Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome to the final term of the school year. We continue to wonder how we arrive at Term 4 so quickly! This is always a poignant time for Year 6 as they move into their final weeks of Primary School life. Our best wishes are extended to Year 6 as they begin transition programs for Year 7 in preparation for their high school educational journey. Year 6 have much to look forward too over the next 9 weeks.

ARCHDIOCESAN ASSEMBLY: Mrs Howe and I along with Mrs Denise Reardon, Fr Joe and Fr Roffin attended the Archdiocesan Assembly on Saturday in Young. Over 550 people joined in the day with the main gathering held in Canberra and included 5 regional hubs. The assembly focused on celebrating the year of the Holy Spirit and explored the themes of Discipleship, Encounter and Mission. Ideas for moving the church forward and utilising more contemporary approaches were discussed. Positive discussions and opportunities to share our faith with other people, were enjoyed on the day.

WELCOME BACK: We have been delighted to welcome the Ryan family back to our St Patrick’s School community. AB has joined our Year 6 class, Maeve has joined Year 4 and George Year 1. Welcome back to Madeline, Tim and baby Thomas as well. The students have been delighted to welcome their friends back and have quickly rekindled old friendships.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION: Our First Holy Communion program begins this afternoon. We have 14 students preparing for the sacrament of First Holy Communion this year. Thank you to Mrs Howe and Mrs Carberry for conducting these lessons after school and on Saturday afternoons over the next few weeks. First Holy Communion will be held on Saturday 9 November.

WIZARD OF OZ PRODUCTION: We’re Excitement is building as rehearsals begin in earnest for the Wizard of Oz presentation scheduled to take place in Week 6! Tickets will be available soon for families and friends to purchase.

WELCOME MISS HILLIER: We welcome Miss Casey Hillier to our St Patrick’s staff team. Miss Hillier is taking our Year 6 class while Mrs Wilson is on LSL. Miss Hillier is one of our regular relief staff and well known to our St Patrick’s community. We are delighted to have her with us.

ACTING ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL: Congratulations to Mrs Natasha Flanagan on her appointment as Assistant Principal while Mrs Wilson is on leave. Mrs Flanagan has held this role previously and will be a great addition to the leadership team.

2024 LEADERS’S DAY: I will be attending the annual Leader’s Day in Canberra this Thursday and Friday. Mrs Flanagan and Mrs Howe will be in charge while I am away.

Wishing everyone a wonderful week ahead. The staff look forward to sharing Grandparent’s Day with families on Friday. It is always a wonderful time to share the very special bond between grandparents and grandchildren. Visitors and students are encouraged to wear a touch  of RED to honour the memory of Daniel Morcombe as we continue to advocate for child safety awareness.

Christine Baron

Principal