Term 3 - Week 4

Message from the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers

Last Thursday our Year 2 students presented a beautiful liturgy to celebrate the Feast of Mary of the Cross MacKillop. Despite hardship and persecution including excommunication from the Catholic Church, Mary made an extraordinary impact during her 67 years, establishing more than 40 schools for the poor as well as orphanages and homes for the destitute, with the order she co-founded, the Sisters of St Joseph. This is a very important day for our community to celebrate, as our school was founded by the Sisters of St Joseph in 1952 on the old site where McDonalds now stands.

Mary held a strong vision for education and her dedication, courage and determination to helping people, especially children, inspire us to walk together to learn and grow. One of Mary MacKillop’s famous quotes was, “never see a need without doing something about it”. This is a challenge for us all as a school community to notice the daily needs and take action. One small act, seemingly inconsequential to you can have a profound and lasting impact on others.

Thank you, Year 2, for sharing Mary’s story with us.

Have a wonderful week.

Lucy Harvey
Principal

Renovations

As you can see (and hear), the renovations to the administration building are well underway. For the remainder of the term while the building us under construction, the staffroom has been relocated to the Learning Centre and Mrs McKenzie’s office and sick bay are in the meeting room in the foyer. During this time, we respectfully ask you to err on the side of caution by keeping your child home if they are feeling sick in the morning. As the sick bay is in Rachelle’s office, I’m trying to prevent the spread of germs as Rachelle is the cog keeping our wheels turning!

Grandparents Day & Book Week 

Our big day is next Friday 23^rd August! Students are encouraged to come to school dressed as a character from a book for the whole school Book Week Parade at 9:00am in the courtyard. The parade will be followed by a special liturgy in the hall to celebrate the gift of grandparents. After the liturgy all visitors will be invited to the classrooms to join in a book week activity. A sausage sizzle lunch will start at 11am. Throughout the morning, the book stall will be open in the Library so please come and have a browse.

School Photos

Don’t forget our school photos will be taken on MONDAY 26^th August – FULL WINTER UNIFORM.

Term 3 Week 5

Term 3 Week 6

Message from the Assistant Principal

eSafety Parent Webinar – Wellbeing and digital technologies

Every child should be supported with appropriate knowledge to know how to make positive choices around consent and boundaries, including when online.

Accordingly, the eSafety Commissioner will be hosting a FREE, 30-minute webinar on Tuesday 20 August, aimed at parents and carers of primary school aged-children.

The webinar will outline useful strategies for you to guide your children, including ideas on how to have those hard-to-have conversations.

Click here to register

Janine Schneider
Assistant Principal

Message from RE Coordinator

Year 6 Religious Literacies Test

Next Monday, our Year 6 students will participate in the Year 6 Religious Literacies test.  Each year, Year 6 students from across the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese participate in the Religious Literacies Test.  This test assists our school in planning for the teaching of Religious Education and helps identify areas that the school is succeeding and areas for development.  The test is a measure of student achievement of the whole RE curriculum from Kinder to Year 6.  The test consists of multiple choice and short answer responses. 

Grandparents Day & Father’s Day Photos

Our Grandparents and Father's Day Liturgy will be held this term.

• Grandparents Day Liturgy 23^rd August
• Father’s Day Liturgy 30^th August

For these special events we would like to put together a photo presentations of our students with their grandparents and fathers. If you would like to send in a photo for either of these celebrations, please email directly to: daniel.lockwood@mn.catholic.edu.au no later than 9am Monday 19th August.  Can you please title the email, Grandparents Day Photo or Father’s Day Photo.

To ensure that all photos are received, a receipt email will be sent acknowledging the delivery of your photos.  If you don’t receive a receipt email within 48hrs of sending your photo, can you please contact the school office.

Mr Daniel Lockwood
RE Coordinator

Save the Date

From the Diverse Learners Team...

Learning Support – Bullying No Way

Bullying No Way Week is all about the important roles school, family and community play in helping young people feel accepted, respected and that they have a place where they belong.  The theme for this year is Everyone Belongs.  ‘Belonging means we all have a role in preventing bullying. We're encouraged to speak up and create a safe place where everyone feels supported and respected, and our voices are heard and valued.’ (https://bullyingnoway.gov.au/preventing-bullying/national-week-of-action)

Each day at St Patrick’s morning assembly, members of Year 6 have been delivering the Bullying No Way daily message.  Families might like to explore this further at home or watch the short YouTube clips https://qedgov.eventsair.com/cmspreview/2024-bullying-no-way-week/theme accompanying each message.

1. Challenge stereotypes
2. Promote empathy
3. Embrace diversity
4. Foster positive relationships
5. Provide support

 For younger students, the Allen Adventure app  https://bullyingnoway.gov.au/resources/early-childhood-to-year2 provides children with a way to discuss social and emotional skills.

 If you have any concerns about your child experiencing bullying (as a victim, a bully or a bystander), please contact your child’s class teacher or member of the Executive immediately.  We have guidelines and procedures in place to address any issues that arise.

