Term 2 Week 11
- From the Principal
- Last Day of Term 2
- Term 3 Starts Tuesday July 22nd
- Tree Planting
- Healthy Eating
- Coates Hostel
- Auslan
- *Stars of the Week *
- Don't Forget Our 'Peek Into Prep' at St. Pat's
- National Pyjama Day
- School TV-Eating Anxiety
- St. Pat's Beanies
- Dates for 2025
- What's on for the Holidays in St. Arnaud?
- Community Notices
- Child Safe Standards
From the Principal
Dear Families,
As we reach the final week of Term 2, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has been a truly vibrant and rewarding term. Our students and staff have embraced a wide range of opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, and I’m incredibly proud of all that has been achieved.
Throughout the term, we have actively engaged in our wider community—visiting Coates Hostel and Kara Court Aged Care, where our students shared their time and conversations with residents, bringing joy and connection across generations. We also cooked alongside the children at the Early Learning Centre and visited the local kindergarten to lend a helping hand, strengthening our ties with our youngest learners.
Our calendar has been full of enriching events and celebrations. We marked Catholic Education Week with pride, recognising the values and spirit that guide our school community. Our Mother’s Day Breakfast was a heartwarming morning, filled with smiles and gratitude as we celebrated the wonderful women in our lives.
Sport has also been a highlight, with students representing our school in a range of sporting events. Their enthusiasm, teamwork, and sportsmanship have been wonderful to see.
I’d like to thank our staff for their dedication, and to you—our families—for your ongoing support and involvement in school life. It’s the strength of our community that makes our school such a special place.
As we head into the holidays, I hope you enjoy some well-earned rest and time together as a family.
A reminder that Monday, July 21 will be a Professional Development Day for staff, and students will return on Tuesday, July 22 to begin Term 3.
Wishing you all a safe and restful break.
Warm regards,
Trinity
“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.”
Last Day of Term 2
End of Term 2 – Early Finish
A reminder to all families that school will finish at 2:00pm on Friday, July 4, the final day of Term 2.
Buses will run at the earlier time to accommodate the 2:00pm finish.
Please ensure appropriate arrangements are made for your child’s early collection, particularly if they are not travelling by bus.
Thank you for your support.
Term 3 Starts Tuesday July 22nd
Start of Term 3 Reminder
Term 3 will commence for students on Tuesday, July 22.
Please note that Monday, July 21 is a Professional Development Day for staff, and there will be no classes for students on that day.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Tuesday, refreshed and ready for another great term.
Tree Planting
Caring for Our Common Home
This week, our amazing Grade 4/5/6 students rolled up their sleeves and got their hands dirty helping out at the local Rivalea /JBS piggery – and planted over 1,000 native trees! 
This incredible effort is not only a hands-on lesson in sustainability and environmental stewardship but also a living example of the values expressed in Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ call to care for our common home. 
By working with local industry and restoring native vegetation, our students are learning the importance of:
Protecting biodiversity
Building community connections
Taking real action for the environment
Living out the values of respect, care, and responsibility
A massive thank you to Rivalea /JBS for supporting this meaningful initiative – and to our students for showing that young people really can make a difference! 
“Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential…” – Laudato Si’, 217
Learn more about Laudato Si’: https://www.laudatosi.org/
Healthy Eating
Healthy Eating & Cooking Fun! 
Over the past few weeks, our students have had the wonderful opportunity to team up with the children from St Arnaud Early Learning Centre for some fun and educational healthy eating and cooking sessions! 
Together, they explored nutritious ingredients, learned basic cooking skills, and discovered just how delicious healthy food can be. More than just making tasty snacks, these sessions helped build confidence, teamwork, and positive habits around food from a young age.Programs like this:
Encourage healthy eating habits early on
Build leadership and mentoring skills for our students
Foster community connections across age groups
Make learning fun and hands-on!
We’re so proud of everyone involved – and judging by the smiles (and empty plates),
we think it was a big success! 
#HealthyEating #CookingWithKids #CommunityConnections #StArnaud #LearningTogether
Coates Hostel
A Heartwarming Visit to Coates Hostel!
Our Grade 4 students had a truly special experience today as they visited Coates Hostel, bringing smiles, laughter, and youthful energy to the residents there.
From sharing stories to balloon games and creating art together, our time there was filled with moments of joy and connection. Intergenerational activities like these are so much more than a visit—they build bridges between generations. For the residents, it's a chance to engage with the energy and curiosity of children, lifting spirits and bringing a sense of purpose and companionship.
For our students, it's a powerful lesson in empathy, respect, and the value of listening to the wisdom of those who’ve walked life’s path before them.
