A very tiring week!

It is rather uncommon for me to compose my reflections for this edition of the newsletter from my room at the Canberra Park Resort. We are currently in the concluding phases of the Year 5-6 Excursion, which has proven to be quite an eventful week. We have been blessed with the weather, and overall, our excursion has been a remarkable success. The students have engaged in a hands-on experience by creating their own coins at The Royal Australian Mint. They have also explored numerous exhibitions at the Australian War Memorial and the National Museum of Australia. Additionally, we had the opportunity to assess our athletic abilities at the Australian Institute of Sport, and the students greatly enjoyed the various interactive scientific games at Questacon.

It is evident that there have been several notable events, and what I have outlined is merely a glimpse of the broader picture. This week has been quite significant, and even though I am not looking forward to the bus trip, I anticipate that our journey home tomorrow will be relatively uneventful. I will let Mrs Pittman know what time we should be arriving back to Walcha.

There will be a full round-up of our time here in Canberra in the next edition of the newsletter.

Year 5-6 LINK TO ACCESS PHOTOS TAKEN DURING THE CANBERRA EXCURSION

Newcastle Permanent Mathematics Competition

I am proud to announce that I have just received the results from the Newcastle Permanent Mathematics Competition, and the students who participated have once again demonstrated their mathematical talents!

Congratulations to the following students who will be receiving their certificates at our Transition Graduation Ceremony on Tuesday afternoon.

High Distinction- Henry Blomfield

Distinction- Jessica Patterson-Kane and Claire Williams

Merit- Bentley Brennan and Emily Zorgdrager

Year 3-4 Excursion to Lake Keepit

In a fortnight's time, I will be on the road again with Miss Cattelini and the Year 3-4 students at the Lake Keepit Sport and Recreational Centre on the (21st and 22nd of November). Final details in regard to this excursion will be sent home next week.

Walcha Flippers St Patrick's Scholarship

The Walcha Flippers have offered a student enrolled at St Patrick's Primary a scholarship that entitles them to have a free membership for the upcoming swimming season. I would like to thank a large number of our students who applied to receive this scholarship. It was a very hard decision to decide which student should receive this grant as the written submissions were of the highest quality. However, after going through many considerations, it was decided that the scholarship for this upcoming swimming season should go to Emily Zorgdrager. Congratulations Emily.

Remembrance Day

On Monday, Angus, Lilah and and myself will go to the Walcha War Memorial to take part in the Remembrance Day ceremony that is held to remember the end of World War I as well as to remember all of the men and women who had given up so much to protect our nation.

2025 School Advisory Council Nominations

The Annual General Meeting of the School Advisory Council will be taking place on Tuesday 26th November in the library commencing at 5.30pm. The School Advisory Council are always looking out for more members.

Please consider nominating for the School Advisory Council for 2025.

Please read the Process of Discernment, Nomination and Election information below.

Beach to Bush Workshop Tomorrow

Tomorrow, St Patrick’s Primary will welcome Surf Life Saving NSW for the highly informative Beach to Bush Presentation. This annual event is part of an important educational initiative aimed at teaching students essential water safety skills and increasing awareness about beach and water hazards. As one of the state’s largest surf education programs, Beach to Bush has reached thousands of students across New South Wales, focusing on beach safety, first aid, and emergency response.

The teachers are excited for this important presentation, recognising the value it brings to the school community. Water safety is an essential life skill, and St Patrick’s is committed to providing students with practical, real-world knowledge that helps keep them safe.

We’re looking forward to a fun, engaging, and educational session with Surf Life Saving NSW. With the Beach to Bush Presentation, students at St Patrick’s Primary will be better prepared to safely enjoy Australia’s beautiful waters, especially now that the Christmas holidays are just around the corner.

Transition Graduation Ceremony on Tuesday!

It feels as though it was just yesterday when our thirteen transition students—Alistair, Archie, Cohen, Daisy, Dusty, Finn, Jack, Lacey, Matilda, Miley, Patrick, Poppy and Riley. Over the past three months, I am confident that each child has enjoyed their experience and is well-prepared for Kindergarten next year. I would like to extend my gratitude to Mrs Hoy and Mrs Makeham for their leadership during various sessions of the program.To celebrate Transition's achievements we will be holding a Graduation Ceremony on Tuesday 12th November commencing at 2.30pm. Everyone is invited to join us.

End of Year Presentation Night - Wednesday 11th December @ WCS

This year we will be having our Presentation Night at the Walcha Multipurpose Centre on the 11th December commencing at 5.30pm. The first part of the night will take approximately an hour, where recognition will be given broadcasting the large number of highlights that we have had over this academic year as well as a number of performances. The second part of the night will be a barbecue, where all members of our school community are invited to join us. More information concerning this event will be released soon.

2024 Remaining Staff Development Days (PD Days)

Friday 20th 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 Assembly

School Assembly for the 4th Term Dates

We will be having our last school assembly (Transition Graduation) for the year this upcoming Tuesday 12th November at 2.30pm. Hopefully, we will see you there.

Jelly Bean Cup