Dear Parents

While it would be hard to find a grandparent anywhere in the world that doesn’t love and spoil their grandchildren, I am well aware that the grandparents connected to St Patrick’s Port Kembla, play an extra special role in the lives of your families.  I am also aware that a number of them are in fact ex-students of St Patricks!  It was therefore very fitting that the largest community gathering we have had in the past few years was to honour and celebrate them.

There were many staff involved in the preparation of the day from Mr Mattas leading our liturgy, the classroom teachers preparing artworks and activities and our school support officers for setting up and serving morning tea in the parish hall.  Our staff certainly go above and beyond everyday, but somehow find even a little more to give on special occasions such as Grandparents Day and I am most grateful for them all.

I would also like to extend my thanks to the P&F, in particular Kelly Pucillo, Briony Start and all the other volunteers for preparing and serving hotdogs and all the other yummy treats that were sold on the day.

The grandparents iMovie that was shown in the church can be viewed here:

Grandparents Day Photos that were taken on Grandparents Day can be viewed here:

Bunning BBQ

We would love to see as many families as possible pop into Bunnings at Kembla Grange this Sunday to support our school running the BBQ.  A huge thank you to the wonderful parents and staff who have volunteered their time in the organisation and running of this event.

New Playground Equipment

The new playground equipment is installed and nearly ready for play!  I’d like to express my thanks to all the people who were able to give so generously of their time last Saturday laying the soft fall: Sam Harb, Martin Agius, Steven Hopper, Kelly Pucillo, Polito Fonoti, Pokileti Pohahau, Flippo Lamendola, Jessica Blacker, Bryan Blacker, Charlotte Blacker (Yr 4), Bridgette Blacker (K), Alice Ryan (Yr 1) Owen Pucillo (Yr 2), Lucas Pucillo (Yr 7), Mr Mindzas and Mr Hoctor.  Thank you all!

CatholicCare Counsellor

At St Patrick’s we are fortunate to have our CatholicCare Counsellor (Teearn) available one day per week.  There are a limited number of students Teearn can see in a day, limiting her caseload numbers.  If you would like your child to see the school counsellor, and in order to assist us in prioritising the most urgent needs, can I ask that you make contact through the office requesting to speak to me prior to asking for a referral form.

School Operating Hours

Just a gentle reminder that our school operating hours are 8.15am-3.15am.  Supervision will only be provided during this time.  We kindly remind parents that your children must remain under your supervision until 8.15am.