Newsletter 4 - 27th March 2025
- Principal Report
- Calendar of Events
- Term Dates
- Prep News - Mrs Bruni
- P&F Easter Raffle
- St Patrick's Day Family Fun Afternoon
- Building Project
- Principal Award
- School Wide Positive Behaviour Award
- Student of the Week
- Devonport Junior Soccer Roster - Registrations Close Tonight!
- Enrolment Open Night and Guided Tours
- Reminder: School Fees - Second Instalment
- Circle of Security Parenting Program - Term 2
- Neighbourhood Watch - Drawing Competition
- MathsOnline
- AFL School Holiday Program
- Devonport Tennis Club - Holiday Camps
- Inquiring Minds
- Allergy Aware School
- St Patrick’s Catholic Church
INSIGHT SRC Survey
Insight SRC is conducting a survey on behalf of St Patrick’s and Catholic Education Tasmania. The aim of the survey is to gain perceptions of your child’s experience at our school. To obtain a greater understanding, staff, parents and students in years 3-6 have been asked to complete the survey. Completing the survey will provide valuable information to plan programs and activities to improve your child’s experience at school, as well as assisting us to plan our strategic goals for the next four years.
The Insight SRC Survey will be sent to your email address and will take approximately 30 minutes to complete; however, time does vary with some individuals taking less or more time. All individual responses from the survey will be kept confidential and there is no way that individuals can be identified from the results.
The survey window will be Monday 24th March to Friday 4th April. We hope you take this opportunity to complete the survey.
Sacramental Preparation
Baptism, Confirmation and the First Eucharist combine to form the Sacraments of Christian Initiation. Through them, one enters fully into the life of the Church. It is customary to baptise infants; but Confirmation and Eucharist are delayed until later.
Baptism
This year, St Patrick’s Catholic School in partnership with St Patrick’s Catholic Church are excited to offer adults and children an invitation to be Baptised. If you feel ready to celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism or would like to have your child Baptised, please contact myself or Mrs Catherine Dunn for more information. Father Ashan from the Mersey Leven Parish can also be contacted at the Parish Office on Wed. – Fri. 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Phone: 6424 2783
Rite of Reconciliation
Penance is a sacrament of forgiveness and is about acknowledging and naming those times when we know we have done wrong, and then making peace and restoring relationships with those who have been affected by our poor
choices. The Sacrament of Penance is celebrated through the Rites of Reconciliation. A person can receive this sacrament as often as they wish.
Confirmation
Confirmation completes Baptism, by which, in the laying of the hands and the anointing of Chrism Oil, which happened first at Baptism, we are confirmed with the fullness of the Holy Spirit. We are reminded of our participation in the ministry and mission of Jesus, and strengthened to follow Jesus more closely. The Bishop presides over this sacrament.
First Eucharist
Eucharist is the sacrament that completes the process of initiation and is when one can fully par
ticipate in the Eucharist by receiving Holy Communion. Eucharist is unique among the sacraments, as it is at the heart of our faith. For Catholics, the Eucharist is a powerful way we encounter the real presence of Jesus Christ. At Mass, Catholics gather to celebrate the Eucharist, the ritual in which, by the power of the Holy Spirit, bread and wine are transformed into the body and blood of Christ.
Healthy Sleep for Children
School-aged children (6-13 years) have increasing demands away from school e.g., homework, sport, other extra-curricular and social activities. In addition, they watch TV and play on an iPad, computer or internet, all of which can lead to difficulty falling asleep, nightmares and disruptions to their sleep. Screen time, in particular, watching TV, using iPads or smartphones and gaming close to bedtime has been associated with bedtime resistance, difficulty falling asleep, anxiety around sleep and sleeping fewer hours. Sleep problems and disorders are prevalent at this age. Poor or inadequate sleep can lead to mood swings, behavioural problems and cognitive problems that impact their ability to learn in school.
For more information see How Much Sleep Do Kids Need? (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealth
Have a great week
Carmen Aylott
Principal
2025
Term 1 - Friday 7th February - Thursday 10th April
Term 2 - Monday 28th April - Friday 4th July
Term 3 - Tuesday 22nd July - Friday 26th September
Term 4 - Tuesday 14th October - Thursday 18th December
*Student Free Days Friday 11th April, Monday 26th May, Monday 21st July, Monday 13th October.
