Thursday 3rd April 2025

Gospel of the Week

John 8:1-11

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John

Let the person without sin be the first to throw a stone.

Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. At daybreak he appeared in the Temple again; and as all the people came to him, he sat down and began to teach them.

The scribes and Pharisees brought a woman along who had been caught committing adultery; and making her stand there in full view of everybody, they said to Jesus, ‘Master, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery, and Moses has ordered us in the Law to condemn women like this to death by stoning. What have you to say?’ They asked him this as a test, looking for something to use against him. But Jesus bent down and started writing on the ground with his finger. As they persisted with their question, he looked up and said, ‘If there is one of you who has not sinned, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.’ Then he bent down and wrote on the ground again. When they heard this, they went away one by one, beginning with the eldest, until Jesus was left alone with the woman, who remained standing there. He looked up and said, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ ‘No one, sir,’ she replied. ‘Neither do I condemn you,’ said Jesus ‘go away, and don’t sin anymore.’

Dear Parents, Carers and Guardians,

This week, the Gospel tells us that Jesus dismantled both legalism and injustice with her mercy. His parting words to this woman “neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more.” The mercy of God is not an excuse to sin, but is a recognition that when we do, we can look to Christ to forgive and cover our guilt.

The story of the woman caught in adultery is a beautiful illustration of Jesus silencing his critics while graciously addressing a sinner in need of mercy. The poignant scene delivers a healing balm to anyone with a heart weighed down with guilt and shame. 

Through this woman we learn that Jesus is always ready and willing to forgive and extend His grace. She also teaches us that, that same grace empowers us to no longer be victims or “slaves of sin” but to “go and sin no more”. What a wonderful message for us to take on board.

We have come to the final week of Term 1 and once again, we have packed many wonderful learning opportunities into this term. A very positive start to the year with 35 school tours held. Traditionally our tours get busy terms 3 or 4. We have had multiple enquiries for 2026, quite a few for 2027 as well as 2028 and 2030! I have 8 tours booked in for the first 2 weeks of Term 2. Other special events this term included:

• St Patrick’s Day was a wonderful celebration beginning with Mass and we were joined by our parishioners. A BIG thanks to Fr Jeff for saying the mass on his day off. The students were then split into their Houses of Ahern (Yellow), Hunt (Red), Bourke (Green) and Flynn (Blue) and completed 4 different activities. These included learning more about the wonderful St Patrick’s statues located around the school; in Digitech, they watched a clip about St Patrick and learnt more about this wonderful man; in Visual Arts, they made a 3D shamrock, and they also participated in an escape room. We all enjoyed a sausage for lunch afterward, helped cooked by some of our parents. Fr Jeff also came and joined in on some of the celebrations.
• Fr Jeff, Helen Staindl, Principal of St Clare’s Officer, and I, had the privilege of working with the other Clergy and Principals in the Sale Diocese last Thursday, including Bishop Greg Bennett and looked at ways of ensuring the success of schools and parishes working together. Together we noted actions that we would commit to continue to success of school and parish collaboration.
• Our Year 5s and 6s have had Incursions on Surf lifesaving skills and our Year 4s have had an Incursion around Democracy and how it works. Our Year 2s have spent time in Main St Pakenham, learning about how the Post Office works as part of their Inquiry unit on Community. We have also had our Year 2s attend swimming.
• Harmony Day Celebrations- were held last week and it was a wonderful occasion. Both students and teachers dressed up in their native costumes and presented themselves to the rest of the school. We were treated to a traditional dance by our Myanmar students which was very entertaining to watch. Many parents attended this celebration. We had our indigenous students begin the assembly by reading the Acknowledgement of Country which was very moving to be a part of.
• Cross Country – Whole School Cross Country was held last Thursday and was a fantastic day. Thanks to Louise Breeden, our Physical Education teacher once again for her incredible organisation of the day. We had parent helpers on the day who spoke so highly of the event and how it really allows for all students to succeed. We thank those parents for giving up their time to come and support our students!
• Maths Open Night – held last Wednesday evening. Parents were invited to come into the school and visit their children’s classrooms, from 3.30-6pm and participate in Maths activities and to share their learning. The students led the evening, showing their parents, all the different concrete materials used in maths as well as to share their learning. We have had incredibly positive feedback about all these activities we have held this term with many parents asking for the Maths night to be held each term!

This week, we have held our Holy Week assemblies where each level is responsible for re-enacting the events of Holy Week. We began on Monday with F-2 level presenting Palm Sunday, Year 4s presented the Last Supper. Year 3s the Agony in the Garden and today Year 6 presented the Station of the Cross. The Resurrection will be re enacted by Year 5s on Thursdy 24th April from 2.45pm. 

