Mr Hyatt
The weeks are slipping by!
Greetings to all. I trust that each of you enjoyed a wonderful Father's Day and had the chance to celebrate this occasion with your family. I am aware that many families at St Patrick's participated in various sporting events on Father's Day, and our lives are often quite busy with numerous commitments. However, Father's Day provides us with a valuable opportunity to connect with our loved ones, and these moments are truly invaluable. This is the essence of Father's Day, and I sincerely hope you found a way to treat your father with kindness and appreciation.
Looking back on the past fortnight, our school community has been filled with vibrant activity, faith celebrations, and joyful learning. From honouring our parents and grandparents during our recent triple-celebration morning to our K–2 students' exciting excursion to Bluey’s Big Play at the Capitol Theatre, it has been wonderful to see our students engaging so enthusiastically with both their learning and the broader community. It is also fantastic to report that our transition students are settling in so well and making great strides in their school journey.
On the sporting front, I send my best wishes and good luck to our five students who will be competing tomorrow at the Polding Athletics Carnival! I am immensely proud of your hard work and know you will represent St Patrick’s with great pride.
In staff news, I’ve heard on the grapevine that Mrs Bagley is thoroughly enjoying her well-deserved sleep-ins! On a slightly more persistent note around the COLA, I am still being outfoxed by a bat that has decided to take up residence behind the artwork between the canteen and the sports shed.
You may have also noticed steady progress happening around our grounds as work moves ahead on the old convent house. The old carpet has been cleared out, and a lot of overgrown garden work has been tackled—especially removing the invasive ivy that had taken over several areas. A huge thank you to our groundskeeper, Tom!
Thank you, as always, for your ongoing partnership, support, and dedication to making St Patrick's such a welcoming place for all of us to grow and flourish.
Grandparents Day, Book Fair and Book Week Fashion Parade
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our parents, grandparents, supporters, students, and staff for making our annual Father’s Day Morning Tea, Grandparents Day, and Book Week celebrations such a grand success. Seeing so many members of our school community join together was truly wonderful. The creativity and effort behind the costume designs—from both students and staff—were outstanding. In fact, I was quite relieved not to be judging the best costume for each class, as I would have wanted to award prizes to everyone! Congratulations and thank you all once again for your incredible support on such a special day.
K–2 Bluey Performance
Yesterday, our Kindergarten, Year 1, and Year 2 students visited the Capitol Theatre to watch the live Bluey performance.
While I remained outside the auditorium managing logistics, I can report from the rest of our staff and students that the event was a great success. The children thoroughly enjoyed seeing the characters on stage and taking part in the interactive elements of the show.
Thank you to our teachers and supervisors who assisted with logistics and student care, ensuring all of our K-2 students had a great time!
Polding Athletics Carnival Tomorrow
Tomorrow will be a big day for Audrey, Benji, Josie, Rebee and Thibaud as they will be representing the diocese at the Polding Athletics Carnival at Glendale. These students will compete against the best athletes from all Catholic Schools in the northern region of New South Wales. On behalf of our learning community, I wish our five students the very best of luck!
Term 4 Major Excursions Update
Thanks again to most of our Years 3-4 parents who have already indicated that they would like their child to participate in the overnight excursion to Lake Keepit Recreation Centre on the 26th and 27th of November. Mrs Davey 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 2nd to the 6th November. Mrs Makeham 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.
Canteen Helpers Desperately Needed!
Regrettably, we find ourselves in a predicament where the coordinators of the school's canteen are having difficulty securing sufficient volunteers to cover all the positions on the roster necessary for the canteen's operation every Monday and Friday. If anyone is in a position to offer assistance, we kindly request that you inform the school.
Premier's Reading Challenge 2026
The Premier's Reading Challenge for this year is approaching its conclusion. Congratulations to all students who took part; it has been reported that a significant number of diverse texts have been read. Please note that validations will close tomorrow, Friday, 11th September. Should you have any questions or concerns related to the reading challenge, do not hesitate to reach out to Mrs King or Mrs Harrison.
TERM 4 PUPIL FREE DAY
The commencement of Term 4 will take place on Monday, 12th October, which will be designated as a Pupil Free Day. Students are scheduled to return to school on Tuesday, 13th October. I sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
School Hours & Supervision
Teachers commence duty at 8:30am and finish duty when the last bus leaves St Patrick’s approximately 3:10pm.
Supervision begins at 8:30am in the COLA
School starts: 9am (Bell - 8:55am)
Recess: 11:00am – 11:30am
Lunch: 1:30pm – 2:10pm
School finishes: 3.00pm.
SCHOOL OFFICE HOURS
The school office hours are 8:30am to 3:30pm
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.