Term 2 Week 7
- School Closure Day - Friday June 6
- From the Principal
- Sacraments
- Baby Boom at St. Pat's
- *Stars of the Week *
- Peek Into Prep at St. Pat's
- Catholic Education Week 2025
- National Reconciliation Week
- Regional Cross Country Results
- School TV
- No Gum at School
- St. Pat's Beanies
- Our Diocesan Community
- Dates for 2025
- Community Notices
- Child Safe Standards
School Closure Day - Friday June 6
A reminder that St. Patrick's School will be closed tomorrow, Friday June 6th.
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
What a vibrant and fulfilling fortnight it has been at St. Pat's! As we wrap up a busy two weeks, I want to take a moment to reflect on the many wonderful events that have brought our school community together in learning, celebration, and growth.
Catholic Education Week was a true highlight, offering us the chance to come together as a faith-filled community and celebrate the unique spirit of Catholic education. From our special liturgy and classroom activities to student reflections on what it means to belong to a Catholic school, it was heartening to see our values of compassion, service, and community come to life. Students from all three schools, St. Joseph's Charlton, St. Mary's Donald and St. Patrick's, enjoyed the chance to come together and participate in shared learning experiences, and build friendships grounded in shared values. Events like this remind us of the strength and unity found within our broader Catholic education community. A heartfelt thank you to staff, students, and families for contributing to such a meaningful week.
Our Open Day was another standout event. Welcoming prospective families into our classrooms gave us all a sense of pride in what we do each day. The energy was electric as visitors toured the school, chatted with our staff and student leaders, and saw firsthand the rich learning environments we’re so proud of. Thank you to everyone who helped make the day a success—your warm hospitality and enthusiasm truly showcased the heart of our school.
In the midst of all the activity, our team also took time for professional growth, attending a Professional Development Day in Euston. This day offered valuable opportunities to collaborate with colleagues from neighbouring schools, share best practices, and deepen our understanding of current educational research and strategies. Days like these are vital in ensuring we continue to deliver high-quality, contemporary learning experiences for all students.
As we look ahead, I want to thank our staff, students, and families for their ongoing support and positivity. It's been a busy time, but one filled with joy, learning, and connection—everything we aim to cultivate here at St. Patrick's.
Warm regards,
“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.”
Sacraments
This Sunday is a very special day for our school and parish community, as we celebrate both the Sacraments and Pentecost Sunday. Several of our students will be receiving the Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation, marking a significant step in their faith journey. It is especially meaningful that these celebrations are taking place on Pentecost, the day we remember the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles. As our students receive the Holy Spirit through the sacraments, we pray they are filled with the same courage, joy, and faith that inspired the early Church. Congratulations to all our students and families on this joyful and blessed occasion!
In the Catholic Church, Pentecost Sunday is a major solemnity and one of the most important feast days of the liturgical year. It celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and marks the official birth of the Church as a community sent into the world to proclaim the Gospel.
Sacramental Connection: Pentecost is closely related to Confirmation, in which Catholics receive the Holy Spirit more fully.
'Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of faith and the sacrament of Confirmation. May your Holy Spirit guide our children, strengthem their faith, and help them to grow in love and service to you. We ask for your blessing as they prepare to recieve this important sacrament and commit their lives to you."
Baby Boom at St. Pat's
A Joyful Welcome to Baby Nora and Baby Hazel
Celebrating New Life in the St. Patrick’s School Community
We are thrilled to announce the arrival of two beautiful new additions to the St. Patrick’s School community!
Congratulations to Dylan, Abbey, Logan and Olive on the birth of their daughter and sister, Nora, and to Simon, Naomi, Oliver, Oscar and Teddy on the arrival of their daughter and sister, Hazel.
Both families are doing well, and we share in their joy as they welcome their precious little ones.
New life is always a blessing, and we are so pleased to celebrate these special moments with our school family. Welcome, Nora and Hazel — we can’t wait to see you grow!
Baby Hazel
Baby Nora
*Stars of the Week *
Peek Into Prep at St. Pat's
🌱 Thinking About Prep in 2026? Let’s Start the Journey Together! 🌱
If you have a little one who will be ready to start school in 2026, now is a great time to begin exploring your options. Starting school is a big step—for children and families alike—and we’re here to help make that journey exciting, supported, and seamless.
At St. Pat's, our Prep program offers a warm, welcoming, and play-based introduction to school life. We focus on nurturing confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning from day one, supported by passionate educators and a strong school community.
