I am finally getting back into routine!

It’s wonderful to share that I’m finally starting to settle back into the rewarding, busy routine here at St Patrick’s! After being away, the best way to get reacquainted has been to dive right into the heart of the school: the classrooms.

I’ve spent a large amount of time across all year levels this week, observing various lessons and working directly with many of our fantastic students. It’s been an absolute delight to see all the learning and growth firsthand.

Last Thursday, I had the pleasure of spending the entire day with Year 5 and 6. It was fantastic to be back in the senior classroom, collaborating with them on their various tasks and seeing their focused effort.

Earlier today, I enjoyed a very engaging experience with Year 1 and 2. Their enthusiasm for learning is infectious! I am already looking forward to teaching them again in a fortnight’s time.

While I admit I’m feeling a little tired right now—the busy school routine is certainly high-energy—it’s a good kind of tired!

Speaking of getting things back into full swing, a small but important project for Year 1-2 to tackle soon is the re-establishment of the worm farm. It’s definitely time to get that running again to support our environmental learning and sustainability efforts!

I look forward to continuing to reconnect with everyone in the coming weeks!

It was great to finally meet our Transition Class

Our Transition Program officially recommenced for the term on Monday, and it was a genuine pleasure to finally meet the next generation of St Patrick’s students!

I had the opportunity to welcome Amelia, Ava, Bill, Dougal, Eleanor, Isabelle, Kolby, Marlie, Ollie, and Rudy. Seeing their bright eyes and infectious enthusiasm, I can definitely tell that this wonderful group of students is more than ready for "big school" next year.

The transition sessions are a fantastic way for our youngest members to become familiar with the school environment, routines, and staff, ensuring a smooth and confident start to Kindergarten.

A huge thank you must be extended to Miss Dunn for her outstanding work in leading and coordinating the Transition Program so far. Her dedication has made these initial weeks a positive and engaging experience for our incoming students.

Well Done Josie!

The NSWPSSA Athletics Carnival took place earlier today and yesterday. Representing Polding, Josie was competing against the best athletes from across the state in attempting to gain selection in the New South Wales team that will compete at the National All Schools Athletics Carnival. Earlier today, competing in the 11 Years Girls Discus, Josie came 8th overall with a distance of 29.39m

Congratulations Josie, we are very proud of your achievement.

Kindergarten's Day Out At Thalgarrah!

I heard our Kindergarten students had an absolutely wonderful time last Friday at their Teddy Bear's Picnic Excursion to Thalgarrah!

A huge thank you and sincere appreciation must go to Ms Wilson and Mrs Laurie for dedicating their time and energy to supervising the students throughout the day. Their careful planning and supervision ensured that the picnic was a safe, smooth, and memorable success for every student.

I am thrilled that this special day was such a hit and look forward to more exciting learning opportunities for our Kindergarten class!

Year 3-4 Excursion to Thalgarrah

The Year 3-4 students will be participating in an overnight excursion to Thalgarrah on the 13th and 14th of November. Miss Cattelini and myself will be supervising the students on this excursion. More Information will be sent home to our Year 3-4 families soon via Compass.

Real Talk Workshop for Years 4 and 6 students on Tuesday

This upcoming Tuesday, October 28th, the Real Talk Workshop will be hosted by St Joseph's Primary, Uralla. Our Years 4 and 6 students will join the St Joseph's students for this session. Real Talk is an engaging program centered on Christian values and dynamic personal sharing, focusing on the essential topics of relationships and personal identity.

Real Talk provides presentations, programs, and up-to-date resources and wants all young people to know their true value, worth, and dignity and to experience love for all it was created to be.

CRAZY SOCK AND HAIR DAY - Friday 31st Oct for Catholic Missions Fund Raising.

October is Catholic Mission Month and this year the theme is 'Missionaries of Hope for All People' with a focus on the mission of building a stronger economy and society in Zambia, where it is hoped that the vulnerable will be able to access social services.

Our Mini Vinnies team are in the process of organising and coordinating several fundraisers for this project and they have decided to have our annual CRAZY Sock and Hair Day on Friday 31st October. Everyone is encouraged to wear something crazy in their hair, wear some crazy socks and bring a GOLD coin for the Mission appeal.

Still recovering from last year's taping trauma, I'm thrilled to announce a new twist for this year's fundraiser! On Friday, October 31st, students will vote to select a brave staff member (who has already agreed!) to be "kidnapped" and taped to the wall. I have a funny feeling I might be the target again—I'm hearing I'm on everyone's hit list! Students, bring in an extra dollar if you'd like to purchase a strip of tape and make the lucky staff member truly uncomfortable. I'm hoping to get a strip myself to secure one of my colleagues! Stay tuned to see who goes up!

Updates to Our End-of-Year Events

This year, we've made some significant changes to our end-of-year Presentation, Performance, and Mass, based on valuable feedback from our families and the availability of priests.

Here are the details for your calendars:

"Ali Baba and the Forty Bikies" Performance: Our annual school performance will be held at the Walcha Multi-Purpose Centre on the evening of Wednesday, December 10, 2025.
Annual Presentations : On the morning of Friday, December 12, 2025, the Annual Presentations will take place at 9:30 am in the school COLA. Immediately following, the school community is invited to a morning tea picnic in the school playground.
Graduation Mass & Whole School Barbecue: The celebrations on Friday will conclude with the Graduation Mass at 12:00 pm, followed by a whole-school barbecue lunch.

Next P and F Meeting this upcoming Tuesday 28th October at 6.00pm

The first P and F Meeting for Term 4 is scheduled to take place this upcoming Tuesday, 29th of October starting at 6.00pm in the Year 3-4 classroom as well as via Zoom. We hope you are able to join us.

The Winner of 'Wearing Uniform With Pride' Award Is.......

Congratulations to Amelia, the winner of our first 'Wearing Uniform With Pride' award this term! Well done, Amelia—you consistently set a high standard by wearing both your school and sports uniform with true pride.

2025 School Fees - Due end of November

This is a friendly reminder that all outstanding school fees are due by the end of November. If you have any questions regarding your account balance or wish to discuss a payment plan, please contact the school.

2025 Remaining Staff Development Days (PD Days)

Thursday 18th December (Last day of Term 4)

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.

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