St Patrick's Catholic Parish Primary School Port Kembla eNewsletter

Week 2 Term 3 - 1 August 2025

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Week 2 Term 3 - 1 August 2025

VISION, MISSION AND VALUES
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
POSITIVE BEHAVIOURS FOR LEARNING
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
PUPIL FREE DAY
TERM 3 PARENT CALENDAR
CLASS PREFECTS TERM 3
EXCELLENCE AWARDS HELD OVER FROM TERM 2
LIBRARY
BIRTHDAYS
PARISH INFORMATION
COMMUNITY NEWS

VISION, MISSION AND VALUES

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

Dear Parents, Carers, and Friends of St Patrick's,

Today we were truly blessed to celebrate Grandparents’ Day—a much-loved tradition in our school calendar. It was heartwarming to welcome so many grandparents and special older friends into our school community as we honoured the important role they play in the lives of our students.

We began the day with a beautiful Mass, where Fr Victor (a visiting priest from Melbourne) and students led us in prayer, song, and thanksgiving. It was a moving celebration that reminded us of the strength and wisdom that grandparents bring to our families and to our faith journey.

Following Mass, we shared a delicious morning tea together. Our staff and parent helpers prepared a welcoming and festive atmosphere, and it was a joy to see conversations flowing and smiles all around. Thank you to everyone who contributed food, time, or assistance to make this part of the morning so special.

The celebration continued with open classrooms, where our students proudly showcased their learning. It was a delight to see children guiding their grandparents through their work, classroom routines, and creative displays. The sense of pride and connection was truly uplifting.

Grandparents are the keepers of family stories, faith traditions, and unconditional love. Today’s celebration was a small but heartfelt way to say thank you for all they do and to remind them that they are always welcome and valued in our school community.

Thank you to everyone who helped make today such a memorable occasion. May we continue to build a school culture that honours the past, celebrates the present, and looks to the future with faith, hope and love.

Kindest regards,

Mr Mitchell Elks
Principal

POSITIVE BEHAVIOURS FOR LEARNING

Our PB4L focus for Week 3 is Being a Peaceful Problem Solver
In the explicit teaching lessons, the expected behaviours taught will be:

Our PB4L focus for Week 4 is the No, Stop, Don’t - 3 Step Plan
We teach this to the students so that they have a way to manage situations with other
students if they feel that are being treated disrespectfully, irresponsibly, or unsafely.
In the explicit teaching lessons, the expected behaviours taught will be:

We would very much appreciate you discussing these weekly focuses with your childrenand reviewing the expected and non-acceptable behaviours in our endeavour to see that StPatrick’s is a more respectful, responsible, and safe learning community for all.

St Patrick’s Uniform – A reminder for Term 3
At St Patrick’s School wearing school uniform is a sign that your child is a member of
our special community. The pride students demonstrate in wearing school uniform is
a mark of their sense of belonging. Wearing the correct and full uniform assists in
developing self respect, self discipline and care for oneself.

Please see below an excerpt from our Uniform Code explaining the wearing of Jewellery

1.Small watches may be worn, providing they do not distract from the overall appearance of the uniform.
2.Students may wear one pair of plain silver or gold sleepers or plain silver or
gold studs.
3.No make up is to be worn, including lip gloss. Lip balm may be worn for dry lips.
4.No nail polish, acrylic nails, SNS or Shellac. No rings or bracelets are to be worn.
5.Religious medals, on a thin chain, may be worn under the school shirt.

Kind regards
Mr Gavan Hoctor
Assistant Principal

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Grandparents Day Thanks!
What a joy-filled and memorable Grandparents Day we shared this week! We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the grandparents and special older friends who joined us for this special occasion.

Your presence brought warmth, wisdom, and love into our school community, and we were truly blessed to celebrate with you. The day was made even more meaningful through our beautiful Mass, where we gave thanks to God for the gift of grandparents and the role they play in passing on faith, love, and family traditions. The students were so proud to showcase their learning and share special moments with their grandparents throughout the day.

A sincere thank you also goes to our dedicated staff and generous parent helpers who supported the event and helped create a welcoming and festive atmosphere.
May God continue to bless all grandparents with good health, joy, and peace.

First Reconciliation!
A number of our Year 3 friends have recently begun their journey towards receiving the Sacrament of First Reconciliation. We keep these children in our prayers as they learn more about God’s love, forgiveness, and mercy through their preparation classes.
May this be a time of deepening faith and growing understanding. Good luck girls and boys!

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Feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop
On Friday August 8 we will be celebrating the Feast Day of Mary MacKillop with a whole school Mass in the church at 9am. All family and community members are welcome to attend.

Religious Literacy Assessment – Year 4
On Monday of next week, August 4, Year 4 will be participating in the Religious Literacy
Assessment, which is an assessment that all students in the Diocese of Wollongong undertake in Year 4. The purpose of this assessment is very similar to that of NAPLAN, however this assessment tests the knowledge and understanding that the children have in the key learning area of Religious Education. It covers content areas from Kinder up until Year 3, and it gives the school an understanding of both areas of strength and potential areas for improvement in Religious Education at St Patrick’s.

We wish the children the best of luck in this assessment and look forward to analysing the data and planning for improvement in the religious literacy of our students.

Kind regards
Mr Sam Mattas
Religious Education Coordinator

PUPIL FREE DAY

TERM 3 PARENT CALENDAR

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The Parent Calendar for Term 3 was sent out last term but in case you missed it please find it below. Please be aware that there may be slight changes, but any changes will be communicated to you.

Term 3 Parent Calendar

Term 3 Parent Calendar 280.33 KB

CLASS PREFECTS TERM 3

We’re so proud of you and excited to see you take on this leadership role. Well done for being chosen by your teacher to support your classmates and school!

Wishing you all the best in your new duties.

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EXCELLENCE AWARDS HELD OVER FROM TERM 2

LIBRARY

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Book Parade: Wednesday 27 August 9am

BOOK WEEK

Welcome back to the library for Term 3. The highlight of this term is Book Week which of course includes our annual Book Parade. When choosing a costume for your child/ren it is not necessary to go to a huge expense. Be creative and use things you have at home. We have discussed with the children that it is meant to be a bit of fun and to use their creativity. We ask that the children bring along the book from which their chosen character is from on the day. If the children need to borrow from our library there will be an opportunity to do so. The children are able to stay in their costume all day as long as they are warm and are wearing a hat and covered shoes.

BOOK BORROWING

Please ensure that your child has a library bag for borrowing and that they return their library books on their allocated class borrowing day. The timetable is below for your information. Thank you.