The Drum

Around The School

St Patrick's Day Celebrations

 

Guest Speakers - Year 5/6

This week, our Senior School students had the fantastic opportunity to learn from guest speakers Mark and Tanya from the Emergency Management team at Ballarat City Council.

Mark and Tanya generously shared their time and expertise, explaining how the council helps protect our community from the growing risk of bush and grass fires. Their insights gave students a deeper understanding of the crucial role emergency management plays in keeping people, property, and the environment safe.

Our students engaged enthusiastically, taking detailed notes and asking thoughtful, well-prepared questions. This valuable session will support their upcoming project work, where they will explore strategies to protect communities from fire-related dangers.

A huge thank you to Mark, Tanya, and Ballarat City Council for their time and for helping our students become more informed and proactive members of the community!

 

Harmony Week

 

 

 

Harmony Week was great success! Thank you to everyone who supported the week!

 

From cultural lunchbox discussions, a touch of orange day, our family art activity, student-led cultural games to music from around the world. All of these experiences provided our students with meaningful opportunities to celebrate diversity and inclusion.

 

Thank you to the team of senior student Community Leaders; Layla Simpkin, Mia Martin, Anuja Dissanayaka, Jack Mahony, Jack Stott, Isaac Coutts and Jack Ford. These students showed great commitment and enthusiasm during the planning and coordinating of Harmony Week.

 

Children’s Book Author, Jodi Toering visits St Patrick’s!

 

Yesterday, our students had a marvellous visit for renowned local author, Jodi Toering. Jodi has written well-known children’s books, such as Mallee Sky, Night Watch and most recently, Rain on the Rock. The exquisite language that Jodi uses in her stories describes Australian landscapes and fauna in a very moving way.

 

Junior students had the opportunity to hear Jodi read two of her books, while also getting to ask Jodi all sorts of interesting questions!

 

The Middles and Seniors worked with Jodi describing a scene using the senses and trying to ‘show, not tell’ when describing a setting.

Regional Swimming

Lily H, Billy L and Ted G all represented St Patrick’s Primary School at the Greater Western Region Primary School meet in Horsham on Wednesday.

Ted competed in the 50m breaststroke and just missed out on a medal placing 4th overall while taking off 0.82 seconds from his previous personal best.

Lily also competed in the 50m breaststroke and fought it out in a competitive heat placing 6th overall also swimming a new personal best with 0.57 seconds off her previous time.

The wait for Billy’s 50m backstroke heat was worth it. With tough competition on both sides, Billy muscled his way into 3rd also setting a new personal best with 0.21 seconds off and a bronze medal to take home!

Well done to the St Pats team - it was a great sunny day and certainly worth the trip up!

 

MDASA Primary School Encouragement Swim Meet

 

Congratulations to Louie G, Freya F, Ted B, Angus U, Charlotte H, and Georgia L for competing in the 25m backstroke and freestyle sprints at BALC on Thursday evening! A special mention to Freya for securing first place overall in backstroke and second place in freestyle, as well as to Louie for achieving third place overall in freestyle. Well done to all!

 

Special thanks to Billy, Ted and Luther for helping everyone marshal to their events on time!

 

 

 

FL Goldfields Pre-Season Term 1 Superkick Centres!

This is an incredible opportunity for footballers of all abilities to come together for a fun-filled day of training, skills development, and friendly competition. Whether you're a part of the regular Superkick Centre or our All-Girls program, this one-day event will offer a comprehensive AFL experience for all skill levels! Separate programs available for both girls and boys.

 

What to Expect:

Skill development sessions

AFL drills and modified matches

A day of fun, fitness, and football!

 

 Date: Sunday the 23rd of March

 Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

 Location: City Oval Ballarat, 1431 Mair Street, Lake Wendouree, 3350

 

Don't miss out on this fantastic chance to kickstart your AFL journey in a fun and supportive environment. Grab your boots and get ready for an unforgettable day!

 

Term 2 Netball Tournament

 

Dear Families,

 

Ballarat Play with Pride is hosting The Pat Darroch Primary School Netball Tournament for Term 2. To any students and families who wish to participate feel free to sign up. below are the details for the competition.

 

  • 8 weeks participation (no finals - Term 3 is Competition with Finals)
  • 4:05pm, 4:55pm & 5:45pm match times
  • Starting: Tuesday 6 May April 2025 & Wednesday 7 May 2025
  • Sections: Grades 3/4 and Grades 5/6
  • Teams may be graded into sections, based on previous year performance
  • Entries close: Tuesday 29 April 2025
  • Teams must provide their own set of bibs
  • Term 2 does not include finals, participation only
  • Match Fees $45 per game, per team

 

Team Entries can be made Via Mr Valentine at school. Parents and Guardians are more than welcome to be involved and coached teams on the night and be the primary contact for a specific team.

 

Thanks Aaron Valentine

Physical Education.

https://forms.gle/VPpXJhKuMB119F9J8

 

 

 

In exciting news, AFL Victoria have partnered with the Western Bulldogs to coordinate School Holiday Programs in Ballarat for the upcoming holidays.

 

Two programs, on Monday 7th April and Monday 14th April from 9am to 3pm at City Oval, Ballarat.

An action-packed day of footy activities, inflatables, giveaways & the Bulldogs mascots.

 

Auskick registrations for 4 to 7-year-old children.  SuperKick registrations for 8 to 12-year-old children.

Girl’s groups available.

Participants of other supported clubs are most welcome also.

 

Monday 7th April 2025 & Monday 14th April 2025

School Holiday Programs - Ballarat

City Oval, 1431 Mair Street, Lake Wendouree9am – 3pm

Cost - $55

To register click onto the below links -

Auskick (4-7 years) - https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/66f053

Superkick (8-12 years) - https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/fcab75

 

It would be great to see as many young budding footballers attend at the start of the footy season, it should be great FUN!