Term 3 Week 2

From the Principal

Dear Families,

Welcome back to Term 3. I hope everyone had a chance to rest and recharge over the break.

As we begin this new term, it's a great time to refocus and set some clear goals for the months ahead. Term 3 often moves quickly, and there are plenty of opportunities—both in and out of the classroom—for students to get involved and keep growing.

A big thank you to our staff for the ongoing care and effort you put into every day, and to our families for your continued support. Working together makes a real difference.

Let’s keep encouraging one another, stay positive, and make the most of what Term 3 has to offer.

A reminder that the School Closure day scheduled for August 15 has been cancelled. We will reschedule the closure day for a day in Term 4. we will let you know what day as soon as we lock it in.

Warm regards,

Trinity

School Closure Day August 15th - Cancelled

Please note that the School Closure Day/Staff Professional Development Day scheduled for Friday August 15th has now been cancelled.

Students will attend school as normal on this day.

We will  reschedule the day for a date some time in Term 4. 

The date will be advised as soon as it has been confirmed.

Well Done Jaylah!

HUGE shout-out to Jaylah! 

Last week, she proudly represented our school at the State Cross Country Championships – an incredible achievement in itself!

Reaching this level takes dedication, determination, and countless hours of hard work, and Jaylah showed all of that and more.

While it may not have been her day on the track, she gave it everything she had, and we couldn’t be prouder. 

Thank you, Jaylah, for your amazing effort and for showing what it means to wear our school colours with pride.

You’ve inspired us all! 

*Stars of the Week *

Welcome Miss Broom!

We are so lucky to have Miss Broom join our Junior classroom! She comes to us from ACU (Australian Catholic University) and is completing her final teaching placement with us over the next seven weeks.

The students have already connected with her and are enjoying her warmth, energy, and enthusiasm for teaching. It’s been wonderful to see her building relationships and jumping into classroom life with confidence and care.

We’re thrilled to support Miss Broom on this exciting journey toward becoming a fully qualified teacher, and we feel fortunate to be a part of her learning experience. 🎓

Tree Fundraiser

We're excited to launch our Tree Fundraiser in conjunction with Greentime Nursery! Every deciduous tree purchased during August helps support our school and contributes to a greener community. Whether you're after a  tree for your garden or a tree to support local wildlife, there’s something for everyone. Let’s grow together—support the fundraiser and make a lasting impact!

Athletic Sports

You're Invited to Our School Athletics Carnival! 

Get ready for a day full of excitement, sportsmanship, and community spirit!

Date: Friday, 8th August 2025

Start Time: 10:30 AM - 2:55 PM

Location: St Patrick’s School Oval

MacKillop (Purple) vs Xavier (Green)

We warmly invite all family members and community members to join us in cheering on our students during this exciting athletics carnival. Come along and enjoy a fantastic day of school spirit and friendly competition!

Volunteers Needed!- To help make the day a success, we’re seeking volunteers to assist with running events, timekeeping, and setup. If you're able to lend a hand, we’d love your support!

Let’s come together and make this a fun and memorable day for everyone!

Go Xavier !

Go MacKillop !

Let the best team win!

For more information or to volunteer, please contact: Trinity Johns 03 5495 1038

Meals on Wheels

At St. Pat’s, we believe that learning extends beyond the classroom—and next week, our Grade 6 students will be living that belief in a very meaningful way.

From Monday to Friday next week, our Grade 6 class will be partnering with Meals on Wheels to help deliver meals to seniors in our community. This hands-on volunteer opportunity is part of our commitment to nurturing empathy, leadership, and service in our students.

More Than Just a Meal
Meals on Wheels provides daily meal deliveries to seniors who are homebound or living alone. But these visits are about more than food—they offer friendly conversation, safety checks, and a vital connection to the community. For many seniors, that brief visit is the highlight of their day.

Our students will accompany trained volunteers on delivery routes, bringing not only meals but also smiles and kindness to doorsteps across the area.

Learning Through Service
This experience offers so much more than a lesson in giving back. It helps students:

• Understand the challenges some seniors face.

