Principals' Report
Dear Families,
Congratulations to our Year 2 students, teachers, and families on the very successful celebration of the Sacrament of First Reconciliation held last Thursday afternoon.
My sincere thanks to Fr. Justin, Fr. Joseph, Mrs. Kathryn Ady, Mrs. Kerrie Presnell, Miss Sarah Crough, and Miss Sarah Parkinson for their guidance and dedication in preparing the children for this important step in their faith journey.
I would also like to thank our parent community for your continued support of the school’s sacramental program—not only for Reconciliation but also for First Eucharist and Confirmation. Your involvement ensures that we can continue to share and celebrate our faith in such a meaningful and spiritual way.
Prep 2026 Orientation
The orientation process for our 2026 Prep classes will begin this month. I am pleased to announce that our 2026 Prep teachers will be Mrs Charlotte Spence, Miss Nikahla Short, and Miss Laura Smith.
Our Prep teachers do an outstanding job each year in preparing and supporting our newest students as they begin their school journey. The orientation process is an important and exciting time for children and families, helping everyone to feel comfortable, confident and connected to our school community. Charlotte, Nikahla and Laura put great care into planning engaging, welcoming and developmentally appropriate experiences that ensure our new Preps are ready for a smooth transition into school life.
I am very excited about the Prep team we have for next year and look forward to meeting our 2026 students and families during the upcoming orientation sessions:
- Wednesday 12th November – Parent Information Evening - 6.30pm
- Tuesday 18th November – Prep 2026 Orientation Session #1- 9.00-10.30am
- Tuesday 25th November – Prep 2026 Orientation Session #2- 9.00-10.30am
Parent communication regarding prep 2026 orientatiton has been sent out on Wednesday of this week.
Class Placements 2026
The staff have begun the very important job of placing students in their 2026 classes. Please note that we are unable to take specific requests from parents for the placement of their child as this would make a very difficult job even harder, as well as undermine the work currently undertaken by class teachers.
Our process involves the students making a list of 5 people in their year level they would like to be in a class with, and then the teachers, on balance, create the class lists. We endeavour to have at least 1 friend from students lists in their new classes. All lists of 5 are recorded digitally for accuracy.
Considerations to be taken by the staff across the 3 year level classes include: gender balance, academic balance, social and emotional needs balance, friendships and clashes of personalities. No class list is going to be perfect, and it is important that we encourage our children (and parents) to develop resilience around this.
Staffing Updates
I am delighted to share the happy news that Miss Isabelle Douglas and her partner Matt are expecting their first child in early April next year. Miss Douglas will continue in her current classroom role until the end of this year and will remain with us for all of Term 1 next year in a support capacity.
Congratulations to Miss Sarah Parkinson (filling in for Mr Leach in Year 2IL) who is getting married this weekend to her partner Daniel. She will be away tomorrow preparing for her important day and will return mid next week to resume teaching in Year 2IL. We wish them all the best for the future.
P & F Annual General Meeting
My sincere thanks to our Parents and Friends (P & F) group for their ongoing dedication and support of the St. Patrick’s School community. The P & F Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday, 11th November at 7:00pm in the School Hall.
Elections for all committee positions will take place during this meeting.
School Advisory Council
If you are interested in joining our School Advisory Council in 2026, I encourage you to contact me via the school office ASAP. We currently have 2 places available for our next 3 year cycle (2026 - 2028).
2025 Council Members:
Fr. Justin Ford - Parish Priest (Custodian of Mission)
Pat Berlingeri - Principal (Ex-Officio)
Ben Quirin - Chairperson (2023 - 2025)
Marie Facciolo (Co-P&F President 2025)
Sarsha McEntee (2023-2025)
Jules Oudshoorn (2024-2025)
Steph McDonald (2024-2026)
Jill Ireton (2024-2026)
Maria Hogan (2025-2027 & Co-P&F President )
Pip Reid (2025-2027)
School Fees
Please note that all school fees are now due, unless prior arrangements have been made with the office. Next week the 2026 school fees letter will be shared with the community.
School Closure Day
Please note that Monday 24th November is a whole school closure day. The staff will be planning for 2026 on this day.
School Calendar
Please use the following google link to add the school calendar to your own calendar for ease of information exchange. School Google Calendar HERE.
God Bless
Pat Berlingeri
Principal