St. Patrick's Mentone - Newsletter

Deputy Principals' Report

Dear Families,

 

What a great dress up day we had on Monday to celebrate GEM Day (Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness) as part of our school’s social and emotional learning program, the Resilience Project.

Monday coincides with National Sorry day, and this week, we acknowledge National Reconciliation Week. The dates of 27th May and 3rd June commemorate two significant milestones in the nation’s reconciliation journey – the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.

 

Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

See further below for some snapshots of learning from the classrooms this week.

Next week the Year 4 to Year 6 students will be completing their swimming program at Mentone Grammar pool. An Operoo has been sent to families, please ensure these are signed ASAP. There has been an update to the times of the Year 6 lessons, please see further below.

 

Warm Regards,

 Deputy Principals: Joelle Diakrousis and Anthony Speranza

 

 

 

Year 2 & St Bede’s: Write a Book in a Term Collaboration

On Monday, 26 May, our Year 2 students embarked on an exciting literary journey in partnership with students from St Bede’s. Together, they are participating in the Write a Book in a Term project; a creative collaboration where students co-develop picture storybooks that will be professionally published and celebrated later this year.

 

During their first session, students met in small groups to brainstorm ideas. They discussed the elements they love in picture books and began crafting their own stories, focusing on plot, characters, and settings. The enthusiasm and creativity displayed by our Year 2 students were truly inspiring.

 

We look forward to seeing these imaginative stories come to life and to the special celebration planned for Term 4 when the completed books will be presented.

 

 

Swimming Program - Year 4 to Year 6

 

An update from Mr Edwards: 

 

Parents please note that there is a slight change to the swim program next week. Mr Hales class, 6MH, will now be swimming at the same time as 6BT and 6LS. They will be walking at 11am and their swimming lesson will be 11.30 - 12.10. I have changed the parent sign up sheet if you wish to volunteer to walk on any of the 3 days.

 

Thank you!

Memorial Service for Ms Leanne Brown

 

A reminder that the memorial service for Ms Leanne Brown will be on Wednesday 4th June at Chelsea RSL, 2:00pm. On this day the school will remain open and operational as usual. As many of our staff will leave to attend the service, a modified timetable will be in place for the afternoon following lunch play for students. Students will be dismissed at the regular time of 3:15pm. Parents and students are also welcome to attend the service.

 

School Winter Uniforms

 

All students are now required to be in their full school winter uniform.  It is an expectation that winter shirts are tucked in at all times and that the correct shoes are also worn.

Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining our school’s high standard of presentation.

 St Patrick’s is a Nut-Safe School

 

At St Patrick’s, the health and safety of our students is our top priority. We are a nut-safe school, which means we ask all families to avoid sending any food items that contain nuts or nut products.

 

This is to protect students in our care who have anaphylaxis or severe allergies, which can be life-threatening. Even trace amounts of nuts can cause serious reactions.

Please do not send the following items to school:

  • Peanut butter or Nutella sandwiches
  • Muesli bars or snack bars containing nuts
  • Cakes, biscuits, or slices with nuts
  • Trail mix or any snack packs containing nuts
  • Satay or nut-based sauces in lunches

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in keeping our school environment safe for all students.

 

If you have any questions or concerns about food safety or lunchbox options, please don’t hesitate to contact the school.

 

No Dogs on School Grounds

 

We kindly remind all families that dogs are not permitted on the school property at any time.

While we understand that many children love seeing pets at drop-off and pick-up, for the safety and comfort of all students, staff, and families, we ask that all dogs remain outside the school gates. This includes even the most well-behaved and friendly pets.

 

If you do bring your dog with you during school drop-off or pick-up times, please ensure they are kept on a lead and remain outside the school boundary.

 

Chess Tuition 

 Registrations are open for the Term 2 Chess Club, which takes place on Wednesdays at recess. A minimum number of students are required for the club to take place, so if you are thinking of participating or continuing from last term please see the information below or website chessforschools.com.au to register.

 

  

Random Acts of Kindness 

We would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the following students for their outstanding display of kindness and compassion towards others. Your willingness to support, encourage, and uplift those around you has set a wonderful example for our entire school community. It’s incredibly inspiring to see students across different year levels go out of their way to make others feel valued, included, and respected.

Your acts of kindness—whether through small gestures or significant efforts—are powerful reminders of the positive impact we can all have. Thank you for embodying the values that make our school a welcoming and caring place for everyone. Keep up the amazing work!

 

Week 6

 

Olivia O. (6BT) and Skye B. (5ID) For showing compassion and kindness as group leaders while gently guiding and directing a junior student throughout the GEM DAY activities.

 

Guy F. (3FH) For proactively asking another student to play. Guy is always thinking of others and includes students into his games.

 

Taj H., Oliver D., Norah H. and Lottie C. (3EL) For being responsible and helpful members of 3EL while their teacher was away.  

 

Stephanie G. and Olivia Y. (2KP) For always working hard at keeping the school beautiful.