School Closure Day - Next Monday

August 15th – The Feast of The Assumption

The Feast of the Assumption is also known as the Feast of the Dormition (falling asleep) of Mary. The feast commemorates Mary's assumption into heaven.

Festivals commemorating the death of the Blessed Virgin Mary were common from the 5th century onwards, although the exact dates were never universally fixed. In AD 600, the emperor Mauricius decreed that the Assumption was to be celebrated on August 15. Soon, the Church in Ireland adopted this date, and it was later introduced in Rome.

However, it was not until 1950 that the Assumption of Mary was proclaimed as dogma (official Church teaching) by Pope Pius X11.

The Assumption is important to Catholics as the Virgin Mary's heavenly birthday (the day that Mary was received into Heaven). Her acceptance into the glory of Heaven is seen by us as the symbol of the promise made by Jesus to all enduring Christians that they too will be received into paradise.

The Feast of the Assumption is a Public Holiday in many countries. We celebrated yesterday by attending the Mass and participating in the commissioning of a statue of Mary that you will see in the Cathedral gardens. Thanks to Fr. Jim and Fr. Ed for leading us in this mass.

Dear families,

We are excited to share a glimpse into the ongoing preparations for our upcoming school concert centered around the concept of 'Discovery'. As the anticipation builds, we invite you to join us in celebrating the remarkable learning and teaching opportunities that this theme presents.

The theme of 'Discovery' serves as an open door to endless learning possibilities. Through music, dance, and creativity, our students are not only preparing to dazzle the stage but also embarking on a unique learning journey. The theme of discovery opens doors to explore history, science, culture, and more, enriching our students' understanding and providing many wonderful teaching opportunities across the school.

Please check the School Concert Information tab for further organisational information for the event.

A special announcement

Today, we wish to inform you of a significant transition within our school community. After an incredible 26 years of devoted service, Jacqui Pierce, a well-known member of our St. Patrick's community, is embarking upon a new chapter in her professional journey.

We are proud (and sad!) to share that Jacqui has accepted a new role at DOBCEL, an exciting opportunity that will allow her to contribute her expertise to a broader educational landscape supporting a variety of schools in the Central and Southern regions of the Diocese as an Education Officer for Learning Diversity. While we will miss her presence within our daily routines, we are confident that her impact will continue to resonate, not only within our school but also in her new endeavors. Jacqui has been working at DOBCEL throughout 2023 on secondment and has enjoyed the new opportunities presented. Jacqui will commence her new position from the beginning of term 4.

Sausage Sizzle - Tomorrow

Tomorrow there will be a sausage sizzle for all students that will be ran by the Western Victoria Soccer Academy. This term we have been fortunate to work with the soccer coaches from the WVSA during PE lessons. Tomorrow, the Academy will be bringing in a large inflatable soccer field to support the lessons - it should be a lot of fun!

Further Sports Events Next Week

Next week presents an excellent opportunity for our senior students to showcase their teamwork, sportsmanship and skills. Our interschool sports competition and basketball are just around the corner, offering a opportunity to compete against other local Catholic primary schools. A special thank you to Kim Whittle for her role in organising the events across the zone.

School Closure Day

Next Monday 21st August is a school closure day as our staff engage in professional development. Looking ahead to term 4, we also have Friday 17th November for a curriculum/planning closure day.

Specialist Subjects

As our school continues to evolve with ongoing building improvements, our dedicated specialist teachers are embracing adaptability by continuing to be mobile educators. This dynamic approach ensures that our students continue to receive high-quality instruction across various subjects, even amidst the changes unfolding around us. If you ever have holey socks that need mending, we're your people.

Building Works Update: Administration & Grade 1/2 Rooms Final Touches

We're pleased to share a promising update regarding the administration area renovations. The finishing touches are being meticulously applied, and we're excited to announce that our revamped administrative area is likely to be operational in just a matter of days. We extend our gratitude for your patience and cooperation during this enhancement process and eagerly anticipate working with you from our upgraded facilities.

In these times of growth and transformation, our community's unity and resilience shine brightly. Thank you for your continued support as we navigate these exciting developments together.

Wishing you all the very best for the week ahead.

Kind regards,

Ben Shields

Congratulations!