Week 2, Term 4

Principal's News - Jenny Hawkins
Family Mass

We are looking forward to joining the Parish community for Family Mass on Sunday at 9:00am. This Sunday is Mission Sunday. Everyone is welcome to join us.

The theme of this year’s Mission Sunday is “Together with young people, let us bring the Gospel to all,” echoes current synod of bishops, from October 3-28 in the Vatican. World Mission Sunday is the one Sunday in the year when the entire global Church comes together in support of mission. All the donations from these worldwide Masses go entirely to support churches, hospitals, schools and vocations in countries where the Church is new, young or poor.

East Malvern RSL Project AwardsYesterday I joined the judging panel to view the Year 6 leaders present their outstanding RSL projects for 2018. The purpose of this annual community activity is to research an event or person that has made a significant impact in Australia. The winners and highly commended projects are recognised at a special East Malvern RSL Remembrance Day Service where the projects are displayed along with those from other participating schools.

Staff News for 2019
This is the time of the year where plans are made for 2019. I am taking this opportunity to share some of our staff changes with you.

Paige Tomlins is sadly leaving us to relocate and join her partner in sunny Queensland. Sarah Nolan is returning to home to be with her family in Ireland. Matt Hale is taking leave for twelve months to care for his young family while his wife Dana returns to full time employment. Fortunately Matt will still be available to come and do part time emergency teaching work for us. Anne Mullans is leaving full time teaching and continue in a part time capacity as our RE Leader for two days a week during 2019.

I am pleased to announce that we have appointed three new talented and enthusiastic members of staff to join our expert teaching team next year. We welcome:

• Laura Adcock, an experienced junior school teacher, currently teaching full time and completing a Masters of Learning Intervention.
• Natalie La Fontaine, an experienced senior school teacher also currently teaching full time with recognised strengths in Maths
• Luke Daidone, a graduate teacher with a Masters in Education and a Double Degree Bachelor of Business and a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science. Luke was the Year 12 College Captain of Salesian as well as Football and Swimming captain.

We will get an opportunity to meet our new staff when they join the children for a transition visit later this term.

NEWS FROM OUR STUDENTS

On the 16th and 17th of October the Grade 1 & 2 students had an incursion to learn more about Safety.

We had Kerry from St.John’s Ambulance come and speak to us about First Aid.

‘We learned that D is for Danger. Look, Listen & smell for danger.” Mia & Rosie

“R is for Response.  If someone is lying on the floor, not waking up, you yell Hello hello can you hear me?” Macie & Luca

“ If the person does not respond to your yelling, use your crab claws t(fingers & thumbs) o squeeze their shoulders from behind..” Rose & Rhiannon & Christian

‘Put your thumb & pointer finger together to make an O and stand your other 3 fingers up straight to remind us to ring 000 in an emergency.” Max & Viviana

“If you burn yourself, run cold water over it for 20 minutes” Jake & Joe

“ First Aid means the first person to help you.” Alex & Beatrice

“If you have a blood nose, squeeze the end of your nose, lean forward & put your hand underneath your chin to catch any blood. If you get bitten by a snake lie very still on your back & call out for help.” Barnaby, Charley & Kaleb

Lisa, from the RACV Street Scene program, came to talk to us about  passenger, bike, scooter & skateboard safety and pedestrian safety.

“When you go bike riding wear bright colours and at night you must have fluorescent clothes & a light.” Noah

“If a child 7 and older,  has to sit in the front seat of the car, slide the seat back as far as it will go. This will protect the child from the airbag if you are in accident.” Jack & Nancy

“If you are shorter than 145cm the RACV recommends that you sit in a booster seat.  The law says you must be 7 years old to sit without a booster seat.” Raphaelle & Matilda

“Check that your helmet is fitted correctly by doing the two finger test. Put two fingers on your eyebrow to  measure where your helmet sits on your forehead. A two finger space should be left between your chin and the strap.” Ivy & Layni

“If you see a sign with a bike with a red cross through it means you must get off your bike & walk it over the crossing.” Emma

We had lots of fun learning about safety and hope we can put these things into action if we find ourselves in an emergency!

