Lord Jesus Christ, You chose to put yourself—tiny, needy and helpless—into the nurturing and watchful hands of a human mother. Since then, every act of mothering, both physical and spiritual, in every time and every corner of the world recollects Mary’s. Inspired by this example, we, too, honour our mothers and mother figures today. Bless these women, that they may be strengthened as Christian mothers and nurturers. Let the example of their faith and love shine forth. Grant that we, their sons and daughters, honour them always with a spirit of profound respect.

We ask this in your holy name. Amen.

Dear Parents

It has been a lovely start to the term, filled with some sunshine and the children’s smiles.  We have been blessed to be able to share the Easter joy last week with many parents attending our Easter Mass, Easter Hat Parade and End of Term Assembly (postponed from Term 1).  

I wish all the mothers, grandmothers, aunties, Godmothers and all women (and men) who play a mothering role in the life of a child a very happy Mother’s Day for Sunday and ask God to bless you all.

Our deepest appreciation to the mums who helped out at the Mothers Day Stall. It was a great opportunity for the children to purchase something special for their mums, grandparents or for anyone they hold dear. This would not be possible if it wasn't for the kindness of our P&F and our wonderful mums.

Thank you to Kelly Pucillo, Victoria Harb, Emma Nagy, Lauren Habak, Laurinda Poeira, Katie Mineeff & Danielle Lukarovski.

Please enjoy the Mother's day iMovie and we wish you all a very happy Mother's Day.

Excellence Awards

Last Friday we presented our inaugural Excellence Awards.  These will be presented on the last day of each term at a special end of term assembly.  Students can receive an excellence award for displaying excellence in achievement, effort or attitude throughout the term in the areas of faith, literacy, numeracy and behaviour. These are purely merit based and not all students may receive one throughout the year.  These awards are quite prestigious and a real credit to the students who receive them.  Our Term 1 recipients are:

MacKillop Award

Meika McMillan, Lucy Williamson, Ivy Dimovski, Annika Cieplucha, Harry Sharpe, Mila Manevski & Paige Lukarovski.

English Award

Luis Cowan, Lucia Sharpe, Ashton Kotevski, Jake Jovanovski, Ava D’Angola, Delilah Calleja & Liana Meta.

Mathematics Award

Rocco Lukarovski, Ethan Fargnoli, Emelia Connor, Rory Meizer, Sean Timbs, Sofia Mineeff & Aaron Pasztor.

Positive Behaviour for Learning Award

Olivia Harb, Jayden Figueira, Ebony Rogers, Amelie Mineeff, Milla Lokys, Jake Stojanovski & Lucy Yates. 

2023 Kindergarten Enrolments

We are currently in the process of interviewing for Kindergarten 2023.  It has been lovely to talk to all families, and especially nice to talk to new families hoping to enrol their child at St Patrick’s.  There is a very high number of parents, and sometimes even grandparents, who attended St Patrick’s themselves.  It’s wonderful to know their time here was such an affirming one, and that they aspire to have a similar experience for their own children.  If you would like to enrol your child in Kindergarten next year, it is essential that we receive your application next week so that you don’t miss out on an interview.

Social Media

It has come to our attention that there are some parent groups on social media, such as Facebook and Messenger.  I can certainly understand the attraction to creating one of these groups for communication and connection purposes, however, can I please remind you of the following points:

• Individuals do not have permission to create a group that represents the school without permission from the Principal.  Please do not name a group, for example, ‘St Patrick’s Port Kembla Year 7 2025,’ as it is misleading, and implies that it is managed by the school.  If you want to create a personal group please consider naming it something that doesn’t directly link it to the school.
• You cannot post or share photos of other students without permission from their parents.  
• Some families do not have access to social media.  For example, sending out birthday invitations via this platform is not inclusive of all students.
• The main form of all communication to parents is sent out through Compass.  Parents should not be solely reliant on these groups for information.

Please click on the following link to view the full Social Media Policy:

Winter Uniforms

Students are asked to wear full winter uniform from Monday 9 May.

Uniform Reminders

Next week students who are not complying with our uniform standards will receive a note reminding you of our policy and asking you to ensure your child is wearing the correct uniform.  If you have any questions or require any further clarification, please contact the school office.  We appreciate your support with this.

School Fees

Could I kindly ask that all families are up to date with their resourcing school fees as soon as possible so we are able to attend to outstanding accounts e.g Life Education Van visits.

Ms Gabi Tobin - Principal

Term 2 Prefects

Congratulations to the Term 2 class prefects who were carefully chosen by their classroom teachers. The teachers had to think long and hard about who in their class was being particularly respectful, responsible and safe, so we look forward to seeing the girls and boys leading their class with pride!

Our PB4L focus for next week (Week 3) is Being a Good Sport

In the explicit teaching lessons the expected behaviours taught will be:

• Waiting my turn
• Using good manners
• playing by the rules (playing fairly)
• Encouraging others
• Keeping my hands, feet and objects to myself
• Taking it when I’m out
• Being a gracious winner

Examples of behaviours that negatively impact on Being a Good Sport include:

• Pushing in
• Talking rudely to others (screaming)
• Ignoring the rules
• Making hurtful comments (putting people down)
• Being physically aggressive
• Not taking it out
• Being a sore loser

Our PB4L focus for Week 4 is Being a Peaceful Problem Solver

In the explicit teaching lessons the expected behaviours taught will be:

                         Scissors,Paper, rock

                              IgnoRe it

                    Tell them: NO, Stop, Don’t

  Wait and Cool Off (CountBackwards, Deep breaths)

                        Ask for heLp                           

               Walk Away and lEt it go

               Make a Deal (CoMpromise, Win-Win)

                  Use an ‘I’ mesSage (I think…, I feel…)

                             Use goOd manners

                        Talk it out/Listen

                                       Visit with someone else

                            ApologisE

                                   Be Respectful

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

PB4L Data

It is with pride that I inform you that over the past week 20 students were given Citizenship, Merit, Library or Uniform Awards or Playground Affirmation Awards whilst there were 4 incidents of Inappropriate behavior recorded.

Please continue to act respectfully, responsibly and safely.

 K-2 CROSS COUNTRY

Weather permitting we will be holding a mini Cross Country for Students in Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 at 11:30 next Monday May 9

Parents are welcome to join us for this event.

Should you choose to attend please gather on the verandah above the Basketball Court.

Students in Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 should wear their Sports Uniform on Monday

At the conclusion of the races students who come 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd or 4th will be presented with a ribbon.

 MORNING DROP OFF ON KEMBLA ST

We sincerely appreciate the cooperation of many parents and carers who respect the road rules governing the ‘pick-up/drop-off No Parking’ zone in effect from 8:00am – 9:30am each morning. We understand that in the morning parents and carers may be on their way to work and as such time is of the essence.

In the interests of ensuring that this No Parking Zone is being used properly please note that:

1. These zones operate under the same conditions as no parking zones, which means you may stop to drop off or pick up children for a maximum of 2 minutes.
2. You're required to remain in, or within 3 metres of, your vehicle.

These Zones are designed for quick entry and exit, and when used properly by all parents and carers minimise congestion and risk to students. We look forward to your cooperation to ensure that this routine works smoothly.

Mr Gavan Hoctor - Assistant Principal