• Building/Architect -The school will be undergoing another building project in the latter half of this year. I am continuing to hold meetings with the architect to finalise the drawings for the refurbishment of E and B Block. The teachers had an opportunity to put forward their opinion as well, which is great as it is the teachers who work within these spaces every day. Once the designs are finalised, it will go to tender.

I would like to take the time to thank all my wonderful staff for all their incredible work they do, day in and day out with our students. It takes special people to do what they do, and I am grateful every day for them.

I want to wish all our families a happy and Holy Easter. I hope you all get the opportunity to take the time to reflect on the events of Holy Week over the school holidays and to think about the sacrifices made by our Lord this Lenten Season.

We look forward to welcoming you back to school when Term 2 begins on Tuesday 22^nd April. It will be a short week, as Monday and Friday are both public holidays with Friday 25^th April being ANZAC day.

Mobile Device Policy and Smartwatch Guidelines-

Please see below 2 new Guidelines St Patrick’s has introduced that will be added on to our website shortly. I would like to ask all parents/carers and guardians to take the time to read as this as it is certainly an issue that will continue to grow in its impact the more we rely on Mobile/Digital devices.

Deng Akol- SFX Year 9

We are thrilled to share that Deng Akol (Year 9), a former student of St Patrick’s, has been selected for Victoria’s State Development Program! This incredible opportunity identifies outstanding basketball athletes and focuses on developing their skills both on and off the court, preparing them for national competition.
Deng has been training hard, committing to sessions before and after school twice a week, all while juggling his other training and games. Later this year, he’ll be competing in a tournament with hopes of representing Victoria.

Holy Week assemblies

All assemblies at 2.00pm in the Stadium

Term 2, week 1

Wednesday, April 23rd- The Resurrection by Year 5's

We look forward to welcoming you all to celebrate these very holy occasions.

Please continue to keep Mrs Annette Tanner in your prayers.  For those of you who may not be aware, we have a staff member, Mrs Annette Tanner, who is unwell at the moment and if I could ask you, please to keep Annette and her family in your prayers as she battles an ongoing illness. Annette has been a teacher here at St Patrick’s for 15 years.

Thank you and God Bless,

Meg

Future Enrolments

This term, we have had an incredible beginning to the year with 35 school tours being held. Out of these 35, we have had 7 new enrolments this year, inquiries for next year, 2027, 2028 and 2030!

With this in mind, can I please ask for any existing families who have younger siblings coming to St Patrick’s in the next few years, to please make sure they fill in their enrolment forms early as possible. St Patrick’s is looking to manage a high demand of places within the school community and places may become limited.

Thank you.

SCHOOL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (SAC)-Looking for new parent members

I am looking for some new parents to be a part of the School Advisory Committee. Please let me know if you are interested. This committee meets only 4-6 times per year and as the name suggests, is an ‘advisory committee’, so no other work other than you may be asked to do a prayer and or take the minutes of a meeting. If you wish to be a part of the SAC, please email Meg at mescalante@stppakenham.catholic.edu.au

The role of the SAC is:

The School Advisory Committee operates as the principal consultative and advisory body in the school. The School Advisory Committee is advisory to the principal. This body acts as an adviser on strategic planning, support to the principal, school improvement and development, policy and general leadership, the sole purpose ultimately being to serve and work toward the mission and vision of the school.

The School Advisory Committee provides advice to the principal within the context of this Charter and the vision statement of the school.

1. School Advisory Committee Purposes

The purposes of the School Advisory Committee are to:

• act as an advisory body to the principal on matters concerning education in the school
• act as a forum for discussion on matters concerning education in the school
• provide a link between the parish priest, principal, teachers and parishioners in relation to the provision of Catholic education in the parish community
• promote community development by fostering a strong inter-relationship between the parish, the primary school and Catholic secondary colleges.

2. School Advisory Committee Responsibilities

The responsibilities of the School Advisory Committee are to:

• promote the Catholic ethos of the school
• provide feedback on and review of school policies
• plan for the future of the school and its ability to accommodate future enrolments
• provide advice on budget planning and finance-related matters
• contribute to the selection process for the school principal
• provide advice on the appropriate provision of faith development and Religious Education programs
• promote child safety in the school 

St Francis Xavier College, Officer school tours

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

Officer Campus Talk & Tour – 09.30am – 10.45am 

Tuesday 13 May

Tuesday 24 June

Tuesday 12 August

Tuesday 09 September

Tuesday 14 October

Wednesday 12 November

Year 7 2026 Enrolment Interviews

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

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 that you can top up your child’s uniform with. 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