Term 4 Week 2

From the Principal

Dear Families,

Welcome back to Term 4! It’s hard to believe we’re in the final stretch of another wonderful year at St Patrick’s. I hope everyone enjoyed a restful break and is ready for a busy and exciting term ahead.

We’ve started the term with great excitement — our Grade 5/6 students are currently on camp at PGL Campaspe Downs, having a fantastic time challenging themselves, building teamwork skills, and making lifelong memories.

This term is always filled with energy and community spirit, and there’s plenty to look forward to. Our Grade 3/4 students will soon head off on their own camp adventure, while we also prepare to welcome families for our much-loved Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day, a highlight of the year that celebrates the special people who play such an important role in our students’ lives.

Our Energy Breakthrough teams are hard at work training and preparing for their big event — showing dedication, creativity and teamwork. We’ll also celebrate Mission Week, putting our faith into action through service, prayer and fundraising for those in need.

The fun doesn’t stop there — our Colour Run will add a splash of excitement, and the Bike Rally will once again bring students, families and staff together for a great day of fitness and friendship.

Our youngest learners, Little Paddys will visit us as they transition to 'big' school, and our students will again take part in Meals on Wheels, giving back to our local community in a meaningful way.

It’s set to be a vibrant, joy-filled term full of learning, connection and celebration. Thank you for your continued support — together, we make St Patrick’s a special place to learn and grow where every child belongs.

Warm regards,

Trinity

School Closure Days

A reminder that Monday November 3rd is a school closure day and Tuesday November 4th is the Melbourne Cup Public Holiday.

Students are not required at school on these days.

Upcoming Events

Grandparents & Special Friends Day - Friday October 24th

We are excited to invite all Grandparents and special friends to join us for a special day on Friday October 24th.

Grandparents and special friends can share a relaxed BBQ lunch with students and staff before visiting classrooms to see what students have been working on.

It's a wonderful opportunity for students to proudly share their learning and the school environment with their special guests.

Join us to celebrate the important role grandparents and special friends play in our children's lives.

We look forward to seeing you here.

School Musical 2025

Oliver with a Twist – What a Show!

What an incredible show of talent and teamwork! Our school musical, Oliver with a Twist, was an absolute triumph. From the catchy songs and clever dialogue to the colourful costumes and creative set design, every moment showcased the hard work, confidence, and enthusiasm of our amazing students.

Each performer shone on stage — whether singing, dancing, or acting — and it was wonderful to see our students’ personalities and talents come to life in such a joyful way. A huge thank you to the staff, families, and community members who supported the production in so many ways, helping to make the show such a success.

We are so proud of everyone involved in bringing Oliver with a Twist to life — it truly was a performance to remember!

Thank you to everyone that contributed to such an amazing event.

A special thanks to Chelsea who took the reins this year and never faultered. Her enthusiasm and organisation was outstanding.

📸 Check out more photos and highlights on our Facebook page:
👉 St Patrick’s School St Arnaud Facebook Page

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Grade 5 & 6 @ PGL Campaspe

Our Grade 5/6 students are having an amazing time at PGL Campaspe Downs this week! 

From the moment they arrived, the excitement has been non-stop.

They’ve been taking on all sorts of fun challenges — from the giant swing (cue the screams and smiles) and canoeing to the sensory trail and team-building games.

There has even been some very brave staff jumping from the Leap of Faith!

There’s been plenty of encouragement and courage on display as students push themselves to try new things and support one another. 

Evenings have been filled with fun activities, stories, wacky races, basketball,  toasting marshmallows and time spent together — the perfect way to wind down after a big day of adventure.

We’re so proud of how well our students are representing St Patrick’s — showing teamwork, respect, and enthusiasm in everything they do. 💚

We can’t wait to hear all their stories when they return!

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Grades 3 & 4 School Camp 2025

Grade 3/4 Camp – Billabong Ranch Adventure!

