Mr Hyatt
Traveling Around the Countryside!
Greetings to all. I trust that each of you is enjoying a productive week thus far. This week has been quite extraordinary as I have been traveling across various regions of the diocese. On Tuesday our students on the K-2 Excursion to Tamworth. Yesterday, I had the privilege of supervising our team at the Brain Olympia Final in Gunnedah. Today and tomorrow, I am attending a Religious Education Conference in Armidale. It has been a fulfilling week, and I take great pride in the achievements of our Brain Olympia Team, as well as in witnessing the joy and excitement on the faces of our K-2 students while watching The Gruffalo. I look forward to a return to a more regular schedule soon, where I will not have extended commitments that require me to be away from St. Patrick's Primary.
In reference to the restoration of normalcy, it is encouraging to note that the significant drainage and playground projects have reached completion, with the majority of the work now prepared for final approval. All barricades have been dismantled, machinery and tools have been stored, and various minor tasks have been finalised. Pick up procedures have returned back to normal and the students are taking advantage of the new handball squares and basketball rings. Even our five princesses are going well in their new surroundings.
We have already received a large number of acceptances for our grand viewing, opening and blessing of the new playground that will be taking place on Friday 20th September at 10.00am. I am hoping that a large number of past and present P and F members, the general Walcha community and representatives will be able to attend and it has been a long journey from the proposal of having new playground equipment, the various fundraising activities that have taken place, organising quotes, overcoming various obstacles and finally waiting for the project to be completed. If you know anyone in the community who has had a role with the playground project, no matter how big or small, can you please get them to contact the school as the RSVP closes tomorrow?
In the upcoming edition of the newsletter, I will present an outline of the ceremony. Due to Monsignor's prior commitments, the event will adhere to a strict schedule, as the students and staff will be attending Mass at 11:30 AM. Immediately following this, Monsignor will need to return to Armidale for other obligations.
Installation of New Air-Conditioners
Exciting news for students and staff! Next week marks the beginning of a significant upgrade to our school facilities, as air conditioners are set to be installed in all classrooms. This much-anticipated project promises to enhance the learning environment, providing a more comfortable space for everyone, throughout the year. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the P and F Committee for their generous financial support, which has made this project possible.
Polding Athletics Carnival Tomorrow
Tomorrow will be a big day for Archer, Levi, Jessica and Josie 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 four students the very best of luck!
Brain Olympia Final Wrap Up
As previously stated, I had the privilege of accompanying our team to the Brain Olympia Final, which took place at St Xavier's Primary School in Gunnedah yesterday. This marked the first occasion in several years that we have reached this level of the competition, and I felt immense pride in our team's achievements. Competing in the Small Schools Section against St Mary of the Angels Primary, Guyra, and St Joseph's Primary, Quirindi, our team, comprised of Henry, Emily, Lilah, Grace S, Indie, Jessica, Hannah, and Hugh, engaged in various mathematical challenges, demonstrated their general knowledge skills, performed a drama skit based on a specific theme, and delivered a two-minute speech with minimal preparation. Our team were the champions in the Small Schools Section, which is a remarkable accomplishment, and I was genuinely moved by this success. I would also like to extend my gratitude to Karen Blomfield and Jamie Marchant for their invaluable assistance in transporting our team on the day of the event.
K-2 Gruffalo Performance Excursion
On Tuesday, excitement was in the air as our K-2 students along with Ms Wilson, Mrs Harrison and myself embarked on a much-anticipated excursion to Tamworth to watch the enchanting performance of “The Gruffalo” at the Capitol Theatre. It was a day filled with laughter, learning, and the joy of experiencing live theatre, making it a memorable outing for both students and teachers alike.
The performance of “The Gruffalo” did not disappoint. Adapted from the beloved children’s book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, the play follows the story of a clever little mouse who takes a stroll through the woods and outsmarts various predators by inventing tales of a fearsome creature called the Gruffalo. To the surprise of the mouse—and the delight of the audience—the Gruffalo turns out to be real!
With vibrant costumes, engaging puppetry, and lively music, the characters sprang to life on stage, captivating the young audience. The actors’ energetic performances and interactive moments kept the students on the edge of their seats, laughing, gasping, and even singing along at times. The whimsical sets and creative storytelling drew the children into the magical world of the Gruffalo, making them feel like they were right there in the deep, dark woods.
After the performance, the students enjoyed a picnic lunch at the Tamworth Regional Playground, where they had time to play, share their favorite moments from the show, and burn off some energy before the journey home. The trip back to school was filled with chatter about the Gruffalo, the sneaky fox, the cunning owl, and the slithery snake, with many students already asking when they could go on their next excursion.
The excursion to Tamworth to watch “The Gruffalo” was not just a fun day out; it was an opportunity for our students to experience the magic of live theatre. A big thank you goes out to all the teachers and the staff at the Capitol Theatre for making this excursion memorable.
School Fees 2024
A friendly reminder that school fees are due 30th September 2024.
School fees are essential to the financial viability of our school. It would be appreciated if accounts are be paid in full by this date. If you are unable to pay your fees by this date, please contact the office and talk to Mrs Rizzi to discuss options.
Please note: school fees need to be up to date for students to attend excursions.
Term 4 Major Excursions Update
Thanks again to most of 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 offer my sincere congratulations to Ellody, the well-deserved honouree of this week's 'Wearing Uniform With Pride' award. Ellody, you have ample reason to take pride in your achievements, as the entire St Patrick's community continually recognizes your dedication to donning your school and sports uniform with exceptional 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.