Beachside Basketball Play-Off 2018

On Tuesday the 16th October 2018, the following year five girls - Bridgid, Mackenzie, Shani, Ivy, Alice, Sienna, Emma and Luciana went to the Beachside Division Basketball Tournament at Oakleigh Basketball Stadium. 
The first game was very competitive- we played our very best right to the last second but still went down by 11 points (19 to 8). There was a brief break before we had to get back on the court again.
The second game was the toughest we played - mostly because we knew people on the opposition from club basketball. We stood strong but went down by 11 points (16 to 5).
It was third time lucky for us- we won by 11 points (15 to 4).
It was a great effort by all the girls finishing third overall. On behalf of all the team, we would like to say a big thanks to Rob M (Coach), Pip C (Team Manager), Kylie (Support and Scoring) and Mrs. Barclay for organising our team. We can’t wait until next year!

Go St Pats!!

Hoop Time reporter - Luciana (5J)

Important Term 4 Dates:
Tuesday 23rd October              Prep Orientation for Groups 1 & @ @ 2.15pm
Wednesday 24th October         Yr 5/6 Camp Meeting 2019 @ 6:15
                                                  Parish Education Board Meeting @7pm
Monday 29th October              Catholic Missions Week commences
Monday 5th November            School Closure Day
Tuesday 6th November            Melbourne Cup Day
Tuesday 13th November          Prep Information Night @ 7pm
Wednesday 21st November      School Closure Day
Monday 26th November          Swimming Program  commences (P-4)
                                                 Year 5/6 Beach/Sailing program commences
Wednesday 5th December        Booklist collection
Friday  7th December               Music Melodies Concert
Wednesday 19th December      Last day of term 4 (children dismissed @ 1pm)

COMMUNITY NOTICES

St Patrick's Parent's & Friends

Week 1 Term 4 2018

Principal's News Jenny Hawkins

Welcome back to Term 4. Our term has got off to a great start. We are trialing new bell times (see below for more information) and practice for Sports Day has already begun. 2019 Prep Orientation sessions are also underway.
The future is looking promising for Catholic primary schools with both major political parties providing a remarkable vote of confidence in Catholic education. They have not only endorsed the quality and strength of our school system, but its significance to the state. This will be helpful for us going forward when we apply for funding to contribute towards the refurbishment of our school as part of our Masterplan.

Family Mass Sunday 21st October
We welcome Fr Leenus Neetany to St Patrick's as our Parish Priest during Fr Paul's leave. Fr Leenus has met with both Mrs Mullan and myself about class, family and school masses going forward. We are looking forward to our next Family Mass on Sunday 21st October and hope that as many of you as possible can join us.

October is the month of the Holy Rosary. Is is a special time to pray the Hail Mary to Our Lady

Here is a message from Fr Leenus: Our Parishes of Murrumbeena and Ormond are blessed with two Schools, namely St. Patrick’s and St. Kevin’s. We can all be proud of them and thank God for them. The 4th and the last Term of the School Year has just commenced. As a large family, we ask God for his continued blessings upon all of us. May, everyone involved in the life of our Schools experience an unfailing guidance of the Lord in teaching, learning and other extra-curricular activities as well. 

New Look Community Event for 2019 Meeting Tuesday 16th October 6:30pm
Due to a shortage of volunteers to run our traditional St Pat's fete for 2018 (see the fete review meeting recommendations at this link), the fete committee decided to postpone and instead create a new look event for 2019. It was agreed that the fete in its current capacity needed to be reinvigorated and scaled down. The aim is to create a different community event with the same positive outcomes.

We are grateful to Michaela Kelly and the wonderful team of organisers and helpers who worked hard during past years to make the original fete such a success.

Nadine Power has kindly volunteered to lead the coordination of a new event. We are looking for volunteers who are keen to make plans going forward. We invite you to join us in the staffroom this Tuesday 16th October at 6:30pm for our first meeting.

Yr 5/6 Camp Information for 2019 Wednesday 24th October 6:15pm

There will be a change of venue for the 2019 camp which will take place from the 11th -13th February. You are invited to come to an information session to learn more on Wednesday 24th October at 6:15pm. You will receive more details closer to the time.

