Spring is officially here!

Greetings to all. I trust that each of you enjoyed a wonderful Father's Day and had the chance to celebrate this occasion with your family. I am aware that many families at St Patrick's participated in various sporting events on Father's Day, and our lives are often quite busy with numerous commitments. However, Father's Day provides us with a valuable opportunity to connect with our loved ones, and these moments are truly invaluable. This is the essence of Father's Day, and I sincerely hope you found a way to treat your father with kindness and appreciation.

While I am aware that we will still experience several chilly mornings and days in the near future, it is indeed a pleasure to recognise that we have officially transitioned from Winter to the early days of Spring. The commencement of this season was marked by a highly successful Father's Day Breakfast, along with the Grandparents and Book Week Fashion Parade. The success of these events can be attributed to the diligent efforts of the Parents and Friends Association in organising the Father's Day Breakfast and morning tea, as well as Mrs. Davey's leadership of the Book Fair, and the contributions of all staff members who coordinated various activities in their classrooms. I extend my gratitude to everyone involved. Moving forward, I need someone to remind me not to take part in the fashion parade, this is the second year in a row that I have made a fool of myself by showing off my awful dance moves. I have decided to relegate myself to playing the music when the fashion parade is taking place next year. Especially as I have been reminded that numerous photos and videos were shared featuring myself and the staff members during the parade.

Returning to the main topic, what events are scheduled for September? Although there are slightly more than three weeks remaining until the term concludes, several events are imminent. I know a large number of our visitors were impressed with the near completion of our brand new playground where a number of the students as well as the Armidale Catholic Schools Director, Regina Menz tested some of the equipment. The new chook palace is very popular and now there are five residents living in the chook's version of the 'Taj Mahal'. Thanks to the Larkings family for their kind donation.

Earlier this week, I received information that, weather permitting, all renovation work is expected to be completed by the end of next week, fingers crossed! I want to emphasise that Mark and his team have performed exceptionally well and have been incredibly accommodating, taking on several additional projects that were not part of the initial plan. I am confident that upon their departure, they will not miss the ongoing repairs of broken drains, the manual transportation of numerous loads of gravel, or the frequent requests for assistance from Mrs Pittman and Mrs Rizzi.

It will indeed be a relief once all the work is completed, allowing us to return to a semblance of normalcy. Nevertheless, the successful execution of these drainage and playground projects would not have been possible without the contributions of several current and former members of the P and F, along with our previous principal, Mrs Burton.

I would like to take this opportunity to formally recognise all individuals who have contributed to the proposal for new playground equipment, organised various fundraising events, and participated in any other efforts that have led to the successful realisation of this project. We cordially invite our past and present members of the P and F, representatives from Armidale Catholic Schools, the broader Walcha community, and Monsignor Wilkes to join us for the official grand opening and blessing of the new playground equipment. This event is scheduled for Friday, 20th September, with the playground viewing beginning at 10:00 AM and the ceremony commencing at 10:30 AM.

I look forward to seeing everyone there.

Brain Olympia Final this Wednesday

I extend my best wishes to our Brain Olympia Team, which includes Henry, Lilah, Grace C, Jessica, Grace S, Indie, Hannah, and Hugh, as they prepare for the Brain Olympia Final taking place at St. Xavier's Primary School in Gunnedah this Wednesday, September 11th. I am confident that our team will perform admirably and represent our school with distinction, although I must confess to feeling quite anxious. Additionally, I would like to express my gratitude to Karen Blomfield for generously providing transportation, allowing our team to participate in this event.

Grandparents Day, Book Fair and Book Week Fashion Parade

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all parents, grandparents, supporters, students, and staff members for contributing to the remarkable success of our annual Father's Day Breakfast, Grandparents Day, and Book Week Activities. It was truly wonderful to witness the participation of nearly everyone in our broader school community. The creativity and originality displayed in the students' and staff members' costume designs are commendable, and I must confess that I felt a sense of relief not having to determine the winner of the best costume from each class. Had it been my responsibility, I would have awarded many more prizes. Once again, congratulations to all, and thank you for your support on this special day.

School Fees 2024

A friendly reminder that school fees are due 30th September 2024.

School fees are essential to the financial viability of our school. It would be appreciated if accounts are be paid in full by this date. If you are unable to pay your fees by this date, please contact the office and talk to Mrs Rizzi to discuss options.

Please note: school fees need to be up to date for students to attend excursions.

Excursions Update

Soon, all classes will engage in their significant excursions for the year. On Tuesday, September 10th, all K-2 students will journey to Tamworth to attend a performance of 'The Gruffalo' at the Capital Theatre. Ms Wilson, Mrs Flanagan and myself will be supervising the students at this event.

Thanks again to most of our Years 3-4 parents who have indicated that they would like their child to participate in the overnight excursion to Lake Keepit Recreation Centre on the 21st and 22nd of November. Miss Cattelini and myself will be supervising the students on this excursion.

Also, more information went home to all of our Years 5-6 families in regard to their major excursion to Canberra from the 4th to the 8th November. Mrs Davey and myself will be supervising the students on this excursion and looking at the itinerary, we are going to have a great time.

Thank you to all the families who have paid the full costing (incorporated in the school fees) of all of the excursions. Please be reminded that all students attending the excursions need to have payments finalised by the 30th September 2024.

Canteen Helpers Desperately Needed!

Regrettably, we find ourselves in a predicament where the coordinators of the school's canteen are having difficulty securing sufficient volunteers to cover all the positions on the roster necessary for the canteen's operation every Monday and Friday. If anyone is in a position to offer assistance, we kindly request that you inform the school.

The Winner of 'Wearing Uniform With Pride' Award For This Week Is.......

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to McKenzie, the deserving recipient of this week's 'Wearing Uniform With Pride' award. McKenzie, you have every reason to take pride in your accomplishments, as the entire St Patrick's community consistently acknowledges your commitment to wearing your school and sports uniform with remarkable pride.

2024 Remaining Staff Development Days (PD Days)

Monday 14th October (First day of Term 4)

Friday 20th December (Last day of Term 4)

Upcoming Event Term 4 - New England Sings 2024 Term 4 for Years 3-6

NEW ENGLAND SINGS! 2024 COMBINED PRIMARY CHOIRS REHEARSAL SCHEDULE Armidale and surrounding schools – outreach schools will have rehearsals scheduled at their own school. However, outreach schools are welcome to attend the Armidale workshops if possible.

This exciting event is beginning to take shape, 16 schools (with approx. 500 choristers) in the combined Primary choirs and 14 schools (with approx. 450 choristers) in the Secondary choir.

Ian Jefferson will attend the workshops throughout the year and conduct the Primary choirs at the final weekend of rehearsals and concerts.

FINAL REHEARSAL (all schools, including outreach schools to attend):

Date: Saturday 26th October (directed by Ian Jefferson)

Time: Primary Choir 9:00am – 10.45 am (arrive by 8:30am)

Venue: Lazenby Hall, UNE

CONCERTS: Date: Sunday 27th October (directed by (with Ian Jefferson)

Time: Primary Choir 11:00am – 1:00pm (arrive by 9:30am)

Venue: Lazenby Hall, UNE

St Patrick’s School is an outreach school for the rehearsals but we will attempt to attend two of the rehearsals in Armidale.

Parents will have to commit to the Saturday 26th October - Final Rehearsal and Sunday 27th October Concert. If they wish their child to participate in New England Sings.

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.

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