From the Principal

Important End of Year Dates/Times

Dear families,

This newsletter will be our final edition for 2023 and, in writing this, we bid farewell to another enriching academic year. It is with immense gratitude and pride that we reflect on the outstanding contributions of our students, staff and parents to the vibrant learning experiences at St Patrick's. This year has been particularly special as we navigated the challenges posed by the ongoing building works surrounding our school, and your resilience has been truly commendable.

To our remarkable students, your enthusiasm for learning and adaptability in the face of an ever-changing learning environment and the associated challenges have been nothing short of inspiring. Your positive spirit has transformed building inconveniences into opportunities for growth, and we commend you for your resilience and focus on learning. Your ability to maintain a sense of curiosity and joy, watching diggers and concreting, in the midst of change has set been amazing to watch.

To our dedicated staff, your unwavering commitment to creating an engaging and supportive learning environment, despite the disruptions, has been a testament to your professionalism and passion. The seamless integration of innovative teaching methods and your ability to foster a sense of continuity during construction underscore your dedication to the well-being and progress of our students.

To our supportive parents and guardians, your understanding, patience, and collaborative spirit have been invaluable throughout this year. Your involvement in the learning journey of your children and your cooperation in navigating the temporary challenges have strengthened our sense of community. Together, we have turned obstacles into opportunities for growth and learning and we look forward to building stronger and stronger learning partnerships in the year ahead.

In the midst of the construction, we are thrilled to share the exciting news of new learning spaces taking shape. These spaces will undoubtedly continue to enhance our educational offerings and provide our students with even more opportunities to thrive and explore their potential. In 2024 we look forward to formally opening our new Madden Hall and recommence whole school prayer and assemblies on a consistent basis.

Our school production was a highlight of the year, showcasing the creativity and talent of our students. The joy, laughter and learning shared during this event highlighted the sense of community that defines St Patrick's.

As we welcomed new families into our community, your warmth and inclusivity made them feel right at home. Your willingness to embrace diversity and foster a sense of belonging reflects the core values that make St Patrick's a truly special place.

To our graduating Grade 6 students, the Class of 2023  as you embark on the exciting journey ahead, know that you carry with you the lessons learned, friendships forged, and memories cherished at St Patrick's. We bid you a fond farewell with a mixture of pride and nostalgia, confident that you are well-equipped for the challenges and successes that lie ahead. May your transition be smooth, and may you continue to shine brightly in all your endeavours.

As we enter into the final days of the 2023 school year, on behalf of the staff, may I wish you all a very Happy and Holy Christmas. Wishing you all a restful and rejuvenating break, and looking forward to another year of growth, collaboration, and success.

Making a Scene at Christmas

Over our final two weeks, each of our classes will be visiting the Making a Scene at Christmas experience in the Bridge Mall. The students will have the opportunity to experience the two stories of the birth of Jesus as in the Gospels. They will smell frankincense and myrrh, touch a coin minted around the time of Jesus' birth as well as discovering many representations of cultural nativities with the central question being: If Jesus was born in my culture, in my time, what would it look like?

Carols on the Turf 

Last night's Carols on the Turf (caged edition!) was a truly magical evening, and we want to express our deepest thanks to each and every one of you for making it a resounding success! Your overwhelming support and enthusiastic participation added a special touch to the evening, creating a sense of community and Christmas spirit that was truly heartwarming. The atmosphere, coupled with the beautiful carols sung by the students, made for an unforgettable night. Well done!

We would also like to extend our appreciation to the local businesses that generously contributed to our Christmas raffle. Your support has not only added excitement to the event but provided a valuable contribution towards 2024 Drummo Social Circle initiatives.

Building Project Update

Another milestone in the project has been reached today with the pouring of the concrete connecting the new Madden Hall to the Healthy Living area. Work will continue over the holiday period with the completion in early-mid February....we're so close!