Bell Times

This term we have altered the bell times to create two equal play break sessions during the day. Many schools have moved to this option over the last few years with positive outcomes for both learning and play. 

Instead of the traditional twenty minute morning break and a fifty minute lunch play break, we have two forty minute play breaks. There is still a ten minute supervised eating time before each break. Some children are choosing to eat their lunch before the first break and their snack before the second and vice versa. As the trial continues, we will review the delivery of lunch orders to ensure this suits all children. 

The times are as follows:

8:50              First bell to enter classrooms (supervision in the school grounds begins at 8:40)

9:00 - 11:15  Learning Sessions 1 & 2

11:15- 11:25  Eating Time 1

11:25 - 12:05 Play 1

12:10- 1:40    Learning Sessions 3 & 4

1:40 -1:50      Eating Time 2

1:50- 2:30      Play 2

2:35 - 3:30     Learning Session 5
At the end of play breaks, the children are lining up in different areas to ensure safe entry after play into school.We value your feedback around these changes. Please email principal@spmurrumbeena.catholic.edu.au

Flexi Buzz Absences

As we continue to ensure the safety of all children arriving at school, it is important that you use the Flexi Buzz app to notify the office of your child's absence. This will ensure that the automated SMS messages only get sent to families who have not notified the school of the absence.

Garden Group Meeting Monday 15th October 2:30pm Staffroom

Special thanks to one of our parents Francoise Tran who has volunteered to coordinate our Garden Group. Francoise and any other parents who are willing to become involved in this group, will be meeting this Monday at 2:30 pm in the staffroom with our Year 6 Environment Leaders to make some plans going forward. You are welcome to join us.

Share the Dignity #itsinthebag charity drive

This term one of our parents, Liz Cosgrave, is collecting handbags for "It's in the Bag" charity drive for Christmas.

This is run by Share the Dignity, an Australian charity that aims to improve the quality of life of women who have experienced domestic violence in a number of ways.

Please see their website for more details:www.sharethedignity.com.au

Each November, Share the Dignity run the #itsinthebag charity drive where they collect handbags filled with personal care products and distribute them to vulnerable women who are homeless, at risk or experiencing domestic violence.

HOW YOU CAN HELP?
Choose one of your handbags that’s in good condition that you no longer use.
Fill it with personal care and sanitary items that would make a woman feel special and pop in a thoughtful note or Christmas card. Items such as shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, sanitary items would be great - anything useful and/or little luxuries. Please see the website if you’re looking for inspiration!

Drop the bag in at the front office by WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 28 and Liz will deliver all handbags to one of the Share the Dignity drop off points so they can be distributed to women in need

Important Term 4 Dates:
Monday 15th October              Assembly (presentation by 4W)
Tuesday 16th October              Prep Orientation for Group 2 @ 2.15pm
                                                 Community Event Meeting @ 6:30 pm Staffroom
Tuesday 23rd October              Prep Orientation for Groups 1 & @ @ 2.15pm
Wednesday 24th October         Yr 5/6 Camp Meeting 2019 @ 6:15
                                                  Parish Education Board Meeting @7pm
Monday 29th October              Catholic Missions Week commences
Monday 5th November            School Closure Day
Tuesday 6th November            Melbourne Cup Day
Tuesday 13th November          Prep Information Night @ 7pm
Wednesday 21st November      School Closure Day
Monday 26th November          Swimming Program  commences (P-4)
                                                 Year 5/6 Beach/Sailing program commences
Wednesday 5th December        Booklist collection
Friday  7th December               Music Melodies Concert
Wednesday 19th December      Last day of term 4 (children dismissed @ 1pm)

COMMUNITY NEWS

Week 10, Term 4, 2018

Principal News by Jenny Hawkins
End of Term Mass Friday 21st September at 9:30am
Everyone is welcome to join us for the end of term mass tomorrow morning at 9:30. We are looking forward to coming together as a school and giving thanks for the gifts and talents of our children.
Thanks to all of our parents who have contributed in a number of ways during the term. We wish all of you a safe holiday period and look forward to welcoming everyone back to school in their Summer Uniform on Monday 8th October.

