Dear Parents and Carers,

We have certainly experienced a very busy start to our school year! Last week was a big week celebrating Shrove Tuesday, Ash Wednesday, preparing our school exhibit for the Gundagai Show and concluding the week with our Opening School Mass. It is always such a special opportunity to formally acknowledge our 2024 School Captains, Year 6 leaders, SRC class representatives while welcoming all our new students. Thank you to parents and family members who came along to celebrate this very special occasion with our school community.

Our congratulations are extended to the following students:

2024 School Captains:

Corby Rose, Christyne Calub, Riley Smith and Chase Robinson

Year 6 School Leaders:

Sport Specialists: Denver Blundell, Taite Johnson and Harry Peterson

Hospitality Hosts: Isabella Boswell, Skye Sommerville, Christyne Calub, Archie McDonnell and Joseph Gailey

Media Moguls: Corby Rose and Riley Smith

Environmental Enthusiasts: Ammy Wu,  Andrew Cole, Nick Quine and Chase Robinson

Clever Creators: Charlie Brown, Emily Ryan, Emma Ferguson, Dylan Ryder

SRC Class Representatives

Year 2: Toby Nicholls and Lance Crowe

Year 3: Archie Peterson and Lane Johnson

Year 4: Rueben Smart and Jimmy Robinson

Year 5: Eliza Graham and Oliver Crowe

Welcome to our new students: Anna Nicholls, Charlotte Kennedy, Ivy Lyu, Tannah Elliott, Lily Barton, Michael Winters, Sam Hufton and Charlston Rizalde.

We continue to ask you to keep Mrs Wilson and Mrs Hughes in your prayers as they recover from recent operations. We look forward to having them return to school in the near future.

Best wishes for the week ahead.

Christine Baron

Principal

Lent - We have now entered the Church’s season of Lent. 

During Lent, many people decide to give something up that they love - perhaps chocolate, sweets or even using social media.

Others might decide to take up something, like helping out more with chores at home or making an effort to do nice things for their family and friends.

Prayer, has an important focus during Lent. We take time to talk to God in prayer and make a special effort to try to attend Mass.

We also try to give some money to those who are less fortunate than ourselves. We do this through our contribution to Project Compassion. The money that we can spare can make a huge difference to the lives of the less fortunate. The Project Compassion Boxes were sent home yesterday for your donations and can be returned after Easter.

Altar Servers

I have made a mistake on the Altar Serving Roster and not put anyone on Altar this coming weekend 24^th February. I am asking for volunteers to assist Father and the Parish. If you are available could you please let me know or Mrs Fairall ASAP.

A huge thank you to Harry Peterson who offered his services, he just needs friend to help him.

New Roster – A new roster will be sent out shortly. If there is anyone who has made their First Holy Communion and is not on the roster, but would like to be, please let me know. This is a special ministry and one that you can contribute to, which demonstrates your Christian witness and love of your faith.

Please continue to keep Mrs Wilson, Mrs Hughes and her mother in your prayers.

Opening School Mass

Last Friday we celebrated our Opening School Mass to mark the beginning of a new year. Father Joe led this beautiful Mass which was made extra special with the commissioning of our 2024 student leaders and the welcoming to St Patrick’s of our new Kindergarten children and Charlston Rizalde in Year One. We have had many positive comments about the children’s reading and amazing singing. Well done!

We continue to pray and ask God to walk with us and guide us this year as we endeavour to strengthen and build our school family community.

Mass this Friday

Year 3 will be presenting the Mass this week. Everyone is most welcome to attend. Thank you Mrs Carberry and Year 3 for your great work.

Save the Date

On Saturday 16^th March we will celebrate a Family Mass at St Patrick’s Church at 6 pm. We warmly invite all our St Patrick’s families to come and celebrate St Patrick’s Day (a day early) in true St Patrick’s style. So, mark your calendars, gather your green clothes, and think about how your family would like to be part of this special Mass. More information to come soon.

Kate Howe

REC

Easter Masses

Tumut Mission

(Immaculate Conception’s Tumut, St Patrick’s Gundagai,

St James’ Adelong, St. Mary’s Batlow, St. Paul’s Talbingo)

Palm Sunday, 24^th March 2024

1. St Patrick’s Gundagai, at 6pm on Saturday (Vigil)
2. Immaculate Conception’s Tumut, Sunday, at 10am
3. Mary’s Batlow, Sunday, at 5pm

