Term 2, Week 10 2025
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FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK
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CALENDAR EVENTS
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ORGANISATION AND MANAGEMENT
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RE NEWS
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ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER NEWS
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CURRICULIUM NEWS
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YEAR 1 OAKVALE FARM EXCURSION
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SCHOOL CHIOR - ASPIRE VOCAL SHOWCASE
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BAND – MAKE MUSIC DAY
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GYMNASTICS TIMETABLE
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SHAMROCK UPDATE
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SPORT NEWS
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LIBRARY NEWS
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CANTEEN NEWS
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PARENTING PAGE
FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK
Dear Families,
As we are at the end of Term 2, I would like to take the opportunity to reflect on the many wonderful events and achievements across our school community in the last four weeks. I can hardly believe we are at this point and into a new financial year. I hope this newsletter finds you well and ready to enjoy the term break.
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING ON PB4L
Our Term Two Professional Learning focused on Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) and was very well received by staff. The feedback has been encouraging, and we look forward to following up with further initiatives and began this in Week 8, when we further gathered staff input into the behaviour matrix. Thank you for your support as we continue building our positive school culture.
VOICEWORX CHIOR PERFORMANCE
A special congratulations to our choir for their outstanding Voiceworx performance. Their dedication and enthusiasm were evident, and we are so proud of their achievements. Thank you to Kate S and Jane K for your expert guidance and support of our talented singers.
STAGE SPELLING AND MATHS BEES
This term saw the successful completion of both the Stage Spelling and Maths Bees. Sincere thanks to Megan Robinson and Chloe Williams for running the whole school stage finals, and for their meticulous organisation and preparation. Thank you to all class teachers for your prep and class rounds leading up the finals. The LH took place last Friday. The organiser Mr Ashley Borg congratulated our school on the children’s manners and performance.
YEAR 1 OAKVALE FARM EXCURSION
After an earlier postponement, Year 1 students enjoyed an engaging and memorable excursion to Oakvale Farm. The hands-on experience was invaluable and greatly enjoyed by all. Thank you to the staff who made this possible and those that attended on the day. I know you were quite exhausted but pleased with the experience overall.
MSP PHOTOGRAPHY
Our photography schedule was certainly busy, with photographers not getting any breaks in the day, but I'm pleased to report that all sessions were completed smoothly, and proofs are being signed off on this week, so that processing can begin.
STUDENT REPORTS
Teachers worked on completing assessment schedules by week six to finalise student reports, which went live this week. I appreciate everyone's commitment to providing thorough and reflective feedback for our students and families and hope that you use these reports to celebrate gains and achievements and set goals for next semester. Should you have any concerns, please contact your child’s teacher to talk through your issues.
NAIDOC WEEK
We acknowledge all First Peoples of the beautiful lands on which we live and celebrate their enduring knowledge and connections to country. We honour the wisdom of and pay respects to Elders past and present.
National Naidoc Week is held in the first week of July each year, typically in school term break. During this time, we recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is an opportunity for us all to learn and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.
Last week we pre-emptively celebrated this very important tradition, offering students the chance to learn more about and appreciate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through a special lunch and engaging activities. We had the very great fortune to have Toby Cedar visit our school and share some of his life story and beautiful art works and totems. Thank you to Chris Devorsine and Eliza O’ Neill for your efforts in organising a great week of learning and celebrations. Thank you to Chris Jones for putting on a special bush tucker lunch offer which was very well received by staff and students.
POSTPONED EXCURSION
Unfortunately, due to another rain event, we had to postpone the Year 2 Art Gallery Excursion: Next term, our Year 2 students will have the opportunity to explore creativity and art on their gallery excursion.
REGIONAL ATHLETICS
