Newsletter 25/11/2024: Term 4, Week 8

Week 8 Prayer

What Is Advent?

Advent is a four-week season in the Church calendar dedicated to anticipating the arrival, or "advent," of Jesus of Nazareth, the long-awaited Messiah and King. Christians from many backgrounds celebrate this time with reflections on hope, peace, love, and joy. And while their practices may look different, all focus on the hope-filled arrival of Jesus.

Advent means "arrival" and signifies the start of an event or the arrival of a person. In Christian communities around the world, Advent celebrates the arrival of Jesus on Earth. It’s a time to reflect on the unexpected nature of Jesus’ humble birth and join in the anticipation of when he will come again to reunite Heaven and Earth once and for all.

What Is the Advent Wreath?

Advent wreaths are circular, representing God's infinite love, and are usually made of evergreen leaves, which "represent the hope of eternal life brought by Jesus Christ". Within the Advent wreath are candles that generally represent the four weeks of the Advent season as well as "the light of God coming into the world through the birth of Jesus Christ" although each of the candles can be attributed its own significance as well. The four candles of the Advent wreath specifically symbolize the Christian concepts of hope, peace, joy and love, with these candles being lit subsequently throughout each week of the Advent season.

From the Principal

Greetings everyone and welcome to a new week.

There is plenty of excitement in the air as we commence the week with our senior students moving into the new building. Whilst there is still work taking place, the buildings have been cleared for use and the kids are looking forward to utilising them. 

This also means that the Gr 5/6 Portables will be relocated shortly (hopefully next week). Obviously the moving etc. creates a fair bit of disruption and we appreciate everyone's tolerance and flexibility during this time.

Enjoy the week ahead, Ben.

Theircare

If you need childcare for your child once school has finished Theircare will be open and available for children to , on Thursday the 19th of December and Friday the 20th of December.

2025 School Closure Days

In 2025 we have committed to the following Closure Days which will mean that students are not required to attend school on these days.

• February 11th (Structured Literacy)
• April 22nd (ReLATE)
• April 23rd (Positive Behaviour)
• April 24th (School Review)
• June 6th (School Review)
• July 4th (ReLATE)
• September 19th (Structured Literacy)

The first week of term two contains two public holidays - Easter Monday and ANZAC Day (Friday). With the support of our governing body, DOBCEL, Tuesday 22nd April, Wednesday 23rd April and Thursday 24th April will be student free days. St. Patrick’s staff will be participating in collaborative professional learning days with St. Colman's Mortlake, St Mary’s Ararat and St Thomas’ Terang. The focus for these professional learning days will include Structured Literacy and Strengthening our Universal practices in School Wide Positive Behaviours, the third day will be spent preparing for our School Improvement Review which will take place in 3rd term.

This creates a three week break, inclusive of Easter, for our students at the end of Term 1.

I understand that this extended time off can require careful planning for families. I am hopeful that by providing you with advanced notice, you will have ample time to make any necessary arrangements, whether it be coordinating childcare, planning family activities, or simply enjoying some time together.

I appreciate your understanding and support as we work to ensure the best possible educational environment for our students. As always, please get in touch if you would like to chat about this further.

Junior Swimming Program

Our Foundation to Grade 2 swimming continues this week today, tomorrow & Wednesday.

Please find below a timetable. 

School Advisory Council AGM

I'm pleased to announce that the following people will form the St Patrick's School Advisory Council in 2025.

• Chairperson: Nina Pasque
• Deputy Chairperson: Ashley Couch
• Secretary: Hollie Theodore
• Parent Reps: Andre Martin & Katie Mahony
• Staff Rep: Paula Atkins
• Principal: Darren Lloyd

We thank these parents and staff who contribute their own time to this group, and provide important advice and support to the principal on many aspects of the school. 

Grace Brown Visit

On Friday we were fortunate to have Grace Brown visit our school. Grace presented a short presentation about her career and then participated in a Question and Answer session with students from each class. Grace was very generous with her time ensuring that each question was answered and then students got her autograph. 

LEARNING AND TEACHING

The Week Ahead

Wellbeing

Parish Bulletin

CATHOLIC SCHOOL CULTURE

Making a Scene at Christmas

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LEADERSHIP AND STEWARDSHIP

Known Dates

Below is a list of known dates at this stage for the rest of this year.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

TheirCare

Theircare has now commenced at St Patrick's School and it's not too late to enrol.

We are excited to announce that we have now partnered with an independent Outside of School Hours Care (OSHC) provider called TheirCare.

TheirCare provides a stimulating and safe environment for all children. During sessions, children develop life-skills, friendships, confidence, and creativity through play-based programs.

For further information, visit www.theircare.com.au or call our support office on 1300 072 410

Community Events

Birthdays

Happy Birthday to the following students who will celebrate their birthday this week.

There are no birthdays being celebrated this week!

MRC Car Raffle

Camperdown Swimming Pool

Thank you to the sponsors of our raffle!

Magic Show

Christmas in Camperdown

Carols by Candlelight -Camperdown

Light Up Camperdown Movie

Alamana Dance Studio