What! Week 9 is Nearly Finished Already!

Hi everyone. I trust that each of you has experienced a productive week thus far. This week at St Patrick's has certainly been busy, and as indicated in the title of my weekly reflection, it is remarkable how swiftly we are approaching the conclusion of yet another term. During my visit to Tamworth earlier this week, I found myself contemplating the passage of the last nine weeks. However, upon reflecting on the numerous events in which both students and staff have participated, it is clear that this period has been both demanding and immensely fulfilling. I recently engaged in conversation with some of our Year 6 leaders, and it is hard to believe that they have just over one term remaining before embarking on a new phase in their lives. Meanwhile, our Year 5 students are filled with anticipation, as I have heard on the grapevine that several of them are already in the process of preparing their leadership speeches for the upcoming term.

Official Opening and Blessing of the New Playground Tomorrow

After seven months of transforming various parts of the school, the renovation works have been officially signed off and completed and I am aware that many members of our school community have eagerly anticipated this moment for over six years. Tomorrow, we will hold the official opening and blessing of our new playground equipment, starting at 10:00 AM.

I have received information indicating that a significant number of individuals who contributed to the success of this project will be in attendance. It is my hope that the weather will be pleasant, allowing for a great morning to celebrate this momentous occasion. The ceremony will be conducted by our Year 6 leaders, and due to Monsignor's prior commitments, it is essential that we follow a strict schedule, as detailed below.

10.00 am: Viewing of the new playground equipment

10.30 am: Opening Ceremony commences

10:55 am: Official Cutting of the Tape and Blessing by Monsignor

11:00 am: Morning Tea (Catering by Pronto)

11:20 am: Students and staff departing morning tea to celebrate Mass

11:30am: Mass, all visitors are invited to join us.

I am looking forward to catching up with everyone tomorrow.

Polding Athletics Carnival Wrap Up

It was great to hear that Archer, Levi, Jessica and Josie did very well at the Polding Athletics Trials held in Newcastle on Friday. Archer and Levi placed 15th and 16th respectively in the Under 8 Year Old Boys 100m.

Jessica and Josie both experienced remarkable days. Josie secured third place overall in the Junior Girls Discus event. Additionally, she achieved fifth place in the Junior Girls Shot Put and 14th overall in the 1500m race. Jessica finished second in the 11 Year Girls 1500m and demonstrated exceptional performance in her favoured event, the 800m, where she triumphed in the 11 Year Girls 800m with a time of 2:33.99. Both Jessica and Josie will represent Polding at the NSW PSSA Athletics Carnival in Sydney on the 23rd and 24th of October. We wish them the best of luck and will certainly be cheering for them!

P and F Meeting this Tuesday 24th September at 6.00pm

The September P and F Meeting will be taking place this Tuesday 24th September commencing at 6.00pm in the school library and will be broadcasted via zoom. It would be greatly appreciated if you are able to take part in this meeting.

Term 4 Major Excursions Update

Thanks again to our Years 3-4 parents who have indicated that they would like their child to participate in the overnight excursion to Lake Keepit Recreation Centre on the 21st and 22nd of November. Miss Cattelini and myself will be supervising the students on this excursion.

Also, more information went home to all of our Years 5-6 families in regard to their major excursion to Canberra from the 4th to the 8th November. Mrs Davey and myself will be supervising the students on this excursion and looking at the itinerary, we are going to have a great time.

Thank you to all the families who have paid the full costing (incorporated in the school fees) of all of the excursions. Please be reminded that all students attending the excursions need to have payments finalised by the 30th September 2024.

TERM 3 PUPIL FREE DAY

The commencement of Term 4 will take place on Monday, 14th October, which will be designated as a Pupil Free Day. Students are scheduled to return to school on Tuesday, 15th October. I sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Canteen Helpers Desperately Needed!

Unfortunately, we are currently facing a situation in which the coordinators of the school's canteen are struggling to obtain enough volunteers to fill all the necessary positions on the roster for the canteen's operation every Monday and Friday. We would greatly appreciate it if anyone able to assist could please notify the school.

The Winner of 'Wearing Uniform With Pride' Award For This Week Is.......

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Palesa, the deserving recipient of this week's 'Wearing Uniform With Pride' award. Palesa, you have every reason to take pride in your accomplishments, as the entire St Patrick's community consistently acknowledges your commitment to wearing your school and sports uniform with remarkable pride.

2024 Remaining Staff Development Days (PD Days)

Monday 14th October (First day of Term 4)

Friday 20th December (Last day of Term 4)

Upcoming Event Term 4 - New England Sings 2024 Term 4 for Years 3-6

NEW ENGLAND SINGS! 2024 COMBINED PRIMARY CHOIRS REHEARSAL SCHEDULE Armidale and surrounding schools – outreach schools will have rehearsals scheduled at their own school. However, outreach schools are welcome to attend the Armidale workshops if possible.

This exciting event is beginning to take shape, 16 schools (with approx. 500 choristers) in the combined Primary choirs and 14 schools (with approx. 450 choristers) in the Secondary choir.

Ian Jefferson will attend the workshops throughout the year and conduct the Primary choirs at the final weekend of rehearsals and concerts.

FINAL REHEARSAL (all schools, including outreach schools to attend):

Date: Saturday 26th October (directed by Ian Jefferson)

Time: Primary Choir 9:00am – 10.45 am (arrive by 8:30am)

Venue: Lazenby Hall, UNE

CONCERTS: Date: Sunday 27th October (directed by (with Ian Jefferson)

Time: Primary Choir 11:00am – 1:00pm (arrive by 9:30am)

Venue: Lazenby Hall, UNE

St Patrick’s School is an outreach school for the rehearsals but we will attempt to attend two of the rehearsals in Armidale.

Parents will have to commit to the Saturday 26th October - Final Rehearsal and Sunday 27th October Concert. If they wish their child to participate in New England Sings.

Contacting Your Child's Teacher

Teachers welcome contact from parents, if you need to talk with staff please either contact the class teacher by phoning the school – 67772328 or email the school at spwadmin@arm.catholic.edu.au.

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