Catholic Identity

Thank You - Winter Coat Appeal

Winter Coat Appeal

Thank you to everyone who generously donated to our Winter Coat Appeal. We were overwhelmed by the kindness and support shown by our school community.

All donations have now been gratefully received by the Tongala Community Hub and will be distributed throughout our local community to individuals and families as needed during the colder months.

Your generosity is a wonderful example of living out our faith through service and care for others. Thank you for helping to make a difference in the lives of those in our community.

Scripture Reflection

"I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." John 10:10 

Jesus reminds us that faith is about more than simply getting through each day. He wants us to live life fully — showing kindness, building strong relationships, helping others and using our gifts to make a difference.

At St Patrick's, we see this 'abundant life' when students support one another, challenge themselves in their learning and contribute positively to our community.

Reflection Question: How can I help someone else experience a little more joy, hope or kindness this week?

Catholic Social Teachings

Subsidiarity

Subsidiarity teaches us that people should have a say in decisions that affect them.

At St Patrick’s, we encourage students to share their ideas, take responsibility and contribute positively to the life of the school. We help students understand that their voice matters and that they can play an important role within our community.

Through our school values of Kindness, Respect and Learning, students are encouraged to take on leadership opportunities, contribute thoughtfully in the classroom and work collaboratively with others.

Subsidiarity is lived out when students are given opportunities to make choices, share feedback and take ownership of their learning and responsibilities. These experiences help students grow in confidence, independence and leadership as they work towards our Graduate Outcomes.

By helping students understand that their contributions are important, we continue to build a school community where student voice, leadership and responsibility are valued.

Preferential Option for the Poor

Preferential Option for the Poor reminds us that we must put the needs of poor and vulnerable people first.

At St Patrick’s, we encourage students to grow in empathy, compassion and awareness of the needs of others. We help students understand that small acts of kindness and generosity can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Through our school values of Kindness, Respect and Learning, students are encouraged to support social justice initiatives, fundraising opportunities and acts of service within the community. Through initiatives such as Caritas Project Compassion and Catholic Mission fundraising opportunities, students learn the importance of supporting others with compassion and generosity.

Students are encouraged to recognise when others may need support and to respond with kindness, fairness and understanding.

By helping students recognise the importance of supporting those who may be vulnerable or experiencing hardship, we continue to nurture thoughtful and compassionate members of our community.

Upcoming Liturgy

We are looking forward to welcoming grandparents and special friends to St Patrick's on Friday 31 July for our annual Grandparents & Special Friends celebration.

Due to a scheduling clash with the installation of Bishop René Ramírez as Bishop of the Diocese of Sandhurst, Fr Uday is unavailable to celebrate Mass on this occasion. As a result, this year's gathering will be a student-led liturgy rather than a Mass.

Our liturgy will begin at 2:00pm in St Patrick's Church and will be led by our students, who are excited to share this special celebration with the important people in their lives.

Following the liturgy, guests are warmly invited back to the school for a cuppa and the opportunity to spend some time in classrooms with their grandchildren or special friends.

We look forward to celebrating this special afternoon together.