Due to the street parade commencing at 2:30 PM and potential issues with bus pick-ups, the school will not be participating as a whole school in the parade.

However, students who wish to participate in the street pararde under the St Patrick's school banner with the principal are welcome to do so, provided they have been signed out of school by their parents for this purpose.

Keep an eye on Compass event notifications for expressions of interest

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.

SCHOOL HOURS

Supervision of students commences at 8:30am. Students should not be on-site until after 8:30 AM.

Classroom Gallery