Dear Parent, Guardians and Carers,

Today we participated in Gippsland’s Biggest PJ Day, a fundraising initiative of the charity group, A Better Life for Foster Kids. All students and staff were encouraged to wear PJs to school for a gold coin donation. The money raised will go to A Better Life for Foster Kids who provides practical, immediate support to children entering foster care and the families who care for them.

As a Catholic school, we are led by the Catholic Social Teaching principles. Catholic Social Teaching calls us all to work for the common good, help build a just society, uphold the dignity of human life and work for justice and the dignity of all our brothers and sisters, especially those in greatest need.

Catholic Social Teaching is rooted in Scripture, formed by the wisdom of Church leaders, and influenced by grassroots movements. It is our moral compass, guiding us on how to live out our faith in the world.

At St Patrick, our faith calls us to love God and to love our neighbours in every situation, especially those living in poverty.  Following in the footsteps of Jesus, we hope to make present the justice, love and peace of God. 

First Reconciliation

We have 7 students that are preparing for the Sacrament of Reconciliation - Illiana Booth, Alivia Costanzo, Rylan Dower, Harper Nicklen, Jemma Pattison, Libby Ross and Logan Taylor. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is s a Sacrament instituted by Jesus Christ in his love and mercy to offer us forgiveness for the times we have sinned and turned away from God. These students will receive the sacrament for the first time on Wednesday 17th September, at 6pm, at St Mary's Cathedral in Sale. Please keep these students in your thoughts and prayers during this special time in their faith journey.

R U OK? DAY

Yesterday, we celebrated R U OK? Day at St Patrick’s. R U OK? contributes to suicide prevention efforts by encouraging  people to invest more time in their personal relationships and building the capacity of informal support networks – friends, family and colleagues - to be alert to those around them, have a conversation if they identify signs of distress or difficulty and connect someone to appropriate support, long before they're in crisis.

The statistics are alarming, and it is important to know that we all have a role to play in looking out for those we care about at home, work or in our community. Ask, 'are you OK?' Because a conversation could change a life.

Wellington Division Athletics Carnival

We recently had 20 students from St Patrick’s compete in the Wellington Division Athletics Carnival. The students competed against the best athletes from across the Wellington area. Our students performed well and achieved some great results. We have 11 students that progressed through to the Gippsland Region Athletics Carnival early next term. These students are:

Stella Marsden – 100m and 200m

Jack Cartwright – Triple Jump and High Jump

Max Bartlett – 200m

Charlie McKinley – Hurdles

Riley Bartlett – 800m

Bay Hodgson – High Jump

11 Year Girls Relay – Stella Marsden, Alivia Costanzo, Willow Hodgson and Adley Cook

12/13 Boys Relay – Max Bartlett, Aiden Harper, Rocky Barberio and Jack Cartwright

We wish all our athletes the best of luck as the take on the best from across the whole of Gippsland!

Lions Club Public Speaking Competition

Last night, Will Longmuir and Lilly Cherry represented our school at the Lions Club Public Speaking Competition after winning our school-based competition earlier this term. Both Will and Lilly did an amazing job with Will coming 1^st in the Year 5/6 age group and Lilly coming 2^nd in the Year 3/4 age group. Will will now progress to the next stage of competition, early in Term 4. We congratulate both Will and Lilly on their efforts and look forward to hearing how Will goes in the next stage.

Year 3/4 Activity Day

Last week, our Year 3/4 students attended Camp Coolamatong for their 3/4 Activity Day. We left St Patrick’s at approximately 8.00am and travelled by bus to Coolamatong. Throughout the day, the students participated in four activities, including Bush Cooking, the Low Ropes Course, the Survivor Course and Combat Archery. In between activities we were also fabulously fed. After an early dinner, we set off and returned to school at about 7pm. Despite a little bit of wet weather, the students had a great day and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Father’s Day Afternoon

Last Friday, we had our Father’s Day Afternoon where all the dads and special people in our students’ lives were invited into school for a fun afternoon of activities. It was great to see so many people attend the afternoon and I know that the children loved having you here. I hope that you all had a happy Father’s Day and were spoilt!

This week coming is our last week for Term 3. I hope that you are able to enjoy a break and spend time together as a family.

Kind regards,

Joel

Families who have nominated payment in full at commencement of school year: 

Payment was due 28th March 2025.

If paying by termly instalment:

2nd Instalment due Friday 25th July 2025

3rd and Final Instalment due Friday 24th October

Thank-you to families who have been prompt with their payment.

The key thing to remember when it comes to meeting payment commitments is to keep the school informed if anything changes.  If at any time you have a concern about school fees and levies, please contact the school office to discuss the issue.

Notice to Families on direct debit - 

Changes to direct debit arrangement:

You may change, stop or defer a debit payment, or terminate this agreement by providing us with at least fourteen (14) days notification by:

• telephoning us on 51 456 463 during business hours;
• Email: admin@stpstratford.catholic.edu.au
• arranging it through your own financial institution.

Families who are on direct debit arrangement:

Please be aware that your payments will continue indefinitely unless you notify the school office in writing. (Email: admin@stpstratford.catholic.edu.au).

By signing the Direct Debit Request form, you have agreed to ongoing payments with no automatic end date.

If you wish to cancel or make changes to your payment arrangement, please contact the school office directly.

School Fee Statements are emailed on the 1st of every month or next business day.

Please contact the school office if you are not receiving your statement.

  KEEP UP TO DATE WITH WHAT'S HAPPENING AT

ST PATRICK'S BY CHECKING OUR CALENDAR ON OUR WEBSITE.  

Go to: www.stpstratford.catholic.edu.au

MAFFRA GYMNASTICS

BRIAGOLONG TENNIS CLUB

The summer pennant commences on the 11^th of October 2025.

If you are interested in playing this season at Briagolong Tennis Club please contact - 

Tam Beechey on 0429935785 or Gerard Condon on 0438821728

All abilities welcome

Fees for the season is $90

We would love to see all the students in action and keeping busy over the holidays! 

Open for ages 5-12 and they can use this direct link to register: https://www.playhq.com/afl/org/sale-holiday-program/64bd6499/register