Week 11, Term 4, 2018

May I take this opportunity on behalf of our staff, to wish all of our children and families every blessing for a Happy Christmas and a safe and healthy New Year. We thank you for your valued support during 2018. We wish our leavers well and look forward to welcoming our children back to school on Thursday 31st January,  2019.

Jenny Hawkins

A Prayer for Advent - Love
Dear Jesus, may the light of your love always shine in our hearts. As Christmas draws closer, we marvel at your great love for us. Let your love transform every aspect of our lives and touch everyone we encounter. Our hearts are open to you, Jesus. Amen.

Go and check out the beautiful Nativity Scene in St Patrick's Church

Congratulations to the Year 6's 

We thank Mrs. Oliver, Mrs Pratt and Mr Hale for organising a great graduation evening. I 'd like to take this opportunity to wish all of the Year 6's our best wishes as they leave St Patrick's and go to their high schools next year. 

Congratulations to our award recipients

Congratulations to Lisa Marashiello

Miss Maraschiello is getting married in the holidays and will return to school as Mrs Harris in 2019. The staff celebrated with a special wedding shower. We wish Lisa and Will well for their big day and look forward to seeing the photos in the new year.

Staffing for 2019

We shared some of our staff changes for next year in the earlier Shamrock notices and wish all staff well for 2019.

Last week, Ange Mason shared news of a new teaching appointment. Ange is making a change after 13 years at St Pat's. We thank Ange for her valuable contribution over the years and wish Ange well at her new school.

We welcome Harry Strelec to our teaching team. Harry brings a vast skill set including an Honours degree in psychology, and teaching experience in both the UK and Australia. Harry will teach 4S. The children were excited to meet Harry this morning.

Learning Support Officers

Nayrie Haladjian, Tia Croce, Noreen McCoy, Deb Wrigley

Office Administration 

Sandra Counihan, Deb Dalton

Technology Technician

Russell Lockyer

School Grounds & Maintenance

Robert Norman

Specialist Teaching Staff

Physical Education: Michelle Barclay

The Arts: Karin Dornbierer

Library: Bern Wood, Bernadette Logan

Italian: Veronica Sciullirty

Music/Choir 2019: Marg O'Dwyer

Reading Recovery/Literacy Support: Catherine Fogarty

Classroom Teaching Staff 

Prep Y: Angela Yates / Katherine Hadaway     Prep C: Helen Curry / Maria Blair Smith

Year 1 A: Laura Adcock                                   Year 1K: Madeline Kappler

Year 2 P : Sam Pratt / Jacinta Minter                Year 2O: Nicole O' Halloran

Year 3 D: Luke Daidone                                   Year 3P: Clare Petrovich / Maria Lucas

Year 4 S: Harry Strelec                                     Year 4V: Wendy Verstoep / Bec Maddocks 

Year 5 H: Lisa Harris (Maraschiello)                Year 5J: Paul Jones

Year 6 W: Fiona Walsh / Bern Gallagher          Year 6L : Natalie La Fontaine

Leadership Team

Liz Hills (Deputy Principal, Teaching & Learning T & L), Kerryn Oliver (Student Diversity), Anne Mullan (Religious Education), Angela Yates (Student Well Being/ Child Safety Officer), Nicole O'Halloran (T & L), Lisa Harris (T & L), Bec Maddocks (Digital Technolgies), Jenny Hawkins (Principal)

Thanks Staff and PEB and P & F

Finally, I wish to say a huge thank you to all staff, Parish Education Board and Parent and Friends Committee for your valued support and hard work during 2018.

Frequently Asked Questions Prep 2019

Here is a link to Frequently Asked Questions for our Preps for 2019.