Archdiocesan Update
This Saturday 22nd September, our School and Parish community will receive an interim update from the Archdiocese with regards to Fr Paul's administrative leave. As soon as I receive the letter, I will share this with our school families via Flexi Buzz as requested by the Archdiocese. Although the release of this information coincides with the start of the school holidays, please feel free to contact me via email principal@spmurrumbeena.catholic.edu.au

Parents as Open Partners in Education POPE
Thanks to the new parents who joined me last week. You can read about our discussion by going to  the POPE Updated Information at this link.

Parish Education Board News September Update
Thanks to John O' Sullivan (Board Chairperson), Gabby Paroli (Secretary) and the whole board for your support this term. We have had a very productive term. Here are some of the developments:

• MasterPlan - K2Ld Architects presented the next stage of the Masterplan to the board and Masterplan Committee last night. This is a detailed feasibility study consisting of a refurbishment of the main teaching block. John O' Sullivan, Stephen Peters and Jenny Jones have formed the Grants Committee and will complete an application for a Capital Grant to the Catholic Education Office next term with Jenny Hawkins.

• Parent Skills  - Thanks to those of you who have returned the blue forms and offered to share your skills and expertise with our community for the benefit of our children. Jenny Jones has volunteered to collate these lists. If you haven't had a chance to return your form, you can access a form from the office or access a digital version of the form at this link.
• Website Development - John O' Sullivan and Anne Mullan have been exploring opportunities to improve our school website. Next term, we will be forming a Website working group and welcome any of our parent community to join us as we begin to improve our school website.

Parents and Friends
A huge thank you to Annie and Bree and the Parent and Friend's team for all of your hard work this term. Last week's Disco Bingo night was a successful community social event. The children are looking forward with anticipation to the School Disco tonight.

FOOTY & FAIRIES DAY
Don't forget to come dressed in your favorite football team's colors, as an umpire or as a fairy.  (The admin office will be a jungle of YELLOW and BLACK!) 
The Grade 6 students have also organised a fund raiser for MND tomorrow so children are requested to bring a gold coin donation to participate in the fun games and sporting activities that they have planned. 
Just a reminder that any children not having a footy lunch ie a pre ordered pie or sausage roll, need to bring their lunch from home because there will be no lunch orders. 

Sunsmart 
Term 4 sees the return of hats.  All children MUST wear their school hats during all outdoor activities, recess and lunchtimes.

Important Term 3 Dates:

Friday 21st September             Football & Fairies Day

                                                 End of Term Mass @ 9.30am
                                                 Children dismissed @ 2pm

Important Term 4 Dates:
Monday 8th October                Children return to school
Tuesday 9th October                Prep Orientation for Group 1 @ 2.15pm
Tuesday 16th October              Prep Orientation for Group 2 @ 2.15pm
Tuesday 23rd October              Prep Orientation for Groups 1 & @ @ 2.15pm
                                                  Parish Education Board Meeting @7pm
Monday 29th October              Catholic Missions Week commences
Monday 5th November            School Closure Day
Tuesday 6th November            Melbourne Cup Day
Tuesday 13th November          Prep Information Night @ 7pm
Wednesday 21st November      School Closure Day
Monday 26th November          Swimming Program  commences (P-4)
                                                  Year 5/6 Beach/Sailing program commences
Wednesday 19th December      Last day of term 4 (children dismissed @ 1pm)

Week 9, Term 3, 2018

Principal News by Jenny Hawkins

End of Term School Mass Friday 21st September 9:30 am
Everyone is welcome to join us for our end of term school mass on Friday at 9:30am. This will replace our Family Mass. Here are some prayer reflections taken from the songs we will sing at mass on Friday.

Our School Concert Success 
THANK YOU for the messages of CONGRATULATIONS from so many of you. Please read some of our messages below. We were all very proud of our children. Special thanks to all of our staff and to our parents for your support.
Thank you to Tass Vassiliou for sharing some excellent photos of the concert. These will be shared shortly on our school Facebook Page.

