I am slowly getting back into routine!

As we kick off the new school year, I know I’m not alone in finding the return to the early morning alarms and school routines a little challenging! The beginning of the year is always a whirlwind of setting goals and ensuring our staff and students are supported, but it is wonderful to see the school come to life again.

Despite the busy pace, it is incredibly reassuring to see how well the classrooms have settled. During my visits and time working with small groups, I have been impressed by how engaged the students are and the effort they are putting into their work.

As teachers will be discussing further in upcoming Parent Teacher Interviews, our key goals for this year include building consistency with the Living Well and Learning Well framework and helping all students set realistic learning goals in literacy and numeracy. It has been great to see these practices already taking shape across the school.

I look forward to catching up with you all, either on Monday at the Swimming Carnival or at our Welcome Assembly and Barbecue next Friday. Until then, take care.

Kindergarten's First Week!

It has been a week of firsts, big smiles, and new adventures as we welcomed our newest and youngest members to the school community. I am delighted to report that our nine wonderful Kindergarten students have nearly completed their very first week of "big school"!

It has been a joy to watch them settle into their new routines, make new friends, and explore their classroom. A huge welcome to Amelia, Ava, Dougal, Eleanor, Isabelle, Kolby, Marlie, Ollie, and Rudy. You have all made such a brave and positive start to your learning journey, and we are already so proud of you.

Transitions like these are made so much smoother by caring and dedicated staff. We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Ms Wilson and Mrs Laurie. Their patience, warmth, and dedication have ensured that every child feels safe, happy, and ready to learn. Thank you for creating such a nurturing environment for our new class.

Congratulations, Kindy, on a fantastic first week!

Walcha Races Tomorrow

The Walcha Race Day is Friday 6th February. This is a half day holiday. Buses will collect students at 11:30am, other students need to be picked up 11:20 - 11:30am.

School will be closed from 11:30am.

Ash Wednesday and Beginning of School Year Mass - 18th February 11:30am @ St Patrick's Church

Our first K-6 School Mass for 2026 will be the Ash Wednesday Beginning of the Year School Mass, on Wednesday 18th February in St Patrick's Church beginning at 11.30am. Our new School Captains, House Captains and School Leaders will have their badges blessed by Monsignor Ted and be formally commissioned. Everyone is invited to join us.

School Swimming Carnival on Monday

Earlier today, the Oxley (Red) and Apsley (Blue) house groups gathered for their final chant rehearsal and last-minute preparations ahead of tomorrow’s school swimming carnival. Wishing both teams the best of luck—may the most deserving team claim victory!

I know Monday will be a standout moment, and it’s sure to be an incredible day! My final advice to all students: stay hydrated, apply sunscreen, and most importantly, have fun! Best of luck to all the swimmers—may this carnival be a day to remember for everyone involved. I can’t wait to see you all poolside tomorrow—let’s make a splash!

Please ensure all students arrive by 8:45am, as the bus will depart promptly at 8:50am. We expect to return to school by approximately 2:45pm.

Best of Luck to Josie, Rebee and Shaun at the Polding Tennis Trials tomorrow!

I am thrilled to send my best wishes to Josie, Rebee, and Shaun as they travel to Tamworth tomorrow.

They will be representing both St Patrick’s and our Diocese at the Polding Tennis Trials—a truly fantastic achievement! Their hard work and dedication to the sport have clearly paid off, and we couldn’t be prouder. I know they will compete with great skill and wonderful sportsmanship.

Good luck to our talented trio; the whole school is cheering for you!

Uniform changes for next week

Due to the Swimming Carnival taking place this coming Monday, there will be a slight change to the uniform schedule for next week only.

Please ensure your child wears the correct uniform on the following days:

Monday: Sports Uniform (Swimming Carnival)
Tuesday: Summer Uniform
Wednesday: Summer Uniform
Thursday: Summer Uniform
Friday: Sports Uniform

Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring the students are in the correct uniform.

Welcome Lunch and Assembly on Friday 13th February

As we settle into the rhythm of the new school year, it is time to come together as a community to celebrate the start of 2026 on Friday 13th February.

I am delighted to invite all families—both those who have been with us for years and those who have just joined the St Patrick’s family—to our Official Welcome Assembly and Lunch.

This is a wonderful opportunity to meet our new staff, connect with other parents, and officially welcome our new Kindergarten students and families to the school.

We will begin with a short assembly to recognise our student's achievements for the start of the year and welcome our new students, followed immediately by lunch for everyone to enjoy (Students will need to bring a packed lunch or purchase one from the canteen, which will be open on the day).

I look forward to seeing many of you there to kick off the year with great food and even better company.

2026 National Servicemen's Commemoration Day Service

On Sunday, 15th February, the Armidale and District National Servicemen’s Association will hold a special Commemoration Service at the monument in Central Park, Armidale, starting at 11:00 am.

This service honours the memory of national servicemen (conscripts) who lost their lives in World War II and Vietnam, those who died during their service, and those who have passed away in the years since. St Patrick’s is honored to have been invited to lay a wreath during the ceremony.

Expressions of interest were sent to our school leaders to represent our community at this significant event.

Covering of Students' Books

Due to a delay, our classroom arrived on Monday. Consequently, students in most classes will bring their new workbooks home tomorrow, 6th February, to be covered over the weekend. If you are able, please cover these books and return them to school by Monday, 9th February.

We certainly understand that weekends can be very busy! If you aren't able to get to them over that weekend, please simply return the books on Monday regardless. You are more than welcome to chat with your child’s teacher to arrange a more convenient time to take them home for covering later.

Compass information up to date

If any families need to update details in regard to change of family dynamics, address, phone number, etc.

Please email school spwadmin@arm.catholic.edu.au or through Compass parent portal.

It is essential that all our records are current and up to date.

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.

Classroom Gallery

Highlights from all of the Classes from the first week of the brand new school year!