NOV 16 2023 NEWSLETTER

CHILD SAFETY STATEMENT

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Parents and Carers,

This week the Leadership Team have been working on our 2024 Annual Action Plan.  Our three key priorities for the next 5 years will be around...

1. Catholic Identity across all curriculum areas. 

2. Community engagement in student learning.   

3. Motivating students learning through student agency.

Congratulations to the students who participated in the Try-athalon on Tuesday.  There were some standout achievements from teams and individuals.

We are still looking for 3-4 parents to come forward for our School Advisory Council for 2024/25.  Please contact me if you still have some questions after reading about the role in this newsletter.  

At this stage we also don't have a President, Secretary or Catering Coordinator for the Parents & Friends.  I know the current executive are a hard act to follow but the structure they have established runs smoothly with minimal coordination required. The P & F is a vital part of our school community so I encourage parents to consider taking one of these roles. The current executive will still be around to mentor anyone who puts their hand up.  Come along to the P & F AGM or contact Bree Porter if interested. The Parents & Friends AGM is this coming Monday evening at 7.00pm at the school. See you there. 

Olga Lyons (Principal)

FROM THE RE LEADER - ELIZA DWYER

CATHOLIC MISSION - BAKE SALE

Thank you to everyone who baked or bought goods from the Mini Vinnies Bake Sale. The Bake Sale raised an amazing $575, which was donated to Catholic Missions. 

REMEMBRANCE DAY

Thank you to our school leaders who represented St. Patrick's by laying a wreath at the Remembrance Day Memorial Ceremony on Saturday November 11. It was a respectful tribute to those who have lost their lives in wars. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who are curently suffering from the terrors of war in the Middle East.  

5 STAR Sustainability Status Renewed

Congratulations to Mr. Steere and the Sustainability Team who have worked hard this year to reclaim our 5 STAR status through ResourceSmart Schools and Sustainability Victoria.  This is a HUGE achievement as it involves a significant process and level of dedication. Our 5 STAR recognition will be valid until 2027. 

Becoming a 5 STAR sustainable school recognises our school's commitment to fully embedding sustainability in everything we do with ongoing proven results.  As a 5 STAR school we have demonstrated a leadership commitment to, mentoring and developing our student leaders, focusing on educating about sustainable practices, hosting network meetings, attending conferences, engaging with other environmental groups and sharing our stories with others. We are very proud of this great achievement!

CLASS NEWS - ART

It's been a really fun filled semester in the arts department and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time working with all of the students while Mrs Kenna has been on long service leave. Our first projects looked at mosaics using a variety of materials. One highlight was when Melbourne Artist commented on the wonderful work the students created based on her style.

Then we moved onto textiles. If you’ve been into school you may have seen the whole school collaborative piece that we have created together titled “Sea Scape”. Marine Biologist Ellie McCosh gave a talk to the senior students about her work in the Pacific as inspiration.

All students entered a piece into the Port Fairy Art Show and worked extremely hard during the year to curate their piece. We are also lucky enough to have some students take home place winnings from the competition.

Congratulations to Florence McCorkell, Max Nevitt, Nike Harris, Iney Murphy, Aleera Hicks, William Leddin, Leila Cryer, Rosie Currer and Jacob Tonkin.

We also had another winner with Katie Keane winning a national art competition put out by The Kindness Factory. She created a mascot for the attribute Self Acceptance and will now see her mascot Sammy the Sausage dog used in all their promotional materials which includes an animation. The school also receives $2000 for wellbeing products, yoga mats and books. Students are exploring their own talents by entering into the National Zart Art School exhibition. All students will have a piece in this and will be displayed in Melbourne. We still have some dream catchers to create, seagulls to sculpt with cane and materials, followed by Christmas Fun.

- Leisa McCosh

SUSTAINABILITY NEWS

SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL VACANCIES

We will have 3-4 parent positions being vacated on the School Advisory Council for 2024/25.  These are 2 year  positions with 1 meeting per term and an AGM in term 4.  We welcome parents who would like to be involved in the structures and policies of the school to send an email to principal@spportfairy.catholic.edu to register their interest prior to November 25. 

The SAC acts as an advisory body to the Principal in all matters. The SAC supports the principal in the directions/policies of the school. It offers advice, to the and assists with planning for the present and the future operation of the school. This includes:

1. Supporting the ministry functions of schools through assisting with:

• promotion of the school's Catholic ethos and culture
• articulating and enacting the school's vision and mission
• promotion of faith development
  

2. Providing a stewardship role of the school through assisting with:

• present and future capital resource planning and maintenance
• disseminating information about the school- events/directions
• long-term viability of the school: enrolments/ resources/master planning 
• appointment of principal and staff, if required

3. Providing advice and support to the Principal through assisting with:

• implementation of DOBCEL policy, as required
• support of and communication on school and parish matters
• advice, as required, on issues arising such as from the School Development Plan, innovations and enrolment trends

4. Assisting the Principal in stewardship of finances through:

• advising how diocesan policies such as School Fee Collection, might be implemented
• sighting the annual school budget and receiving updates on progressive implementation
• discussing significant changes to school budgets and cash flow requirements
• discussing and providing advice on capital borrowings and development.
  

