Dear Parents and Carers,

I am delighted to share with you the wonderful experience we had at the Melbourne Catholic Archdioceses Staff Mass last Friday. Our school choir, under the guidance of the talented Choir Master, Mrs. Earle, played a central role in making the event truly special.

The power of music to uplift the human spirit and strengthen our connection to faith is undeniable. At the Staff Mass, our school choir's angelic voices, guided by Mrs. Earle's leadership, touched the hearts and souls of everyone in attendance. Their performance was nothing short of exceptional, creating a spiritual atmosphere that was both moving and memorable.

We are incredibly grateful to the choir members for their dedication and hard work in preparing for this performance. Their commitment and passion were evident in every note they sang. The choirmaster's expertise and guidance played a pivotal role in nurturing this talented group of young singers, and we couldn't be more appreciative of her efforts.

The Staff Mass was not just a gathering; it was a collective experience of faith and community. Our school choir's contribution added a unique and harmonious layer to the occasion, reminding us all of the importance of coming together to celebrate our shared beliefs. A special mention to Christian for his incredible solo on the violin as well. I would also like to thank the staff who assisted on the day with Supervision - Miss Douglas, Mrs O'Connor and Mrs Lalor.

I encourage you to take a moment to thank and commend the choir members for their outstanding performance and Mrs. Earle for her exceptional leadership. Their commitment and talent have not only enhanced the spiritual experience of the MACS Staff Mass but also made us immensely proud as a school community.

As we move forward, let us continue to support and celebrate the talents and efforts of our students, who continually remind us of the beauty that exists within our school. We look forward to more opportunities for our choir to shine and inspire us all in the future.

Taekwondo at St. Patrick's

Our first Taekwondo session was held on Monday this week and our second sessio this afternoon. It was so good to see students experience someting new that will develop strength, fitness and empowerment.

Please see below information regarding Taekwondo lessons being offered at St. Patrick's school.

School Education Board

On Wednesday evening I had my first St. Patrick's School Advisory Council Meeting (SPSAC). I would like to thank all members for their participation in the meeting as we discussed many new ideas planned for the short term and long term future of the school. I will give feedback of our progress to the community as it happens.

School Fees Reminder

Just a reminder that school fees are now due for all families. If you are experiencing financial difficulties, please contact me via the office for a confidential conversation about how I can assist.

Year 6 Student Leadership for 2024

Over the past 2 weeks I have been meeting with the Year 5 Staff and Students to discuss Student Leadership and Leadership opportunities. The students then collated their ideas as to what each leadership position should lead the school in.

As a group, we have decided that these are the important leadership portfolios we would like to see in Year 6 in 2024:

School Captains
Sustainability Captains
Social Justice Captains
Wellbeing Captains
Sports/House Captains
Visual Arts Captains
Italian Captains
Performing Arts Captains
Technology/STEM Captains
Community Leaders
Learning Leaders (Literacy/Numeracy)

Year 5 Students will now write letters of applications for the positions they would like to be considered for and then will have a short interview/discussion (in small groups) with myself, Mrs Diakrousis and their class teacher. I am looking forward to reading their letters of application! My thanks to Mr Hale and Miss Douglas for their generous support of this initiative.

Student Voice

Last term I asked the Year 6 School Captains to conduct school wide interviews asking all students 2 questions. What do you love about St. Patrick's? How can we make St. Patrick's even better? I am pleased to share the students collated ideas below which will drive our school wide improvement plan for the future.

What do you love about St. Patrick's?

Specialist Classes
Special days
Canteen
Equipment on the yard
Special occasions
Uniform
Opportunities
Big playground
Oval
Church
Chickens
Catholic school
Kind caring teachers
The creek
Welcoming

How can we make St. Patrick's Even Better?

Soccer goals
New nets on the basketball hoops
More eating time
New computers
Career day
Gaga pit
Talent show
Year 4 school camp
Specific school rules
More toys (sandpit) (more equipment)

Upcoming School Closure Days

Please note the the following school closure dates in your diaries:

Monday 6th November - Report Writing Day for Staff

Tuesday 7th December - Melbourne Cup Public Holiday

Monday 27th November - School Closure Day for Staff PD

Bayside Parish Configuration

Please find attached information regarding the restructing of the Bayside Parishes from Most Rev Peter A Comensoli - Archbishop of Melbourne.

Year 1 Growth Mindset Video!

Please enjoy our Year 1 students assembly item about them learning about having a growth mindset.

God Bless

Pat Berlingeri

Principal

Community