Deputy Principals Mrs Diakrousis & Mr Speranza
St. Patrick's School
Dear Families,
Welcome to Term 4! It is hard to believe how quickly this year has flown by. We are looking forward to a wonderful, exciting and busy final term together.
Our Year 3 students started the term with a fantastic Mad About Science incursion. The students thoroughly enjoyed the experience, enthusiastically taking part in a range of engaging and hands-on science activities. It was wonderful to see their curiosity and excitement throughout the incursion.
We also wish all of our students competing in the Division Athletics Carnival at McKinnon Reserve this Thursday the very best of luck. Reaching this level is a fantastic achievement, and we are incredibly proud of the hard work, dedication and effort they have put in to get this far. We know they will represent St Patrick’s with pride and give it their very best.
We would like to inform you of two events coming up next week:
- The Australian Maths Competition cerfificates will be presented next Friday the 16th October at our Assembly. Over 60 students participated and all parents are invited.
- The school will be participating in the City of Kingston Biketober Challenge during week's 2, 3 and 4. Students are invited to actively travel to school, and further information can be found below.
We look forward to a fantastic Term 4 and all the exciting opportunities and celebrations still to come! A reminder to let you know that each year level has prepared a termly newsletter for you to pursue, which has been sent via nForma today.
Warm regards,
Joelle Diakrousis, Deputy Principal / Learning Diversity Leader
Anthony Speranza, Deputy Principal / Learning & Teaching Leader
Child Safety Awareness for September- Child Safety Standard 9
Please see the Child Safety page for further information
Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide
A helpful reminder for all of us is the Cancer Council’s “Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, and Slide” slogan. This easy-to-remember message encourages children to Slip on a shirt, Slop on sunscreen, Slap on a hat, Seek shade, and Slide on sunglasses whenever they’re outside. Practicing these sun safety steps helps build lifelong habits that protect skin health.
Further advice is also attached below:
Australian Mathematics Competition
Students who participated in this year's Australian Mathematics Competition will be presented with their certificates and award category at next week's assembly, on Friday 16th October. All parents are invited to attend. Students will also be receiving a solutions guide to this year's competition paper.
City of Kingston Biketober Challenge!
This Term, our school is taking part in the City of Kingston Biketober Challenge across Weeks 2, 3, and 4!
We are joining forces as one whole school community to see how many active travel trips we can log together. Active travel includes walking, riding, scooting, or taking public transport.
The benefits of active travel include:
A healthy body and mind: Starting the day with physical activity boosts mood, increases energy, and helps students arrive at school focused and ready to learn.
Safer and quieter streets: Every active trip means one less car at the school gate, reducing traffic congestion and improving safety around our school zone.
Environmental impact: Choosing active travel cuts down on local emissions, helping build a cleaner, greener community.
Remember: "Part of the Way is OK"! If you live too far away to travel actively for the entire distance, you can still participate! Consider driving part of the way, parking a few blocks from school, and walking, riding, or scooting the rest. Every step, pedal, and push adds to our combined total.
Seasons for Growth 2026
A notice has been shared on NFORMA inviting families to express their interest in their child participating in the Seasons for Growth program this year.
At times in life, children experience change or loss that can feel confusing, overwhelming, or difficult to manage on their own. To support students during these times, we will once again be offering the Seasons for Growth program at school this year.
What is Seasons for Growth?
Seasons for Growth is a small-group program designed to support children who have experienced significant change or loss, such as the death of a loved one, family separation, friendship changes, moving house, or other important life transitions.
The program:
Helps children understand that change and loss are a normal part of life
Provides a safe space to share experiences (if they choose)
Builds emotional literacy and coping skills
Encourages resilience and connectedness
Sessions will be facilitated by Mrs Diakrousis and will run in small groups during school hours.
Students who participated last year are welcome to continue the program and will build on their previous learning. New students will begin the program from the first session, which introduces the core concepts and foundations of the program.
Please contact Mrs Diakrousis for further details
Resilience Groups - also known as Bounceback!
This term, Mrs Diakrousis will also be starting the Resilience Groups for select students in Years 1–5. The Resilience Group (also known as the Bounce Back! Group) is designed to support students who may benefit from additional social and emotional skills to help them better manage challenges and build confidence.
An email was shared with all families from Year 1-5 to provide an overview of the program.
The lessons will take place once a fortnight from 2:00pm, ensuring that core learning areas are not interrupted.
Through small group sessions, students will learn strategies related to:
the Zones of Regulation (understanding and managing emotions)
managing worries and big emotions
building positive friendships and social skills
developing confidence and independence
problem-solving and coping with setbacks
The lessons are based on evidence-informed approaches to social and emotional learning and are delivered in a supportive, safe environment where students can share and practise new skills.
If you are interested in your child participating, please email Joelle Diakrousis (jdiakrousis@spmentone.catholic.edu.au).
Random Acts of Kindness
We are delighted to celebrate the following students for their exceptional kindness and compassion. Whether through a small gesture or an intentional act of support, you have made our school a more inclusive and welcoming place. Thank you for living our values and serving as such inspiring role models for your peers. Keep up the wonderful work!
Stephi Z. (6EP), Elliot N. (6EP), Xavier O. (6FH) and Mark H. (6MH) - For staying back to continue to assist staff with begining of term tasks. Thank you for being such great leaders of our school
Cassie O. (4DM)- For always taking the time to offer assistance when somebody is in need.
Ben F. (5MH) - For being kind and using his manners when assisting a member of his class.
Harper S. (4DM) - For her incredibly kind demeanour and for always showing such care and interest in others.
Stephanie G. (3NM) - For being a caring and dedicated friend.