Message From Our Principal 

As we approach the final week of Term 1, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the hard work and dedication shown by our students, staff, and families over the past months. It has been a busy and productive term, filled with learning, growth, and many achievements across all areas of school life. Our students should be proud of their efforts and the positive way they have engaged in both academic and co-curricular activities.

The last week of term is an important time to consolidate learning, complete assessment tasks, and reflect on progress made so far this year. I encourage all students to remain focused and finish the term on a positive note. It is also a valuable opportunity to celebrate successes, recognise improvement, and set goals for the term ahead.

As we approach the Easter break, I extend my warmest wishes to all families for a joyful and peaceful time together. Easter holds deep significance within our Catholic tradition, reminding us of the hope, renewal, and new life found in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a sacred time for reflection, prayer, and gratitude, as well as an opportunity to reconnect with loved ones and strengthen our sense of community. May this Easter season bring blessings of peace, love, and hope to all, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed for the new term.

Over the past four days, I had the privilege of attending the 2026 VACPSP Conference in Lorne, joining colleagues from across the state to engage in rich professional learning and collaboration. The conference featured a range of inspiring keynote speakers who shared valuable insights into contemporary educational leadership, student wellbeing, and the future of schooling. A key takeaway for me was the importance of adaptive leadership in a rapidly changing educational landscape, along with the need to foster strong, inclusive school cultures that support both staff and students to thrive. The opportunity to connect with fellow principals, share experiences, and reflect on best practice was both energising and affirming, and I look forward to bringing these learnings back to our school community.

Our long-awaited name pavers have finally arrived! 

A huge thank you to each and every one of you who supported this amazing project. Your support helped make it such a success for our little school. A special shout-out to Jess Stewart for the wonderful idea that started it all, and to the fundraising committee who launched the campaign and got things moving. Thanks to this fundraiser, our school raised just over $1,200 to put back into our school community! 

An even bigger thank you to the legends who donated their labour and machinery to make the installation seamless and help keep costs down:

• Leigh Morris – MBM Builders

• Troy Caddy – TLC Plumbing

• Billy Brady – Brady Electrical

• GTS Farm Supplies Tongala

Your generosity and community spirit made this possible. 

Come and have a look around the school and find your name paver!

Our St Patrick’s Day celebrations were a fantastic highlight of the term, filled with colour, energy, and a wonderful sense of community spirit. Students and staff embraced the occasion by dressing in green, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere across the school. A particular highlight was the parade, featuring our delightful “Mini Paddies,” who brought smiles to everyone’s faces. The day also included a much-enjoyed hot dog lunch and a range of engaging multi-age sport activities, giving students the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and have fun together. It was a joyful celebration that truly reflected the spirit of our school community.

Our St Patrick’s Day Mass was a reverent and meaningful celebration, bringing our school community together in faith and reflection. Students participated beautifully, demonstrating respect and a strong sense of understanding of the significance of St Patrick as a model of faith, courage, and service. Through prayer, scripture, and song, we were reminded of the importance of spreading God’s love in our daily lives. We thank all those who contributed to preparing the Mass, making it a special and memorable occasion for our school.

We were delighted to celebrate National Ride to School Day, with many of our students choosing to travel to school in an active and healthy way. It was wonderful to see such enthusiasm as students arrived on bikes and scooters, promoting the importance of physical activity and environmental awareness. Adding to the excitement, several staff members took part in “Pedal The Port,” demonstrating great commitment and modelling the benefits of an active lifestyle. The day was a positive reminder of how small choices can contribute to our wellbeing and our community.

We were proud to acknowledge World Down Syndrome Day, an important occasion for our school community as we celebrate inclusion, diversity, and the unique gifts each individual brings. This day holds special significance for us as we are fortunate to have Blake as a valued member of our community. It was a wonderful opportunity for students to learn about acceptance, kindness, and the importance of embracing differences. Students and staff showed their support by wearing crazy socks to school, adding a fun and colourful element to the day. We are grateful for the joy and perspective Blake brings to our school each day, and we remain committed to fostering a community where everyone feels respected, supported, and celebrated.

We joyfully celebrated Harmony Day, embracing the message that “everyone belongs” within our diverse and inclusive school community. Students and staff wore orange to show their support for cultural diversity, creating a bright and unified atmosphere across the school. A highlight of the day was a special visit from DJ Gee-Gee, who brought energy and excitement while reinforcing important messages about respect, inclusion, and celebrating our differences. It was a wonderful opportunity for our students to reflect on the richness of our multicultural community and the importance of belonging for all.

On Thursday we were lucky to welcome Troy Firebrace, a respected Aboriginal artist, to St Patrick’s as part of the Together on Country youth art project across Campaspe. Troy shared with students how all art is connected to Country, and how we both give to and receive from creation. He spoke about the importance of gratitude, giving thanks to creation, like the termites who help form a didgeridoo or the possum whose hide is used to make a marngrook. Students were then invited to reflect and create a drawing of something and someone in their life that gives to them and holds meaning. These drawings will be taken back to Troy’s studio and combined into a collective artwork representing students from across the region. We can’t wait to see the final piece come together.

Look what’s arrived!!!Thanks Brady Electrical Contracting

2026 Dental Van Visit

Consent forms have been sent home this week for our 2026 visit from the Australian Smile Group dental van, which will take place next term from Monday 27 April to Friday 1 May.

Please ensure all completed consent forms are returned to the school by Thursday 2 April. This is a valuable service provided to our school, and we encourage all families to participate.

CSEF (Camp, Sports, Excursion Fund)

Please find attached the information sheet and application form to apply for CSEF (Camp, Sports & Excursion Fund).

If you applied for CSEF last year, you do not need to complete an application form this year unless there has been a change in your family circumstances, eg. if you are a new family, your circumstances have changed, or new siblings have commenced this year, please complete the attached form with a copy of your Health Care Card.

You can also get a hard copy of the form from the office.

If you have any questions regarding this form please contact Andy in the office.