Cathedral Youth Singing Group

Congratulations to our students for their beautiful singing at the Cathedral last Sunday. A huge thank you to Jude Gustus for her continued support of our students and for the appreciation shared by the Parish community. Well done girls!

Before and After School Care

Please follow the link below for the Extend Welcome Pack outlining further details for our Before and After School Care program commencing in 2024. 

School Supervision Hours

I have shared my concerns about before school supervision in the newsletter several times this year and would like to provide more clarity on how we plan to address this in 2024. This morning, the first student was dropped off at 7:50 am. While I understand there may be various reasons for early drop-offs, we have noticed a consistent pattern of students being dropped off before 8:30 am, when our yard supervision begins.

It's important to consider that injuries on play equipment could occur during this unsupervised time. In 2024, we are implementing a change, and the gates will open at 8:30 am. If you need to drop off your child before this time, please refer to the information above to access our before-school care program. Your understanding and cooperation are greatly appreciated in maintaining a safe school for all.

School Fee Statements

School Fee Statements will be emailed home over the following week, all direct debit and credit card payments have now been finalised, if you have an amount outstanding on your statement this will need to be paid separately. The school’s bank account details are listed on your statement or please be in contact with the office if you would like to pay via another method.

We would appreciate payment in full for any outstanding school fees by the end of November. If you are experiencing financial difficulty and believe this year’s fees will not be settled by the end of November please be in contact with Ben or Michelle ASAP to discuss your situation and come to an arrangement to suit both the school and your family.

2024 School Fee Increases & Outline of School Fees

In line with advice from Catholic Education Ballarat we will be increasing the Tuition Fee for 2024 by 3% which is a total of $55 per family and the capital fee by $65 per family. Due to increases in stationery and materials costs, excursions and the swimming program we have increased the student fee by $40 per student. 

Outline of School Fees 

Tuition Fee – is charged per family, for 2024 this is $1,600. This fee is levied to assist with the running costs of the school. 

Capital Fee – is charged per family, for 2024 this is $400. This fee is levied for the ongoing capital upgrade of school facilities, as well as specific purchasing priorities such as computers, playground equipment and library resources.

Fundraising Levy – is charged per family, for 2024 this is $150. The fundraising levy assists with the local contribution required to supplement the state and federal funding to run the school. This fee also enables the ‘Drummo Social Circle’ to focus on community rather than fundraising.

Chromebook & iPad Fee – to ensure the school is able to provide high quality1:1 devices to improve learning opportunities students in foundation and year1 a $150 annual fee for iPads and years 3 to 6 are charged a $100 annual fee for Chromebooks. The family will retain ownership of the device at the end of year 2 for iPads and year 6 for Chromebooks. 

Student Fee - is charged per student, for 2024 this is $360. This fee is used to meet the costs of running classrooms for the year purchasing items such as books and stationery, art & craft materials, costs of the swimming program and excursions.

Camp Fee – camp fees are charged to assist with covering costs of camps.

2024 Fee Payment Agreements

Each family will receive a hardcopy 2024 Fee Payment Agreement form. This document will also be an attachment with the newsletter. Please return this completed form to the office by the 1st of December. We recommend that families take advantage of setting up regular direct debit or credit card payments. Also keep in mind if you would prefer more regular payments to be deducted such as weekly or outside the nominated dates this can also be possible. Please detail on your form if an arrangement outside of the usual payment methods might be more suitable. If you have any questions or queries please contact Michelle by phone on 5332 7680 or email accounts@spballarat.catholic.edu.au.

School Fee Exemptions for families with Health Care Cards

Last week we sent home the Fee Payment Agreement for 2024. 

For those families who are current holders of Health Care Cards there are 2 exemptions available to assist families with school fees.  The Family Assistance Scheme is offered by the diocese of Ballarat and the CSEF exemption is offered by the State Government of Victoria. 

The application forms are available from the office and we have also attached them to this week’s newsletter. Please remember we also require a copy of your current health care card to apply for the exemption. 

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

Kind regards,

Ben Shields