Final Term 4 Date

Wednesday 19th December   Last day for 2018 End of Year Mass Celebration @9:10am,  Principal's  Highlights of the Year and farewell to Year 6 students straight after mass in the Church.
                                                         School finishes @ 1pm

Important Term 1 Dates 2019

Tuesday 29th January  and Wednesday 30th January Staff Professional Learning Days
Thursday 31st January        All children Prep - Year 6 start back at school
Friday 8th February                Beginning School Year Mass Celebration

Week 10, Term 4 2018

Principal News Jenny Hawkins
Prayer for Advent Week 3, Joy
Dear Jesus, help us focus on you during this busy season. May we stay aware of the joy you bring into our lives. We want to find you in the everyday moments and come with hearts of gratitude to your manger on Christmas. Amen.

The final Advent Liturgy will take place on Monday at 2:30 in the Church led by Year 5.
The Year 6 Graduation Mass will take place at 7pm on Monday.
The end of year school mass will take place at 10 past 9 on Wednesday. All are welcome to join us.

Thank You
Thanks to the parents who prepared a delicious morning tea for the staff and did yard duty too!!
We appreciate your generosity.

Good Luck
Noah in 2M has made it to the state relay championships this Saturday at Lakeside – one of the premier tracks in Australia. It is the first time under 9s have made it to this level. They are competing in the 4x200 and the blue ribbon event 4x100. The boys have committed to some serious training including every Sunday afternoon for all of this term. Congratulations on such an outstanding achievement Noah. We are proud of you and wish you well.

Please Note
This is a short newsletter this week to mainly share dates. The final newsletter for 2018 will come out before we break up next week.

Important Term 4 Dates

Monday 17th December          Advent Liturgy Year 5 2:30
                                                 Year 6 Graduation 7pm
Tuesday 18th December          End of Year School Celebration Event, Reports go home
Wednesday 19th December   Last day of for 2018 End of Year Mass Celebration, Principal's                                                       Highlights of the Year and farewell to Year 6 students
                                                 School finishes @ 1pm

Important Term 1 Dates 2019

Tuesday 29th January  and Wednesday 30th January Staff Professional Learning Days
Thursday 31st January        All children Prep - Year 6 start back at school
Friday 8th February                Beginning School Year Mass Celebration



The 2019 St Pats Dads Golf Day has been booked.

Next year we will be heading to Healesville Golf Club in Healesville. Guaranteed fun along with a few social drinks, hearty lunch and some golf I suppose!

The day will consist of a similar agenda to this year that included 4 ball Ambrose, lunch, bus to the course and back, prizes, punters club and drinks. 2 full size buses have been booked to accommodate 80 spots that have been booked. First in will secure the positions.

Date: Friday 29th March 2019
Course: Healesville Golf Course
Cost: $180

If you would like to be part of the fun please send an email to Andrew Pickering apickering@ebosgroup.com.au to book your spot.

Week 9, Term 4, 2018

Bishop Elliott's Celebration
Last Sunday the Parish and the school held a special thank you mass for Bishop Elliott's retirement.
A very special thanks to Christian Engelander who represented the school by reading a Prayer of the Faithful during the mass and all of the families who joined into the celebration.

Fantastic Netball Results - Champions U13 - Div 4
I was pleased to receive the email below and this wonderful photo from one of our parents Cathy Pickering. Congratulations to these Year 6 girls for a wonderful achievement. We are all very proud of you.

This photo represents the hard work, determination and courage shown by 8 AMAZING St Pats girls to take the win for their netball grade U13 - Div 4
The girls have played together as a team for four years and as parents we have watched them grow on and off the court, supporting each other week after week.
Grade 6 Netball Champions for 2018 - Aisling, Alicia, Amelia, Charlotte, Daniela, Evie, Lana and Mackenzie
Kerryn Oliver has a strong affiliation with Glen Eira Netball and is just as thrilled for the girls and the club.

Parents & Friends AGM
A very special thank you to Co Presidents Annie and Bree, Leanne (Treasurer) and all of the parents who have contributed to the Parents and Friends Committee for 2018. It has been a busy, productive and successful year as mentioned in Annie and Bree's report for:

"Whilst providing many fun filled activities for both parents and children we have had success in raising money for the school and parish, however, this hasn’t been the focus. We started this year with the goal to build community cohesiveness and spirit.....