Gifted Education - Public Speaking

Last week, we had a very difficult job of judging the stage finals for the public speaking.  All the finalists received a certificate at the assembly on Friday to acknowledge the amazing effort these students made, not only in writing their speeches but also presenting them.  Judging was very close, but our school representatives at the Regional finals on Friday are:

Stage 1 - Vinnie Walker

Stage 2 - Archer Hoogwerf

Stage 3 - Drew Torzillo

Good luck to our public speakers.

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Education

NAIDOC Day

Our school celebrated NAIDOC day on Wednesday 31st July. This was such an amazing day,  made even more special by travelling to St Francis Xavier Primary School Belmont and joining with staff and students from there and from St Pius Primary School Windale and  for a  ‘Kanbaal-Keyarapai-Waaling’ NAIDOC day.

Students from each school wore a wrist band that featured their school totem as part of our Catholic Community of Schools- ‘Powaikaliko Malang’ which translates to Growing Together in Awabakal language.

St Patrick’s students wore their black swan totem (kanbaal).

St Pius X students wore their rainbow lorikeet (waaling).

Our students wore our sulphur crested cockatoo (keyarapai).

The theme for NAIDOC 2024 was KEEP THE FIRE BURNING! BLAK, LOUD AND PROUD.

Our day started with a beautiful morning ceremony where Worimi man, Mauri, led traditional dance with Aboriginal students from our three schools. Stage 2 students from the three schools said a special Acknowledgement of Country together in Awabakal language in recognition of our joint NAIDOC day. We welcomed our presenters and were privileged to be part of a meaningful Smoking Ceremony.

Students then spent the day engaged in authentic, hands-on workshops led by Aboriginal knowledge holders from community.

Our Dance workshop was led by Hilary McEntyre, a proud Worimi woman and owner of the local business, 'Dreamtime Dance Company'. Hilary taught students traditional moves and dances using her voice and clapping sticks. There are certainly some enthusiastic dancers amongst us!

Our Aboriginal Culture Through Music workshop was led by Caleb Green, a proud Worimi man and music producer. Students and teachers were amazed with Caleb’s extraordinary skills with music and manipulating the tech equipment he brought along. In groups, students loved making a beat, or song by recording different instruments and sounds from themselves and the environment.

Our Tools and Weapons workshop was led by proud Worimi man and knowledge holder, Mauri Perry. Mauri showcased different Aboriginal tools and weapons- explaining their traditional uses. Students loved listening to Mauri and it was fascinating learning about the tools and weapons he has made himself to pass on to his own son.

Our Weaving workshop was led by Renae Lamb, proud descendant of the Wiradjuri/Wongaibon people of central west NSW. Renae explained the importance and significance of weaving for various Aboriginal nations and how different waving stitches were used for different purposes. Students loved weaving their own creation.

Our Cultural Art workshop was led by Kirsty Keelan, an Awabakal woman and knowledge holder. Kirsty explained the importance and significance of art as way of cultural expression and connection to family and Country. Students made their own artwork using scratch paper -taking inspiration from Kirsty’s shared knowledge. Students also contributed to a whole school handprint artwork using ancient techniques.  

Our Local Bush Tucker tasting workshop was led by Stephanie Phoenix, Worimi woman, descendant of the Gringai Clan. Stephanie explained the importance and significance of using resources from the environment for food and medicines. Students loved the opportunity to smell, feel and taste different ‘bush tucker’ plants and meats.

Following our workshops, all students came back together for our Afternoon Ceremony. Students loved sharing the knowledge they had learnt and demonstrating their new dancing skills. Our day ended with all three schools singing ‘Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes’ together in Awabakal language. Singing and doing the actions at super speed was crazy fun!

It was certainly a memorable day that celebrated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, peoples and cultures within the NAIDOC 2024 theme- KEEP THE FIRE BURNING! BLAK, LOUD AND PROUD.

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Mrs Jo Simes 
Learning Support Teacher

Mrs Anne Turner & Mrs Karen Devlin
Aboriginal Education Teacher

Library News

Reading is Magic

We started our first celebration for Book Week with a Magic Show by Joel from JD’s World of Magic.

The children and the teachers were blown among by the magic such as a levitating table, a rabbit in a library and white doves coming out of the scarves.

JD reminded us that Reading really is a magical experience.

Our Book Fair will be operating next week and more information will follow. We are all looking forward to celebrating Book Week with our Book Parade next Friday.

Mrs Karen Devlin & Mrs Penelope Hale
Library Teacher and Library Assistant

Year 2 News

Year 2

Term 3 has started off with lots of fun activities and productive learning in Year 2!

In Week 3 we presented a beautiful liturgy celebrating the feast day of our patron saint, Mary MacKillop.

In Maths we have been exploring the big idea: Sometimes things move and change location, involving lots of learning about geometric measure and representing whole numbers. We have had lots of fun playing a card game called ‘Garbage!” to practise our sequencing of numbers.

In Art we are studying the artwork of Claude Monet and have begun to create a scene with water lilies.