Due to the all-weather track being the venue for this event, the regional excursion went ahead yesterday. Thank you to the parents, staff and students who attended and who helped on the day. The organisers were down staff due to illness, me being one of them, but managed to work through and a great day was had by all. Congratulations to all student who participated and well done to those who will go through to the Diocesan level next term.
FARWELL MRS HAWES
Mrs Sally Hawes has been one of our EAL/D teachers at St Patrick’s and has worked with many of our students, newly arrived in Australia or who continue to speak their ‘mother tongue’ at home whilst learning English at school. Sally has been a strong advocate for these students and has spent much of her time in small groups teaching them the nuances of the English language. Learning another language is a great skill but quite difficult without expert help. Mrs Hawes and Mrs Harvey have worked together in this role but alas the allocation has decreased, and Mrs Hawes will be relinquishing her role and concentrating on her other position in the Diocese with St Dominic’s, Mayfield. On behalf of the school, I thank Sally very much for her valuable contribution to our community and wish her all the best in the future. I hope the children enjoyed their farewell party time with her today as organised by Mrs Harvey.
TERM 3 - UPCOMING CHANGES/ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We begin Term 3 on Monday 21 July.
We will welcome back Mrs Maryanne Hacker, who was seconded to Charlestown for Semester One as Acting AP. Maryanne will return to her role as REC and will be off class 3 days per week to fulfil this role (0.5) and a Semester project in Wellbeing (0.1). Mrs Celine Lees will remain the substantive teacher on Year 6W for the remainder of the year, except for the short period of leave which will be covered by a visiting teacher.
I would like to sincerely thank Miss Cassie Dennis for her terrific work in the role of Acting REC this year, backing up her role in the same position last year. Cassie has been instrumental in organising and running many of our liturgical celebrations thus far and is a valuable member of the leadership team. Cassie remains in leadership and moves into her role as Primary Coordinator with Megan Robinson and Chloe Williams who have done an amazing job this Semester also. All three have an allocation of pedagogical mentor as does Mr Nolan and as such they will each be responsible for a stage of learning in Semester Two. Their role will primarily to be assisting teachers to analyse their assessment data to inform the teaching cycle and to hone their pedagogical skills to ensure best practice, using many of the strategies we have reviewed this year and will continue to review over the next twelve months.
We also welcome Mrs Kareena Coleman who will be with us to cover leave positions and assist with small projects in a 0.7 FTE position for the remainder of the year. Kareena has a wealth of experience, and we are pleased to have her join our team.
Thank you to all staff, students, and families for your hard work, support, and enthusiasm throughout this term. Wishing everyone a safe and restful break—you have all earned it!
God Bless, Stay safe!
Niamh
CALENDAR EVENTS
IMPORTANT DATES FOR 2025
Looking ahead- TERM 2 | |
Week 10 | Friday 4th July |
Looking ahead- TERM 3 | |
Week 1 | Monday 21st July Tuesday 22nd July Friday 25th July |
Week 2 | Friday 1st August Sunday 3rd August |
Week 3 | Mary MacKillop Week |
Week 4 | Monday 11th August Tuesday 12th August Wednesday 13th August Thursday 14th August Friday 15th August |
Week 5 | Book Week Friday 22nd August |
ORGANISATION AND MANAGEMENT
MORNING DROP OFF
GREGORY ROAD BACK GATES
We have noticed students are getting dropped off at the back gates prior to the school drop off times. Please remember that KISS and drop commences from 8:20am when gates open and teachers commence duties. Please do not drop your child at the back gate prior to this time as they are waiting unsupervised outside of the gates until this time. Gregory road gates will close at 8:50am, any arrivals after this time must enter the school through the school office and be signed in by parents as a late arrival.
NEW ENGLAND HIGHWAY
Please also be reminded that the front gate entry of a morning is only for bus drop off as it is noted that children are getting dropped off by parents very early in the morning and being left unattended. All parent drop offs prior to 8:50 should be via the back gates on Gregory Road. Any late arrives dropped to school by parents must be walked into the administration office 65 New England Hwy and signed in to adjust the classroom roll.
Thank you for your assistance as these procedures are put in place for the safety of our students.
SPORTS UNIFORM DAYS
Term 3 Sports Uniform Days
CLASS | SPORTS UNIFORM DAY/S |
Kinder | Wednesday & Friday |
Year 1 | Wednesday & Thursday |
Year 2 | Tuesday & Thursday |
Year 3 | Wednesday & Friday |
Year 4 Blue | Tuesday & Friday |
Year 4 White | Wednesday & Friday |
Year 4 Yellow | Thursday & Friday |
Year 5 | Thursday & Friday |
Year 6 | Tuesday & Friday |
GET READY FOR THE INFANTS DISCO