...........It’s been a big year, full of learning and fun. We are proud that we have been able to raise approx. $18,000. This year’s fundraising efforts have contributed to a second set of Flexible classroom furniture for Year 5 and the replacement and refurbishment of classroom projectors for the interactive whiteboards including two new projectors.

We are looking forward to 2019 and really feel that the focus of building community spirit has been very worthwhile. We hope that everyone has a safe and happy Christmas.

Thanks from Bree and Annie

You can go to these links to read the full P & F Presidents AGM Report for 2018 from Annie and Bree and the Principal's P & F Report for 2018

These reports are also available on the Parents and Friends page of the Learning Community Site at this link. 

St. Patrick's P & F are also seeking a treasurer for next year.  Handover support from our outgoing treasurer goes without saying.  Please call Annie on 0438 365 109 or Bree on 0429 849 056.

Time Capsule due to be opened in 2019 Exciting !!!!
If you know of anyone who was a student at St Pat's 25 years ago when the time capsule was hidden away then please ask them to contact principal@spmurrumbeena.catholic.edu.au. We are making some plans for the big reveal.

Important Term 4 Dates

Monday 10 December              Assembly 30                 
Tuesday 11 December             Year 6 Luna Park, Final transition for 2019 classes 10:00 - 12:00
Friday 14 December                Advent Liturgy Prep/Year 6, Music Melodies Showcase 2:30-3:30
Monday 17th December          Advent Liturgy Year 5 2:30
                                                 Year 6 Graduation 7pm
Tuesday 18th December          End of Year School Celebration Event, Reports go home
Wednesday 19th December   Last day of for 2018 End of Year Mass Celebration and                                                                     Final Farewells    School finishes @ 1pm

Important Term 1 Dates 2019

Tuesday 29th January  and Wednesday 30th January Staff Professional Learning Days
Thursday 31st January        All children Prep - Year 6 start back at school
Friday 8th February                Beginning School Year Mass Celebration

Week 8, Term 4 2018

Principal News Jenny Hawkins

Bishop Elliott's Retirement Mass this Sunday 2nd December at 5pm

A thank you celebration mass will be held to recognise Bishop Elliott's tremendous contribution to the St Kevin's and St Patrick's schools and Parishes on Sunday 2nd December at 5pm in St Patrick's church. Our St Patrick's staff and families are invited to attend. There will be refreshments in Rovira House after mass.
Any donations towards a gift for Bishop Elliott can be placed in an envelope and given in at the school office.
Please keep Bishop Elliott in your prayers as he prepares for retirement. We especially thank him for confirming many of our children during his 11 years as bishop.

The Advent Wreath

Perhaps the best-known of all Advent symbols is the Advent wreath, a custom which originated among German Lutherans but was soon adopted by Catholics. Consisting of four candles(three purple and one pink) arranged in a circle with evergreen boughs (and often a fifth, white candle in the center), the Advent wreath corresponds to the four Sundays of Advent. The purple candles represent the penitential nature of the season, while the pink candle calls to mind a time to reflect. (The white candle, when used, represents Christmas.)

At school we celebrate Advent with the children. You are welcome to join us in the church for the four Advent liturgies on the following days from 2:30 - 3:00pm:
Monday 3 Dec Week 1 Advent
Friday 7 Dec Week 2 Advent
Friday 14 Dec Week 3 Advent
Mon 17 Dec Week 4 Advent

PatCare

At a recent Parish meeting I met a past parent of our school. She asked if PatCare was still operating at St Pat's as her family had benefitted from the support during a challenging time in their lives. I explained that it most certainly was.

PatCare is a community initiative that provides a meal or support to members of our school community. Special thanks to Paula Sanders in her role as our PatCare coordinator and the many contributions and offers of support from our school community particularly over the past couple of weeks.

