It’s been a really tough time for our school community lately. Some of our staff and families have experienced the heartbreaking loss of parents and close friends. These are the moments that can feel so big and overwhelming, reminding us that life can be unpredictable and bigger than us.

There’s no easy way to get through these types of losses but maybe we can find a little bit of meaning in them. Perhaps these times might remind us to be mindful of what others might be going through. We often don't know the full story; or perhaps any of what others are experiencing, and a small act of kindness can make all the difference.

At St Pat's, we try to help our students to be a little kinder, gentler and compassionate towards one another. Our school and indeed our whole community is always at its best when we're there for one another.

Confirmation and Bishop's Visit

Our Year 5 and 6 students are making their final preparations to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation this Sunday September 21st at 10:00 am Mass. This is a very special occasion and the spiritual life of these students and our whole school community is invited to Mass this Sunday morning to share this occasion with the students as they receive this sacrament.

Bishop Peter Murphy and Monsignor Wilkes will be at school at 12:00 noon this Friday to examine the candidates and visit all the classes.

Updates to Our End-of-Year Events

This year, we've made some significant changes to our end-of-year Presentation, Performance, and Mass, based on valuable feedback from our families and the availability of priests.

Here are the details for your calendars:

"Ali Baba and the Forty Bikies" Performance: Our annual school performance will be held at the Walcha Multi-Purpose Centre on the evening of Wednesday, December 10, 2025.
Annual Presentations : On the morning of Friday, December 12, 2025, the Annual Presentations will take place at 9:30 a.m. in the school COLA. Immediately following, the school community is invited to a morning tea picnic in the school playground.
Graduation Mass & Whole School Barbecue: The celebrations on Friday will conclude with the Graduation Mass at 12:00 p.m., followed by a whole-school barbecue lunch.

Please mark these important dates in your diary!

And Now It's Gone...

We'd like to extend a huge thank you to Glen O'Brien and the team at Oxley Civil for their incredible generosity and hard work. They dedicated their time and effort to remove the old playground equipment, a project that will provide a significant benefit to our students.

This work has created a large, much-needed running space, meaning primary and infants students no longer have to share the oval. We are beyond grateful for Glen's support in making this valuable change to our school grounds.

First Reconciliation - Postponed

First Reconciliation has been postponed until later in Term 4 at a date to be announced.

Thoughts and Prayers for Sarah Hoy and her Family

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Sarah Hoy and her family on the passing of her father this past Wednesday morning. We are keeping Sarah, her mother, and her brothers and sisters in our thoughts and prayers.

Band - (Help Needed)

There are not many adults who look back on their childhoods and wish they'd never been taught an instrument!

The school band program provides our primary students with an incredible opportunity. Learning an instrument and performing with a group is a valuable experience, and we've invested a great deal financially and logistically to make this program possible for every primary child at St Patrick's.

For the program to be successful, it's essential that all students have their instruments for band lessons and practice on Fridays. Disappointingly, we've noticed that many students are regularly "forgetting" (intentional or otherwise) to bring their instruments to school. When this happens, it disrupts the flow of the practice and makes it difficult for the group to learn and rehearse effectively. Of course we're all human and on occasions we forget things, but not this often!

We understand that things can be hectic at home and we kindly ask for your help in making sure your child remembers their instrument on band day. Hopefully between school consequences and reminders from home, we will see a big difference and ensure every student gets the most out of this great opportunity.

Polding

Congratulations to Archer, Shaun, Josie, Lucy and Grace Smith who all competed in the Polding Athletics Carnival last Friday. From all reports, all students outdid themselves achieving 'Personal Bests'.

A huge congratulations to Josie Wauch who came 2nd in the discuss. Josie will now compete in the State Athletics Carnival in Homebush in October.

We couldn't be more proud!

A Message from Bishop Murphy

Bishop Murphy’s Safeguarding Sunday message was released over the weekend. It can be viewed and shared from:

Our Diocesan Safeguarding Home page: Safeguarding - Catholic Diocese of Armidale
Facebook: This Sunday 14th September we mark Safeguarding Sunday Listen to Bishop Murphy's message for Safeguarding Sunday | Diocese of Armidale | Facebook
YouTube: Safeguarding Sunday Bishop's Message

Weekday and School Masses

As previously communicated, Father Anthony is 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.

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.

School Assembly

School assembly Friday 12th September 2025

Jelly Bean Cup