Holy Thursday, 28^th March 2024, at 7pm

1. Immaculate Conception’s Tumut
2. St Patrick’s Gundagai

Good Friday, 29^th March 2024

Stations of the Cross, at 10am

1. Immaculate Conception’s Tumut

2. St Patrick’s Gundagai

Good Friday Service, at 3pm

1. Immaculate Conception’s Tumut

2. St Patrick’s Gundagai

 Holy Saturday, 30^th March 2024, at 6pm

1. Immaculate Conception’s Tumut

2. St Patrick’s Gundagai

 Easter Sunday, 31^st March 2024

1. Immaculate Conception’s Tumut, at 10am

2. St James’ Adelong, at 8.30am

3. St Patrick’s Talbingo, at 8am

Congratulations to the Gundagai Show committee and volunteers for another successful show. The weather was definitely warm. We hope you had a chance to pop into the Pavillion to check out our school show display. Our theme this year focused on the connection between the Olympic Games and our everyday goals at St Patrick’s School! Our theme ‘Going for Gold every Day-Faster, Stronger, Higher!’ highlighted the goals our students work to achieve at their own personal level on a daily basis with a view to always improving. Each class contributed to the display that also included the five value focus areas of Mission, Leadership, Diversity, Together and Listening. Thank you to the staff and students for such a wonderful and colourful display.

Representative Sport

Just a reminder that students in Year Five and Six can nominate for Canberra Goulburn team sports on the CG sports  website.  https://www.sport.cg.catholic.edu.au/

When nominating, it is an important conversation with parents and Mrs Wilson to consider the higher level of skills required to participate fully in these trials.  Please note any exceptional Year 4 students may nominate. 

All online nominations must be approved by Mrs Wilson as the sports coordinator.  

Upcoming Trials: 

Hockey - 5 April Goulburn

Soccer - 9 April Lyneham Canberra

Netball - 12 March Canberra

Rugby League 11yr  - 12 March Canberra

Rugby League 12 yrs  - 12 March Canberra

Rugby Union -  28 May Lyneham Canberra

Please note all sports have a cut off date for online nominations.

Gala Days

This term Years 3 to 6 students have the opportunity to nominate for the following gala days. Our school will nominate mixed teams for some of these events. 

Term 1

Soccer - Tumut,  Mr Makeham

Netball - Tumut, Mrs Carberry

Rugby 10’s. - Tumut,  Mr Ferguson 

Please ensure you go onto Compass ASAP to either give consent or decline the above gala days. This makes the process easier for the organising teachers to nominate teams in a timely manner. 

Term 2

Mortimer Shield Gundagai Year 5/6 - Mrs Wilson and Miss Bartlett 

Term 3 

Trent Barrett Tumut. Year 3/4 - Mr Makeham and Miss Bartlett

Term 4 

Cricket

Parent Assistance

PLEASE if any parents have a passion for any of the above sports you are more than welcome to contact the organising teacher to offer your expertise and time.   We would love to see more parental involvement in assisting with the management of  teams before and on the day.   Not only is it rewarding but the children love to see you involved!

Just a reminder to our families to continue to monitor Compass for notifications on upcoming Events for consent and payment.  There are quite a few events being published for upcoming sporting events for upper primary students that need your attention prior to attendance. 

In particular Gala Days that have been posted on Compass awaiting consent.  If no consent is given then unfortunately children will not be able to attend events. 

Plans for a Meet and Greet Parent and Teacher Evening have been placed on hold until all teaching staff are back on deck. Our apologies to parents for the delay in bringing this event to you, however it’s important to have as many teaching staff as possible available for the evening. Thank you for your understanding.

We would like to send our best wishes to our Western Region Swimming Team for Thursday as they head off to Cootamundra to compete at the next swimming level. 

We are all very proud of you and wish each and everyone of you all the best of luck for your day of swimming. 

The Swimming Carnival begins at 9.00am and all competitors are asked to be at the pool by 8.30am. Parents are asked to please ensure permission has been provided via the COMPASS portal please.

Working With Children Checks (WWCC) are now mandatory for all parents who volunteer on a regular basis for school activities. Volunteers who volunteer more than five days in a calendar year are now required by law to have a WWCC (Volunteer) clearance. This is will include all our canteen workers and anyone who volunteers on a regular basis. If you are rostered on our St Patrick’s Tuckshop or a regular volunteer, could you please go to the https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-for-a-working-with-children-check and apply for a WWCC for Volunteers. There is NO cost involved.

Once you have obtained the WWCC (Volunteer) certificate, could you please present it to the front office so that it can be verified. As this is a new requirement, we are asking all tuckshop volunteers to have it completed by Friday 12 April (end of Term 1). Thank you to all our wonderful parent volunteers, for your continued support of our school, as we would be unable to conduct many school activities without you. It is greatly appreciated.

Years 3 and 5 will be completing their NAPLAN assessment from Monday 18 March through to Friday 22 March (Week 8). It is important that all Year 3 and 5 students are here at school during that week.

The assessments will be completed on the following days:

Monday 18 March-Writing

Tuesday 19 March-Reading

Wednesday 20 March-Language Conventions

Thursday 21 March-Numeracy

Friday 22 March-Catch Up Day

Each year Clean Up Australia Day calls on Aussies to come together to improve and conserve our environment, eliminate litter and end waste.

