As we continue our Lenten journey we reflect on the 2021 Project Compassion Prayer

God of all peoples and nations,

As you accompany us on our

Lenten journey,

May our fasting strengthen our

commitment to live in solidarity,

Our almsgiving be an act of justice, and

Our prayers anchor us in love and

compassion.

Through living simply and loving

generously,

May we care for our global family

and our common home, as we

“Aspire not to have more, but to be more”.*

We ask this in Jesus’ name.

Amen.

*Saint Oscar Romero

Beginning of School Year Mass

Today we officially welcomed Monsignor Glynn Murphy to the St Patrick's School community as he led us in our Beginning of School Year Mass. It was particularly pleasing to be able to share such a special occasion with family members as well. Each of our new students were welcomed and received their school candles during the Mass.

Mons Glynn reminded us all that God loves us everyday, and so do our parents, our teachers and all staff members. He reminded us to do really simple good things and that if something is good, it is God.

Mons Glynn shared a reading from Mark's Gospel and then reflected on two special passages within the Gospel. He said, "Life is a Gift," and to, "Love everyone else the way we would like them to treat us. This shows the Love of God."

In recognition of our celebrations of 200 years of Catholic Education in Australia, each student and staff member will receive a badge as a memento of this special time in the history of Catholic Education. Mons Glynn blessed the badges during today's Mass.

Get To Know You Meetings

It was great to see a number of our families take the opportunity to meet with the teachers to discuss their child's progress or simply to introduce themselves and have a chat. We had 29 bookings on Tuesday evening. Thank you to those parents who were able to come along. I know that the teachers found it to be a worthwhile exercise.

Swimming

Although the weather turned a little cooler this week, our children had fun at the pool as they participated in our Swimming and Water Safety Awareness Program on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The program will continue next week on Monday and Tuesday. Tuesday afternoon will be a fun afternoon at the pool with a mini-carnival with events and activities being planned. Parents are invited to come along and watch on Tuesday from 1.15pm.

Students can wear coloured clothes on Tuesday, to match with the 'house colour' they are allocated to. The colours are red, purple and black. Students will be told today which 'house colour' they have been allocated to so that you have time to prepare.

School Advisory Council

The first meeting of the SAC took place on Wednesday night and Ant Toet was elected Chairperson for the next twelve months. Zanny McEldrew is Treasurer, Nathan Ruge continues in the Grounds & Maintenance role, Helen Cannell has taken on the Fundraising portfolio, Moo Khu James has the Bilingual Parent Liaison role and Ant Toet will also focus on the Community Engagement role. I thank each of these parents for playing an integral role in the life of our School Community.

St Patrick's Music Bingo Night

We will be celebrating St Patrick's Day with a Music Bingo Night fundraiser for the School. Get your friends together for a great night of entertainment. This will be hosted by Tim O’Donnell from Horsham! I encourage you to contact Helen Cannell on 0419 829 272 to book a table. We have limited spaces so book now and be prepared for lots of fun, laughter, singing and prizes throughout the night!

Cleaning

We have a need for a cleaner - one-hour each day after school. If you are, or know of anybody who might be, interested in this role, please contact me on 0419929271 or by email principal@spnhill.catholic.edu.au for more information.

Visitor signing in process

We have the Victorian QR Code (Service Victoria contact tracing app) in use at school. All visitors to school (and the hall) must sign in using our paper based register AND the QR Code. Simply download the Service Victoria app and scan the QR code. (Quick visits, less than 15 minutes, may be exempt but are advisable).

Weekly assembly

Parents are most welcome to join our weekly assemblies, each Thursday at 2.45pm. Our new A/V system enables greater opportunities for student participation, helping them grow in confidence. We love regularly sharing the achievements of your children with you.

Reminders - on-site learning

The following coronavirus restrictions remain in place:

All unwell students must stay home. Parents will be called to collect any students who experience symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat.
Students must bring their own water bottles to school for use (and refilling).
We will continue to provide routine environmental cleaning, including progressive cleaning throughout the day, as well as easy access for hand hygiene (hand washing and sanitiser).
Parents/carers are asked to observe physical distancing measures before and after school by not congregating in areas inside or around the school, including at the main entrance.
Parents/carers can attend the school office if necessary.
Face masks do not need to be worn at school by primary school children, but children over the age of 12 must wear masks when not at school.

Link to latest restrictions

Remember to follow us on Facebook

Those who are on Facebook are encouraged to follow our page at St Patrick's School, Nhill. 'Like' our page, enjoy our posts, and share them with your friends. Stay connected through our Social Media page.

Our Josephite Heritage

The Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, often called the "Josephites" or "Brown Joeys", were founded in Penola, South Australia, in 1866 by Mary MacKillop and the Rev. Julian Tenison Woods. In 1949, three Josephite sisters arrived in Nhill to open St Patrick’s School. In 1978, the Sisters of St Joseph informed the Nhill Parish that they would no longer be able to maintain their role within the school.

We endeavour to honour our Josephite heritage through the regular presentation of the Little Joey awards at our assemblies. In support of this we also include a reflection from Mary MacKillop on our newsletter each week.

"Love one another, each one always in good or bad, not minding how things seem" Mary MacKillop, 1873

God Bless you all.

Kingsley Dalgleish

Principal

Community News

Anyone for hockey?