Sport time has been full of fun building teamwork skills by playing Olympic themed games and dodgeball.

‘Reading is Magic’ is the theme for our Book Week celebrations next week and we can’t wait to dress up as one of our favourite ‘magical’ characters from a book. This week we were delighted by a magic show presented by JD’s World of Magic.

And just when life in Year 2 can’t possibly get any more exciting, Lucas N was sent a Happy Birthday message from one of his favourite Knights players, Kalyn Ponga!

Mrs Janine Schneider & Mrs Sharon MacNevin
Year 2 Teachers

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Wellbeing News

Sport News

Olympic Memorable Moment

We had the privilege of meeting Don, our neighbour from Nash Street, who participated in the Sydney 2000 Olympic Torch Relay.  With the help  of Noel & Hendrix, Don proudly showed off his Olympic Torch. Don ran from Blacksmiths to Swansea in his relay leg to hand the torch over to his brother to continue the relay. It was a great honour to see the Olympic Torch and to meet one of our much respected locals. Thanks Noel and Hendrix for your school spirit.

DIO Athletics

Last week, as part of the Lakes region at the Dio Athletics Carnival, some of our talented students represented St Patrick’s in various field and track events, including long jump, high jump, running and shot put. It was wonderful to see students forming new friendships with students from other schools and demonstrating excellent sportsmanship throughout the entire day.

All St Patrick’s students displayed a can-do attitude, which was an inspiration to everyone. Every student who attended should feel extremely proud of their efforts. Congratulations to Khloe, Jaymie and Egan, who will advance to compete at the state level!

Khloe Hansen- 11yr High Jump

Jaymie Tisdell- 11yr 100m

Egan Joyce- 9yr 100m

NSW Netball Schools Cup

On Monday, our Netball NSW Schools Cup Team competed in Newcastle in the Year 5/6 Competitive Division against Public, Catholic and Independent schools. The team played well and had a lot of fun, finishing the day with 3 wins, 2 losses and 1 draw. The team was very fortunate to be coached by Kirstie Fuller over the past months. Kirstie is highly credentialed and has experience coaching with the NSW Premier League, Hunter Academy of Sport and Netball NSW. We sincerely thank Kirstie for adding the St Patrick’s team to her coaching resume! Congratulations to Eloise Ayshford, Florence De Champlain, Sophie Dunn, Lucy Layton, Sienna Parker, Lara Stuart, Chelsea Wilks, Imogen Walker, Indigo Ward and Lilah Ward for their commitment to the team and representing St Patrick’s with pride.  

If your child attends a Pathways Sport or Trial, we’d love to see your photos and include them in our next newsletter.

Catholic Schools NSW offers many sporting pathway opportunities for talented athletes. If your child is an aspiring athlete, you might like to familiarise yourself with the CSNSW Sport web page here: https://csnsw.sport/  

Sport information specific to our Diocese can be found on the Maitland Newcastle Diocese tile on the CSNSW Sport page https://csnsw.sport/maitland-newcastle/primary/home  

Any registrations on these pages must first be approved.  

Weekend Sports Stars

If your child is a Weekend Sports Star, please email details and a photo to so we can celebrate their success in our next newsletter.  

Mrs Claire Browne
Sport Coordinator

Email: claire.browne@mn.catholic.edu.au 

Office News

The Diocesan agreement for settlement of school fees requires payments to commence by 31 March and continue with regular instalments each month until fully settled by 30 November each year.  Alternatively, fees can be paid in one payment, due before 30 June.  

If you haven't already commenced weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments as agreed, reminder sms, phone calls and letters will be sent home to these families. Please check your monthly fee statement and process payments as required.

Please contact the office if you would like assistance with calculating your weekly, fortnightly, monthly deduction amount. 

Our preferred method of payment is either BPay or direct debit. For Fee Payers wishing to establish a new Direct Debit, or adjust their existing direct debit, please complete the form on the Catholic Community Fund website www.myccf.com.au.

For those families experiencing financial hardship, or wishing to discuss other payment arrangements, please contact the school office to arrange an appointment with the Principal.

Volunteering at St Patrick's

We have many events still planned for the remainder of the year.  Please get in early and register so you won't be dissappointed in missing out.

If you would like to register to volunteer at St Patrick's, can you please complete the "Volunteer Registration Form" by clicking on the link here. 

St Patrick's will be notified by the Catholic Schools Office once you are cleared to volunteer.

If you are unsure if you have clearance, please email the office at admin@swansea.catholic.edu.au to enquire.

Rachelle McKenzie
Senior School Officer

P&F

P&F Minutes

P&F Treasurer Report

Uniforms

Preloved Uniforms

We have some uniform supply delays with our transition to Lowes and we are desperately seeking preloved uniforms in good, clean condition. In particular we are seeking:

* Sports shirt Size 8 & 10

*Sports shorts Size 10

* Girls winter tunics Size 10

All hand me downs welcome. If you have any uniforms no longer being used, please drop them off to the front office so they can be put to good use.

Community Notices