"I feel every student shone on the evening. This does not just happen. It is clear to me that the staff have worked hard to provide the environment for all students to feel comfortable to take those risks and have a go - promoting a growth mindset..... It was obvious from the staff performance you have a great team of people who clearly are committed to their jobs...." Year 2 Parents

" As parents of three and grandparents of five, we've been to a few concerts  - but I don't think we've ever enjoyed one as much as St patrick's today. Such a sense of fun by the kids on the stage and the audience members..."  Grandparents

"We wanted to thank the staff for an outstanding concert on Monday night. We have been to numerous concert over the years.. they do seem to just get better and better !" Year 4 Parents

"Well done to all the St Pat's staff ! My husband and I thought it was a wonderful production. Our children had a ball up on the stage. The new venue was a refreshing change, spacious, comfortable seating, easy viewing lots of parking and the children were happy not to sit on the floor.."  Year 2 &4 Parents

"Thanks for a wonderful concert, everyone was brilliant. The venue was a great improvement, very comfortable.." Year 5 Parents

" Congratulations... Not only was it a very professional and enjoyable performance but it was so pleasing to see every person that took the stage fully embracing the experience. The enthusiasm, commitment and pure joy on every student's face was so beautiful to see and a real credit to the nurturing school environment you have created and provide at St Patrick's...." Prep Parent

Three of our Year 5 students (the AIM girls) wrote a great review of the staff act from the concert. You can read it by going to this link.
Classes for 2019
We have begun to make plans for 2019. If you haven't already notified me, please email principal@spmurrumbeena.catholic.edu.au by Friday 21st September, only if your family will not be attending St Patrick's next year.

Fees Adjustment Letter
In last week's Shamrock, we mentioned the recommendation from the Parish Education Board with regards to the 2019 school fees. Here is a link to the letter from Bishop Elliott with further details.

A reminder that all school fees for 2018 are now due in full and should be finalised by the end of this term. Thank you for your payments so far.

School Disco Thursday 20th September
Hopefully everyone is still in the mood for dancing after the stellar concert performances.  Don't forget to return disco forms and payment as soon as possible.

Footballers and Fairies Day Friday 21st September

Football/Fairy Day is a long-standing tradition at St Pats and allows the children to come to school dressed up as a footballer/fairy/supporter/umpire OR a combination,

To keep with the footy theme, meat pies, sausage rolls or pasties will be available. Please complete a paper bag for each child and include money inside and return to school by Tuesday.
Meat Pies/ Pasties: ($3) Sausage roll: ($2)  Sauce = 30cents extra

NOTE: THERE WILL BE NO NORMAL LUNCH ORDERS ON THIS DAY.

NO LATE ORDERS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER TUESDAY.

If your child does not want any of the above, please provide lunch from home.

Parent Skill Registration Form "A hundred ways to help"
Thanks to those of you who have returned your form with skills you are willing to share with our school community. If you have misplaced your copy, you can access another one from the office or go to the Parish Education Board tab on the Learning Community Site.

BEACHSIDE DIVISION ATHLETICS
Congratulations to our students who represented Dendy at the Beachside Division Athletics Carnival at Lakeside Stadium last Friday. What an amazing effort by Angus E, Lila S, Mitchell J, Luci D and Mackenzie K on the track, and Thomas R in the field events. The standard of competition was high and our children enjoyed the opportunity to participate at this level. We thank the parents who attended with their children and shared these wonderful photos. Special mention to Thomas R (Yr5) who came 1st in the 9/10 Boys Discus and will now compete at the Southern Metro Regional Athletics. We wish him luck!!

Buddy Bench
Thanks to the P & F who organised the Buddy Bench for our children. It was installed today !! Our Year 1's will meet with Miss Karin to make a plan to decorate it.

Some of our Preppies were please to discover the new bench !

Parking Conditions

Parking restrictions around the school are there for a reason, the primary one being to create a safe pickup and drop off area for our children.  People not obeying the signage are putting all our children and road users at risk.  We have been advised that several complaints were made this afternoon to  Glen Eira Council.  Please be advised that a Council Officer will be visiting next week.

