Prayer to End the School Term

God of wisdom,

we thank you

for all the gifts you have given us

throughout this school term.

We praise you for giving us life,

for saving us in Christ,

and choosing us to be your people. 

As we come to the end of this school term, we voice our gratitude

             for the good things you have done in us,

        and we praise you for all who have shared

                 in the work of this school.                 

                    We ask you to bless them in your love                  

   and give them refreshment and peace

         We praise you, God,

through Jesus Christ, our Lord,

who lives and reigns forever and ever. 

Amen

A Metaphor for Change

Spring is a metaphor for change. Some changes we eagerly await, and some we abhor. Some changes we plan and others arrive uninvited. To all these changes we ask the gift of Your perspective beckoning us to expectation, hope, and rebirth.

May the sunlight and the rain be reminders that You are at work renewing the earth. As a God of renewal, You are ever at work in our lives, too.

Open our eyes and lives to the needed changes in our lives this Spring. Awaken us to new life and perspective, for we pray in Jesus’ name.

 Author Unknown

Dear Parents

On behalf of all the staff, I would like to thank all parents for their patience and understanding during the challenges of Term 3. It has not been an easy term for the students given that they have been unable to participate in excursions, assemblies and other activities. We will continue to plan alternative activities for the students as we move through Term 4, especially for those students in Year 6.

Thank you to our P&F for their involvement in assisting the school to continue our canteen and helping to support the special events happening for our boys and girls.

FRIDAY 25^TH SEPTEMBER

MUFTI – we will be having a fun day ( NO cost involved) organised by our Year 6 students. Please make sure that children wear covered shoes and a hat for the day.

Principal’s Appraisal

Every four years of a Principal’s contract, a Principal’s Appraisal is undertaken. Last week was my appraisal and I am very happy with the process and pleased with the outcome. The appraisal panel consisted of Dr Michael Slattery ( former Principal and Director of Schools in the Newcastle/Maitland Diocese) Ms Gayle McMahon ( CEO Leadership and Growth team) and Mr Danny Sykes ( Principal) .

Surveys were sent out from Catholic Education Office ( Wollongong) and staff and parents. On Wednesday Father Mark DiBattista , CEO staff, St Patrick’s staff, students and parents were interviewed.

Thank you to all the members of our school community who participated in the appraisal via survey and/or interview. I am very appreciative of your support and time throughout the appraisal process

This Thursday I will return any unclaimed items with children’s names on them, however the following items are still in the basket outside the office.

Cardigan

Size 6

size 8

Jumper

Size 12  

Sports Jacket

size 8 x3

Size 10

Hat

59cm

57cm

Uniform

Students are to wear their full summer uniform from the start of Term 4 . Can you please ensure that all items of clothing is marked especially as we near the end of the year and swimming lessons will start? Every boy and girl should wear a hat particularly as the weather will be heating up. Special thanks to the P&F who will provide a Sunscreen bottle ( Cancer Council) for each class. This was a request at the last P&F meeting.

This is the last newsletter for the term, it is hard to believe that we are heading towards the end of the year. This is the time of the year when you can truly marvel at God’s creation. We are very privileged at St Patrick’s in having our wonderful garden – a place of peace, learning and enjoyment. The teachers this term have been looking at ways we use our garden not only for learning but for prayer and mindfulness. I hope you are able to enjoy this break with your families and be able to get outside and enjoy this great weather.

Peace and best wishes for the weeks ahead

Mrs Anne Duggan - Principal