Mr Hyatt
Spring is coming! Yay!
Welcome to this week's edition of our school newsletter! As we approach the final days of August, we are fast approaching the official end of winter and looking forward to the warmer, brighter spring days ahead. It has been a wonderfully productive term so far.
There has been an extra spark of excitement in the playground following our recent handball tournament. The Grand Final team members were thrilled to receive their winning prizes—NRL handballs of their choice—and games of handball are now popping up all around the school during designated break times. Academic life has been just as busy, with our students completing the final round of ICAS Assessments earlier this week. The sporting enthusiasm continues to build in the Year 3-4 classroom, where students are in the final stages of organising our very own St Patrick’s Primary World Cup Football Tournament. With six teams entered, we are all eagerly anticipating the kickoff of the very first game in the near future!
Looking ahead, we have another action-packed week filled with fantastic opportunities for our community. On Wednesday, some of our Year 5 and 6 students will head off to the Walcha Central School Taster Day to get an exciting hands-on preview of high school life. That same morning at recess, our dedicated P&F will be running a Father’s Day stall where students can purchase special gifts for next Sunday. Furthermore, our next School Advisory Council meeting will take place this coming Monday, August 31st, at 5:30 PM in the staffroom, and we welcome the SAC members can join us as we discuss the ongoing direction of our school.
Finally, I wanted to share a wonderful article I recently read about the unique strengths of small Catholic schools. It was a heartening reminder of the special place St Patrick's is—a vibrant community where every single child is known by name, valued, and nurtured. In a small school environment, our faith and Gospel values are lived out naturally every day through peer mentoring and community spirit. Our students enjoy early leadership opportunities, while our families, staff, and parish work hand-in-hand to build a supportive safety net around every learner. It is a true privilege to see our students flourish in such an encouraging environment, and I thank you all for your ongoing partnership as we welcome the change of season together.
The Big Impact of a Small Catholic School
As Principal, I am always reading articles to find new ways to enrich our school, and I recently came across a piece highlighting the unique strengths of small Catholic schools that I wanted to share with our families.
"There is something truly special about walking through our gates each day. Beyond our classrooms lies a vibrant community where every child is personally known, valued, and encouraged to shine, offering distinct benefits that shape both academic success and moral character.
Because of our size, no student is ever just a face in the crowd. Teachers and staff know every child individually, fostering a deep sense of belonging that ensures no one falls through the cracks academically, socially, or spiritually. This close connection extends directly to our faith, where Gospel values are lived out daily in the playground, at assemblies, and through service to others, creating a family culture rooted in kindness and compassion.
Our environment also naturally nurtures confidence and leadership. Younger students look up to our senior leaders, while older students step into caring, big-brother and big-sister roles through reading buddies and daily school activities. Supported by a strong, collaborative partnership between our staff, parents, and local parish, we are able to create a protective, encouraging network around every learner. Ultimately, in a small Catholic school, big things happen every day as we educate minds, nurture hearts, and build a community where everyone truly belongs."
Father's Day Stall on Wednesday
Our wonderful P&F committee will be running a Father’s Day stall this Wednesday during recess! This is a great opportunity for all students to pick out a special gift for their dads, grandfathers, or father figures. Thank you to our P&F volunteers for making this event possible!
Walcha Central School Taster Day
I want to wish some of our Year 5 and 6 students the absolute best of luck as they head off to the Walcha Central School Taster Day this Wednesday!
This is a fantastic opportunity for our senior primary students to get a hands-on preview of high school life, explore new subjects, and meet peers from around the local region. I am sure these students are going to have a great day!
K–2 Excursion to Tamworth
On Wednesday, September 9, students in Kindergarten, Year 1, and Year 2 will attend an excursion to Tamworth.
As part of the visit, students will attend a live performance of Bluey at the Capitol Theatre.
Details regarding this excursion are available in Compass.
2026 Survey My School
Armidale Catholic Schools has once again collaborated with Survey My School in 2026 to facilitate parents in giving feedback on the practices and procedures of St Patrick's School. Please be aware the structure and several questions have been modified for this year's survey to ensure there is no repetition of questions as well as being more user-friendly. Surveys were emailed to all families and staff members earlier this week. If you haven't received yours yet, please contact the school office.
School Advisory Council Meeting this Monday
Just a reminder that the next School Advisory Council Meeting will be held this upcoming Monday 31st August commencing at 5.30pm in the staffroom.
Premier's Reading Challenge 2026
The Premier's Reading Challenge for this year is approaching its conclusion. Congratulations to all students who took part; it has been reported that a significant number of diverse texts have been read. Please note that validations will close on Friday, 11th September. Should you have any questions or concerns related to the reading challenge, do not hesitate to reach out to Mrs King or Mrs Harrison.
Save the Date: Friday 4th September
Mark your calendars! Friday, September 4th promises to be just as action-packed and exciting as last year.
There is a warm invitation to all grandparents to join us for Grandparents Day celebrations and activities. Adding to the fun, we’ll also be hosting our annual Book Week festivities, complete with a book fair and the beloved Book Week dress-up parade.
This year's theme is 'Symphony of Stories', and we encourage all students to come dressed as their favourite book characters (a book character-not from a television show!). I better start digging through my costume box to find the perfect outfit!
Kindergarten Transition Program Starting on Monday!
The Kindergarten Transition program is set to begin on Monday 9am to 3pm. We eagerly anticipate the arrival of our fifteen Transition students as they embark on their first day at big school. This program will take place every Monday for the remainder of Term 3 and will recommnce on Monday 19th October in Term 4. Mrs. K Makeham will be at the helm of the transition, having arranged a variety of enjoyable activities to be carried out during the program.
Transition Days for children are significant in helping children familiarise themselves with the school environment and helping to make the transition to ‘big school’ so much easier.
School Hours & Supervision
Teachers commence duty at 8:30am and finish duty when the last bus leaves St Patrick’s approximately 3:10pm.
Supervision begins at 8:30am in the COLA
School starts: 9am (Bell - 8:50am)
Recess: 11:00am – 11:30am
Lunch: 1:30pm – 2:10pm
School finishes: 3.00pm.
SCHOOL OFFICE HOURS
The school office hours are 8:30am to 3:30pm
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.