Quick bites

NAPLAN

At St Patrick’s College, we are committed to providing excellence in teaching and learning. The monitoring, assessment and reporting of student achievement and progress forms an integral part of our instructional approach. 

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is an annual national assessment for all students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 based on the Australian Curriculum. The data we gather from these assessments informs our instructional approach, and allows us to tailor our programs to the learning needs of each and every student, whose education is entrusted to us.

All students in Years 7 and 9 will be participating in four different online tests on the following dates, during their first lesson of the day: 

• Wednesday, 13 March: Writing
• Thursday, 14 March: Reading
• Monday, 18 March: Conventions of Language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) 
• Tuesday, 19 March: Numeracy

If a student is absent for any of the tests, a catch-up day will be organised during the testing window. 

On each of the testing days, students MUST have their laptop (fully charged) and a set of headphones (except for the Reading test). Pen and paper will be provided in each test for any working out/drafting etc that students may like to do. 

The NAPLAN tests provide parents and schools with an understanding of how individual students are performing at the time of the tests. They also provide schools, states and territories with information about how education programs are working and which areas need to be prioritised for improvement. 

NAPLAN tests are one aspect of each school’s assessment and reporting process, and do not replace the extensive, ongoing assessments made by teachers about each student’s performance.

Students are not expected to study for NAPLAN. Parents can support their child by reassuring them that NAPLAN is a part of their school program, and reminding them to simply do their best. It is important also for students to be aware that NAPLAN testing is primarily used to inform teachers in their own practice. Teachers will provide an opportunity in class to experience the online platform and become familiar with the types of questions on the test, but there is no requirement for formal practice. 

Further information will be sent to parents of Years 7 and 9 students, but if you have any questions regarding NAPLAN, please feel free to reach out to the SPC NAPLAN Coordinator, Luke Corden, for more information.

Project Compassion

The season of Lent began this week with Ash Wednesday, which also marked the beginning of the annual Caritas Australia Project Compassion Appeal. 

Donations to Project Compassion allow Caritas Australia, the Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development, to work with local communities around the world to end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity. 

Please give generously to Caritas Australia this Lenten season and help vulnerable people around the world, now and for all future generations.

With your support, Caritas Australia has been able to assist communities around the world through income generation, water and sanitation, food security, education and disaster risk reduction programs. 

Project Compassion 2024 reminds us that the good we do today will extend and impact the lives of generations to come. Together, we can help vulnerable communities face their challenges today and build a better tomorrow.

You can donate through Project Compassion donation boxes at school — Faith in Action volunteers will also be visiting classrooms — and online. 

Click on the QR code below or visit:

St Patrick's College - Ballarat - Caritas | Project Compassion Schools 

Comedy Night

To help raise funds for SPC's Ireland Football Tour, enjoy a fantastic night of entertainment with Comedian Tom Siegert, The Suburban Footballer.  A silent raffle auction will also be held on the night. 

When: Friday, 1 March 2024

Where: OCA Pavilion, St Patrick's College, Ballarat

Cost: $35 per person. Adults only

BYO Snacks. Drinks at bar prices.

Bring along a group of 10 friends or join others to make up a table.

Book your tickets via the following link: https://www.trybooking.com/COUFQ

Canteen volunteers needed

Do you have some free time and a willingness to help in the College Canteen? If so, we would love to hear from you!

Prior to Covid-19, we had a long list of Canteen volunteers, but unfortunately this number has dropped off significantly in recent years. 

Canteen duties include serving students, basic food preparation, handling a small amount of cash and using an EFTPOS machine. We provide support and guidance in all areas.

Volunteers require a current Working with Children Check, and need to complete a brief induction, which we assist you with once you have registered your interest.

The Canteen cannot operate without the support of volunteers and we thank you for considering joining our wonderful community.

Click here to register your interest in becoming a Canteen volunteer

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call our Canteen Manager Jo on 0447 194 218 or 5322 4481. Please note, if you are already on the Canteen volunteer list, you do not need to re-register.

Road safety reminder

Reduced speed limits are now in force around the College to keep students safe. 

Please watch out and slow down for students crossing the road and walking around school buses.

Parents are also reminded that City of Ballarat parking officers regularly patrol the streets around the College, and to obey all parking signs. The grass between the service road and Sturt St, at the front of the College, is not a legal parking area and is a known hotspot for parking tickets!  

For further back-to-school road safety information, check out the Vicroads website. 

Term Dates 2024

Term 1                                                                        

Public Holiday: Monday, 11 March

Classes Conclude: Thursday, 28 March

Term 2

All Students Commence:  Tuesday, 16 April

Classes Conclude: Friday, 28 June

Public Holidays: Thursday, 25 April (ANZAC Day), Monday 10 June (King’s Birthday)

Term 3           

All Students Commence: Monday, 15 July

Boarders' Exeat: Monday, 19 August          

Classes Conclude: Friday, 13 September

VCE Practice Exams Monday, 16 September – Friday, 20 September

Term 4 

All Students Commence: Monday, 7 October

Boarders' Exeat: Monday, 4 November and Tuesday, 5 November (Melbourne Cup)

Classes Conclude: Tuesday, 10 December