From the Principal
Today we have celebrated an historic day in our school's journey. Since the three Sisters of St Joseph (Srs Adrian, Katherine Therese, and Annette) arrived in Nhill in February 1949 to open St Patrick's School, the school has come under the governance of the local Priest. From January 2021, all Catholic schools in our Diocese will come under the governance of Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education Limited (DOBCEL). Under the new governance model, principals will continue to have appropriate delegations to lead and manage their schools and staff supported by the CEO of DOBCEL. Priests will continue to play a fundamental and active role in the pastoral ministry of schools.
Today we had Mr Tom Sexton (Director of Catholic Education, Chief Executive Officer DOBCEL), Monsignor Glynn Murphy (Director DOBCEL), Fr Peter Hudson (Parish Priest), and Mr Chris Robarts (Educational Consultant, Catholic Education Ballarat) join us for the official signing of the Transfer Agreement between the Parish and DOBCEL.
Mrs Munro 30 years
During today's visit Mr Sexton also recognised Mrs Munro for her 30 years service to St Patrick's School and to Catholic Education. We acknowledged Ann's service earlier this year however, due to COVID-19 regulations, Ann was unable to attend the Diocesan gathering to recognise all who reached this milestone during 2020. Mr Sexton presented Ann with a card and a tree for her to plant at home.
World Teachers' Day
World Teachers' Day is celebrated in Australia today. It is a day for us to celebrate everything that teachers do for us. On World Teachers' Day we acknowledge and show appreciation for our teachers, whose selfless dedication, tireless commitment to improvement, passion for their vocation and love for the children they teach make our school such a beautiful place to be. Thank you to all teachers, you are appreciated beyond words.
Bike excursion postponed
Due to the recent rain the bike excursion that was planned for today has been postponed until Monday.
School Closure Days
- Next Tuesday is a Public Holiday for Melbourne Cup Day. The school will be closed on Tuesday.
- Thursday 12 November will be a school closure day for staff professional development. Please make a note of this date in your diaries and planners. No students will be at school on this day.
St Pat's Show Day
Next Wednesday we will be holding our very own Nhill Show at St Pat's. Information about this was sent home with your children yesterday.
In summary:
- Lunch is provided
- Lunch orders are not available
- Students can enter their own work in various categories
- Colouring Competition
- Games and outdoor activities
- 'Fashions on the Field'
- A tour will be recorded to share with families
Please remember to return the yellow lunch order slip (for franks in bread, not regular lunch orders which won't be available) by Monday.
Staff are very excited to be holding this event for our students, especially as we were all very disappointed to miss the Nhill Show this year.
School Fees
Reminder statements for outstanding school fees were sent home today. We appreciate your efforts to have school fees paid by the end of the year. If there are any issues or you are finding it difficult to meet your school fees responsibility, please do not hesitate to contact me to arrange a confidential discussion to make suitable arrangements.
Reminders - on-site learning
Coronavirus restrictions remain in place. This means that:
- All unwell students must stay home. Parents will be called to collect any students who experience symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat.
- Students must bring their own water bottles to school for use (and refilling).
- We will continue to provide routine environmental cleaning, including progressive cleaning throughout the day.
- Parents/carers are asked to observe physical distancing measures before and after school by not congregating in areas inside or around the school, including at the main entrance.
- Parents/carers can attend the school office if necessary.
- Face masks do not need to be worn at school by primary school children, but children over the age of 12 must wear masks when not at school.
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.
"Find happiness in making others happy" Mary MacKillop, 1899
God Bless you all.
Kingsley Dalgleish
Principal