Principal's Newsletter
Heavenly Father, I lift up to you today my mother and all mothers. Bless them with strength to continue to care for their children, with the same bold, selflessness Mary showed Jesus. Help my mother and all mothers feel our gratitude and truly know their impact.
Gospel of the Week
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John
I give my sheep eternal life.
Jesus said:
‘The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice;
I know them and they follow me.
I give them eternal life;
they will never be lost
and no one will ever steal them from me.
The Father who gave them to me is greater than anyone,
and no one can steal from the Father.
The Father and I are one.’
Dear Parents, Carers and Guardians,
This week the Gospel tells us Jesus is our protector and Shepherd who guards and guides, who feeds and protects us from the dangers of life and defends us from anyone who tries to take us away from him. We are assured of this gift as we stay connected to hearing his voice. The last fundamental requirement of hearing our Shepherd's voice is to trust Him. He calls, and we do it willingly. As followers of Christ, we must choose the posture of hearing, listening, and following His voice as sheep will to its Shepherd.
How relevant that the Gospel talks about Jesus is our protector who guards and guides us when we are preparing to celebrate Mother’s Day this Sunday. On this day, it is so important to take the time to stop and reflect on EVERYTHING that our mums do for us. And whether we have a mum or a grandmother or another female guardian, they are there to share their love and to nurture us.On Wednesday, Students from years 4, 5 and 6 participated in District Cross Country at Toomuc Valley Reserve in Pakenham. The rain threatened to ruin the day; however it blew over and the students and teachers had a great time. Thanks to Louise Breeden our wonderful Physical Education teacher for the organisation of the day and for getting the students so well prepared. Thanks also to the staff who went on the day and supported and kept our students safe. See photos and more details about the event below.
Thank you and God Bless,
Meg
School Uniform
All students should be wearing their WINTER school uniform please from next week, Monday the 12th May. Hats are no longer required to be worn. Please remember to wear the proper school shoes and NOT runners. The second-hand uniform shop is open on Thursday afternoons by appointment so please contact the office you need to top up your supplies. Cash and card accepted.
PLEASE TAKE NOTE-CHANGES TO THE AVENUE CAR PARK
There will be major changes to the carpark in the coming weeks. I ask all parents to please be patient as we change the operation of this carpark to make it a safer place for all. I will be asking all parents to please be familiar with the new format and to follow the rules.
The main changes taking place are as follows:
- All car parks will be angle parking. NO reverse parking is allowed.
- The car park will be a ONE WAY only now.
- There will be a Safety Crossing for anyone who has parked and are walking their children into school. This crossing MUST be observed. Please do not cross anywhere else or be prepared to be spoken to by staff.
RESCHEDULED SCHOOL PHOTO DAY
Our new school Photo Day will be on Thursday 29th May. Please place this on your calendars. Forms have been sent home already.
Year 4 and 5 Camp Information Nights
Year 4 camp information will be held on Wednesday 28th May at 6pm in the Welcome Room which is located in the B Block.
Year 5 camp information will be held on Wednesday 4th June at 5.30pm in the Year 5 classrooms which are located in the B Block.
Future Enrolments
This term, once again, we have had multiple inquiries for school tours, in particular for 2026.
With this in mind, can I please ask for any existing families who have younger siblings coming to St Patrick’s in the next few years, to please make sure they fill in their enrolment forms early as possible. St Patrick’s is looking to manage a high demand of places within the school community and places may become limited.
Thank you.
St Francis Xavier College, Officer school tours
If you are looking to enrol your child into St Francis Xavier, Officer, please note these important dates in your calendar.
Officer Campus Talk & Tour – 09.30am – 10.45am
Tuesday 13 May
Tuesday 24 June
Tuesday 12 August
Tuesday 09 September
Tuesday 14 October
Wednesday 12 November
Year 7 2026 Enrolment Interviews
Wednesday 4 June
Wednesday 29 October
Year 7 2026 Transition Day – Monday
8 December all day
Mobile Device Policy and Smartwatch Guidelines-
Please see below 2 new Guidelines St Patrick’s has introduced that will be added on to our website shortly. I would like to ask all parents/carers and guardians to take the time to read as this as it is certainly an issue that will continue to grow in its impact the more we rely on Mobile/Digital devices.