From the Principal

Change of Dates:

- Please note that the new date for the School Sports Day is Monday 13th November due to track works at Llanberris.

- Unfortunately a booking error has been identified relating to our End of Year / Graduation Mass. Please note the amended date is Tuesday 12th December at 6pm.

Dear families,

It's been a busy week for us at St Pat's! Over the past week the school has been buzzing with outstanding learning experiences. From engaging Life Education sessions with Healthy Harold to remarkable senior fundraisers for identified charities, our students have really embraced being compassionate and giving back - this will continue with our upcoming Mission Month activities.

Our Grade 5/6 boys had the opportunity to meet St. Patrick's College Principal, Steven O'Connor, and some past students as they provided insights into future educational opportunities at the college.

Earlier in the week we held a productive School Advisory Council meeting that helped to shape our school's direction and discuss some important considerations for the year ahead. A huge thanks to the SAC team for their support and insights as well as their commitment to the council in 2023.

Leave Announcement

This week I share an important staffing update for 2024. Cathy Whelan will be taking 12-months of well-deserved long service leave for 2024 school year. This news, while bittersweet, provides an opportunity for us to express our profound gratitude for Cathy's outstanding support to our school community. I particularly wish to thank Cathy for her unwavering support throughout my transition into the role of Principal here at St. Patrick's.

While she embarks on her well-deserved long service leave, we will undoubtedly miss her presence. However, we extend our warmest wishes for a restful and enjoyable break, knowing that she will return to us in 2025, energised and ready to continue her invaluable contributions to our school.

In light of Cathy's leave, it is my pleasure to announce that Thea Hubble will be stepping into the role of Deputy Principal for the 2024 school year. As you're likely aware, Thea brings a wealth of experience, dedication, and a deep understanding of our school's mission and values. She has been an integral part of our educational community and has shown unwavering commitment to the growth and development of our students. I have no doubt that she will do an outstanding job in this new role.

Thea's appointment ensures that the strong tradition of leadership and excellence at St Patrick's Primary School will continue without interruption. We are confident that she will bring her passion and expertise to the role of Deputy Principal, contributing to the continued success and growth of our school.

As we navigate this transition, I want to assure you that our commitment to providing a nurturing, supportive, and high-quality education remains steadfast. We will continue to work together to ensure the best possible learning environment for our students.

Out of School Hours Care

Thank you for completing the expression of interest to support the preliminary discussions with OSHC providers early in term 3. The feedback has been a great assistance in the appointment process. I can now confirm that St Patrick's will be partnering with Extend Before & After School Care from the beginning of the 2024 school year with the endorsement of DOBCEL. There will be further information to be shared shortly. In the interim, I have confirmation that a member from the Extend team will be joining the parent information session for the first 2024 Foundation Transition session on Tuesday 14th November.

Drummo Community Conversation

I would like to invite you to be a part of a transformative discussion about the hopes and aspirations for the learning opportunities at St. Patrick's in 2024 and beyond. Your insights and perspective are invaluable, and I would be most appreciative of your input into these important conversations.

Where:

Glowrey/Mackillop Room at St Patrick's Cathedral (where the disco was held)

When:

Wednesday 22nd November

Session 1: 9:00-10:30am

Session 2: 5:00-6:30pm

Social Media

We are thrilled to announce that St. Patrick's is making a triumphant return to social media! We're back on Facebook and newly connected to Instagram, and we can't wait to promote our wonderful school community in a whole new way.

In our ever-evolving world, we understand the importance of staying connected and sharing the great work we're doing with the wider community. Our aim to enhance our online presence by sharing, engaging, and showcasing the exceptional education and experiences we provide to our students.

Here's what you can expect from our social media channels:

📷 Visuals: We'll be sharing images and videos of our students, staff, and school events to provide the wider community with a glimpse into life at St. Patrick's Primary.

🌈 Celebrating Achievements: We want to celebrate the achievements of our students and staff. From academic milestones to sporting accomplishments, we'll be showcasing the talents and achievements of the St. Patrick's community.

🤝 Community Engagement: We want to enhance our community partnerships with local businesses and promote our school to a wider audience.

💡 Educational Insights: We'll also be sharing educational insights and tips to support our students and parents in their educational journey.

Like and follow us on Facebook: click here

Spread the word and invite your friends and family to connect with us too!

Carols on the Turf

Save the date - it's going ahead! On Tuesday December 5th the builders have kindly agreed to open the turf for our whole school gathering. If you're interested in helping out with the Carols on the Turf please let me know - we're keen to involve as many people as possible!

Wishing you all the best for a great week ahead!

Kind regards,

Ben Shields