Term 2 Week 5
School Closure Day
A reminder that St. Patrick's School will be closed next Tuesday, May 27th.
Staff professional development (PD) plays a vital role in strengthening our school community. It enhances teaching skills, keeps staff up to date with the latest educational strategies, and directly supports student achievement. PD also fosters collaboration, boosts morale, and encourages a culture of continuous learning, something we at St. Pat's strive for every day.
From the Principal
I’m excited to share with you our newly redesigned school newsletter! This new format is part of our ongoing effort to keep you informed, engaged, and connected with all the wonderful things happening in our school community.
We hope it's easier to navigate and more visually engaging, with updates on student achievements, upcoming events, classroom highlights, and important announcements—all in one place. I hope this new format helps you feel even more connected to your child’s educational journey.
As always, thank you for your continued support of St. Patrick's. Together, we are building a vibrant, supportive, and inspiring learning environment for every student.
“As partners in Catholic Education and open to God’s presence, we pursue the fullness of life for all.
St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School is committed to the safety and well-being of all students.”
Open Day 2025
At St Patrick’s, we are more than just a school — we are a close-knit community grounded in inclusion, compassion, and a commitment to excellence in teaching and learning. As a small Catholic school, we offer a nurturing and welcoming environment where every child is known, valued, and supported to achieve their full potential
Best practice teaching with evidence-based learning approaches Personalised support A strong sense of faith and community where families feel at home Inclusive education that celebrates every child’s unique gifts and talents A focus on well-being to help students grow academically, socially, and emotionally No fees for new families enrolling in 2026 Every child provided with a free Chromebook Free excursions and activities
Come and see the difference at St Patrick’s!
Enrolments now open – we’d love to welcome your family. 
https://youtu.be/zo41odEdxm8?si=1Ogx_0Rf8vnmxYET
Call us on 03 5495 1038 to book a school tour or attend our open day on Monday May 26th!
Come and experience the vibrant learning in action at our school on Monday, 26th May!
Open Classrooms: 9:00 – 10:40 AM
School Tours: 9:00 AM & 10:00 AM
Step into our fabulous classrooms, see our students engaged in learning, and discover what makes our school community so special.
After your visit, join us for morning tea with our teachers and learn more about the exciting opportunities we offer.
We can’t wait to welcome you!
Catholic Education Week 2025
The theme for the 2025 school year across the Diocese of Ballarat is: ‘May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace.’ (Romans 15:13). The theme will also underpin Catholic Education Week 2025 celebrations from 26 – 30 May.
This year it is St. Patrick’s turn to host our Catholic Ed Week Cluster Day. Students from St. Mary’s in Donald and St. Joseph’s in Charlton will join us for a day to celebrate our distinctive ethos and mission with each other and our wider communities. We will enjoy a ‘Mad Science’ show and join together for a shared lunch.
2025 Theme
2025 is the Jubilee Holy Year, the 2,025th anniversary of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The concept of "Jubilee" originates in the Book of Leviticus (chapter 25) as a special year of reconciliation, pilgrimage, and coming home. Jubilees are now celebrated every 25 years. Pope Francis has designated the 2025 Holy Year as a time to renew ourselves as "Pilgrims of Hope." Our theme is built on the Jubilee while drawing on the gift of scripture where St Paul writes to the community of believers in Rome.
The context of the greater passage of St Paul’s letters to the Romans is to provide direction, encouragement, and guidance to the community of believers in Rome, a community that Paul had not met personally. In the Ballarat Diocese today, as a community of communities from the Murray to the Sea, we are also tasked to uplift and guide those within our Catholic Christian educational community.
We draw on the inspiration of Pope Francis and the wisdom of St Paul as we strive to bring the peace and joy that God offers to the people of our communities.
Loving God,
May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace as you guide and nurture the minds and hearts of the young.
May the God of hope grant you wisdom to teach with truth, patience to lead with compassion, and faith to inspire with love.
May you always find strength in the mission to reflect Christ’s light in your service, and may your work bear lasting fruit in the lives of those you serve.
Amen.
Cross Country Results
A huge congratulations to all the students who represented our school with pride at the Black Ranges Cross Country last week. Your hard work, determination, and sportsmanship were outstanding, and you should all be incredibly proud of your achievements.
A special congratulations to Jaylah, Evie, Mason, and Leon for progressing to the Regional Cross Country in Warrnambool.
We wish you all the very best as you take on the next challenge — Go team St Pat’s!
Stars of the Week
TERM 2 WEEK 5
TERM 2 WEEK 6
Our Diocesan Community
Below is the link to the March edition of the Our Diocesan Community newsletter.
St. Pat's Beanies
Get ready for the cooler months with our school beanies, available now for just $20 each! These cozy, stylish beanies are perfect for keeping warm during early morning drop-offs, outdoor school events, or simply showing off your school pride around town.
Made from high-quality materials and featuring our official school colors and logo, they’re a must-have for students, parents, and staff alike.
Limited stock available—grab yours today before they’re gone! Beanies can be purchased through the school office.
Show your school spirit and stay snug all season long!
Window Display
We’re thrilled to share that our school now has a vibrant display window featured in Weir's—and it looks absolutely fantastic!
Bursting with school spirit, the display showcases the colours of Autumn, highlighting student artwork, and a selection of 'Laudato Si' poems written by the senior students.
It’s a wonderful way to connect with the community and show off the pride and creativity of our students. If you’re strolling down the main street near Weir's, be sure to stop by and take a look—you can’t miss it! While you're there scan the QR codes and see and hear what St. Pat's is about.
Sacraments
We are pleased to inform you that the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist for 2025 will be celebrated on:
Sunday, 8th June at 10:30am.
More details about the ceremony will be provided closer to the date.
In preparation for this important milestone in your child’s faith journey, students will participate in four preparation sessions held at school. These sessions will be held on Friday mornings starting on May 16th, 23rd, and 30th, with the last session held on Wednesday morning, June 4th. They are designed to help students engage deeply with the meaning and significance of the sacraments.
The program will follow six booklets, each focusing on a key aspect of the sacramental journey:
- Belonging – Initiated in Baptism
- God Speaks, We Listen – To Live as Jesus Showed Us
- Remembering Jesus – Called by the Spirit
- Called by the Spirit – Remember, Share, Give Thanks
- Jesus Present – Remember, Share, Give Thanks
- Called and Sent Out – Remember, Share, Give Thanks
Each booklet contains a range of reflective and engaging activities. While many of these activities will be completed during school-based sessions, there are also sections to be completed at home with the support of a parent. Students may be required to bring items from home to complete some of the activities.
We greatly value your involvement and encourage you to take time to explore these booklets with your child as they prepare for this special occasion.
Included with this letter is a parent handbook titled Let the Children Come, which is provided to assist you with further information and guidance throughout the preparation process.
If you have any questions or require further information, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Thank you to those families that have committed to the Sacraments. If you would like your child to take part, and haven’t already contacted the school, please let the office know ASAP.
Dates for 2025
Community Notices
Child Safe Standards
Child Safe Standard 1
"St Patrick's Primary School respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land,
the Dja Dja Wurrung people, who are represented by the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal
Corporation, pays respect to the ongoing living cultures of first Peoples."