Happy Holidays!

As we wrap up an incredible Term 2, I would like to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has contributed to making these past eleven weeks so successful. Whether you are a student, teacher, staff member, or parent, your efforts have been both vital and deeply appreciated.

First and foremost, I want to extend my warmest thanks to our students. Your hard work, enthusiasm, and dedication have truly driven our success this term. Your natural curiosity and willingness to engage in the learning process are exactly what motivate us as educators. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to excellence and for making our roles so incredibly rewarding.

Next, my heartfelt gratitude goes to our wonderful teachers and staff members, who have worked tirelessly to provide a supportive, enriching environment for our school. Your passion for education, creativity in the classroom, and constant willingness to go above and beyond are truly commendable. Your efforts do so much more than help our students succeed academically—they shape their personal growth and character. Thank you for your unwavering dedication.

Additionally, I would like to recognise our parents, grandparents, and guardians, who are such supportive partners in our educational journey. Your active involvement, encouragement, and cooperation are vital to maintaining our collaborative and nurturing community. I am grateful for your invaluable, ongoing support.

No matter what your plans look like over the next fortnight, I wish every family a safe, restful, and happy holiday. I look forward to catching up with all of you early next term!

TERM 3 PUPIL FREE DAY

The first day of Term 3 (Monday 20th July), is a Pupil Free Day. Students will return to school on Tuesday, 21st July. I do apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause.

ICAS Assessments 2026: Key Dates Approaching

The annual International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) are just around the corner for 2026, offering students a wonderful opportunity to challenge their academic skills across a variety of subjects. These online assessments are designed to recognise and reward academic excellence, while actively encouraging higher-order thinking and problem-solving abilities. I would like to extend a sincere thank you to the many families who have already organised for their children to complete these assessments next term.

ICAS Assessments cover a range of subjects, including:

Digital Technologies
Writing
English
Science
Spelling Bee
Mathematics

For many subjects, the main sitting windows will occur in August 2026.

ICAS provides a valuable benchmark for students, allowing them to see how their performance compares against peers nationally and internationally. All participating students receive a certificate, with top performers also eligible for Distinction, High Distinction, and even medals.

How to participate in ICAS 

If you wish for your child to participate in ICAS this year, please: 

read about ICAS subjects and prices here: (icasassessments.com/products-icas) 
go to Parent Portal to purchase tests here: https://shop.icasassessments.com/pages/parent-payment/YHA639 
enter the parent’s access code – YHA639
enter your child’s details, select the tests you would like to purchase, then proceed to payment.

Upcoming Event Term 4 - New England Sings 2026 Term 4 for Years 3-6

NEW ENGLAND SINGS! 2026 COMBINED PRIMARY CHOIRS REHEARSAL SCHEDULE Armidale and surrounding schools – outreach schools will have rehearsals scheduled at their own school. However, outreach schools are welcome to attend the Armidale workshops if possible.

This event is quickly beginning to take shape. It promises to be a massive celebration of music, with over 1,000 students participating from 36 different schools across the New England Region.

Ian Jefferson will attend the workshops throughout the year and conduct the Primary choirs at the final weekend of rehearsals and concerts.

St PATRICK’S WALCHA REHEARSAL with Ian Jefferson

Date: Wednesday 29th July

Time: 9.30am-10.45am

FINAL REHEARSAL (all schools, including outreach schools to attend):Date: Saturday 31 October (directed by Ian Jefferson) Time: Primary Choir 1 9:00am – 10:45am

Venue: Lazenby Hall, UNE

CONCERT:Date: Sunday 1 November Time: Primary Choir 1 11:00am – 1:00pm (arrive at 9:30am)

Venue: Lazenby Hall, UNE

St Patrick’s School is an outreach school for the rehearsals but we will attempt to attend two of the rehearsals in Armidale.

Parents will have to commit to the Saturday 31st October - Final Rehearsal and Sunday 1st November Concert. If they wish their child to participate in New England Sings.

A short video on what New England Sings! is all about is included below:

School Hours & Supervision

Teachers commence duty at 8:30am and finish duty when the last bus leaves St Patrick’s approximately 3:10pm.

Supervision begins at 8:30am in the COLA

School starts: 9am (Bell - 8:50am)

Recess: 11:00am – 11:30am

Lunch: 1:30pm – 2:10pm

School finishes: 3.00pm.

SCHOOL OFFICE HOURS

The school office hours are 8:30am to 3:30pm

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.

Community Announcements