BOOK WEEK
The theme this year is "Book an Adventure"

RE NEWS
ST VINCENT DE PAUL WINTER APPEAL – PJ DAY
A huge thank you to everyone for their support of our PJ Day to raise money for St Vincent de Paul's Winter Appeal on Thursday 5th June!
Everyone looked fabulous in their warm and comfy PJs - thank goodness we had them for the icy cold morning.
As a school community, we were able to raise $648 for Vinnies Winter Appeal!! This money will go towards helping vulnerable people who have nowhere else to turn to overcome the impacts of homelessness and poverty.
Thank you again for your continued support with our Social Justice fundraising initiatives!
UPCOMING LITURGIES AND MASSES
As we look forward to Term 3, we would like to share the dates for our upcoming liturgies and masses. Times for these celebrations are to be confirmed early next term.
- Feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Liturgy
Friday 8th August (Week 3)
Led by Year 2 - Father’s Day Liturgy
Monday 8th September (Week 8)
Led by Year 1 - Parish/School Mass – at St Patrick’s Church
Friday 19th September (Week 9)
9:30am
Attended by Year 6 and Kindergarten
ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER NEWS
CURRICULIUM NEWS
SPELLING AND MATHS BEE
Spelling and Maths Bee News
Throughout Term 3, students in 1-6 participated in Grade Spelling and Maths Bees. The number of students in each grade who put themselves forward to have a go was amazing, and every child should be proud of their efforts.
The top five students from each grade progressed to the Stage Spelling and Maths Bees which were held in Week 7 (Stage Spelling Bee) and Week 8 (Stage Maths Bee). The Stage Bees were attended by parents and families of the finalists, as well as students in each stage.
Congratulations to the following students who made it through to the Stage Spelling and Maths Bees:
Spelling:
Stage 1:
Year 1 | Year 2 |
Pippa Simmons | Nellie Kaal |
Stage 2:
Year 3 | Year 4 |
Cooper Dalsanto | Owen Lee |
Stage 3:
Year 5 | Year 6 |
Feba Tomy | Patrick Monk |
Maths:
Stage 1:
Year 1 | Year 2 |
Eliza Summers | Miller Cooper |
Stage 2:
Year 3 | Year 4 |
Sean Hunt | Sophie Curnow |
Stage 3:
Year 5 | Year 6 |
Harrison Lawler | Allan Shinoy |
A huge congratulations also goes to our stage winners who represented our school at the Lower Hunter Spelling and Maths Bee on Friday 20th June at Rosary Park in Branxton.
Spelling Bee | Maths Bee |
Stage 1: Amber Bhatti | Stage 1: Cody Childs |
Whilst no student’s from St Patrick’s Lochinvar will be progressing to the Diocesan Spelling and Maths Bee, we are incredibly proud of the efforts of our students.






YEAR 1 OAKVALE FARM EXCURSION


SCHOOL CHIOR - ASPIRE VOCAL SHOWCASE

BAND – MAKE MUSIC DAY

GYMNASTICS TIMETABLE
Gymnastics Timetable
Term 3, 2025
Tuesday | |
8.50am-9.30am | 2B |
9.30am-10.10am | 2W |
10.10am-10.50am | 2Y |
Lunch | |
11.30am-12.10pm | 6B |
12.10pm-12.50pm | 6W |
12.50pm-1.30pm | 6Y |
Recess | |
2.10pm-2.50pm | 4B |
Wednesday | |
8.50am-9.30am | KB |
9.30am-10.10am | KW |
10.10am-10.50am | KY |
Lunch | |
11.30am-12.10pm | 3B |
12.10pm-12.50pm | 3W |
12.50pm-1.30pm | 3Y |
Recess | |
2.10pm-2.50pm | 4W |
Thursday | |
8.50am-9.30am | 1B |
9.30am-10.10am | 1W |
10.10am-10.50am | 1Y |
Lunch | |
11.30am-12.10pm | 5B |
12.10pm-12.50pm | 5W |
12.50pm-1.30pm | 5Y |
Recess | |
2.10pm- 2.50pm | 4Y |
SHAMROCK UPDATE
WEEK 8
222 positive behaviours were recognised across the school, with year 4 catching the most!
The tally was very close this week with Murray coming out in front.
Congratulations to all Murray students!

WEEK 9
323 shamrocks were counted from the house box this week.
The winning house this week was DIRKIN. Congratulations!