Our Grade 3/4 students are getting ready for an exciting adventure at Billabong Ranch later this term! Camp is always a highlight of the year — a wonderful opportunity for students to build independence, strengthen friendships, and enjoy a range of fun outdoor activities.

Camp information packs will be sent home soon with all the details you’ll need. If you have any questions or concerns in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact the school office.

We can’t wait to see our students embrace all the fun and challenges that camp life brings!

Black Ranges Athletics

Well done to our students who competed in the Regionl athletics in Ballarat last Friday!

Leo, Patrick, Jaylah, Evie & Oliver should all be incredibly proud of their efforts, determination, and sportsmanship.

Congratulations on representing our school with pride!

Thanks to Mrs. Wright and Darcy for taking them! 

Wright Direction - Wellbeing News

Transition to High School

Dear Families,

Starting high school is a rite of passage posing many new challenges, but also offering exciting new opportunities. This can come with a number of mixed feelings, but especially given the tumultuous year 2020 presented due to COVID-19.The overall impact of this is still unknown and these different times will present unique challenges that could heighten any pre-existing mental health conditions or concerns your teenager may have.

All transitions are important, but the transition into high school is unique. Successful transitions rely on a number of social, emotion and practical factors. Being well prepared positively correlates to higher levels of wellbeing as well as greater engagement and achievement, all whilst improving the student’s chances of staying in education longer term. It is important for parents and carers to be mindful and supportive, but also realistic in their expectations. It can be easy for everyone involved to become overwhelmed during this time of transition.

As your teen settles into their new “normal”, it will be important for parents and carers to be vigilant in monitoring their young person’s mood and mental health during this time. There are a number of practical strategies you can implement to help support them whilst they learn to navigate this daunting, but exciting time in their lives.

Regards

Tammy

CDF Community Fund

CDF is here to help put faith into action.
We do this through the delivery of financial solutions that balance margin and mission, for the common good. 

Since 1956, CDF has been supporting communities and continually improving an approach that allows us to provide a unique level of support across our footprint of Catholic primary and secondary schools, parishes and more recently aged care, healthcare and social service providers. 

CDF's primary role is to support the work of Catholic organisations.

While this work is increasingly complex and the demand for services grows, the needs of Catholic organisations can’t always be met by the traditional banking sector. However, our values-based approach to lending, backed by our rigour and professionalism as a financial organisation, allows CDF to give Catholic organisations every possible chance to put their faith into action. 

Our Lending Principles

Our lending is based on a unique set of criteria when compared to other financial organisations:

• We are guided by Catholic Social Teaching, that provide a set of principles for building a society based on love, respect and human dignity.
• We are committed to the common-good, and the fact that we are a Development Fund, and not a bank, means we have the freedom to support Catholic organisations who otherwise may not be eligible for support from the traditional banking sector. In over 65 years of work devoted to the common-good, CDF has never registered a bad debt. 
• Funding from within means Catholic endeavours and enterprises can be relatively self-sufficient, rather than relying on a banking system exposed to unpredictable and volatile market influences.

Investment as Faith in Action

Investments with us, both from organisations and everyday people, continue to grow our social mission and demonstrate, through faith in action, the fundamental values of the Church and its very real contribution to a fair, cohesive and productive society.

Dates for 2025

Community Notices

Child Safe Standards

Child Safe Standard 9 – Governance and Leadership

Standard 9: Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed.

At St Patrick’s School, the safety and wellbeing of every child is our highest priority. Child Safe Standard 9 focuses on ensuring that our governance and leadership create a strong culture of child safety across every part of school life.

This means that our leaders, staff, and volunteers are all committed to upholding clear policies, practices, and accountability measures that protect children from harm. Strong leadership sets the tone — promoting respect, transparency, and a shared responsibility for the safety of all students.

At St Patrick’s, we continuously review and strengthen our child safety processes to make sure our school remains a place where every child feels safe, valued, and supported to grow and thrive. 💚

At St. Pat’s, every child belongs.