Principal's Newsletter
Newsletter Thursday 10th August, 2023
We the staff of St Patrick’s acknowledge the traditional owners, the Kulin nations, of the land on which we learn and play.
We pay respects to the Aboriginal Elders, past and present, who are our teachers.
We thank them for taking care of children and country for countless generations.
John 12:24-26
If a grain of wheat falls on the ground and dies, it yields a rich harvest
Jesus said to his disciples:
‘I tell you, most solemnly,
unless a wheat grain falls on the ground and dies,
it remains only a single grain;
but if it dies,
it yields a rich harvest.
Anyone who loves his life loses it;
anyone who hates his life in this world
will keep it for the eternal life.
If a man serves me, he must follow me,
wherever I am, my servant will be there too.
If anyone serves me, my Father will honour him.’
Dear Parents, Carers and Guardians,
On Tuesday our staff spent our Professional Development day at the Mary Mackillop Heritage Centre in East Melbourne. This was the most fitting day as it was her Feast Day. Mary Mackillop was an incredible inspiration to all, but to teachers in particular. Mary was an advocate for those children who were most disadvantaged in life. The poor, the hungry, the unwanted. She stood up against those who tried who to shut her down. She became an inspiration for those who could not help themselves. In the face of every adversity, Mary and her fellow nuns worked day and night to ensure that each child was educated and nurtured.
Our staff were split into 2 groups and completed 2 activities. One group went off on a walk around the streets of East Melbourne and explored Mary’s birthplace, her first schools and explored other parts of history connected with Mary and the Sisters of St Joseph. We visited the chapel at Australian Catholic University where we convened as a group and prayed for our St Patrick’s community.
The second group stayed back at the Heritage centre and learnt more about the life that Mary, her family and her students led. We walked through an incredible gallery that stored many old relics from Mary’s day including Bibles, parts of original buildings, the habits the nuns wore and old school equipment. The Heritage Centre also had some amazing works of art and a lovely gift shop. The 2 groups then swapped so we were all able to take full advantage of the day.
I would like to thanks Mrs Noleen Chalmers for her organisation of the day. Our staff thoroughly enjoyed the experience and I know our students will be able to reap the benefits of our experience.
Take care and God Bless
Meg
Reminders for Term 3
Year 5 Camp: 23-25th August
Year 4 Camp: 30th August -1st September
Dates for Term 4
St Patrick’s Christmas Concert Thursday 7th December at 5.30pm
Year 6 Graduation Wednesday 13th December 6.00pm
2024 Enrolments
If you have a child beginning at St Patrick’s next year, please come to the office and get an enrolment form. If they are younger siblings beginning at St Patrick’s, you do still need to complete an enrolment form. If you know of any families living in our area and looking for a school, please tell them about us. If they wish to make an appointment to have a tour, they can contact the office on 5943 9000 or email us at office@stppakenham.catholic.edu.au
Donations
In order to support our P and F committee, I am asking if there are families and businesses out there who are able to donate items that can be used for future raffles. Not only is this a sign of goodwill and enhance a sense of community, but it will also be great opportunities for your own business to be highlighted at St Patrick’s. If you would like to donate items, please contact the office on 5943 9000 or email office@stppakenham.catholic.edu.au
As always, we appreciate any help that is given to our beautiful school.