Newsletter 16/12/2024: Term 4, Week 11

Week 11 Prayer- 4th week of Advent

From the Principal

Greetings everyone and welcome to a new week, the final week of the 2024 school year.

Note of Gratitude: I would to take the opportunity to thank the community of St Patrick's for welcoming me into their lives (again) for term 4- everyone has been so kind and considerate, and I have appreciated this immensely. This school and this community have been a big part of my life, and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here.

I wish you all a safe and happy holiday and may the festive season provide you with a time to reflect, to celebrate and to find joy in the birth of Jesus Christ. 

Farewell Families: As we approach the end of our year, we farewell many students and their families who conclude their time at St. Patrick's. We hope that their time with us has been most rewarding and that they have thrived with the welcoming community that St Patrick's is- may you always look fondly back on your time with us. 

Enjoy the week ahead, Ben.

Farewell Mick Saunders

This week we farewell Mick Saunders who will conclude his time with us, and with Catholic Education after a period spanning 4 decades with 13 years as principal and 11 years as a teacher within St Patrick's.

In that time, he has left an indelible mark on all those he encountered. He was a leader with great vision and passion for education, always advocating for the children in his care. And as a teacher, his stint back in the classroom was a catalyst for reinvigorating his career and reengaging him back in his true passion, the education of children. 

On top of his contribution to our school, is his high level of involvement in numerous community groups which has seen his leadership and passion come to the fore many times, and in many ways. 

The Camperdown community has been better for the arrival of Mick, Jo and family and we wish them all well as Mick and Jo head into the next phase of their lives together. 

Farewell Marie Wall

After initially planning to take 12 months leave in 2025, Marie Wall has now decided to formally resign from her role with us after 32 years of working at St Pat's. In that time Marie has been integral to ensuring the wellbeing of our children and their families, particularly those children who require additional support.

She has always advocated for the children and has always gone above and beyond her role in ensuring kids are comfortable, happy and safe. As a staff member she has always been passionate in standing up for kids, even when others may not have been prepared to do so or had given up hope. 

We will miss Marie dreadfully and will forever be in her debt for the many lives she has touched in her time at St Pat's, we wish her well in retirement. 

Classroom Structure & Leadership - 2025

End of Year School Mass

Our end of year mass will be held on the last day of term - this Wednesday the 18th of December at 11.30 am at St Patrick's Church with all families welcome to attend. 

School will finish at the normal time of 3.15 pm on this day but families are welcome to collect their children after mass. 

Theircare

Our providers have made us aware that our numbers are at a low level and the level of service that was initially indicated as being required has not lived up to initial survey results.

The reality is that the service is in jeopardy.   

If you need childcare for your child once school has finished, Theircare will be open and available for children on Thursday the 19th of December and Friday the 20th of December.

Cobden Tech School Bus Changes

Bus pass rules have changed for CTS coordinated busses. A bus pass can be given for students to travel on another bus within their own bus network. If your child travels on a different bus network, they are no longer able to travel on the CTS network buses.

Bus passes will not be given.  

Canteen

Our canteen service has now concluded for 2024. Our thanks to the staff who provide this wonderful service each week. 

Grade 6 Open Water Swim

The Grade 6's enjoyed their day at Port Campbell with a day ran by the Surf Life Saving Club. The students enjoyed a treat at Timboon Ice Creamery on the way home!

Grade 6 Graduation

Our Grade 6 Graduation will take place this Tuesday the 17th of December at 6 pm at St Patrick's Church.

Students will participate in a blessing, individual speeches about their time at St Pat’s presented by each 5/6 teacher and Grade 6 awards ceremony.

This is a formal event which should conclude at approximately 7:15-7:30 pm.

Immediate family and grandparents are welcome to attend. If your child is not attending graduation, please let their teacher know.  

School uniform is NOT required. We suggest students wear smart, casual clothing.  

Grade 5 Leadership Day

Today the Grade 5's held their leadership day.

The students participated in a range of leadership activities, culminating with the announcement of Leadership positions for 2025.

Congratulations to the following students who will fill leadership positions next year. 

Noone's Uniform Fitting Days

Noone's have opened up 2 dates for uniform fittings for current families. These days will be on Monday the 13^th of January & Tuesday the 14^th of January 2025. Please find attached a fitting letter.

The bookings will be open from 1pm-6pm on the 13^th of Jan and then 9am-1pm on the 14^th of Jan.

The link for bookings is https://www.noone.com.au/school/st-patricks-primary-school 

Uniform Shop Holiday Hours

LEARNING AND TEACHING

Wellbeing

Parish Bulletin

CATHOLIC SCHOOL CULTURE

LEADERSHIP AND STEWARDSHIP

Known Dates

Below is a list of known dates at this stage for the rest of this year.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Bunnings BBQ Fundraiser

The P&F have locked in a date to host a BBQ fundraiser at Bunnings in Warrnambool. The date set aside for this is Saturday, 15th of February 2025.  

The sausage sizzle will run from 9am - 4pm.

If you could spare an hour or two on this day and volunteer some time, please contact the office.

TheirCare

Theircare has now commenced at St Patrick's School and it's not too late to enrol.

We are excited to announce that we have now partnered with an independent Outside of School Hours Care (OSHC) provider called TheirCare.

TheirCare provides a stimulating and safe environment for all children. During sessions, children develop life-skills, friendships, confidence, and creativity through play-based programs.

For further information, visit www.theircare.com.au or call our support office on 1300 072 410

Community Events

Birthdays

Happy Birthday to the following students who will celebrate their birthday this week and during December.

Zephyr O'S, Alexa R, Brady R-H, Sylvia P, Ike V, Emma B, Bronte F, Winston K, Lewis S & Skarlette W

Thank you to the sponsors of our raffle!

Handpicked Flower Farm

Camperdown Community House