Parish Education Board Update

Our final meeting for the 2018 year was held on Wednesday night. Here is a summary of some of the key points shared and discussed:

• Bree Langham attended and presented the P&F end of year report and shared the many positive outcomes of the social events and fundraising efforts. Almost $15,000 of funds have been raised. (The 2018 funds have covered the costs of a second set of flexible furniture for another Year 5 classroom at $10000 and $4000 towards replacement projectors to improve classroom interactive whiteboards ).
• Steven Peters and Jenny Jones presented an update with John O' Sullivan in relation to the application for the Capital Grant for the Masterplan building refurbishment. Special thanks to John, Jenny and Steven for spending many hours preparing the application.
• Outcomes of the Catholic School Identity Survey and the School Improvement Survey were shared in the principal's report along with the recent OHS and policy external audits. The staff are preparing for the school review in 2019 and the focus is on continuity of best teaching practice for excellence in student outcomes.
• In the Parish report, Fr Leenus commented on how well prepared the children and teachers are for school masses and our challenge to encourage more families to join the Family Masses. The plans for Bishop Elliott's Retirement mass and the message from the recent Archdiocese letter were also shared.

I would personally like to thank all of the members of the Parish Education Board for their hard work and support this year. In particular, the valuable contribution from our parents on the Masterplan Committee including James Hawkins and Travis Westcott and the Grants Committee with John O'Sullivan, Jenny Jones and Steven Peters. Finally, thank you to John O'Sullivan our Chairperson and Gabby Paroli our Secretary. Our first meeting for 2019 will take place on 20th February.

School Website

The school website is continuing to be updated with new information and photos. You can access the website at this link. If you have any suggestions or feedback around anything to be included or changed then please email principal@spmurrumbeena.catholic.edu.au

IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS

Thanks to the P and F for enhancing St Patrick's with the wonderful aroma of Christmas, albeit only until all the trees find their way to their December homes.

Important Term 4 Dates:

Monday 3rd December            Swimming Program  continues (P-4)  
                                                 Year 5/6 Beach/Sailing program continues

Wednesday 5th December       Booklist collection  Rovira House from 3pm, Buddy Meet & Greet
Friday 7th December               Music Melodies Concert
Monday 17th December          Year 6 Graduation
Tuesday 18th December          End of Year School Picnic
Wednesday 19th December     Last day of term 4 (children dismissed @ 1pm)

 TEAMKIDS

For more information click on the following link

Week 7, Term 4, 2018

Principal News from Jenny Hawkins

Advent
Advent is the season of new beginnings. A new liturgical year begins on the First Sunday of Advent and it beckons to us with images of transformation and hope. It is the season of the impossible becoming possible. Week by week, candles are lit on the Advent wreath signifying our longing for the light of Christ, as the time of his birth draws near.
At school we will celebrate Advent with the children. You are welcome to join us in the church for the four Advent liturgies on the following days from 2:30 - 3:00pm:
Monday 3 Dec Week 1 Advent
Friday 7 Dec Week 2 Advent
Friday 14 Dec Week 3 Advent
Mon 17 Dec Week 4 Advent

Confirmation Dates 2019
We have just received notification from the Archdiocese for Confirmation for 2019. These dates are allocated to all schools. Often families like to know these dates in advance. The Sacrament of Confirmation for our Year 6's will be Wednesday 23 & Thursday 24 October at 7pm.

Mini Market Donation
Thank you to the Yr 5 & 6 students who worked hard to run the Mini Market activities last Friday. $1500 was raised for St Vincent de Paul and for Catholic Missions. Thanks to all families for your contributions.
At the start of the week, we shared the news about the very sad passing of Robert Gordon. After speaking to the family, they were agreeable to a portion of the funds being donated to them to recognise a Catholic Mission close to home. Often we look abroad to communities in need and overlook the needs right in front of us.
Lisa Gordon sends her heartfelt thanks to the PATCARE team of parents and families in the community who are coordinating meals and gardening support for the family in the coming weeks. You can understand more about the PATCARE Parents and Friends initiative by going to this link or contact Paula Sanders 0418300936 to offer your help.

