Dear Parents, Guardians and Carers,

Grade 3/4 Coonawarra Camp

Over the past two days the Year 3/4 students have attended school camp at Coonawarra. The Coonawarra camp is an adventure camp that challenges the children to go outside their comfort zone and try a variety of outdoor activities. This year’s activities included; The Labyrinth, Climbing Wall, Giant Swing, Flying Fox and High Ropes. All of these activities challenge the children both mentally and physically and it so pleasing as teachers to see them take on these challenges in such a positive way. It is a highlight for the teachers to see the smile on their faces when they have successfully participated in these activities. This years Year 3/4’s took on these challenges and should be all really proud of what they have achieved.

Another challenge of going away on camp is that the children are away from families for the night. For some of the children, this is the first night that they have slept away from home. Like most years, there were a couple of tears and a few nervous moments, however all of the children did an amazing job.

Thank you to all of the teachers and support staff who attended camp. Your dedication to the students of St Patrick’s is greatly appreciated.

Grade 5/6 Hoop Time Basketball

Last Friday, we had a girls and a boys’ team compete in the Hoop Time Basketball Competition at the Gippsland Regional Sporting Complex in Sale. This was the first time since 2019 that the competition had been held, so it was great to be able to once again compete. Both of the teams played St Thomas’ Sale, St Mary’s Maffra and St Michael’s Heyfield in the pool games. Despite neither side winning a game, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day and represented our school beautifully.

Foundation Students 100 Days of School  

Last Friday, our Foundation students also celebrated their 100^th day at St Patrick’s. This was a fantastic celebration, with the students thoroughly enjoying the day. I’m sure that you will all agree that the Foundation students have learnt so much in their first 100 days and we can’t wait to see what they achieve in the future. Thank you to all the parents who supported the day and to Miss Boyd, Miss Barclay and the support staff who made the day such a success.

School Closure Day – Friday, 12^th August

Next Friday, 12^th August is a whole school closure day. All the staff at St Patrick’s will be attending a professional learning day in Lakes Entrance that will focus the Whole School Approach to Positive Behaviour Support. By continuing this focus, staff will continue to develop their knowledge and skills in supporting and managing positive behaviours throughout St Patrick’s.

Kind regards,

Joel

CIRE (Catholic Identity and Religious Education )News 

Sacrament of Confirmation

Congratulations to Jessie Boyd for taking the next step in her Catholic faith journey by preparing for and receiving the sacrament of Confirmation on Sunday. Jessie gathered with other candidates and their sponsors at St.Mary’s Cathedral Sale to participate in the special celebration led by the Bishop of Sale Diocese Gregory Bennet. As part of the preparation candidates choose a name based on the special qualities of a saint. Jessie chose the name Saint Francis of Cabrini and her sponsor was her brother Jonathan. 

Sacrament of Communion  

This week preparation for the sacrament of First Communion commenced with a parent only meeting . We are so pleased that Jamieson McNicol, Matilda Dower and Kobi Scicluna have accepted the opportunity to  prepare with their families.

Firstly candidates commit to the program formally by taking part in a commitment ceremony at a Parish Mass. Families then work with their children to build their understanding of the sacrament and its connection to their Catholic faith.

We wish the candidates and their family well and fully support them as members of our Catholic school and Parish community. Receiving this sacrament also means that Jamieson, Matilda and Kobi will be able to take a more active role in Masses by receiving the host (Bread) at communion time.

Gospel Message

Each week our school community gathers in St.Patrick’s Church to share the Sunday Gospel story and reflect on how the message applies to us in 2022. This week the message from the Sunday Gospel was to carry on the mission of Jesus. We will be looking for school community members who demonstrate this by showing love for one another, seeking forgiveness and owning up for bad choices that affect relationships with each other.

Carmel Kuizenga

Religious Education

  KEEP UP TO DATE WITH WHAT'S HAPPENING AT

ST PATRICK'S BY CHECKING OUR CALENDAR ON OUR WEBSITE.  

Go to: www.stpstratford.catholic.edu.au

School Fee Invoices have been emailed today. 

If you are paying by termly instalment please see due dates for payment below:

1st Instalment due by Friday 21st April 2023

2nd Instalment due by Friday 21st July 2023.

3rd Instalment due by Friday 20th October 2023.

If paying by EFT, you will find our bank account details on the top right hand corner of your statement.  Please use your name and account number as reference.

If you wish to adjust your direct debit, please contact the school office.

For families who are not on a direct debit payment arrangement, 1st Instalment of school fees is due on Friday 21st April 2023.

CAMPS SPORTS EXCURSION FUNDING (CSEF)

Camps, Sports and Excursion Fund (CSEF) will be provided by the Victorian Government to assist eligible families to cover the cost of camps and sporting activities.  If you hold a valid means teated concession card, you may be eligible for CSEF.

Thank-you to families who have returned their forms.

Please note: CSEF Funding will be applied to eligible families shortly.

School Fee Concessions have been applied to eligible families. 

If you have any concerns in regards to school fees, please email: admin@stpstratford.catholic.edu.au.

SCHOOL PHOTOS - TUESDAY 14TH JUNE

School photo envelopes were sent home with each child on Tuesday.

Instructions on how to order are on the back of each envelope.

Sibling group envelopes are available from the school office.

It is important for the smooth running of school photo day,

we ask that students wishing to order photographs have their envelope with them on photography day.

Thank-you.

Uniform Expectations

At St Patrick's we take great pride in our school uniform.

Please note our uniform expectations.

Monday and Thursday - Sport Uniform

Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday - Winter Uniform

The school uniform can be purchased from JSM Embroidery, Safety and Workwear.  MacArthur Street, Sale.

Congratulations to Sonny Johnson, Jack Bartlett, Max Bartlett and Cooper Marsden who competed at Region Cross Country at Warragul recently.

Jack was succesfull and will go onto the next round of State Cross Country in Melbourne.

We wish Jack all the best.

Year 5 & 6 students had an awesome day at the Melbourne Zoo.  The weather gods were on their side, despite the predicted weather forecast for the day.

Animals were out and about, educational sessions were engaging and the students were phenomenal.

We are grateful for our teachers, Mrs McDonald, Mrs Armstrong, Mrs Glenane, Mr Fyfe, Mr Brunt and education support staff, Sara Harris and Sophie Garner for your dedication and time for taking our students on this fabulous excursion.

Happy Birthday to the following students who celebrate

their birthday in the coming weeks: