Mrs Makeham
While the recent snow was beautiful, the aftermath has created a challenging time for Walcha and the surrounding district. The heavy snow and rain have caused significant infrastructure and business damage, along with widespread power outages, water issues, and communication problems. Despite these obstacles, the St Patrick's community has proven to be a resilient lot. We've seen people continuing to come to work and students making it to school. It makes you wonder how a city would handle these same challenges!
Vale Kim McKinnon
We were very sad to hear the news of the passing of Kim McKinnon, a much-loved member of our St Patrick's School family. Kim was a parent at our school from 2012 to 2018 and made a profound impact on our community.
During her time with us, Kim was an active member of the Parents and Friends Association. Alongside Kylie Faux, she worked tirelessly as a canteen organiser. Kim was always ready to lend a hand, never sought recognition, and played a significant role in fostering the strong sense of community we value today.
We are grateful for Kim's friendship and her contributions to our school. We extend our deepest sympathies to her husband Eric, son Cameron, her mother Dot, her stepfather Murray, and her entire family. They are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
May Kim rest in peace.
Best School in the New England
Thank you to all of those who voted for St Patrick's School as the Best School in the New England.
Now everyone knows what we knew all along!
100 Days of Kinder
In what seems like no time at all, Kindergarten has been at school for 100 days! What a difference 100 days makes.
Last Friday, Kindergarten dressed up as 100 year olds to celebrate. It was a great day and Ms Wilson didn't disappoint with her costume.
Diocesan Athletics Carnival
Due to the flood situation in the western areas of the diocese, the athletics carnival scheduled for Thursday in Tamworth has been re-scheduled to Tuesday 12th August, 2025.
As you can appreciate the oval at school is completely sodden so we have been unable to use it to practice baton changes. However, we have been walking through baton changes under the COLA and on the concrete surfaces so that our relay teams are somewhat prepared.
Dallas and Karen Rizzi will be in Tamworth on the day to manage our team.
Brain Olympia
The St Patrick's team for the Brain Olympia Tamworth Cluster on August 11 has been finalised. Our students will compete against other local schools in five rounds of ten questions, covering a range of subjects including Science, English, HSIE, Famous People/Places, and Current Affairs. Teams will need to work together, with every member contributing.
Mr Hyatt will be supervising the team on the day. Karina Partridge and Dallas will be transporting students to St Edward's School, leaving St Pat's at 7:30 am. Students are expected to return to school by 4:00 pm., and parents are asked to pick up their child from the school car park.
Students should bring their own lunch, morning tea, and a water bottle.
A big thank you to Karina and Dallas for helping out!
School Audit
St Patrick's School was to be undergoing a school audit this week. However, due to the weather events over the weekend, the audit has been postponed to later this month.
At this time, a team from the Armidale Catholic Schools Office will be visiting our school to conduct a comprehensive review.
This audit is a regular process, occurring every five years, and is crucial for ensuring we maintain best practice across all areas of the school. The team will be checking our adherence to various school operations, including our academic programs and our compliance with all school policies and procedures.
The insights gained from this audit are invaluable in helping us to continuously improve and ensure we are providing the best possible learning environment for your children.
A Message from Fr Anthony
Father Anthony wants to sincerely thank everyone in the community who has offered to help him and the school. He's very grateful and looks forward to catching up with you all when he gets back.
Weekday and School Masses
As previously communicated, Father Anthony is taking time to care for his elderly mother, who continues to experience ill health.
During his absence, there will be no weekday or school masses. However, a visiting priest from Armidale will be celebrating weekend masses.
We extend our heartfelt well wishes to Father Anthony and his mum, and we'll keep them both in our prayers.
Lexus Melbourne Cup Visits St Patrick's School!
As you are no doubt aware, the Lexus Melbourne Cup will be visiting our school for a special presentation by representatives from Victorian Racing on Friday the 15th August.
To mark this momentous occasion, students will showcase their creativity by decking themselves out in their best school-constructed racing millinery! (Well that should be interesting)
Important Information Regarding the Street Parade:
Due to the street parade commencing at 2:30 PM and potential issues with bus pick-ups, the school will not be participating as a whole school in the parade.
However, students who wish to participate in the street pararde under the St Patrick's school banner with the principal are welcome to do so, provided they have been signed out of school by their parents for this purpose.
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.
SCHOOL HOURS
Supervision of students commences at 8:30am. Students should not be on-site until after 8:30 AM.