Newsletter 25/08/2025: Term 3, Week 6

From the Principal

This week, I had the privilege of attending the Australian Catholic Education Conference held in Cairns. The theme “Hope Anchored in Faith,” brought together over 1,600 delegates from across Australia and neighbouring countries, including strong representation from the Ballarat Diocese. Across four days, more than 70 keynotes, masterclasses, and workshops explored our shared mission and new directions in Catholic education, resonating strongly with our DOBCEL 2035 vision.

A consistent and uplifting message throughout the conference was the recognition and appreciation of the daily work being done in Catholic classrooms—by teachers and support staff alike. Presentations by bishops, the federal education minister, and international speakers expressed deep respect for the contribution of Catholic educators across the country.

While I was away, I missed one of the most joyful events on the school calendar – Book Week! Although it was my first time in many years not being at school to celebrate, I’m eagerly anticipating the photos and stories from the week. From creative costumes to reading celebrations, Book Week is always a wonderful reminder of the joy and inspiration that literature brings to our students. A heartfelt thank you to all those who contributed – whether by crafting costumes, sharing favourite books, or organising activities – for making this such a memorable experience for our school community.

Foodbank

We have an empty freezer at school and are hoping that some of our families might consider doing a bit of a cookup to provide for our Foodbank, it's wonderful to be able to provide a little help when we have families in need for various reasons.

Spelling Championships

Our annual grade 5/6 Spelling Championships started last Tuesday.

Congratulations to the following students who achieved 35 out of 35 for week 1.

Alice D, Cess E, Lucy K, Essi M, Liam P, Ike V, Leroy F, Eliza K, Emma L, Evie M & George T.

Test 2 will be held tomorrow, Test 3 on the 2nd of September & Test 4 on the 9th of September.

Trivia Night

Our St Patrick's Trivia Night is being held on Friday September the 12th, pop this in your diary and gather up your friends to come along for some fun!

Come dressed in AFL Finals footy gear!

This is always a great social night for the St Pat's community and a great initiative of our Parents & Friends committee.

Tickets are $20 per person. The night will be held in the Big Room. Tables are up to 10 people with BYO food + drinks, there are loads of prizes and games!

Arrival from 7pm for 7:30pm start. Our major raffle will be drawn at 8:30pm. 

Please contact the school office to book a table or join with others to make a table.

Aussie of the Month- July

Evie Griggs

Evie consistently lives out the values of St Patrick’s- Faith, Love, Justice, Hope, Dignity, Acceptance, and Respect. She is a motivated learner who approaches every task with enthusiasm, persistence, and a positive outlook, inspiring others with her determination and joy for learning.

Her kindness and compassion shine in all interactions: she includes others, supports classmates, and makes everyone feel welcome. Always willing to help, Evie volunteers her time without seeking recognition and treats everyone with fairness and respect, modelling justice and integrity.

Through her calm presence, respectful words, and thoughtful actions, Evie upholds dignity and creates a classroom where all feel valued. She truly embodies the gospel spirit of St Patrick’s and is a quiet yet powerful role model. For her kindness, commitment, and generosity, we congratulate Evie Griggs for Aussie of the Month.

Pot O' Gold Fundraiser

St Pat's Pot O’ Gold Draw!
Win Camperdown Cash to spend at any business of your choice in postcode 3260.

Prize values - 1st $2000     2nd $1000     3rd $500
Tickets are $20 each. 

Every family has received 2 tickets to sell. If the tickets could be returned to the office at your earliest convenience that would be great. If you buy your tickets online, we would appreciate the paper tickets be returned to the office for re sale purposes.

We will be selling raffle tickets down the street outside the newsagency on Tuesday 2nd, Thursday the 4th, Tuesday the 9th, Thursday the 11th & Friday the 12th of September. The shifts will be 10am - 11.30am & 11.30am - 1.00pm. If you could spare some time on any of these dates and can help, please contact the office. 

Pot O' Gold Raffle

2025 Pot O' Gold Raffle Sponsors

Father's Day Celebration

SAVE THE DATE!

We will celebrate Father's Day on Friday the 5th of September.

Mark it in your diaries, see your invitation below!

Hooptime Basketball

The first of our 3/4 Hooptime basketball competitions was held last Friday at Terang with one girls team and one boys team competing.

Well done to all who participated and thank you to Josh & for coaching on the day and all the parents who helped score. The girls team have made it onto the next level.

This Friday the 29th of August the Rookies 3/4 teams will be competing in Camperdown. If your child has been selected to play you will have received a PAM permission for you to consent to them attending on the day.

Our 5/6 girls team received their medals for their win at 5/6 All Stars. 

House Basketball

Our annual House Basketball competition will start next week. There is a competition for Grades 3/4 and 5/6.

Games will be held on Monday the 1st & Tuesday the 2nd of September and Monday the 8th & Tuesday the 9th of September with the Grand Finals to be held on Friday the 12th of September.

Arts Night Request

Claire our arts teacher is on the lookout for aerial footage from any time period over our local area for our art show.

Any footage needs to belong to people in our community so that they can give us permission to use it, any drone footage needs to have been taken on private property.

If you any footage or know of anyone that would have some please send video of any length to Cyounis@spcamperdown.catholic.edu.au 

Our Arts night will be in held in term 4 on Tuesday the 14th of October.

CATHOLIC SCHOOL CULTURE

LEARNING AND TEACHING

LEADERSHIP AND STEWARDSHIP

Pupil Free Days

There is only 1 remaining school Closure Day which is on Friday September 19th, the last day of term 3.

Our staff will participate in a Professional Development Day on Structured Literacy.

Students are not required to come to school on this day.

Theircare is available for bookings on this day, and spots are available to book now.

The final day for students in Term 4 is Thursday the 18th of December 2025.

WELLBEING

Book Week Dress Up Day

Last Friday we celebrated Book Week with a parade and activity day. The children dressed as a book character on the day. 

School Dates 2025

Friday 29/8                         3/4 Rookies Basketball

Friday 5/9                           Father's Day Afternoon Tea

Thursday 11/9                   5/6 Fun Day

Friday 12/9                          Trivia Night & Raffle drawn

Saturday 13/9                    Eucharist 6.30pm Cobden

Sunday 14/9                       Eucharist and Whole School Parish Mass 11.00am Camperdown

Tuesday 14/10                   Arts Night

Friday 17/10                        Grade 1 Excursion to Cudgee Wildlife Park

Mon 20/10-Wed 22/10   Grade 6 Camp to Melbourne

Tuesday 28/10                  2026 Foundation Interviews 

Monday 20/10                  Hoop Time 3/4 Next Level Hamilton

Monday 27/10                   Hoop Time 5/6 Next Level Hamilton

Tuesday 4/11                     Melbourne Cup Public Holiday

Tuesday 9/12                    2026 Move Up Day

Tuesday 16/12                   Grade 6 Graduation 6pm

Thursday 18/12                End of School Year Mass and Awards

Noone's Uniform

Noone's now have stock of all our new uniform for purchase. You can pop into the uniform shop to try on.

The shop is located in the Mercy Regional College building.

In Term 3 the uniform shop is open on the following days -

Monday 12.00pm - 4.00pm & Thursday 8.00am - 12.00pm

Birthdays

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

Harry C, Zoe H, Rollo P, Max L, William S, Paige S, Isabelle D, Logan H & Aaron M

Community Events

Camperdown Basketball

Port Campbell Nippers

Camperdown Community Stadium

Camperdown Show Oct 11th