Principal's Newsletter
Newsletter Thursday 5th October, 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.
Luke 10:1-12
Your peace will rest on that man
The Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them out ahead of him, in pairs, to all the towns and places he himself was to visit. He said to them, ‘The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to his harvest. Start off now, but remember, I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Carry no purse, no haversack, no sandals. Salute no one on the road. Whatever house you go into, let your first words be, “Peace to this house!” And if a man of peace lives there, your peace will go and rest on him; if not, it will come back to you. Stay in the same house, taking what food and drink they have to offer, for the labourer deserves his wages; do not move from house to house. Whenever you go into a town where they make you welcome, eat what is set before you. Cure those in it who are sick, and say, “The kingdom of God is very near to you.” But whenever you enter a town and they do not make you welcome, go out into its streets and say, “We wipe off the very dust of your town that clings to our feet, and leave it with you. Yet be sure of this: the kingdom of God is very near.” I tell you, on that day it will not go as hard with Sodom as with that town.’
Dear Parents, Carers and Guardians,
Welcome back to the school year! We brace ourselves for the final term of 2023 and of all that is to come!
The final term as always will be a very special one as our year 6's prepare to leave Primary school and begin a new adventure in 2024. For some of our year 6's, they have spent their entire primary years with us here at St Pat’s. For others, it may have been a shorter journey, but one we certainly are glad they joined. The students and their teachers will experience their camp at Camp Coonawarra in Gippsland, their fun week which involves activities such as Clip ‘n Climb, McDonald’s lunch and a disco. And of course, with the year culminating in their Graduation ceremony. Please continue to pray for our senior students as they embark on their final term of primary school and hope that it will be a memorable one.
This term will also see our Junior school go to swimming lessons at our resident pool, Splashes! There will be Golf Clinics, incursions of African drumming, excursions to Old Gippstown, Year 6 Lifesaving day and of course our Year 3 Fun Experience Day.
We continue to go from strength to strength with our beautiful school and I look forward to our final term!
Take care and God Bless,
Meg
Important Reminders
Friday 3rd November - School Closure Day - staff will be participating in Professional Development around our Whole School Approach to Positive Behaviour.
Monday 6th November – SCHOOL CLOSED
Tuesday 7th November – Melbourne Cup Day
Wednesday 8th November – Students resume
2024 Planning
Planning has begun for the new school year. If you have a specific parent request for your child for the 2024 school year, this needs to be in writing to the Principal by Friday the 13th October at the very latest. I ask parents to be respectful when making these requests and to understand that no requests will be guaranteed. The process of creating classes is extremely complex, and the final decision rests with the principal. The students and their needs are what will be considered first and foremost.
If your child/ren will NOT be returning to St Patrick’s in 2024, please contact the office on office@stppakenham.catholic.edu.au at your earliest convenience.
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
Church Building Project
Once again, St Patrick’s will enter another building project, however this time it will be our Church undergoing these renovations. This will commence at the beginning of September and there will be some changes to the way the Church car park is to be used by parents dropping off and picking up students each day. I ask all parents to use patience and remain calm as we navigate some alternative arrangements during the renovations. All changes will be clearly marked and staff will be available to help parents in the first few days of the changes. The main focus will always be the safety of our students and irresponsible behaviour and dangerous driving will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Thank you for your understanding in this matter. More information will be given as we get closer to the time. Please continue to check updates on PAM and the newsletter.
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