We’re so proud of our students for their kindness and enthusiasm, and deeply grateful to the staff and residents of Coates Hostel for welcoming us with open arms.
#IntergenerationalConnections #LearningBeyondTheClassroom #Grade4Visit #CoatesHostel #KindnessMatters
Auslan
Last week we welcomed Jane into our school to assist with our Auslan lessons!
We’re proud to continue our journey of teaching Auslan – Australian Sign Language – as part of our school curriculum.
Auslan is taught across the whole school four days a week, with staff and students learning side by side.
It’s a powerful experience that brings our whole school community together in learning, understanding, and connection.
Here's why we believe it’s more than just learning a new language:
*Promotes Inclusion & Accessibility-Auslan gives students the tools to communicate with Deaf and hard-of-hearing peers and community members, helping create a more inclusive and respectful environment for everyone.
*Boosts Brain Development-Learning sign language improves memory, visual-spatial awareness, and problem-solving skills. It’s a fun, hands-on way to build strong communication and cognitive abilities.
*Encourages Empathy & Social Awareness-By learning Auslan, students gain a deeper understanding of different ways people experience and navigate the world, building empathy and emotional intelligence.
*Connects Students to Australian Culture-Auslan is a rich and unique part of Australia's linguistic and cultural landscape. Learning it connects students with an important and often overlooked community.
*It’s Fun and Engaging!-Students love the interactive nature of Auslan. It’s expressive, physical, and builds confidence through non-verbal communication.
The best part......
Our entire school community—students and staff—are learning together, supporting one another, and creating a culture of curiosity, respect, and inclusion. By teaching Auslan, we’re not just adding a new language to our school—we’re opening minds, breaking down barriers, and preparing students to thrive in a diverse world.
*Stars of the Week *
Don't Forget Our '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!
National Pyjama Day
Support foster kids with BIG dreams!
How Your Donation Helps kids in care
The aim of National Pyjama Day is to raise as many funds as possible for The Pyjama Foundation's Love of Learning Program which is offered to children in foster care.
Donations go towards providing children their very own special Pyjama Angel mentor who empowers them with learning, life skills and confidence to change the direction of their life.
Helping foster kids reach their full potential
Every classroom in Australia likely has a child who has experienced the care system.
These children face significant challenges—moving between homes, disrupted schooling, and the weight of uncertainty. But with the right support, they can thrive.
Without one-on-one mentoring, extra guidance, and stability, the odds are stacked against them.
They are less likely to complete Year 12, more likely to fall behind in literacy and numeracy, and are at greater risk of suspension or exclusion from school. Without a strong support system, their dreams can feel out of reach.
Wear your favourite pair of PJs on Thursday July 24th and help to raise vital funds to support children living in foster care.
School TV-Eating Anxiety
SPECIAL REPORT: Eating Anxiety
Eating anxiety encompasses the stress, worry, or fear associated with eating and can appear in various forms, such as a refusal of all foods or an aversion to specific textures or flavours. This is particularly challenging for children and teenagers during school break times or lunchtime. Often this anxiety can be intensified by either social pressures or the surrounding environment. While not a formally recognised condition, eating anxiety is a real and overwhelming experience that can stem from multiple sources including social anxiety, body image concerns, eating disorders, cultural or dietary restrictions, and bullying.
Students who feel self-conscious about eating in public, potentially feel their anxiety exacerbated by peer scrutiny when in school settings. Recognising this anxiety as a legitimate issue is crucial. It is important for parents and educators to create a supportive environment where affected students feel understood and safe. Many schools are becoming increasingly aware of these challenges and are implementing policies to mitigate stress and stigma by promoting body positivity, and accommodating students who feel uncomfortable eating in public spaces.
Ultimately, the goal is to build a trusting and resilient foundation, allowing children and adolescents to face their fears at their own pace, thereby reducing the anxiety associated with eating in social contexts. This collaborative approach aims to support young people in overcoming their eating challenges effectively.
Here is the link to extra resources: https://spstarnaud.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-eating-anxiety-au
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!
Dates for 2025
What's on for the Holidays in St. Arnaud?
Community Notices
Got a little speedster at home?
Junior Sprockets is heading to Bendigo in the July School Holidays!
No licence, no gear, no problem – we supply everything your Sprocketeer needs to hit the track and have a blast in a safe, fun environment.
Perfect for kids aged 6-12 who’ve never tried karting before
Limited spots – they will go fast!
Let your Sprocketeer discover the thrill of karting and make memories they’ll never forget!
Register nowhttps://www.karting.net.au/junior-sprockets/ (or using the QR code)
Child Safe Standards
Child Safe Standard 4
"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."