Dear families,

As we share our final newsletter for 2025, it is a fitting moment to pause and reflect on a year filled with learning, growth and community. Each year at St Patrick’s brings its own blessings, and this year has been no exception. I am filled with genuine gratitude for the remarkable unity, commitment and generosity that continue to define our school.

To our remarkable students, your enthusiasm, curiosity and resilience have shone through in every corner of our school. Whether in your classrooms, on the stage, on the sports field or through acts of kindness, you have shown what it means to learn with heart and purpose. Your achievements - academic, social, emotional and spiritual - are a credit to your hard work and to the support wrapped around you by family and staff.

To our dedicated staff, thank you for the personalised care, rich learning opportunities and deep commitment you bring to your work each day. Your professionalism, creativity and passion ensure that every child at St Patrick’s is known, challenged and supported. I feel genuinely privileged to work alongside colleagues so dedicated to their vocation.

To our supportive parents and guardians, your partnership this year has been invaluable. The trust you place in us, the conversations you share, and the way you contribute to the life of our school make a profound difference. Strong family–school connections sit at the heart of student flourishing, and your support enables us to nurture the wellbeing, learning and faith development of every child.

I also wish to acknowledge the ongoing support of parish leadership, in particular Fr Ed, and our School Advisory Council. Their guidance, wisdom and advocacy help strengthen our mission as a Catholic community and ensure that St Patrick’s continues to grow in faith, excellence and community spirit.

Our school production was once again a highlight of the year, offering a joyful celebration of creativity, teamwork and courage. We were also delighted to welcome many new families in 2025. Your warmth and inclusivity ensured that newcomers felt embraced from the beginning - a true reflection of what makes St Patrick’s special.

To our graduating Grade 6 students, the Class of 2025, we send you into your next chapter with pride and affection. Thank you for your leadership, your energy and your contributions to our school over the years. As you move into secondary school, may your memories of St Patrick’s remain treasured, and may you face the future with curiosity, confidence and courage.

As we conclude the 2025 school year, on behalf of all staff, I wish you a joyful and holy Christmas. May the break ahead be restful, renewing and filled with moments of connection. We look forward to returning in 2026 for another year of growth, collaboration and shared success.

Final Day for Students 2025

This year, the final day for students will be Thursday 18th December, with the school day finishing at 1:00pm.

Farewell and Thank You to Our Departing Staff

As we come to the end of the 2025 school year, we pause to recognise and celebrate several members of our St Patrick’s staff who will be concluding their time with us. Each has given generously to our community, and their contributions have shaped the learning, wellbeing, and spirit of our school in meaningful ways.

After taking leave throughout 2025, Kim has confirmed that she will not be returning to St Patrick’s as she continues to thrive in her work at Saints College. Kim has been a cherished and dedicated member of the St Patrick’s team for more than 26 years. During that time, she has taught, supported, mentored, laughed, and walked alongside countless children, staff, and families. Kim’s deep connection to our community is woven through so many moments - big and small - and her legacy is one of steadfast care, professionalism, and a genuine commitment, particularly to sports, to seeing every child flourish.

We also farewell Kat Bartone, who concludes four years of service as a Learning Support Officer. Kat’s warm presence, reliability, and unwavering commitment have had a profound impact on the students she supported and the teaching teams she partnered with. She has been deeply dedicated to ensuring all students feel safe, included, and capable of achieving success. We thank Kat sincerely for her contribution to our learners and our wider community and wish her all the best with the big move!

At the end of this year, we will say goodbye to Stephanie Valentine, whose expertise and forward-thinking approach have been invaluable to St Patrick’s. Stephanie has been a champion for innovation, contemporary practice and high expectations. Her commitment to excellence - paired with her willingness to explore new ideas - has strengthened learning and teaching across our school. We have been incredibly fortunate to benefit from her professionalism, care and dedication.

We also acknowledge and thank Alannah Fry-Smith, who has worked with our F/1 students throughout 2025. Alannah has brought energy, kindness and a strong sense of partnership to her role. Her work with our youngest learners has contributed to a positive, nurturing start for so many children this year, and we are grateful for the time she has spent with us.

Revisited: Important Dates for 2026

To support our families with early organisation, we are pleased to share a set of key dates for the 2026 school year. Providing this information now helps ensure everyone can plan ahead with confidence - whether it’s booking family commitments, arranging care, or simply preparing for the year to come.

There are, of course, many more relevant dates across the school year; however, the list provided captures several of the major events and milestones to help guide your 2026 planning. You will find the 2026 Term 1 calendar available now also.

Term 1
29th January	First day of term one for students
16th February	School Closure Day (Staff Professional Development - Literacy)
2nd April	Term 1 Concludes
Term 2
20th April	Term 2 Commences
20-22nd April	Grade 5/6 Camp
26th May	School Photos
5th June	School Closure Day (Staff Professional Development - Collaboration)
8th June	King’s Birthday Public Holiday
26th June	Term 2 Concludes
Term 3
13th July	Term 3 Commences
31st July	School Closure Day (Staff Professional Development - Religious Education)
1st September	School Closure Day (Staff Professional Development - Literacy)
18th September	Term 3 Concludes
Term 4
5th October	Term 4 Commences
2nd November	School Closure Day (Staff Professional Development - Numeracy)
3rd November	Melbourne Cup Public Holiday
13th November	School Sports Day
17th December	Last day of Term 4

Note: Foundation students have Wednesdays off throughout February - first full week at the beginning of March.

2026 Classroom Helper - Child Safety Induction Sessions

We value any time parents support us with learning activities or special events such as excursions and Mother's and Father's Day stalls and breakfasts.

If you would like to participate in any such activities, you are required to attend a 'Child Safety Induction' session each year.

For those of you getting prepared for 2026, the following sessions are available in Term 1.

Sessions run for 20 min.
Tues 10th Feb 9 am	Fri 13th Feb 9 am	Wed 18th Feb 2:45pm	Thurs 19th Feb 9 am
Tues 3rd Mar 9 am	Fri 6th Mar 9 am	Wed 11th Mar 2:45pm	Thurs 12th Mar 9 am

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

Kind regards,

Ben Shields

School Calendar Term 1-2026