Lost scooter

Unfortunately this Envy prodigy black scooter with some colour around the bottom disappeared last Friday from the bike shed. If anyone knows of its whereabouts, please contact the office. Thank you

Important Term 3 Dates:

Wed 19th September                Education Board Meeting @ 7pm
Thur 20th September               School Disco

Friday 21st September             Football & Fairies Day

                                                 End of Term Mass @ 9.30am
                                                 Children dismissed @ 2pm

Week 8 Term 3 2018

Principal News Jenny Hawkins
National Child Protection Week

          Prayer for Child Protection Week

Lord,
You asked that the little children be allowed to come to you;
for it is to such as these that the Reign of God belongs.
You entrust them to the care and protection of our communities of faith.Guide us as we strive to ensure that our Catholic communities provide a safe environment for each child.
Amen.

Concert on Monday 10th September

We are looking forward to the concert this Monday. The concert is taking place at the Crossway Centre, 2 Vision Drive, Burwood East. Meet You at the Drive - in !!

POPE (Parents as Partners in Education) Morning Tea Tuesday 11th September 9-10am
New Prep parents and other new families are invited to a special morning tea and catch up. It is an opportunity to come together to get to know each other and find out more about the Learning Community Site and education at St Pat's. I look forward to hosting this event in the staff room. Please RSVP by 4pm Monday principal@spmurrumbeena.catholic.edu.au

WE ARE POSITIVE - Staff Professional Learning
As you will be aware, staff are involved in a three year professional learning project with the Schools That Deliver Network. You can learn more at this link and read the latest progress at this link. When we met with the facilitators in Term 1, our whole staff agreed on our core values. These are the values we aim to follow as we work together. Importantly, these are the values that also apply to our children and our parent community. This week we focussed on the value WE ARE POSITIVE.  Our goal is to provide a positive environment for our children. This includes a positive attitude from you our parents too. Let's all work together to exude positivity and continue to make our school community the best place for our children in the classroom, in the playground and in our homes.

HOOPTIME Basketball Days
Over the last two weeks, St Patrick's has participated in Senior and Junior HoopTime Basketball Days. It is wonderful to see our children participate in sport at all levels- from the beginners division through to experienced and competitive players. We congratulate them on their teamwork and the support they showed each other throughout the days. Special mention goes to the following teams:
* Senior All Star Girls - Runners up in the Grand Final!
* Senior Future Stars Pioneers - who played against two other St Pat's teams to reach the Future Stars Grand Final. They came Runners Up.
* Junior All Star Boys - Runners up in the Grand Final yesterday!!
And finally, we must acknowledge our parent helpers without whom we couldn't participate in these days. We had 15 parents assist us over these days. Your time and efforts are very much appreciated.

YEAR 4 HOOPTIME THURSDAY 6th SEPTEMBER 2018
‘And the winners are.....St Patrick’s Year 4’s

Yesterday’s Hooptime Tournament was a fantastic experience for all of the Year 4’s. For some it was their first experience of playing a competitive match at a basketball stadium; for others it provided an opportunity to showcase their basketball skills. Congratulations to everyone of you for the great sportsmanship, encouragement and enthusiasm you displayed throughout the day.
The Year 4 All Stars Team played off in the Grand Final and were runners up to St Mary’s. This was a skillful and well drilled team who should be extremely proud of their achievement in a fiercely competitive competition. Well done too to our Future Stars team who also made it into the finals.
A huge thank you to our parent helpers on the day, Cameron, Ramona, Campbell, Gabby, Patricia and Vanessa, who took on the roles of coach and team manager for the day.
Lastly a big thank you to Michelle Barclay who did a brilliant job organizing the teams, rosters and equipment for the day, ensuring that everything was in place so that the day ran smoothly and would be such a positive experience for the Year 4’s. To quote a number of Year 4’s, ‘This was the best day ever!’

