From the Principal
Risen and reconciling God,
Your greeting after the grave acknowledged the trauma and turmoil of that time and our own.
The message of peace was what your disciples needed to hear, and what the world needs now.
When we are reunited with those from whom we've been separated, may our greetings, too, be of peace, and may we see all division in the light of your reconciliation and all crises in the context of your resurrection.
Amen.
Return to On-site Learning
After our senior students spent the last four weeks of Term 3 working from home, we were looking forward to having everyone back together, on-site, for the start of Term 4. It is certainly disappointing that these students are still doing remote/online learning. We now have to wait until week 4 of this term before we can all be reunited again.
Once again I must thank all students, parents and staff for the manner in which you continue to ensure that there is continuity of learning for our children.
Whilst we cannot have all students back at this time, it has been pleasing to at least have our F-2 students in class.
The schedule for the next few weeks looks as follows:
Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 |
|---|---|---|
Mon 11th F, 1, 2 only | Mon 18th F, 1, 2 only | Mon 25th F, 1, 2 only |
Tue 12th F, 1, 2, 3, 4 | Tue 19th F, 1, 2, 3, 4 | Tue 26th All students |
Wed 13th F, 1, 2, 3, 4 | Wed 20th F, 1, 2, 3, 4 | Wed 27th All students |
Thur 14th F, 1, 2, 5, 6 | Thur 21st F, 1, 2, 5, 6 | Thur 28th All students |
Fri 15th F, 1, 2, 5, 6 | Fri 22nd F, 1, 2, 5, 6 | Fri 29th All students |
Transitioning Back - Schooltv.me
As we prepare for a range of changes to lockdowns and the easing of various restrictions, many children may be excited at the prospect of restrictions being lifted, others may be experiencing mixed emotions. Each child’s reaction will differ depending on how well they cope with stress and change. We have all experienced this event together and we are all at various levels of transition and adjustment. The circumstances of this situation have significantly impacted students, parents and teachers alike.
As families adjust to new routines, it will be vitally important to keep a check on our young people’s mental health and wellbeing. Encourage them to focus on the things they can control or enjoy in order for them to remain motivated and ensure their sense of belonging.
I encourage you to watch this Schooltv.me Special Report from Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, Child and Adolescent Psychologist.
World Mental Health Day
Sunday is World Mental Health Day. First established in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health, it forms just one part of the larger Mental Health Awareness Week.
Mental health problems, ranging from issues like depression and anxiety disorders to conditions like schizophrenia, affect millions of people around the world. Current statistics suggest that 1 in 4 people will experience some kind of mental health problem during their lifetime and many more will see friends of family members affected.
The purpose of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues, increase education on the topic and attempt to eliminate the stigma attached. It is hoped that this, in turn, will encourage sufferers to seek help and support. Remember, it's ok not to be ok. It's ok to reach out for help and support. And it's ok to reach out and offer that help and support as well.
Whilst we are all wearing masks due to the current pandemic, look behind the emotional masks that many of us also wear.
World Day of Migrants and Refugees
On World Day of Migrants and Refugees on 26 September, we were called on to remember those displaced by conflict and persecution around the world - and to consider how we can offer practical support to our neighbours around the world.
Over 82 million people worldwide have been forced to flee their homes, as a result of persecution, conflict, violence and human rights violations, according to the United Nations. Among them are nearly 26.4 million refugees, and around half are under the age of 18.
In his message to mark the 107th commemoration of the day, Pope Francis writes about the theme: “Towards an Ever Wider ‘We’”. He encourages people to “embrace everyone, to build communion in diversity, to unify differences without imposing a depersonalised uniformity….for the sake of renewing the human family, building together a future of justice and peace, and ensuring that no one is left behind.”
It is hard to envision 82 million people and so I did some quick claculations:
If the worldwide average height of a human is deemed to be 165cm, then 82 million people laying down head-to-toe with the next person would reach a distance of 135,300km. This line of people would stretch its way around the equator almost 3 and a half times!!
eSafety Education - Resources to support Parents
Spending time online can help young people learn, connect socially and relax. However, the use of digital technologies may also present challenges to young people's wellbeing.
There is a new webinar and other resources to assist parents and carers.
Register now for eSafety's parent guide to digital technologies and mental health webinar.
The webinar will explore:
- dealing with harmful online content such as suicide, self-harm and eating disorders
- using games, apps and social media to support mental wellbeing
- the pros and cons of online mental health platform
- helping young people support their friends online.
Find more parent and carer resources at esafety.gov.au including booklets, info sheets, videos activities, COVID-19 advice and family tech agreements.
Plenary Council
The First General Assembly of the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia is happening now. The historic event will develop concrete proposals to create a more missionary, Christ-centred Church in Australia. You can follow key moments during the First General Assembly between October 3 and 10 on the Plenary Council website.
More information can also be found here.
Remember to follow us on Facebook
Those who are on Facebook are encouraged to follow our page at St Patrick's School, Nhill. 'Like' our page, enjoy our posts, and share them with your friends. Stay connected through our Social Media page.
Our Josephite Heritage
The Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, often called the "Josephites" or "Brown Joeys", were founded in Penola, South Australia, in 1866 by Mary MacKillop and the Rev. Julian Tenison Woods. In 1949, three Josephite sisters arrived in Nhill to open St Patrick’s School. In 1978, the Sisters of St Joseph informed the Nhill Parish that they would no longer be able to maintain their role within the school.
We endeavour to honour our Josephite heritage through the regular presentation of the Little Joey awards at our assemblies. In support of this we also include a reflection from Mary MacKillop on our newsletter each week.
"I seem to be finding so many corners in my heart for one place after another, and one person after another."
Mary MacKillop, 1873
God Bless you all.
Kingsley Dalgleish
Principal
Our Vision
As partners in Catholic Education and open to God’s presence, we pursue the fullness of life for all.
St. Patrick’s School is a Child-Safe School.
Our Mission
Therefore, inspired by the Gospels, our community will:
- Build on the traditions of our Catholic faith.
- Offer engaging, contemporary education aligned with Catholic tradition.
- Provide a safe and inclusive environment to support and nurture the development of all.
- Provide and maintain a supportive environment that effectively utilises resources.
- Promote caring and responsible relationships between the school, family, and wider community to enhance student learning.