Mrs Makeham
Maybe I'm just getting soft...but I have never been this cold in Walcha for this long! Surely this weather can't last much longer! I'm looking forward to hitting double digits on the thermometer again, and a little bit of sunshine wouldn't go astray either.
With the cold, wet weather comes the inevitable: it seems like Influenza A, gastric bugs, and COVID-19 are once again making the rounds in our community.
To help keep our school community as healthy as possible, we kindly ask for your cooperation. If your child is feeling unwell, please keep them home. This not only helps prevent the spread of illness to others but also gives your child the best chance to rest, recover, and get back to full health.
Also, on those days when it is wet and boggy underfoot, we're encouraging students to wear their gumboots to school. This may help keep their feet warm and dry, and save their school shoes from destruction.
New England Times Names Us Best School!
We're incredibly proud to share that the New England Times has voted us the Best School in New England!
Our heartfelt thanks go out to all who voted. This remarkable achievement reflects the special and inspiring environment we've built together. It's a direct result of the hard work and dedication of our amazing students, incredible staff, and the strong support of our entire community, all working towards the success of our school.
NAIDOC Day
Yesterday St Patrick's School celebrated NAIDOC Day. Students participated in a myriad of Aboriginal and Torres Strait cultural acivities from dot painting to bead making and sharing in a sausage sizzle. Our Aboriginal Education Assistant Jen Allen, went all-out, to make today a real celebration of our first nations cultures.
Thank you to Jen and our teachers, EAs and students for making NAIDOC day one of the most special of our school calendar.
NERAM - Let's Hang It Competition
Last Friday night, Anna Blomfield and Oscar Young, along with their families, were celebrated at the New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM) as finalists in the prestigious 2025 UNESAP "Let's Hang It" Competition. Being selected as a finalist from a vast number of submissions is a remarkable accomplishment, and we are incredibly proud of these students' achievements.
The "Let's Hang It" exhibition at NERAM is open for the next few weeks, and we encourage everyone to visit and see the impressive artwork on display.
100 Days of Kinder
In what seems like no time at all, Kindergarten has been at school for 100 days! What a difference 100 days makes. In Term 3 of Kindergarten things really start to come together. 'Gooodbye' to the shy little bodies who hid behind their Mum's legs and 'Hello' to the confident little people that have all the big kids right in their pockets and play games with gusto and purpose. They are also writing and reading and they cannot believe how clever they have become!
This Friday, Kindergarten will be dressing up as 100 year olds to celebrate. It is always a great day and Ms Wilson never fails to disappoint with her costume.
(Photos next week)
School Audit
St Patrick's School will be undergoing a school audit on Tuesday, August 6th. A team from the Armidale Catholic Schools Office will be visiting our school to conduct a comprehensive review.
This audit is a regular process, occurring every five years, and is crucial for ensuring we maintain best practice across all areas of the school. The team will be checking our adherence to various school operations, including our academic programs and our compliance with all school policies and procedures.
The insights gained from this audit are invaluable in helping us to continuously improve and ensure we are providing the best possible learning environment for your children.
Brain Olympia
Our St Patrick's team for the Brain Olympia Tamworth Cluster on August 11th is almost finalised! Students will travel to Tamworth to compete against other local schools. The competition features five rounds of ten questions each, broadly covering Science, English, HSIE, Famous People/Places, and Current Affairs. Teams will need to work collaboratively, with every member contributing.
We're hoping for a strong effort from our students! Mr. Hyatt will be supervising the team on the day, marking his first day back at St Patrick's.
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.
Lexus Melbourne Cup Visits St Patrick's School!
As you are no doubt aware, the Lexus Melbourne Cup will be visiting our school for a special presentation by representatives from Victorian Racing on Friday the 15th August.
To mark this momentous occasion, students will showcase their creativity by decking themselves out in their best school-constructed racing millinery! (Well that should be interesting)
Important Information Regarding the Street Parade:
Due to the street parade commencing at 2:30 PM and potential issues with bus pick-ups, the school will not be participating as a whole school in the parade.
However, students who wish to participate in the street pararde under the St Patrick's school banner with the principal are welcome to do so, provided they have been signed out of school by their parents for this purpose.
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.