On Friday 1 March students at St Patrick’s School will be involved in Clean Up Australia Day. Students are asked to bring a pair of gloves and a bag to collect rubbish from around our school area.

This initiative will be led by our Enthusiastic Environmentalists Year 6 leaders.

Our Annual Dental visit with Australian Dental Health is scheduled to visit our school the week of 6th of May 2024 - I know this seems so far away but need to make our families aware to mark the date on your calendars.  

Due to an issue with the QR Code registration a hard copy of the registeration form will be sent home shortly.  This is to be completed and sent back into the front office. 

This isn't compulsory just a service offered and covered by Medicare. 

Family Connect and Support connects families with the right services and support to help them overcome challenges they may be facing. 

This may include:

• Parenting challenges
• Financial stress
• Substance abuse 
• Family breakdown
• Housing issues
• Mental health
• Domestic and family violence

The service is funded by the NSW government, and is free and voluntary.

54 reasons, the name Save the Children’s work here in Australia is delivered under, provides Family Connect and Support services in Murrumbidgee including the regional centres of Wagga Wagga, Albury-Wodonga and Griffith. Our team consists of six highly skilled social workers and senior practitioners who can help families access the support they need to make positive changes. 

Please use the link provided if you would like to find out more about this great support for families, parents and children.

https://www.savethechildren.org.au/our-work/our-programs/australia/family-support-and-connect

Have you thought about volunteering a few hours in the canteen every Friday or going on the roster to cook cupcakes and cookies ?  We would love to hear from new and old families to offer additional support to our current volunteers already on the roster in Term 1.  If you would like to go on the Term 2 Roster to cook cupcakes, cookies or even work in the canteen with experienced mums please contact the office. You only need to do it once a term if that is all you can offer.  We have a few families leaving at the end of this year and would like to try and reach out to a few more families to start training now.

I know that Winter is a little way off and no one is thinking about colder weather while we are struggling with hot days at the moment.  However, Tash Smith has done a stocktake on our winter supplies and placed an order in anticipation of winter orders being placed by Week 8 in order to have orders sent out before end of Term 1. 

Winter orders can be placed online via our website www.spg.nsw.edu.au and then click on the Parents Tab, Uniform and then click on the Online Shop link.  The orders will be processed by Miss Smith and sent home with children.   If any families have any good quality second hand uniforms no longer needed then please send them in. 

Tune into "Sounds of the Mountains" radio station (FM94.1) every Wednesday at 2.15pm to hear about what our classes and school has been up to over the week. Catch up with our Yr 6 leaders as they share our weekly news report:

Week 10 (3rd April) - Chase Robinson and Andrew Cole 

Week 11 (10th April) - Emma Ferguson and Emily Ryan

Congratulations to our Week 2 and Week 3 Class Awards. 

Week 2 - 9th February 

Kindergarten - Anna Nicholls for an enthusiastic start to big school 

Year 1 - Sophia Fenton for showing kindness to all her peers

Year 2 - Lance Crowe for settling into Yr 2 so well, on task, organised and focused 

Year 3 - Lane Johnson

Year 4 - RV Calub for helping with Charlston to settle into school 

Year 5 - Dale Paton for being a happy and helpful class member

Year 6 - Riley Smith for setting a good example and by fully participating in all areas

Week 3 - 14th February

Kindergarten - Charlotte Kennedy for great work with rhyming words

Year 1 - Alfie Eccleston 

Year 2 - Harley Rose for his participation during lessons and for always helping others

Year 3 - Kaydee Smith for her participation during lessons and doing neat writing in Literacy book 

Year 4 - NO AWARD

Year 5 - NO AWARD

Year 6 - Corby Rose for persisting with difficult Maths concepts until mastering

Well done to our Week 2 WildCat Awards - Keep up the good work on being safe, respectful and responsible

RESPECT - Toby Nicholls, Reuben Smart

SAFE - Leila Gaskin, Zoe Morgan.

Sending out a BIG birthday cheer to the following students who have celebrated a birthday recently:

7th February - Taite Johnson 

8th February - Andrew Cole 

14th February - Lance Crowe

WR Swimming Carnival-Thursday 22 February-Cootamundra (wk 4)

 Life Education Van Visits-Tuesday 5 March and Wednesday 6 March (Wk 6)

NAPLAN Years 3 and 5-Monday 18 March to Friday 22 March (Wk 8)

Good Friday-Friday 29 March

Easter Sunday-Sunday 31 March

Easter Monday-Monday 1 April.

St Patrick’s Cross Country-Thursday 4 April (Week 10)

Term 1 concludes-Friday 12 April

The Tumut & Adelong Times are introducing a new article in the paper "Junior Reporter Club" and are calling upon parents to send an email to the paper with their children's name and date of birth (usually sent off the week of their birthday) to the paper to go into the draw to win a birthday cake donated by Pie in the Sky, Tumut.