TRYATHLON SUCCESS

On Tuesday, students from Year 3-6 participated in the Moyne Schools 2023 Tryathlon.  The day was a fantastic success.  It was a non-competitive event and we congratulate all those children who participated in both team and individual events.  Thanks very much to all the parents, grandparents and family who attended to provide support for our students.

Prayer for Peace in the Middle East

Lord Jesus Christ,

The Holy Land is once again struck by violence, hatred and death. 

Lord, look with mercy upon the land that was your earthly home.

Receive the deceased into your presence.

Comfort those who mourn, are wounded or forced to flee. 

Be close to all who are full of fear and despair.

You are our peace and the light of the nations.

Put an end to the spiral of terror and suffering in the Holy Land and in the whole Middle East. 

Let peace and justice flourish in the holy land.

You are our refuge. Let the people be safe in your love. 

FREE FISHING KITS FOR YEAR 5 STUDENTS

Victorians love fish and fishing. Recreational fishing offers terrific opportunities for people of all ages, skills, abilities and backgrounds to enjoy a fun and healthy activity and build social connections. Our aboriginal heritage is also deeply linked to fishing, with thousands of years of indigenous fishing history in Victoria.
The Victorian Government is committed to increasing the number and diversity of people fishing and enjoying Victoria’s local seafood, growing healthy and sustainable fisheries sectors and contributing to Victoria’s social and economic prosperity. Every Victorian should have the opportunity to fish.

The Victorian Government committed $1.5 million over four years at the 2022 State election to provide 60,000 primary school Year 5 children with Little Angler Kits that will include a fishing rod, tackle tray, some tackle and a kids guide to fishing. The aim of this commitment is to continue to grow recreational fishing participation in Victoria by actively encouraging primary school aged children to learn more about the art of fishing, marine life and the natural environment.

Q. Why is the government giving away free fishing rods to Year 5 students?
A. The Victorian Government is keen to get more children outside and active, connecting with nature and enjoying time in the great outdoors. Fishing is a great way to do that, which is why the State Government is investing $96m to improve fishing, boating, piers and aquaculture.

Little Angler Kits are the perfect way for primary school aged children to try fishing. They include a rod, reel with line, tackle tray, some tackle and information on how to use them all. The kits are being offered to Year 5 students for FREE through primary schools in the latter half of 2023. Year 5 students have been selected based on the Victorian Curriculum focus, movement and motor development, and safety considerations.

PROPOSED JAPANESE STUDY TOUR

Proposed Japanese Language and Culture Study Tour 2024 - (For Year 6 students in 2024)

We are beginning to plan for the proposed 8 - 10 day study tour for September 2024. We will be visiting Doshisha Elementary School in Kyoto. A group of Doshisha students will visit St Joseph’s Warrnambool and St Patrick’s, Port Fairy in March 2024 as part of our partner school exchange. For the trip, we are planning a number of excursions to places such as TOEI Kyoto Studio Park and Fushimi Inari. Students will be staying in hotels or similar accommodation as a group. This study tour is dependent on sufficient student numbers, available staff and support from the Network schools. See attachment for more information.

If you are interested, please contact arobertson@spportfairy.catholic.edu.au or complete the attached EOI Form and return to school by Friday 17th November.

Register your interest in the Information Session for parents and students at St Joseph's Primary School at 4pm - 5pm on Wednesday 22nd November by clicking on this link, https://sjpswarrnambool.schoolzineplus.com/form/220

SPECIAL LUNCH - P & F

P & F NEWS

Annual General Meeting: Will be held 7pm this Monday 20 th November in the school library. Nibbles and drinks after the meeting. RSVP to Janine / Bree on
0411128067 by Monday morning please.

Christmas Raffle Donations: We are asking each family to donate goods for the raffle hampers. Items included could be non-perishable food and drink, treats, toys, games, books etc. Please give to Janine in the office. All donations to be brought to school by Friday 8 th December please.

Christmas Raffle: A book of 10 tickets will be sent home to each family next week. They are $1 each ticket. Please return these to school by Friday 8 th December. Raffle will be drawn at the Christmas Carols night on Monday 11 th December.

If you are interested in helping our P & F in any way. Please fill in the Parents & Friends - Volunteer Form that was emailed to you or by clicking on the link below. If you would like more information, please see the attached form

PRIVATE GUITAR LESSONS

Dylan O'Keefe will be available to teach private guitar lessons during afternoons at St Patrick's Port Fairy in 2024.  If you are interested, please make contact with Dylan directly. 

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!