SEP 7 2023 NEWSLETTER
- CHILD SAFETY STATEMENT
- FROM THE PRINCIPAL
- FROM THE RE LEADER - ELIZA DWYER
- MACKILLOP FAMILY SERVICES
- AUSTRALIAN BOYS CHOIR
- AWARDS
- 3/4 NEWS
- RESPONSILBE PET OWNERSHIP
- SWIMMING LESSONS COMMENCE FRIDAY OCTOBER 6
- FOLKIE CAMPERS
- MISMATCH CLOTHES DAY
- GRANDPARENTS AND SPECIAL FRIENDS DAY
- FROM THE OFFICE - SCHOOL FEE PAYMENTS
- COMMUNITY NEWS
- MOTHERS WHO PRAY FOR THEIR CHILDREN
CHILD SAFETY STATEMENT
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Parents and Carers,
Spring is certainly giving us a variety of weather this week. I will be accompanying the 5/6 classes to the Cave Hill Camp from Wednesday to Friday this week. If you wish to make contact with me you can do so on email.
We have started planning classes and staffing for 2024, so if any families are planning to go on an extended holiday in 2024 or move between now and the beginning of the year, please let me know.
It was lovely to see so many of our dads at the Father's Day breakfast last Friday. Thank you to the parents and teachers who helped make the morning possible.
Olga Lyons (Principal)
FROM THE RE LEADER - ELIZA DWYER
September is the Season of Creation in the Catholic Church.
Pope Francis writes...During this Season of Creation, let us dwell on those heartbeats: our own and those of our mothers and grandmothers, the heartbeat of creation and the heartbeat of God. Today they do not beat in harmony; they are not harmonised in justice and peace. Too many of our brothers and sisters are prevented from drinking from that mighty river. Let us heed our call to stand with the victims of environmental and climate injustice, and to put an end to the senseless war against creation.
In this Season of Creation, as followers of Christ on our shared synodal journey, let us live, work and pray that our common home will teem with life once again. May the Holy Spirit once more hover over the waters and guide our efforts to “renew the face of the earth” (cf. Ps 104:30).
“Let Justice and Peace Flow” is the theme of this year’s ecumenical Season of Creation, inspired by the words of the prophet Amos: “Let justice flow on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream” (5:24).
MACKILLOP FAMILY SERVICES
Throughout the region there continues to be a high demand for foster carers who can provide nurturing care and support for children in their local community full-time, short-term, or on weekends or school holidays. MacKillop supports foster carers with comprehensive training, ongoing advice, respite care and an around the clock helpline. If you think this is a role that you are ready for or for further information call 1300 791 677 or www.mackillop.org.au/fostercare
AUSTRALIAN BOYS CHOIR
The choir is embarking on its 2023 tour to Western Victoria and is thrilled to be singing at St Joseph’s Church Tuesday 19th September 4.00-5.00pm. General admission $35, Conc $25 child (under 12) free. Tickets available at the door or book at www.australianboyschoir.com.au
AWARDS
Foundation: Visual Arts: Brax Shiells for presenting a beautiful mosaic heart, your cutting and design were amazing. Beau Moutray for excellent work in Maths. Luke Parkinson for sounding out when reading.
Year 1: Rebecca Mahony for being a curios learner on our 1/2 excursion and answering questions with confidence.
Year 2: Miranda Hutabarat for being a kind and caring classmate on our 1/2 excursion.
Year 3: Maggie Currer for her excellent perssausive writing for the Big Write this term. TIlly Hetherington for applying herself in reading sessions to complete all tasks successfully. Sawyer Hallam for being a fantastic role model on school camp this term.
Year 4: Leah Mirtschin for being a resilient and positive role model on school camp this term. Evie Lambert for writing an excellent persuasive letter during the Big Write. Lewis MacKenzie for the effort and quality he put into his recount of the Year 3/4 camp. Edmund Sheehan for his excellent writing during the persuasive Big Write.
Year 6: Lylah Hamilton for her leadership she demonstrates consistently in our classroom and in the yard. Ava Roberts for her initiative and organisation when working on our inquiry task.
3/4 NEWS
This term the Year 3/4 classes have been focusing on ‘Change’ as an Inquiry unit. They have focused on the changes to Port Fairy over time. They have looked at our ‘Old’ school building, which is one of the oldest school buildings in Victoria. It needs repairing. In conjunction with the writing unit they wrote persuasive letters to the Moyne Shire Council to ask for money to help with the restoration.
RESPONSILBE PET OWNERSHIP
The Foundation students were involved in a lesson from ‘The Responsible Pet Ownership’ Organisation on Wednesday. The instructor, Barb, and her dog Tucker came to the classroom to teach students about caring for animals and about being safe around animals, particularly dogs.
Barb’s dog Tucker was a lovely Cavoodle, who was used to help the students learn about approaching and patting dogs. Students learnt to always ask for permission to pat someone's dog, and also what to do if they encounter an aggressive dog.
Florence and Campbell with Tucker and Barb
SWIMMING LESSONS COMMENCE FRIDAY OCTOBER 6
Our Swimming Program will commence next term on Friday October 8 for Foundations to Year 5. Our Year 6 students will participate in a beach safety program later in Term 4. The Swimming Program will run for 10 weeks each Friday until December 8.
Swimming lesson times 2023
10.00am - Foundation
10.30am - 1/2D
11.00am - 1/2OR
11.30pm - 3/4MM
12.30pm - 3/4CF
1.00pm - 3/4L
1.30pm - Yr 5
FOLKIE CAMPERS
Sadly St Pat's will no longer have camping in the school grounds over the Folkie weekend. After looking at the costs and income figures and the lack of volunteers, in consulation with the SAC and Olga Lyons, it has been decided that it is no long viable to continue to provide camping here at the school. The camping has been an amazing fundraiser for the school for many years and we would like to thank all the volunteers that have helped make it happen.
We are hoping that we will now have more volunteers for our Folkie BBQ in the years to come.
MISMATCH CLOTHES DAY
GRANDPARENTS AND SPECIAL FRIENDS DAY
FROM THE OFFICE - SCHOOL FEE PAYMENTS
Just a reminder that we are nearly three quarters of the way through the year!! Our governing body is looking at our fee collection and will be asking questions about any fees that haven't either been paid, have a payment plan or signed paperwork, very soon. It is a requirement by DOBCEL that all school fees are paid by the end of the year. If you haven't set up a payment plan yet or signed paperwork stating how you intend to pay, please contact the office ASAP.
If you need any assistance or have any questions please contact Olga or Bec, on Monday or Thursdays 9-3, or send an email to rlawlor@spportfairy.catholic.edu.au
COMMUNITY NEWS
MOTHERS WHO PRAY FOR THEIR CHILDREN
This prayer group for mothers is held each Friday at the Infant Jesus Church in Koroit at 10.45am. All are welcome!