RSL Project Recognition
Congratulation to  Yr 6 leader Will Dickson who was awarded a scholarship by the Hon. Kelly O’Dwyer for his “Drip Gun” model. This was presented at a special Remembrance Day ceremony. It was noted that he standard of entries by all of the St. Pat’s children was of a very high standard. Many thanks to Matt Hale for attending with the children.

OUTSTANDING Maths Results Years 2-6 2018
Recently we shared with you St Patrick’s outstanding results in all areas assessed through NAPLAN, as well as our exceptional comprehension results. We are delighted that these results are matched and surpassed by the attached results for maths in 2018. The following table highlights the percentage of students at each year level operating one year or more above the expected standard in maths. Typically, 25% of students in a cohort operate at this level. In every Year level St Patrick’s results are more than double that expected benchmark.

	Yr 2	Yr 3	Yr 4	Yr 5	Yr 6
Percentage of students at St Patrick's operating One year or more above the expected standard in maths	59%	61%	69%	65%	58%

Our new collaborative planning model for 2019 which includes additional input from Liz Hills our Deputy Principal and Kerryn Oliver, Learning diversity Leader, across all planning teams and classrooms, will have further accelerated impact and enhanced learning opportunities for every student at St Pat's.

Transition Sessions and Staff Update for 2019 
On Monday, in the first of three transition sessions, our children will meet their teachers as they join classes for 2019. Fortunately, our new teachers will all be available to come to at least one of the transition sessions. A notice will come home with the children on Monday with the name of their teacher. These are the transition dates:
Monday 26 Nov 3:00-3:30
Friday 7 Dec 10:30-11:15
Tuesday 11 Dec 10:00-12:00
With Kim Wilson newly married, the daily commute has unfortunately proven too much. We wish Kim well as a classroom teacher, closer to home at St Joseph's, Chelsea and thank her for her valued contribution to St Pat's.
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Maddy Kappler. Maddy is a high academic achiever from the Australian Catholic University who brings rich and diverse experiences from abroad. These include intensive studies in the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, Native American Studies at Fort Lewis College in Colorado and volunteer teaching in Cambodia. We look forward to Maddy joining our teaching team as we continue to engage all learners to ensure they leave St Patrick’s self motivated and ready to make a positive impact on their world (taken from our St Pat's vision narrative).

School commencement date for 2019
ALL children will start on Thursday 31st January.  Staff will be commencing on Tuesday 29th January with 2 full days of professional development on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Emergency Evacuation Drill
This week, the whole school carried out an emergency evacuation drill with excellent results. Over 400 students and adults evacuated the school in 3 minutes and 8 seconds. The adults are currently completing a review of the drill as part of our Health and Safety procedures.

New Hall Kitchen 

Take your last look at a "before" photo of the kitchen. On Monday, work will commence on the new kitchen. During the 2 week period, Team Kids will use our Staff Room to prepare food before the new kitchen is operational. Finally !!!

State Election
Tomorrow St Patrick's school hall will become a voting venue for the State Election. Thanks to Alicia Cerreto and the Year 4 class reps for organising the cake stall for Election Day this Saturday.  If you could assist by baking for the stall - that would be great! Please drop your baked goods off at school pick up, on Friday, 23rd November in the Staff Room. Alternatively, on the Saturday when you come to vote. Similar to the Fete NO nuts, NO fresh cream and please label all ingredients. Please support this event with your cakes and attendance. Thanks to Nicole and John Howard for running the sausage sizzle and to all of the parent helpers.

P & F AGM 2:30 Friday 30 November Please join us in the staffroom as we come together and begin to make plans for next year.

Reminder regarding the Swimming Program Year Prep - 4
Swimming commences on Monday.  Don't forget to name all items of uniform/swimming accessories before heading off to the pool.  Children need to wear their runners and sports uniform to school with their bathers underneath.  They should bring a pair of thongs to leave at school for the duration of the program. Swimming bags should contain a pair of socks and underwear to change into, along with a towel, goggles and a brush or comb.

