Gospel of the Week

Luke 6:39-45

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke

A person speaks from what is in his heart.

Jesus told a parable to his disciples, ‘Can one blind man guide another? Surely both will fall into a pit? The disciple is not superior to his teacher; the fully trained disciple will always be like his teacher. Why do you observe the splinter in your brother’s eye and never notice the plank in your own? How can you say to your brother, “Brother, let me take out the splinter that is in your eye,” when you cannot see the plank in your own? Hypocrite! Take the plank out of your own eye first, and then you will see clearly enough to take out the splinter that is in your brother’s eye.

‘There is no sound tree that produces rotten fruit, nor again a rotten tree that produces sound fruit. For every tree can be told by its own fruit: people do not pick figs from thorns, nor gather grapes from brambles. A good man draws what is good from the store of goodness in his heart; a bad man draws what is bad from the store of badness. For a man’s words flow out of what fills his heart.’

Dear Parents, Carers and Guardians,

In the Gospel today, we learn that people who don't know God are blind to truth and if you follow them, you're going to end up in the pit. Don't follow spiritual leaders like the Pharisees who will only lead you into the pit. Instead, follow Jesus as your Master since He can make you a true disciple who will be equipped to disciple others.

We pray that we will not be blind guides, leading others astray, but that we will follow your guidance and lead others towards you. Protect us from falling into the pit of sin and help us to stay on the path of righteousness. 

The Year 2s finish their swimming this week. I would like to take the time to thank all my staff involved in the preparation of this and for ensuring the safety of our Year 2 students to and from the pool.

Just a reminder that next Friday the 7th March is a SCHOOL CLOSURE DAY. On this day, the students are not required to attend school. All staff of St Patrick’s will be at school on this day and having a Professional Development Day. Monday 10^th is Labour Day Public Holiday, so students will resume on Tuesday 11^th March. 

I ask all parents to once again, PLEASE observe the NO RIGHT TURN SIGN that is located at the entrance and exit on The Avenue car park. You MUST turn LEFT and you can simply go up to the roundabout and come back again. For the sake of a few minutes, you will spare the frustration of other parents trying to do the right thing. 

Whilst people may become frustrated, abuse towards one another will not be condoned by myself or my staff, especially in front of children. Please refer to the parent code of conduct you received upon enrollment at St Patrick's Primary School.

In the next few months, there will be some considerable change to the way The Avenue car park operates. I will keep the community updated. Thank you for your understanding.

God Bless

 Meg

NAPLAN

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a literacy and numeracy assessment that students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 sit each year. It is the only national assessment all Australian students have the opportunity to undertake. As students’ progress through their school years, it is important to check how well they are learning the essential skills of reading, writing and numeracy. NAPLAN assesses the literacy and numeracy skills that students are learning through the school curriculum and allows parents/carers to see how their child is progressing against national proficiency standards. NAPLAN is just one aspect of a school’s assessment and reporting process. It does not replace ongoing assessments made by teachers about student performance, but it can provide teachers with more information about students’ educational progress. NAPLAN also provides schools, education authorities and governments with information about how education programs are working, and whether young Australians are achieving important educational outcomes in literacy and numeracy.

Wed 12th Mar ~ 9:00am-10:00am (Writing)

Thurs 13th Mar ~ 10:00am-11:00am (Reading)

Friday 14th Mar ~ 9:00-10:00am (Conventions of Language) AND 11:30am-12:30am (Numeracy)

SEMPER DENTAL VISITS

We are pleased to advise you that our school has engaged Semper Dental to provide your children with the opportunity of visiting the Semper Dental treatment team at school commencing on Wednesday March 19th. Semper Dental is a well-respected catholic family business and is a significant provider of oral hygiene education and dental treatment services with programs running in more than 80 schools in greater Melbourne.

The program is available to participating students from all year levels at the school. The basis of this offer will be fully explained in the Semper Dental parent consent forms and in the Semper Dental information flyer.

Semper Dental provides a preventative treatment program involving an oral examination and treatments such as scale, cleaning, fluoride application and fissure seals where necessary. Semper Dental will then provide you with a treatment plan for your child following the visit and will inform you if your child requires additional dental care. Forms need to be returned to the school by Thursday March 14th.

St Francis Xavier College school tours

If you are looking to enrol your child into St Francis Xavier, please note these important dates in your calendar.

SFX College Open Day – Saturday 22 March 10.00am – 2.00pm 

Officer Campus Talk & Tour – 09.30am – 10.45am 

Tuesday 11 February

Tuesday 13 May

Tuesday 24 June

Tuesday 12 August

Tuesday 09 September

Tuesday 14 October

Wednesday 12 November

Year 7 2026 Enrolment Interviews

Wednesday 5 March

Wednesday 4 June

Wednesday 29 October

Year 7 2027 Enrolment Interviews

Wednesday 2 July

Year 7 2027 Parent Information Evening

               Wednesday 7 May 7.00pm

Year 7 2026 Transition Day – Monday

                8 December all day

Parent Helpers-Term 2

We will be running an induction for any parents who wish to help in the classroom early in Term 2. Please note, any parents wishing to assist in the classroom must have a Working with Children Check. It only needs to be a Volunteer one to assist in the classroom. The school will require a copy of this to keep in our files. We will notify parents of the date once we have finalised it.

ATTENTION PARENTS: School Uniform

I am asking please that all students, to be wearing our proper school uniform. It is important that we maintain a high standard of uniform throughout the school year and to wear it with pride.

I will continue to ask all students to be wearing proper school shoes and uniform right up until the end of the year. Runners are NOT school shoes. Please see pictures below. I understand that students are growing constantly, however they will continue to grow for many more years and so I cannot always accept this as an excuse. We must remember that many students are adhering to the correct standards of school uniform and therefore, it is important that the students and their families please respect this. Secondary schools do not accept poor unform standards.

If finance is a concern when it comes to uniform, please speak to your classroom teacher. St Patrick’s has a very good second-hand uniform shop where you can purchase school uniform items. It is a third of the price you would pay at the normal uniform shop, and the money goes straight back to the school.

This is an example of a school shoe to be worn every day, except on sport days/events:

This is a runner and NOT a school shoe

We have also received more information in regards to the School Saving Bonus which will be sent out soon.  

Bus Travel and Conveyance allowance

Bus travel may be available to some families if they live more than 5klms distance from the school.   Please see the information on the link below. 

SPECIAL REPORT: The Wellbeing Barometer - 2025

The Wellbeing Barometer survey is an invaluable tool for schools, providing critical insights into the mental health and wellbeing of young people. This annual survey identifies areas of concern, highlights resilience and adaptability in students, and emphasises the importance of preventative strategies to promote positive outcomes.

Participation in this survey is strongly encouraged, as it offers a comprehensive view of students' experiences, challenges, and achievements. By capturing a detailed understanding of young people's experiences, the survey supports a tailored approach to enhancing their mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. It helps to identify strengths and areas for improvement, as well as pinpoint opportunities for early intervention.

The survey is part of an ongoing longitudinal study, and we encourage you to take a few moments to complete the survey for each of your children. Responses remain anonymous and should be based on your observations over the last 12 months. By working together, we can reduce the long-term impact of mental illness and make a meaningful difference to the lives of our young people for a brighter future.

Here is the link to your Special Report https://stppakenham.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-wellbeing-barometer-2025-au