Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome to two new students! Welcome Braxton to Year 3 and welcome back Demi to Year 5. It is lovely to have you join St Patrick's school.

Attendance at school

Community Council Parent Connect Chat Thank you to the parents who were able to come to the online chat on Tuesday night. It was great to see you there and hear your thoughts. We hope more parents might say yes to joining the Community Council to help our school community grow and thrive.

• We want you! 
• One meeting per term (about 1 hour) 
• Friendly and welcoming
• Can you join? Please let us know.

Sport We hope Will has had a really successful week with his cricket representation! We wish our swim team all the best at Boorowa on Monday.

The Yellow Pillar @St Pat's is LOOK AFTER EACH OTHER based on our view to developing our relationship with God and one another. 

Blessings

Jo

Showcasing Student Work at St. Patrick’s

At St. Patrick’s, we believe that every minute counts. This week, I am showcasing the incredible work our students have been doing. From creative writing pieces to science projects, our students have been putting in tremendous effort and dedication. 

Did You Know? Applying for NDIS Support is Easier Than You Think!

Navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be! Here are some simple steps to help you get started:

If you want to apply to the NDIS, connecting with a partner is a good first step. If you’re 9 or older it’s best to contact your local area coordinator or for children younger than 9, families can contact an early childhood partner. Partners will help you understand the eligibility requirements, and what information and identification you need to give us.

Partners can help you apply to the NDIS by submitting the application on your behalf. This means you don’t need to complete the access request form yourself.

You can find a local area coordinator or early childhood partner near you on our office location page on the NDIS website.

For more personalised support, feel free to me at emma.grant@cg.actholic.edu.au to book a meeting and discuss the next steps.

Dates for your Calendar

Wednesday 5th March- Ash Wednesday Mass 12:45pm (Families welcome)

Friday 7th March - Class Mass - 1/2 Red 9.15am (Families welcome)

Key Dates for Confirmation:                                                                                 

• Family Mass- Sunday 4th May, 9:30am

• Retreat- Friday 6th June, 9:15-2:30pm

• Confirmation- Sunday 8th June, 9:30am                                                   

Please contact the Parish for enrolment

Season of Lent

As we approach the sacred season of Lent, we would like to share some important information and meaningful activities to help you prepare at home. Lent is a time for reflection, prayer, and spiritual growth, leading up to the joyous celebration of Easter.

Significant Days Before Lent

• Shrove Tuesday (March 4th): Also known as Pancake Day is the day before Lent begins. It's a time for feasting and enjoying treats that we might give up during Lent. Traditionally, families make pancakes to use up rich ingredients like eggs and butter. St Pat's students will be able to enjoy a pancake at recess on Tuesday (Preordered through Compass).
• Ash Wednesday (March 5th): This marks the beginning of Lent. On this day, we attend Mass and receive ashes on our foreheads in the shape of a cross. The ashes remind us of our mortality and the need for repentance. Students in Years 3/4 will be reading at our Ash Wednesday Mass. Families are welcome to attend our 12:45pm mass. 

Activities to Do at Home

1. Create a Prayer Corner: Set up a special place in your home with a purple cloth, candles, and a crucifix. This can be a quiet space for family prayer and reflection throughout Lent.
2. Lenten Calendar: Make a calendar to track your family's spiritual progress. Each day, add a small activity or reflection to help everyone stay focused on the meaning of Lent.
3. Family Discussions: Plan weekly discussions about Lenten themes such as sacrifice, forgiveness, and love. Use this time to share thoughts and experiences.
4. Acts of Kindness: Encourage each family member to perform acts of kindness. This could be helping a neighbour, donating to charity, or simply being extra kind to one another.
5. Fasting and Abstinence: Choose something to give up as a family, whether it's a favourite treat or a daily habit. Use this sacrifice as a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice for us.

We hope these activities help you and your family grow closer to God during this holy season. May your Lent be filled with peace, reflection, and spiritual renewal.

Curriculum

Our students are thoroughly enjoying our PDH program 'The Resilience Project'! They are actively participating in activities that promote emotional well-being, gratitude, and mindfulness. It's wonderful to see them developing skills that will help them navigate challenges with confidence and positivity. 

Term 1, 2025 School Fees

School Fees for Term 1, 2025 have been emailed to families and are due by 21 March 2025. The exception of due date will be for families on an instalment plan. We recommend and encourage all families to set up a weekly or fortnightly school fee payment plan via BPAY through your bank. See BPAY details on your Fee statement.

2025 Instalment Plans

Payments made in instalments that don’t cover Fees-in-full before the due date must be arranged and approved by the school. Please complete the form below and return to the office in person, or via email cathy.smith@cg.catholic.edu.au

Please see below the weekly payment costings, calculated over 52 weeks.

  I / we wish to pay school fees via an instalment plan:

Review of 2024 approved instalment plans

For families already on approved payment plans, now is the time to review and adjust your weekly/fortnightly payments according to the current year school fee commitment.

If at any time your family is experiencing financial hardship, or if your family is in need of other support, please contact the school to organise an appointment for a confidential meeting with our Principal, Jo Scott-Pegum to discuss how the school can help support your family.

If you have any questions or wish to discuss this further, please contact the Office Manager, Cathy Smith 6492 5500 or cathy.smith@cg.catholic.edu.au

FROM THE KINDER YELLOW ROOM

It's Week four and Kinder have dived into learning. The Kinders are learning like champions, it's like they have been here for years already. 

* Alijah said she is loving school.

I can see that all the learning they are doing in Kinder is making way for them to become magnificent leaders!

* Saskia can already count to thirty -one. 

It is still only the start of the school journey but they are staying strong!!

FROM THE 1/2GREEN ROOM

1/2G are learning about ocean ecosystems. They are learning about the types of animals, like stingrays and frogs. 

The student interviewed told us a special message - to take care of the ocean by not littering so we can keep our sea creatures alive.

1/2G are charging through their work better then ever before! Choral-ing the answer so well if you had your eyes closed you would think they are one person.  

More from the classrooms next week!

Bella