(Easter - Good Friday 18th April, Easter Monday 21st April, Easter Tuesday 22nd April)
On Monday, 17th March, the school celebrated the patron saint of our school, St Patrick, with a Family Fun Day. We began the day with Mass in the School Hall, with parishioners and families invited. After recess, some of our school student leaders shared shamrock cards with prayers with the local community. Students enjoyed a hot potato lunch prepared by Mrs Adams and parent helpers. After lunch, we invited families to join their children to participate in a range of activities in the school grounds. Activities included a Shamrock Hunt, Gumboot Throwing, Rid the Snakes from Ireland, Choc o Lob, Quoits, Chalk Drawing, Lucky Pots, Guess the Number of Green Smarties, and a market stall. Thank you to our Captains, SRCs and Minni Vinnies for assisting in running activities.
A great day was had by everyone, and it was fantastic to see so many family members who were able to join us and participate on the day. A big thank you to all those who contributed to the day. Thank you to families who were able to donate items towards our stall and lunch. Everyone’s contributions made it a great day of community celebration. The funds that were raised will be used towards making donations to our Outreach Organisations.
Winner of the Guess the Number of Green Smarties was: Eliza Raddich - Congratulations, Eliza!
Registrations for the 2025 soccer season will close today, Thursday, 27th March. Students from Kinder to Year 6 can register to play in the 2025 season. Please register via https://www.playfootball.com.au/
The 2025 Soccer Season will commence on Saturday, 5th April. As in previous years, there will be two rostered games before the first term break for school holidays, and will then recommence on Saturday, 3rd May.
All teams will require a coach who must be registered on the Football Australia website and must complete the school-issued safeguard briefing and hold a current WWVP card. Any teams who do not have a registered coach will be unable to compete in the 2025 season.
I have been assured that the registration website will be much easier to navigate this year! Further information will be forwarded to families as we receive it.
The second installment for 2025 fees is due to be deducted tomorrow, Friday, 28th March. Thank you to families who have returned their Payment Arrangement form indicating their payment plan and payment method. To families who have not returned their Payment Arrangement form, please complete this as soon as convenient. This form needs to be completed and signed by both parents/guardians (as per your child’s enrolment form). The form will then be in place for the duration of your child/s enrolment.
School Fees - Early payment discount
A 3% early payment discount will be offered on Fees (tuition fees only) if paid in full before the 31st March 2025. Please reduce your full fees by the listed discount below if paying in full by the 31st March 2025. To families who have already paid in full, a credit has been applied to your account to be used at a later date.
- 1 student family, discount of $56.70 = $2,143.30
- 2 student family, discount of $113.40 = $3,976.60
- 3 student family, discount of $153.09 = $5,259.91
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your 2025 school fees and payment arrangements, please do not hesitate to contact me via the school (6426 1626) or email (melinda.daunt@catholic.tas.
Please see Mrs Harris for an entry form.
Research shows that the first five years of a child’s life are critical for their development. The experiences they have can shape who they become as an adult. We realise the importance of these years, and ensure that our SETUP sessions are full of play-based activities that allow children to investigate and learn in their own way.
Lots of time spent playing, talking, listening and interacting with you helps your child learn the skills they need for life. These skills include communicating, thinking, solving problems, moving and being with other people and children. That’s why our SETUP sessions allow children time for provocative play and exploring both on their own and with other children. We offer arts and crafts, story time, interactive games and activities as well as outside play.
The sessions will run on Wednesdays from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. in the school hall. Please bring a piece of fruit to share, a hat and drink bottle. Tea and coffee is provided for parents/carers. We hope to see you there!
Mersey Leven Catholic Parish
Mersey Leven Catholic Parish is a Catholic community of many people who seek together to live and share the joy of the Gospel.
Parish Office: 90 Stewart St Devonport
Wednesday - Friday 9am - 2pm
Phone: 036424 2783
Email: merseyleven@aohtas.org.au
See the Parish website for more information