Dear Parents

The season of Advent

This weekend Christians begin to prepare for the birth of Jesus.  Advent comes from the Latin word meaning "coming."

The four weeks of Advent allow us time to ponder how Jesus came into this world in such a stunningly humble way. As we contemplate His birth in a bed of straw in a messy stable, perhaps, we see our own life as being a little messy, too. Our life is often distracted, self-centred and sometimes leaves us wishing we were better people. But if we can slow down and refocus our attention, we might realise that God is there, waiting to love us even though we have so many unfulfilled good intentions and so many unfulfilled desires about our spirituality. Perhaps during Advent, we are like the shepherds from the Bethlehem hills; we are called from our everyday activities to allow God to re-enter our lives, even when we are feeling least “religious” or “ready” for His coming, for His arrival within us.

New Principal

A special welcome to St Patrick’s new Principal Miss Gabi Tobin. The Director of Schools, Diocese of Wollongong,  introduced her to the staff this week. Gabi has 17 years’ experience leading and teaching in education settings.

Gabi has accepted this permanent position following a recent recruitment process, which was overseen by a panel that included St Patrick’s Port Kembla Parish Administrator, Fr Mark De Battista, a parent representative, and a diocesan principal representative.

May God bless her as she begins her Principalship as part of our wonderful community of St Patrick’s Parish Primary School.

 Congratulations to our 2022 leaders and a big thankyou to how our 2021 leaders have taken up their roles in such a responsible way since their return to school. A new mission wall is currently being  developed .

Playground Equipment update

We have been successful in our application for a grant which will go towards the erection of a play equipment on our grass playground.

Thank you Mr Hoctor who submitted the successful applications :

NSW Government’s 2021 community Building Partnership (CBP) program- S23,276

Port Authority of NSW- $5000

 The P&F and school will also contribute

Hopefully when talking to the company, building of the equipment should occur early 2022.

Take care everyone, best wishes for the next two weeks

Mrs Anne Duggan - Principal