Parish Education Board News Update for August

• Annual Financial Report - The board made a recommendation to support a fee adjustment for 2019 as highlighted in 2016 to allow for an increase in inflation and future capital works. A letter from Bishop Elliott with full details will be sent to the community shortly.
• Parent Skills Registration form - This fits with our school vision narrative: "St Patrick’s taps into the expertise and initiatives of our parents and the wider community and regularly invite them into our school". A hard copy of this form will be sent home to parents tomorrow to return to the office before the end of the term.
• Parish Report - Unfortunately we still have no further update on Fr Paul. We await an update from the Archdiocese now that the new Archbishop has been appointed. 
• Student Well Being and Child Safety report -  Feedback from the board in relation to a survey for the staff Schools That Deliver research team led to a rich discussion from board members around transition to high school, cyber safety and future parent education evenings.
• Masterplan - The architects have begun the next stage, the feasibility study. This is primarily looking at a refurbishment of the existing building. Two options were evaluated by the Masterplan Working group. The next workshop will take place at the September board meeting.
• Grant - The Grant Working group have begun to source the information required to prepare the paperwork for submission of a Capital Works Grant application in Term 4.
• Website - Board members are currently reviewing the existing school website and sourcing alternative options for an upgrade of the site. 

Parent and Friends News 
Parent's Social Event of the Year - DISCO BINGO
There is only a week until the St Pat's parents social event of the year. Please book tickets via the link below https://www.trybooking.com/XFEF

 Please note the *Venue Change to The  ROSSTOWN HOTEL FUNCTION ROOM* for catering purposes can you please book your tickets by Wednesday 12th September. We are fortunate enough to have the footy finals shown live on TV.

Children's School Disco will be held on Thursday 20th September.  We request parent helpers on the night.  A roster has been placed outside the school office, please put your name down if you can help.  Extra permission forms for the disco are located in the office.

The Buddy Bench has arrived and will be installed very soon.

Important Term 3 Dates:

SCHOOL CONCERT               Mon 10th September

POPE Meeting  @ 9am            Tues 11th September

Disco Bingo Social Event         Fri 14th September

School Disco Night                   Thur 20th September

End of term 3                            Fri 21st September  Children dismissed @ 2pm

Collecting Preloved children and baby PJ's supporting families in need.

One of our school mums, Lisa Gordon, is co ordinating donations of baby and children's PJ's for the St Kilda Mum's Charity. Collecting all sizes from infants through to size 12. Lisa will leave a collection box in our office. You can contact Lisa on her mobile 0414 586 708

Week 7 Term 3 2018

Fathers / Special Friend's Breakfast & Gift Stall

This morning was the Year 6 Father's / Special Friend's breakfast. A HUGE thank you to the mums who cooked up a feast this morning - Natalie, Julie, Emma and Jade.

Thank you to all of the mums who prepared and helped with the gift stall this morning.

We wish everyone a joyful celebration on Sunday.

Here is a beautiful prayer sourced by Nicole O'Halloran from the Catholic Prayers link.

God our Father, we give you thanks and praise for fathers young and old.
We pray for young fathers, newly embracing their vocation; may they find courage and perseverance to balance work, family and faith in joy and sacrifice.
We pray for fathers around the world whose children are lost or suffering; may they know that the God of compassion walks with them in their sorrow.
We pray for men who are not fathers but still mentor and guide us with fatherly love and advice.
We remember fathers, grandfathers and great grandfathers who are no longer with us but who live forever in our memory and nourish us with their love.

Amen

CONCERT TICKETS

Just a reminder that tickets for the concert are selling FAST so don't forget to jump onto TRY BOOKING and secure yours.

POPE (Parents as Partners in Education) Morning Tea Tuesday 11th September 9-10am
New Prep parents and other new families are invited to a special morning tea and catch up. It is an opportunity to come together to get to know each other and find out more about the Learning Community Site and education at St Pat's. I look forward to hosting this event in the staff room. Please RSVP principal@spmurrumbeena.catholic.edu.au

The Blobs by local author Christian der Kinderen
Christian came and shared his book The Blobs and held a writing workshop with the Year 2's last week. The Blobs is a children's picture book aimed to teach children about refugees and celebrate cultural diversity. The book is on sale in the office until Monday - Soft Cover $17 and Hard Cover $25

Congratulations 

Congratulations to James H (6O) who has been training extremely hard with the U12 Victorian Hockey team. They recently participated in the School Sport Australia Hockey Championship in Newcastle. James' team played against other state teams and was delighted to score 2 goals in the tournament. After a successful week the Victorian team were awarded the gold medal!! We are extremely proud of his performance, both on and off the field. An outstanding achievement- congratulations James!

Collecting Preloved children and baby PJ's supporting families in need.

