Principal's Newsletter
Newsletter Thursday 2nd November, 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.
Matthew 11:25-30
You have hidden these things from the wise and revealed them to little children
Jesus exclaimed, ‘I bless you, Father, Lord of heaven and of earth, for hiding these things from the learned and the clever and revealing them to mere children. Yes, Father, for that is what it pleased you to do. Everything has been entrusted to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, just as no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
‘Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.’
Dear Parents, Carers and Guardians,
On Wednesday evening, Belinda Couch (Grade 6 teacher) and I, had the privilege of attending the Annual Rotary Primary School Public Speaking Competition. Students from local schools in our Pakenham area apply to participate in this activity. St Patrick’s was the only Catholic School to participate.
Two of our Year 6 students, Areng (6DD) and Addison (6BC) both presented speeches to the audience. Areng spoke about Resilience and Addison about Mental Health.
Both speeches were incredibly moving and the girls are to be applauded on the professional way they conducted themselves.
Congratulations to Areng who was awarded the Champion Speaker! Addison received a $50 gift voucher for her performance on the night. Both girls were amazing and I am so proud of their efforts. Their speeches and photos can be found further down in the newsletter!
It was an incredible evening and it was so heartening to see so many young people participate in this event and to share their stories and opinions on so many issues they are facing the world at this moment.
Thanks to Mrs Couch for her support of the girls and this project once again.
Tomorrow the school will be closed for the day. Our staff will be participating in professional development around our Whole School Approach to Positive behaviour. The day is designed to focus on the students’ personal social skills and the way to go about maintaining respectful and resilient relationships with their peers and teachers.
On Monday, all Catholic schools in the Diocese of Sale will be closed for the day.
Just a reminder that the school will be closed this FRIDAY the 3rd of November, MONDAY 6th November and TUESDAY the 7th November. School will resume on WEDNESDAY 8th November.
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
Friday 8th December - Colour Run
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
The church has commenced their building renovations, this has changed 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