Important Term 4 Dates:

Monday 26th November          Swimming Program  commences (P-4)  (note to follow)
                                                 Year 5/6 Beach/Sailing program commences
Friday 30th November             P&F AGM @2:30pm
Wednesday 5th December       Booklist collection  Rovira House from 3pm
Friday 7th December               Music Melodies Concert
Wednesday 19th December     Last day of term 4 (children dismissed @ 1pm)

SUMMER HOLIDAY PROGRAM FOR TEAMKIDS

For more information click on the following link

Week 6, Term 4, 2018

Mission Mass
Today the children attended a whole school mass to celebrate Catholic Mission week.
The Year 5's and 6's set up their Mini Market stalls to raise funds for St Vincent de Paul and the Catholic Missions.

A prayer for the world mission appeal
Lord, our God, help us to walk with you
On the pathway to the beatitudes and
To live out your mission in today’s world.
Open our hearts and our Christian communities
To the needy, the afflicted, the oppressed.

This prayer we make to you
AMEN

Mini Market

The Year 5's and 6's have spent time planning projects to raise money for the missions. The rest of the school enjoyed participating in the activities today. 

School Closure / Staff Planning Day Wednesday 20th November

The staff are beginning preparations for the 2019 school year. All staff, including our new teachers, will come together to plan. During the year, the teachers have trialled "Practice Fields", (focussed changes and improvements to raise student outcomes). You can read all about these developments at this link. Please remember the school is closed on Wednesday. Team Kids will be open on the day.

Prep Information Night

On Tuesday, about fifty parents, attended the "new look" Prep Information Night. Special thanks to Nuala and Greg Veale for sharing their experiences as new Prep parents, Bree and Annie representing the P&F, Andrew representing Team Kids and Jenny Jones speaking on behalf of the Parish Education Board. The evening concluded in the staffroom with new parents sharing that they already felt included in the vibrant St Pat's Community and can't wait for their children to begin school. Most of the parents are looking forward to the Prep Welcome Drinks organised by the P & F. They take place on Thursday 22nd November at Wines on Poath from 7:30pm (contact Bron Brown bron91@yahoo.com or Gabby Parr gabbyparr@gmail.com ) for more information.

St Pats Family Fun Fair 2019

A group of enthusiastic parents met during this week to plan for the new look Family Fun Fair in 2019. Special thanks to Nadine Power for coordinating this event. Any parents interested in contributing to the event please contact Nadine via email npowered@icloud.com

The date is set for Saturday October 26th, 11am -5pm.

Swimming Program Year Prep - 4
Please ensure that all swimming forms have been returned to school by Monday at the latest.  Don't forget to name all items of uniform/swimming accessories that head off to the pool.

Important Term 4 Dates:

Wednesday 21st November      School Closure Day
Monday 26th November          Swimming Program  commences (P-4)  (note to follow)
                                                 Year 5/6 Beach/Sailing program commences
Friday 30th November             P&F AGM @2:30pm
Wednesday 5th December       Booklist collection 
Friday 7th December               Music Melodies Concert
Wednesday 19th December     Last day of term 4 (children dismissed @ 1pm)

COMMUNITY NOTICES

SHARE THE DIGNITY #itsinthebag CAMPAIGN
Many thanks to those for you who have already supported this fantastic cause by dropping handbags filled with personal care items into reception.
Share the Dignity supports homeless women by collecting handbags filled with personal and sanitary items for distribution in December. For more information, please see the website below:

https://www.sharethedignity.com.au/christmas-charity/

If you’re still interested in supporting the campaign, please get a handbag that you no longer use and fill it with items such as shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, sanitary items, etc and drop it at reception any time before FRIDAY NOVEMBER 23. Please contact Liz Cosgrave on 0409 571 196 (Ella in 5M) if you have any further queries. Thank you!