Principal's Newsletter
Newsletter Thursday 30th 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 4:18-22
'I will make you fishers of men'
As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who was called Peter, and his brother Andrew; they were making a cast in the lake with their net, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.’ And they left their nets at once and followed him. Going on from there he saw another pair of brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John; they were in their boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. At once, leaving the boat and their father, they followed him.
Dear Parents, Carers and Guardians,
This week we farewelled our year 6's off to camp at Coonawarra Farm Resort. Unfortunately, the weather has not been great however they continue to complete all the activities and keep a big smile on their faces. We look forward to welcoming them home tomorrow.
At the other end of our school, on Tuesday, we welcomed our new Foundation students for 2024 for their final transition. They spent the morning with some of our year 5 students who were a great help and support. The children did some art activities and played on the playground. They also had their snack. I am pleased to announce that Mrs Geraldine Wilmann and Miss Katherine Gronek will once again be our Foundation teachers for 2024.
Next week I will be announcing the remainder of the staffing and the classroom structures for next year. On Monday the 11th of December, the students will meet their new teacher and classmates for 2024 and they will be in the classroom for next year as well. Please be mindful that once your child/ren have been allocated their teacher and grade, there will be NO changes made to the class lists. Please understand that this is a complex task for staff. Their academic, social, emotional and behavioural needs as well as friendships have all been considered.
This week, I received the wonderful news that Krissie, in Year 6, had won 3 awards for a Christmas Card Design Competition that was held in all of the DOSCEL schools. The awards were:
- Best of Primary School
- Winner Top Ten
- Winner of Best School Entry
The St Patrick’s community are so proud of Krissie and the incredible piece of work that she created. Her artwork will now be used as the official Christmas Cards that are used by DOSCEL. Please see her magnificent design below.
In the news this week, we have heard about the ceasefire over in the Gaza strip that has allowed the Palestinian and Israeli peoples to exchange hostages as well as allow aid into the region. It was incredible to hear that the truce was being extended by a couple of days to allow for more healing of sorts to begin. As we read in the Gospel today, the disciples were called to follow Jesus and then in turn they called others to follow Him. Once again, we place our prayers in the Lord to bring peace to the region and allow for all hostilities to cease once and for all.
God Bless,
Meg
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.
Christmas Concert
Once again, St Patrick’s will be holding its Annual Christmas Concert. We ask that families bring along with them a picnic basket of goodies to share with your family and friends and join in the Christmas spirit with our wonderful community. Wear your Christmas finest and get your singing voices ready!
We will begin at 5.30 sharp so please be on time.
End of Year Mass
Wednesday 13th of December at 9:30am in our school stadium
Paddy’s Kitchen-Food Drive
Paddy’s Kitchen is an outreach program initiated by the parishioners of St. Patrick’s Church, Pakenham, to serve our community.
Students, staff and parents of St Patrick’s school have been playing an important role to reach out to the community by volunteering to help with cooking, serving and cleaning. This year our school as a part of the Advent giving program, will be doing a Paddy’s Food Drive to reach out to our beautiful Pakenham community.
Through this program, our school community makes it evident that, ‘The person is not only sacred but also social. Moreover, we believe we have a right and a duty to participate in society, seeking together the common good and well-being of all, especially the poor and vulnerable people.’
One family - one item and we together can make a difference. Thank you.
List of items
- Cereal, oats, muesli bars
- Chocolates
- Biscuits
- 1 kg Rice bags
- Pasta
- sugar
- Pasta sauces.
- Canned tomatoes, fruits and soups
- Canned lentils, veggies, corn, chick peas
- Oil
- Vegemite
- Honey
- Pancake shakes.
- Gift cards for groceries also welcome.
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/Church car park pick up
Thanks so much to all of the parents for your cooperation of the new arrangements in the Church car Park. It is wonderful to have the support of our parents as we endeavour to set in place new routines for getting the students safely in their cars.
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. Please continue to check updates on PAM and the newsletter.