Principal's Newsletter
Newsletter Thursday 23rd 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 1:45-51
You will see heaven laid open, and the Son of Man
Philip found Nathanael and said to him, ‘We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, the one about whom the prophets wrote: he is Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth.’ ‘From Nazareth?’ said Nathanael ‘Can anything good come from that place?’ ‘Come and see’ replied Philip. When Jesus saw Nathanael coming he said of him, ‘There is an Israelite who deserves the name, incapable of deceit.’ ‘How do you know me?’ said Nathanael. ‘Before Philip came to call you,’ said Jesus ‘I saw you under the fig tree.’ Nathanael answered, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God, you are the King of Israel.’ Jesus replied, ‘You believe that just because I said: I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.’ And then he added ‘I tell you most solemnly, you will see heaven laid open and, above the Son of Man, the angels of God ascending and descending.’
Dear Parents, Carers and Guardians,
This week we sent our year 5 students off to their camp at Kryal Castle. From all reports, they are having a great time and some were so excited, they woke up at 4am this morning! I believe there will be some tired little faces when they arrive home tomorrow.
Last weekend, we celebrated Confirmation with our Year 6s from both Parish schools. Altogether we had 85 students confirmed at the two masses held on Saturday. Bishop Greg was there to bless the candidates and his Homily reflected just how much in touch he is with the needs of today’s society.
Bishop Greg created a sense of calm and welcome to all those who approached him. I would also like to thank Fr Janeesh and Fr Paul who were also key in supporting and preparing our children.
A huge thanks to Mrs Noleen Chalmers and to Belinda Couch and David Daly for preparing the students so well for this occasion. The whole day moved seamlessly.
As Term 3, comes closer to an end, I am already making plans for 2024. If you know that your child/ren will NOT be returning to St Patricks next year, can you please let me know at your earliest convenience. Similarly, if you have a child that will be in Foundation next year, please ensure that the enrolment paperwork is filled out so we can begin to send out all the information needed for transition.
Take care and God Bless,
Meg
Girls school uniforms and make up
Please ensure that the girls Winter uniforms are of an appropriate length. Dresses need to be just above the knees. Students will be spoken to if the uniform is deemed to be inappropriate for school. And NO make-up is to be worn. If the girls wish to wear something on their lips, it MUST be a clear gloss and not coloured. It will be confiscated if found and returned at the end of the day.
Just a reminder that school shoes need to be worn and not runners please. We have a second-hand uniform shop that is available to all families if they need. This is open on Thursday afternoons or by appointment. Please contact the office.
Assembly Changes:
This Friday the 25th August there will be no assembly. This is due to a school camp and our District Athletics that are occurring on the same day.
We will also have no assembly on the 15th September as we will be having our footy parade instead, all families are invited to join in as it will begin at 2:15pm !
Reminders for Term 3
Year 4 Camp: 30th August -1st September
Book Week Parade: 7th September
Footy Day: 15th September
Dates for Term 4
Year 6 Camp: November 28th - 1st December
St Patrick’s Christmas Concert: Thursday 7th December at 5.30pm
Colour Run: Friday the 8th of December
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