Newsletter 26/05/2025: Term 2, Week 7

From the Principal

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

A sincere thank you to all the families who joined us for our Open Day. It was a pleasure to welcome over twenty families—both new and familiar—to experience a day in the life of our school. Behind the scenes, a great deal of planning and teamwork went into making the day a success. Staff adjusted schedules to showcase all that our school has to offer, continued their engaging lessons, and created a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Your children were wonderful ambassadors, showing enthusiasm, kindness, and pride in their learning. The feedback we’ve received has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re grateful for your continued support of our school community.

Please continue reading to find out more about what’s happening in our vibrant school community. Don’t forget to check the Key Dates section of the newsletter and keep an eye on PAM for any updates or actions required.

As always, I welcome your questions, feedback, or suggestions—please feel free to get in touch at any time.

Warm regards,

Darren Lloyd

CATHOLIC SCHOOL CULTURE

Sunday Parish Mass Invitation

Parish Bulletin

LEADERSHIP AND STEWARDSHIP

Fee Relief - Families affected by drought

We recognise the significant challenges many in our community are currently facing due to the rising cost of living and the ongoing drought, which has particularly impacted our local farmers and those working in agriculture. If your family is experiencing financial strain and needs support with education-related costs at St Patrick's, please don’t hesitate to reach out – confidentially – to Deb in the office or to Darren. We are here to help in any way we can.

In these difficult times, looking after your mental health and overall wellbeing is just as important. Remember, being part of a caring and supportive community like ours can make a real difference.

 Please see below a message shared by our Executive Director of Catholic Education Tom Sexton:

Catholic Education Ballarat Offers Fee Relief to Families Impacted by Drought - 20 May 2025 

As parts of Victoria endure one of the most severe droughts in decades, Catholic Education Ballarat is reaffirming its commitment to supporting families facing financial hardship by offering school fee relief across its 57 schools in the diocese.

Executive Director Tom Sexton emphasised the organisation's dedication to ensuring that every child has access to a quality, faith-based education, regardless of their family's financial circumstances.

“The ongoing drought has placed immense pressure on many families in our communities,” Mr. Sexton said.

“We understand the challenges faced by those in agricultural sectors and related industries, and we are here to support them during this difficult time.”

Families experiencing financial hardship due to the drought are encouraged to confidentially discuss their situation with their school principal. “Our schools are more than just educational institutions; they are communities that stand together in times of need,” Mr. Sexton added.

“We urge any family facing difficulties to reach out so we can work together to find a solution.” Catholic Education Ballarat remains committed to its mission of providing accessible education and supporting the wellbeing of its students and their families, especially during challenging times. 

Sickness

It's that time of year were there is a lot of sickness going around.

Please keep your child at home if they are unwell.

HCSN Network Day

This Friday the 6th of June is our annual HCSN Network Day.
This year the arrangements are as follows:
Foundation, Grade 1 & Grade 2 children will be at St Patrick's in Camperdown. 
Grade 3/4 children will be at St Colman's in Mortlake.
Grade 5/6 children will be at St Thomas' in Terang.
There is no cost involved and children being transported will go by bus during school hours.   
For students in Grades 3-6 there is a school-based activity set up on PAM that needs parent consent. If you have not completed this consent, please do so at your earliest convenience.

It is a wonderful day where the children either begin or continue to have contact with the children from our other HCSN schools.

Public Holiday Monday

This is a friendly reminder that Monday the 9th of June is the King's Birthday public holiday, therefore there is no school on this day.

Enjoy your long weekend!

Pupil Free Days Update

These are our known Closure Days, which will mean that students are not required to attend school on these days.

June 6th was reserved for school review. This school closure day is officially cancelled.

Remaining school Closure Days are:

• Friday July 4th (ReLATE)
• Friday September 19th (Structured Literacy)
  

Final day for students in Term 4 is Thursday the 18th of December 2025 

Tri Sports

Last Friday we had some 5/6 students compete in the District Tri Sports at the Camperdown College oval.

Well done to all that participated on the day.

Congratulations to one of the netball teams & the football team who have made it onto the next level in Warrnambool on Friday the 13th of June.

LEARNING AND TEACHING

WELLBEING

School Dates 2025

Tuesday 03/06                     Foundation Excursion to Warrnambool

Wednesday 04/06              Community Meal - Grade 5/6C

                                                  AFL 9's - Grade 3/4's 

Friday 06/06                        Network Day

Monday 09/06                     King's Birthday Public Holiday

Friday 13/6                            School Disco 6pm-8pm

Monday 30/06                     MRC Taster Day

Thursday 3/7                        Last Day of Term

                                                  Milo Monkey's Birthday - Foundation

Friday 4/7                              School Closure Day - Staff PD

Wednesday 9/7                   Movie night in Warrnambool

Noone's Uniform

Noone's now have stock of all our new uniform for purchase. You can pop into the uniform shop to try on.

The shop is located in the Mercy Regional College building.

In Term 2 the uniform shop is open on the following days -

Monday 12.00pm - 4.00pm & Thursday 8.00am - 12.00pm

Noone's Retail Sales Assistant

Noone's are looking for a Sales Assistant to join their team. 

This position is a minimum of 4 hours per week, with an option of more hours.

Generous staff discount is offered.

Start date ASAP.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Birthdays

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

Ned P, Katelyn R, Lyla B, Leroy F, Llwelyn R, Wesley M & Abby M

School Disco

TheirCare

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

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

Buskers wanted - Robert Burns Festival

Robert Burns - Shortbread Competition

AFL Auskick

Last week Tristan from AFL Victoria came to run activities during lunchtime breaks. To follow on from this, there is an afterschool program for any children who would like to participate in more of these fun games and activities. This is for children who have very little experience, but would like to try it out. This is not being run for children who already do Auskick or play under 10/12 football. Details are attached. 

Fun Swim - Colac

Thank you to the sponsors of our raffle!