Dear Parents and Carers,

As the days grow warmer and spring begins to bloom around our school grounds, we want to take a moment to look back on what has been a truly joyful and action-packed Term 3 at St Patrick's!

The absolute star highlight of our term was taking a trip down the rabbit hole for our whole school production of Alice the Musical! What a sensational night at Robert Blackwood Hall—seeing every single student take to the stage with such confidence, energy, and musical talent was an absolute triumph.

Beyond the stage lights, our community spirit has been shining brighter than ever. From the magic and storybook creativity of Book Week to the heartwarming moments shared with our loved ones during Grandparents Day and our Father’s Day celebrations, there was so much to celebrate together.

Our students have inspired us every step of the way—whether showing grit and teamwork at Interschool Athletics and Sports, reaching a special milestone in their faith journey with Year 6 Confirmation, or spreading daily joy through Random Acts of Kindness. We are so proud of their hard work, enthusiasm, and supportive team spirit!

A heartfelt thank you to our wonderfully dedicated teachers, support staff, and our incredible parents, carers, and grandparents who make St Patrick’s such a vibrant place to learn and grow.

🌸 End-of-Term Key Dates

Friday, 18th September: Footy Colours Day & Last Day of Term 3 (Early finish at 12:30 PM!)
Monday, 5th October: Welcome Back! Term 4 Begins

Wishing all of our St Patrick’s families a relaxing, safe, and happy term break filled with sunshine and special memories. Rest up, enjoy the break, and we look forward to seeing all those smiling faces back for an exciting Term 4!

Summer Uniform

From the start of Term 4 all students can begin to wear their School Summer Uniform. The full transition to Summer Uniform will be by Monday 19th October (Week 3, Term 4).

Please note that as we are a sunsmart school, all students are required to wear their school hats from the first day of Term 4 whilst outside. There will be a 1 week grace period for this.

At the start of Week 2, Term 4 all staff will be enforcing the 'no hat, no play' policy. I also strongly encourage all students to wear sunscreen every day and to reapply sunscreen before going out to lunch.

Year Level Expos

A big thank you to Mr Speranza and our classroom teachers for the amazing Learning Expos that began this week. It has been a pleasure seeing our Year 1 and Year 2 students enthusiastically share their learning about what school and life was like in the "olden days"! It was fantastic to see so many parents and special visitors come in to experience the children's learning for this term, and we are looking forward to the remainder of the expos this week and next.

Sustainability Captains - Creek Care

My thanks to the sustainability captains who assisted Danny and myself in the annual creek cleanup. The creek will be out of action for the remainder of this term and should be up and running for the start of Term 4.

Year 4 Bike Ed Training

Congratulations to our Year 4 students on the excellent start to their Bike Ed training this week. I was so impressed with the resilience they showed in trying new activities and persevering when faced with more challenging skills. It was wonderful to hear such positive self-talk and encouraging group support as students celebrated each other’s successes in skill development.

We are very much looking forward to the Year 4 Bike Ed Camp later in Term 4, where students will continue to build on these skills and enjoy the experience of riding in different environments.

A special thank you to Mr. Edwards, Mr. Speranza and the Year 4 teachers for their assistance and support in teaching the sessions this week.

Footy Colours Day

2026 School Improvement Surveys

In 2026, our school is participating in Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools – School Improvement Surveys (MACSSIS). MACSSIS is an annual process whereby schools listen to the thoughts and feelings that students, families and staff have about how their school can improve. These surveys help inform the ongoing improvement of schools across the Archdiocese of Melbourne.

We would appreciate it if families could take the time in the next 3 weeks to complete the survey. Information captured ultimately benefits the school and the community.

The survey which will be available online, can be accessed from Monday 31st August and needs to be completed by Friday 18 September 2026. This survey may only be completed once. The survey link is www.orima.com.au/macsfamily . A unique family PIN has been sent home via hard copy notice to each eldest child this week.

Our current response rate is 10% of the family population, and it would be great to build upon this. Thank you to the families who have responded thus far.

School Fees

Just a reminder that all school fees are due by the end of Term 3, 2026. (Unless prior arrangements have been made with Mrs Easton and myself)

Upcoming Spring Holiday Program MACSEYE

Upcoming School Works

During the September school holidays we will be replacing the green front fences on Childers St. as well as removing the Lilly Pilly hedges in the front garden facing Childers St. We are also working on a project to add signs to the gates for better connection for visitors to our school.

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

Literacy