One of our school mums, Lisa Gordon, is co ordinating donations of baby and children's PJ's for the St Kilda Mum's Charity. Collecting all sizes from infants through to size 12. Lisa will leave a collection box in our office. You can contact Lisa on her mobile 0414 586 708

School Holiday Program

You can access a flyer with full details about the exciting holiday programme at this link.

 

Are you ready to take on a part-time critical administrative role, for a leading local Kindergarten, making a positive difference to children’s lives?  Hughesdale Kindergarten is a not for profit kindergarten, with a rating of exceeding and has been instrumental in the local community for over 70 years. It focuses on preparing 3 to 5 year old children for school and life. If you're interested click on the link https://www.hughesdalekinder.com.au/employment

Important Term 3 Dates:

Full dress concert rehearsal      Wed 5th September

Dendy Hoop time                      Fri 7th September

SCHOOL CONCERT               Mon 10th September

POPE Meeting  @ 9am            Tues 11th September

Disco Bingo Social Event         Fri 14th September

End of term 3                            Fri 21st September

Week 6 Term 3 2018

Principal News Jenny Hawkins

Messages from the Parish, Archdiocese and Catholic Education Office
Here is a link to the weekly Parish Newsletter and the First Pastoral Letter from Archbishop Peter Comensoli.
Here is a statement from the Catholic Education Office with regards to Father Paul : "The investigation is still in the hands of the Archdiocese and the community will be updated on the outcomes when it is finalised".

Book Week

Special thanks to all of the parents who helped to prepare wonderful costumes for their children and to Bernadette Wood and the staff for an engaging week of literacy activities. We will share some photos on the school Facebook page very soon.

Niels Van Hoeve's book My Strong Mind is available for $12.50 online at this link.

Another author, Christian der Kinderen, author of The blobs will be working with the Year 2's on Tuesday. You can read more about Christian's visit and his book at this link. Copies of The Blob will also be available at school.

NAPLAN Online School Readiness Test Tuesday morning.
Our school has been asked to trial an online School Readiness Test with a Year 3 and Year 5 class in readiness for NAPLAN online testing in 2019. Both Lisa Maraschiello and Nicole O'Halloran have attended the training to lead NAPLAN at St Patrick's for 2019 and so 3O and 5M will trial this test using the school chromebook devices. Any questions please contact me.

SRC Leaders

Our SRC are working with Angela Yates to prepare child friendly Child Safe guidelines. These Student Reps came to interview me during the week about the procedures we follow to ensure our staff are fully aware of the school Child Safety policy and guidelines.

School Concert "Meet Me at the Drive In"

The concert is drawing closer and we are all very excited. We have so much talent to share. There will be a notice going home with further news early next week.

Staff Professional Development

You can keep up to date with our latest staff professional development by reading Conference to Reality; Shift happens together on my blog at this link. 

Kitchen Update News 

I am pleased to confirm that the upgrade of our hall kitchen will begin to take shape very soon. I recently met with Bishop Elliott to discuss a way forward with the kitchen project. 

Bishop Elliott gave his blessing for the refurbishment of the kitchen to go ahead. I anticipate the work will commence at the end of this term. Parish funds from the 2016 and 2017 fete set aside as promised by Fr Barry and Fr Paul will cover the costs of the upgrade. 

School Maintenance Update

Robert our school handyman has been working hard to maintain and improve our grounds and building. There are numerous jobs that Robert has actioned for us. Some of these include:

• Regular clear up of weeds around the school grounds
• Topping up the soft fall in the playground
• Removing old planter boxes outside and furniture inside
• Cutting back the overgrown hedges at the church end of the school
• Clearing the area at the back of the school beside the bicycle
• Repairing damage to the stage and repainting the stage walls
• Repairing and painting corridor walls downstairs

Important Term 3 Dates:

Fathers/Special Friends Breakfast   Fri 31st August

Full dress concert rehearsal      Wed 5th September

Dendy Hoop time                      Fri 7th September

SCHOOL CONCERT               Mon 10th September

P&F Disco Bingo Social Event Fri 14th September

School Disco                             Thurs 20th September

End of term 3                            Fri 21st September