• Develop empathy and compassion.

• See firsthand the impact of small, thoughtful actions.

• Build meaningful connections with people of different generations.

We’re incredibly proud of our Grade 6 students for stepping up and embracing this opportunity to serve others. Their participation reflects the values we hold dear at St. Pat’s: faith, compassion, and community.

Thank you to Meals on Wheels for welcoming our students into your important work. We can’t wait to see the difference our young leaders will make!

Book Fair 2025

Scholastic Book Fair – Coming Soon!
📚 Tuesday 5th August – Monday 11th August 📚

We’re excited to welcome the Scholastic Book Fair back to our school! From Tuesday 5th August to Monday 11th August, the library will be transformed into a mini bookshop, full of wonderful titles for readers of all ages.

The Book Fair is a fantastic opportunity for students to discover new books, build their home libraries, and develop a love of reading. Every purchase also helps earn rewards for our school to buy more books and resources for our classrooms and library.

Opening times: 3:20pm – 3:50pm each day. Families are warmly invited to come along after school and browse the great selection.

Let’s turn the page on a new adventure—see you at the Book Fair!

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

What a fun and cozy Pyjama Day we had!

A big well done to everyone who got involved — from the wild onesies to the fluffy slippers, it was all about bringing some joy while supporting an important cause.

Pyjama Day is more than just wearing PJs — it's about raising awareness and supporting children in foster care through the Pyjama Foundation.

Every small effort helps make a big difference.

Thank you so much to everyone who has donated so far — your generosity is truly appreciated! We have raised nearly $500

And if you haven’t had a chance yet, there’s still time to donate and support this great cause.

https://fundraise.thepyjamafoundation.com/fundr.../stpatsStA

Let’s keep the kindness going!

#PyjamaDay #WellDoneEveryone #SupportForACause #ComfyWithAPurpose #StillTimeToDonate

School TV-Sibling Relationships

SPECIAL REPORT: Sibling Relationships

NCCD - Information for Parents, Carers & Guardians

NATSI Children's Day 2025

What is National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day?

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day is our national day dedicated to celebrating our children and has been held every year on the 4 August since 1988.

Children’s Day gives all Australians the opportunity to show their support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and learn about the impact that culture, family and community play in the life of every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child.

Children’s Day is an initiative of SNAICC – National Voice for our Children and we organise a national launch event annually for Children’s Day to be held at a different location each year. These events also see the wider community take the lead in celebrating Children’s Day with amazing and diverse celebrations across the country. SNAICC produces and distributes resources to help local communities and organisations around the country celebrate the day, including 20,000+ Children’s Day bags and other resources to support more than 500 community events across Australia.

The 2025 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day theme Little Footsteps, Big Future honours the journeys our children take as they grow—each step guided by culture, community and connection to Country.

Why is Children's Day important?

Children’s Day is important as a national celebration for our children to give them confidence and advocate for systemic changes to be made.

The majority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are thriving and growing up strong in their cultures with support from family and community. However, there is a significant number of children that continue to face ongoing challenges that stem from colonisation and its effects. This includes discrimination, poverty, systemic removal, intergenerational trauma, dislocation from land and culture and community disempowerment. 

To achieve equality, we must approach these challenges through a holistic approach that considers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children’s wellbeing, safety and development.

This is why we celebrate National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day.

Our Diocesan Community

Please find below the link for the July 2025 edition of “Our Diocesan Community”.

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

Community Notices

Child Safe Standards

Child Safe Standard 5

Child Safe Standard 5: Equity and Respect for Diverse Needs

At St. Pat’s, we are committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for every child. Child Safe Standard 5 focuses on equity and respecting the diverse needs of all children, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, and children with disabilities. We actively work to ensure every student feels safe, valued, and supported. This includes promoting cultural safety, listening to the voices of all children, and addressing barriers that may impact their wellbeing or participation. 

If you have any concerns or questions related to child safety, our Child Safety Officer, Trinity Johns, is available to support students, families, and staff.

At St. Pat’s, every child belongs.