Dear Families,

Welcome back to what promises to be another busy term. It's been great to see everyone again and we do hope that students and families managed to have a quality break together.

It's hard to believe that our Preps are about to clock up 100 days of school. We look forward to their special day tomorrow, and congratulate them on the ways they have grown so much. Please join us at our assembly tomorrow, as we also acknowledge our Prep to Year 5 student leaders for Semester 2.

A year level newsletter has been published for families via nForma today. We encourage you to take a moment to read up on what is planned for this term, and any relevant important dates and reminders for your class. As always, our staff are willing to touch base with you throughout the year should you need it.

Warm regards,

Joelle Diakrousis, Deputy Principal / Learning Diversity Leader

Anthony Speranza, Deputy Principal / Learning & Teaching Leader

Child Safety Awareness for July - Child Safety Standard 6

Please see the Child Safety page for further information

NAIDOC Week 2026 – Celebrating 50- Years of NAIDOC- 50 Years of Deadly

This week our St Patrick's community proudly celebrated NAIDOC Week 2026, recognising and honouring the histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

NAIDOC Week is an important opportunity for all Australians to deepen our understanding of the world's oldest continuous living cultures and to reflect on the rich contributions First Nations Peoples have made—and continue to make—to our nation.

Throughout the week, students participated in a variety of meaningful learning experiences across the school.

These experiences encouraged students to develop respect, curiosity and appreciation for the enduring cultures that have cared for this land for tens of thousands of years.

At St Patrick's, we are committed to nurturing a community where every student develops an understanding of Australia's First Nations Peoples and recognises the importance of justice, respect and inclusion. We thank our staff and students for embracing this year's celebrations with such enthusiasm and thoughtfulness.

May we continue to listen deeply, learn together and care for one another as we walk together on this beautiful Country.

A collaborative art piece from 2KP

FINAL CALL: Australian Mathematics Competition, Tuesday 4th August

The Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC) is Australia’s longest running, largest and most well-known maths competition for students. The AMC contains a range of problems designed to challenge and extend students with proficient problem-solving skills from Years 3 to 12. Students interested in this competition can participate in the Middle Primary division for Years 3 and 4 and the Senior Primary division for Years 5 and 6. Participating students will complete the competition on a device and are given 60 minutes to answer 30 questions, 25 multiple choice and 5 written solutions ranging in difficulty. The topics covered include basic arithmetic content such as Fractions and Ratios, Algebra and Pre-Algebra, Geometry, Measurement, Statistics and probability, Problem-solving (including enumeration).

The cost to register for the competition is $10.00 per student. The school will facilitate the competition and will supervise the students.

If you would like your child or children to be registered for this competition please contact Anthony Speranza ASAP.

Payment is now due for families who have indicated that their child will participate.

2026 Victorian Junior Pool Lifesaving Championships

On Sunday, 12th July seven St Patrick's students at Mentone Lifesaving Club competed in the 2026 Pool Lifesaving State Championships at Geelong Grammar. We congratulate:

Max H (Yr2)

Alison F(Yr3)

Ruby H(Yr4)

Poppi G (Yr4)

Gabriel D (Yr5)

Alex F (Yr5)

Evie A (Yr5)

A total of 106 athletes across 13 Lifesaving Clubs in Victoria competed at the State Champs. These students made their Club and community very proud, and contributed to the Mentone Lifesaving Club ranking on top of the Victorian ladder with a total of 298.25 points, finishing in front of the Mordialloc Lifesaving Club at 206.25 points.

The students have been training since April and have prepared week after week, dedicating time and efforts improving swimming fitness on weekdays and perfecting their pool lifesaving skills and techniques on weekends. Their efforts definitely paid off at the event as together they brought home a total of 28 medals amongst themselves, with some of them bringing home GOLD🥇making these athletes Victorian State Champions in the below events:

Max H - 🥇 U8 Line Throw 6m

Alison F - 🥇U8 Freestyle 25m with fins

Max H and Alison F - 🥇U8 Obstacle Relay team (4x25m)

Alex F - 🥇U11 Rescue Tube Medley Relay team (4x 25m)

Alex F and Evie A - 🥇U11 Manikin Carry Relay team (4x 25m)

Seasons for Growth 2026

A notice has been shared on NFORMA inviting families to express their interest in their child participating in the Seasons for Growth program this year.

At times in life, children experience change or loss that can feel confusing, overwhelming, or difficult to manage on their own. To support students during these times, we will once again be offering the Seasons for Growth program at school this year.

What is Seasons for Growth?

Seasons for Growth is a small-group program designed to support children who have experienced significant change or loss, such as the death of a loved one, family separation, friendship changes, moving house, or other important life transitions.

The program:

Helps children understand that change and loss are a normal part of life
Provides a safe space to share experiences (if they choose)
Builds emotional literacy and coping skills
Encourages resilience and connectedness

Sessions will be facilitated by Mrs Diakrousis and will run in small groups during school hours. The program will recommence in Week 2.

Students who participated last year are welcome to continue the program and will build on their previous learning. New students will begin the program from the first session, which introduces the core concepts and foundations of the program.

Please contact Mrs Diakrousis for further details

Resilience Groups - also known as Bounceback!

This term, Mrs Diakrousis will also be starting the Resilience Groups for select students in Years 1–5. The Resilience Group (also known as the Bounce Back! Group) is designed to support students who may benefit from additional social and emotional skills to help them better manage challenges and build confidence.

An email was shared with all families from Year 1-5 to provide an overview of the program.

The lessons will take place once a fortnight from 2:00pm, ensuring that core learning areas are not interrupted. Sessions will begin in Week 3.

Through small group sessions, students will learn strategies related to:

the Zones of Regulation (understanding and managing emotions)
managing worries and big emotions
building positive friendships and social skills
developing confidence and independence
problem-solving and coping with setbacks

The lessons are based on evidence-informed approaches to social and emotional learning and are delivered in a supportive, safe environment where students can share and practise new skills.

If you are interested in your child participating, please respond to the form on NForma.

Random Acts of Kindness

We are delighted to celebrate the following students for their exceptional kindness and compassion. Whether through a small gesture or an intentional act of support, you have made our school a more inclusive and welcoming place. Thank you for living our values and serving as such inspiring role models for your peers. Keep up the wonderful work!

Atticus S (1TC) - For kindly leading his friends off the oval and suggested they play a different game in a less congested area of the playground to avoid any accidental injuries.

Brodie M. (6FH) and Jack Hoareau (6FH)- For demonstrating their amazing skills as Social Justice Leaders and supporting both staff and students.

Oliver D. (4CL)- Oliver has been an outstanding Duty Assistant. He is always organised, on time and goes above and beyond for our staff.

Literacy News

2026 CHILDREN'S BOOK WEEK