Here’s what to expect as you begin planning:
🧒 Who is eligible? Children turning 5 years old by April 30, 2026
🏫 School Tours: Come and see our classrooms in action! Regular tours are available—contact us to book
💬 Information Sessions: Learn about our teaching approach, curriculum, and how we support each child's transition into Prep
📚 Prep Readiness: Our team can help you understand what school readiness looks like and how to prepare over the next year
Whether you’re a first-time school parent or just new to our community, we’d love to meet you and answer your question, it’s never too soon to start the conversation.
To register your interest, book a tour, or join our newsletter mailing list , please contact us at 03 5495 1038 or visit www.spstarnaud.catholic.edu.au
We look forward to sharing this exciting next chapter with you and your child!
Catholic Education Week 2025
Catholic Education Week Cluster Day Brings Schools Together
Students and staff from St Patrick's School (St Arnaud), St Joseph's School (Charlton), and St Mary's School (Donald) came together to celebrate Catholic Education Week with a special Cluster Day event.
The day began with a meaningful Mass, bringing together the school communities in faith and reflection. After Mass, everyone enjoyed a shared morning tea, giving students and staff a chance to mingle and build connections across schools.
The highlight of the day was an engaging "Mad Science" incursion held at the St Arnaud Hall. The interactive science show sparked curiosity and laughter, making learning fun for all.
Following the show, everyone came together once again to share lunch, wrapping up the day with a strong sense of community, friendship, and celebration of Catholic education.
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.
National Reconciliation Week
The National Reconciliation Week (NRW) 2025 theme, Bridging Now to Next, reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future.
Bridging Now to Next calls on all Australians to step forward together, to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us.
In the #NRW2025 theme artwork created by Kalkadoon woman Bree Buttenshaw, native plants − which are known for regenerating after fire and thriving through adversity − symbolise our collective strength and the possibilities of renewal. This is a time for growth, reflection, and commitment to walking together.
Australia’s history of reconciliation is not a linear one, we have made great strides and experienced disappointing setbacks.
Twenty-five years ago, Corroboree 2000 brought together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous leaders in a historic call for reconciliation. We continue that work in 2025, inviting all Australians to join us in Bridging Now to Next – building a more united and respectful nation.
What is National Reconciliation Week?
The dates for NRW remain the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey – the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.
Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
We all have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, and in playing our part we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, and futures.
A brief history
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) started as the Week of Prayer for Reconciliation in 1993 (the International Year of the World’s Indigenous Peoples) and was supported by Australia’s major faith communities.
In 1996, the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation launched Australia’s first National Reconciliation Week.
In 2001, Reconciliation Australia was established to continue to provide national leadership on reconciliation.
In the same year, approximately 300,000 people walked across Sydney Harbour Bridge as part of National Reconciliation Week-and subsequently across bridges in cities and towns-to show their support for reconciliation.
Today, National Reconciliation Week is celebrated in workplaces, schools and early learning services, community organisations and groups, and by individuals Australia-wide.
Reconciliation Week at St. Pat's
Regional Cross Country Results
Congratulations to our students who participated in the regional cross country run! You showed incredible determination and spirit, especially in such trying, and windy conditions. We are all so proud of you for representing our school with heart and perseverance. A special congratulations to Jaylah for making it through to State Cross Country and smashing her personal best record—what an amazing achievement!
Leon, Evie, Mason & Jaylah
School TV
Our school has partnered with SchoolTV – a trusted resource that prioritises student mental health and wellbeing. Because parenting doesn’t come with instructions, SchoolTV is now accessible through our school to help you navigate some of the more complex issues young people face. It provides practical strategies and trusted guidance to support your child.
Parenting is a learning journey, and with a little help from SchoolTV, you can engage in meaningful conversations with your child on topics that may sometimes feel awkward or difficult to address.
SchoolTV covers a vast range of topics, each featuring interviews with leading global experts and a carefully curated selection of resources from key organisations.
We encourage you to explore and utilise this platform, as it serves as a valuable tool in building relationships, fostering connections, and deepening understanding. By breaking down barriers, it helps pave the way towards better mental health and wellbeing for young people.
To stay informed about the latest topics, we also recommend signing up for ‘Get Alerts’. This feature ensures you receive updates as new content becomes available, and you can easily register through the link provided within each topic.
Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in shaping a young person’s life, and SchoolTV is here to support you in nurturing confident and informed parenting.
From our next newsletter onwards we will be including information and links to the many topics that SchoolTV has to offer our school.
No Gum at School
This is a reminder that chewing gum is not permitted at school. Gum can create messes on floors, desks, and under furniture, which are difficult to clean and distracting to others. By refraining from chewing gum, students help maintain a clean and respectful learning environment for everyone.
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!
Our Diocesan Community
Below is the link to the March edition of the Our Diocesan Community newsletter.
Dates for 2025
Community Notices
Child Safe Standards
Child Safe Standard 2
"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."