WEEK 10
I am pleased to announce the last Shamrocks for the term.
This weeks Shamrock winners are Mackillop.
Congratulations!!!

There were 199 positive behaviours acknowledged this week.
HOUSE WINNER FOR TERM 2
Congratulations to students in MURRAY house as they are the Term 2 winners for the shamrock awards. On Thursday afternoon students in this house were given extra play time as a reward for the great work this term.
SPORT NEWS
SPORTING ACHEIVEMENTS
Congratulations to Ned Cunningham who has successfully made the Diocesan Rugby Union Team. Ned traveled to Forbes on Sunday and compete against other dioceses in the Polding region over two days. Well done Ned!
Congratulations to Maxwell Anderson who has successfully made the Boys Mid North Coast and Inland Netball Team. Maxwell will travel to Coffs Harbour in August and compete against the other regions across NSW. Good luck Maxwell!
Congratulations to Scarlett Crouch who has successfully made the Girls NSWPSSA Australian Football Team. Scarlett captained the Mid North Coast and Inland Team and they were crowned the best region in the state after winning their grand final. Scarlett will now travel to the Sunshine Coast in August and compete against the other states and territories around Australia. Well done on this amazing achievement, Scarlett.
Congratulations to the following students who have successfully progressed to the Lower Hunter Regional Carnival:
Sienna Atkins, Kara Bottomley, Myah Burgess, Van Burgess, Sophie Cant, Remi Christian, Sienna Cooper, Finn Cooper, Keegan Cooper, Scarlett Crouch, Max Crowther, Nyssa Farley, Khloe Fitzgerald, Sandor Geerin, Amelia Haines, Hudson Harold, Sophie Harris, Sam Horan, Harper Jackson, Nelli Kaal, Colby Kelly, Ari Kemp, Aston Longbottom, Mia Lucas, Eloise Lucas, Jack Lucas, Tavonga Magwaza, Jace McBride, Cooper McKinnon, Nate Meers, Tom Proctor, Quinn Redgrove, Lainie Redgrove, Hughston Robinson, Parker Robinson, Jude Russell, William Sagorny, Allan Shinoy, Austin Smith, Phoebe Toeava, Arabella Trelease, Levi Uren, Sophia Unicomb, Claudia Urquhart, Taj Ward, Chelsea Wieland, and Josie Wood
This event took place on Wednesday 2nd July at Maitland Regional Athletics Centre. We are proud of all students achievements.
Congratulations to the following students who have now successfully progressed to the Diocesan Athletics Carnival:
- Laine Redgrove
- Quinn Redgrove
- Claudia Urquhart
- Myah Burgess
- Chelsea Wieland
- Sophie Cant
- Hughston Robinson
- Parker Robinson
- Ari Kemp
- Van Burgess
- Thomas Power
- Finn Cooper
- Cooper McKinnon
Congratulations to our 2025 Age Champions for Athletics:
Senior Girls - Scarlett Crouch
Senior Boys - Max Crowther
11 Year Boys - Aston Longbottom
11 Year Girls - Sophie Harris
Junior Girls - Sophia Unicomb
Junior Boys - Hughston Robinson
GOLF TOURNAMENT
LIBRARY NEWS
AUTHOR VISIT
We are very excited to announce that the rescheduled visit from Deborah Abela will take place on 25th July and she will be presenting to the whole school. More information about Deborah and her books can be found here.

If you would like to purchase some of Deb’s books, QBD books are providing an order form and books can be delivered to the school in time for the visit and Deb will sign them. Orders must be submitted by the 13th July to arrive in time. You are welcome to bring in books from home if you wish and Deb will sign these also. Click on the link below or scan the QR code.

Happy reading
Mrs Powell
CANTEEN NEWS
CANTEEN VOLUNTEER ROSTER | |||
Week 9 | 23rd June | 26th June | 27th June |
1. Clare Monk | 1.Dani Gould | 1. Rosie Krause | |
2. | 2. | 2.Kasey and Amy | |
3. | |||
4. | |||
Week 10 | 30th June | 3rd July | 4th July |
1. | 1. | 1. Kasey and Amy | |
2. | 2. | 2.Katrina Thompson | |
3. | |||
4. | |||
PARENTING PAGE



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