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Dear Parents and Carers,
Just to start with a little bit of joy.... Mrs Banks lost the kinders yesterday....... ok so they weren't lost they were immersed in books! Great to sit and read in the outdoor classroom when the sun emerged!
We are so pleased that despite the wet, wet, wet weather that everyone has been able to stay safe and as dry as possible.
When we arrived in Bowral on Tuesday we experienced significant wet weather, and it was wonderful to welcome the sun in glimpses on Wednesday and Thursday. There is always an opportunity for us to be grateful for the many blessings we have despite challenges that come our way.
Our Archbishop, Christopher Prowse, has led the Retreat aspect of our Principal gathering in Bowral, with the theme of Mercy.
Congratulations to the St Patrick’s representatives at the Diocesan Swimming Carnival in Queanbeyan. I have reports of how wonderfully these students participated and challenged themselves to personal best results. Congratulations to Henry and Lily (Lily also broke a 2014 record in her freestyle event) who now represent the diocese in Sydney, your St Pat’s cheer squad will be supporting you all the way!
Next Thursday is St Patrick’s Day and we are excited to wear green and have a great day honouring our patron saint. We thank the community engagement sub-committee for some quick organising of a wonderful afternoon gathering for students and families from 3.30-5.00pm on the school flats (and in the hall if weather demands). We hope some other parents may be able to help on the afternoon and to welcome our new families with joy and open arms.
Year 6 Leaders
As we continue to provide opportunities for our Year 6 leaders to be ministers in our school we thank Jack and Rylan for their application to be our ICLT leaders, we know there will be many opportunities to support us in this area. We also acknowledge Luke for his interest and desire to support Alice as a Diversity and Inclusion Leader at St Pat’s. They will soon begin preparations for Harmony Day celebrations at St Pat’s.
I look forward to seeing all the happy St Pat's kids and staff on Monday for our school photo day.
Blessings.
Jo
ST. PAT'S HARMONY DAY MONDAY 28TH MARCH
AT ST. PAT'S EVERYONE BELONGS
I have been working closely with our Inclusion and Diversity Ministers Alice and Luke to plan how we will celebrate Harmony Day as a school community.
What is Harmony Week?
It is a time to celebrate Australian multiculturalism, and the successful integration of migrants into our community.
Australia is one of the most successful multicultural countries in the world and we should celebrate this and work to maintain it.
Harmony Week is about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background, united by a set of core Australian values.
Why orange?
Orange is the colour chosen to represent Harmony Week. Traditionally, orange signifies social communication and meaningful conversations. It also relates to the freedom of ideas and encouragement of mutual respect. Australians can choose to wear something orange during Harmony Week to show their support for cultural diversity and an inclusive Australia.
Our cultural diversity
Australia is a vibrant and multicultural country — from the oldest continuous culture of our first Australians to the cultures of our newest arrivals from around the world.
Our cultural diversity is one of our greatest strengths and is at the heart of who we are. It makes Australia a great place to live.
An integrated multicultural Australia is an integral part of our national identity. All people who migrate to Australia bring with them some of their own cultural and religious traditions, as well as taking on many new traditions. Collectively, these traditions have enriched our nation.
Facts and figures
There are some fascinating statistics about Australia's diversity that can be good conversation-starters:
- nearly half (49 per cent) of Australians were born overseas or have at least one parent who was
- we identify with over 300 ancestries
- since 1945, more than 7.5 million people have migrated to Australia
- 85 per cent of Australians agree multiculturalism has been good for Australia
- apart from English, the most common languages spoken in Australia are Mandarin, Arabic, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Italian, Greek, Tagalog/Filipino, Hindi, Spanish and Punjabi
- more than 70 Indigenous languages are spoken in Australia.
More information to come....
LOOKING AT LEARNING AT ST. PATS
YEAR 4/5Y CREATIVITY/WRITING AND PUBLISHING
5/6 GREEN MATHEMATICS
YEAR 1/2 RED RELIGION
YEAR 1/2 GREEN WRITING
St Patrick's Day
We will be celebrating St Patrick's day with a whole school Mass at 12:15pm on Thursday 17th March.
Parents are invited to attend.
Ways to Pray during Lent - Lent and Forgiveness
- Lent is a time to pray, fast and do good deeds. It is a time to change ways and to turn to God for forgiveness.
- Reflection on forgiveness from Pope Francis
- Lent is a time to say sorry and ask forgiveness.
- Pray a Three Minute Retreat: Celebrate Forgiveness and respond by praying an Act of Contrition
Pray An Act of Contrition
O my God, I am sorry that I have sinned against you, because you are so good, and by the help of Your grace, I will not sin again.
Amen
Thank you to the families who have paid their term 1 fees.
Term 1 fees are due next Wednesday, 16 March 2022, except those with direct debit arrangements.
If at any time your family is experiencing financial hardship due to Covid-19 or any other reason or your family is in need of other support, please contact the school to make a time for a confidential meeting with our Principal, Jo Scott-Pegum to discuss how the school can help support your family.
School Photo Day: Next Monday, 14 March 2022
2022 school photos are ready to order now through the Compass Portal.
It's as simple as opening your compass app and clicking on the photo links.
Ordering is quick and easy!
