Saints, he said, “are not perfect models, but are people whose lives God has crossed,” and can be compared with the stained glass windows of a church, “which allow light to enter in different shades of color.”
The saints above all are our brothers and sisters “who have welcomed the light of God into their hearts and have passed it on to the world, each one according to their own 'tone',” he said, but stressed that no matter the “color” they give, “all of them are transparent.”
Praying for the dead is a Christian obligation. In the modern world, when many have come to doubt the Church's teaching on Purgatory, the need for such prayers has only increased. The Church devotes the month of November to prayer for the Holy Souls in Purgatory, and participation in the Mass of All Souls Day is a good way to begin the month.
School Building and Grounds Masterplan
When I commenced my tenure as principal in Term 4 last year, the Chair of the Education Board at the time, Peter Righetti, spoke of the importance of a strategic Masterplan for the school buildings and grounds. I am pleased to say that the Education Board has followed through with this goal. This year a Masterplan Committee was formed with representatives from the Parish, Parents and Staff : Fr Paul Newton, Travis Westcott, Gerald Dillon, James Hawkins, Fiona Walshe and myself. Through consultation and recommendations from the Catholic Education Office, based on the work of the committee and expressions of interest and an interview process, an architectural firm will shortly be appointed to develop the Masterplan. In the coming weeks, there will be an opportunity for our community to contribute ideas through a consultation workshop. The Masterplan will guide us as we review and redevelop our school over the next ten years to ensure we can maximise the educational effectiveness of our indoor and outdoor learning spaces for all children, staff and families at St Patrick's.
Cultural Consultation 28th November
In response to a survey with parents at the mid year interviews, the next POPE (Parents as Open Partners in Education) meeting will be held on an evening to allow an opportunity for working parents to attend. The Year 5 Learning Expo at the end of Term 3 focused on the diverse cultural backgrounds of our school families. This will be one of the themes of our POPE meeting. How can we ensure we are culturally inclusive ? What more can we be doing at our school to appreciate, utilise and learn from the rich tapestry of cultures within our school ? Please come along to a gathering at school on Tuesday 28th November from 7:30-8:30 and share your ideas.
Adventure Playground Upgrade
Our playground has been measured up for an upgrade. Plans are underway and the work is due to be completed before the start of the 2018 school year. Funds raised through the P&F this year will contribute to this exciting upgrade.
Hall Kitchen Progress
Yes ! The Hall Kitchen plans are still in progress with the goal to have the kitchen completed by Term 2 2018 or earlier if possible. Funds raised through the 2016 Fete will still contribute to this long awaited hall kitchen upgrade.
Kids Artwork
Don't forget to order your children's works of art. They will be on display again Wednesday 8th November and orders close on Friday 10th November.
Kids Artwork
Don't forget to order your children's works of art. They will be on display again Wednesday 8th November and orders close on Friday 10th November.
Parish Reunion Movie Night for Past Students
Fr Paul has organised a reunion night for past students and friends from St Patrick's school who are presently in Year 7-9. Our present Year 6's have been invited to host the evening. You can read more on the flier.
Fete
It's November already and the St Patrick's Parish Fete is only a couple of weeks away. Thank you to our community who are busy preparing for this special occasion. Make sure you keep the 18th of November free.
TOYS TOYS TOYS
Thank you for all the donations to date but PLEASE ensure that secondhand toys are clean and in full working condition and that games are complete. Many thanks.
TOYS TOYS TOYS
Thank you for all the donations to date but PLEASE ensure that secondhand toys are clean and in full working condition and that games are complete. Many thanks.
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES:
Mon 6th November School Closure Day
Tues 7th November Melbourne Cup Day holiday
Tues 14th November Host Family Night
Sat 18th November St Patrick's Parish Fete
Wed 22nd November School Closure Day
Mon 27th November Swimming commences P-4
Mon 4th December 5/6 Sailing program
Wed 6th December Buddy afternoon (Year 5s and new preps)
Fri 8th December 5/6 Beach program
Wed 13th December Carols Night 6-7pm
Wed 18th December Year 6 Graduation
Wed 20th December Last day...Mass 9 am, Assembly 12 noon, students dismissed 1 pm
Community Notices
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