Principal's Message
Dear Parents, Guardians and Carers,
This week has been a huge week at St Patrick’s, especially for our Year 6 students. This week has been Shakespeare performance week. Our Year 6 students, along with those from Stratford Primary School, have been preparing for this week since February. During that time, the students have had weekly rehearsals and have used class time to practice and learn their lines for the show. The performance this year was titled ‘O Day at Stratford High’ and tells the story of the local Stratford Year 6 students attending orientation day at Stratford High. Orientation Day is the first time that they have experienced class periods with varied cohorts of students. Each period is a different subject matter and different Shakespearean content is woven through each class. Stories such as Hamlet, The Merchant of Venice, Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth and Caesar are covered throughout the play.
All the St Patrick’s students and staff attended the first performance on Wednesday and thoroughly enjoyed it. This year’s play had a lot of dialogue for the students to learn and I was amazed at how well they did this. The play also involved several dance routines, which looked really effective. I am super proud of all the Year 6 students for the work that they have put in and for the courage that they have shown performing in front of large crowds. Their third and final performance is on at the Mechanics Hall tonight at 6pm. We wish them all the best!
Shakespeare Faire Day
This Sunday 5th May is the Shakespeare Festival Faire Day from 10.00am until 3.00pm. This is a fabulous event that involves a grand variety of traditional arts and crafts, food and beverages, fresh produce, together with exhibitions and displays.
Some of the features of the day include:
• Children’s games on the “Village Green”
• Local stalls and demonstrations
• Street performers, exhibitions, and buskers
• Instrumental and vocal ensembles
As you are all aware, St Patrick’s is holding a Lucky Jars stall. Thank you to everyone who donated a jar or two, they all look fabulous, and I know that they will be well sought after. Thank you also to the parents and students that have volunteered their time to work at the stall, your support is greatly appreciated.
I encourage all families to come along and join in the fun of the day and support the local Stratford community!
Mother’s Day Afternoon
Next Friday 10th May, St Patrick’s will be hosting a Mother’s Day afternoon. All mums and carers are invited to attend. The event will start at 2pm with a shared afternoon tea in the multi-purpose room, where you will be treated to a tea or coffee and some delicious treats. Following afternoon tea, you are all invited to attend your child’s classroom for the afternoon where you will join in a special Mothers’ Day activity. For those of you that have more than one child at the school, you are welcome to move from class to class as you please. It would be great to see many of you attend this special event and I know that your child/ren will love having you at school. If you are coming, please enter via the double gates on Dixon Street and sign in on your way.
Lawn Bowls
Over the past month or so, our Year 5 students have been involved in weekly lawn bowls sessions at the Stratford Lawn Bowls Club. We have had fabulous support from some of the members of the club, who have provided expert guidance and coaching.
Recently, 6 of our Year 5 students were selected to compete in the East Gippsland Lawn Bowls Final at Bairnsdale Lawn Bowls Club. The team, made up of Max Bartlett, Riley Bartlett, Koby Dorning, Charlie Gartung, Will Longmuir and Charlie McKinley, played games against Paynesville PS, Lindenow PS, Swan Reach PS and Eagle Point PS. The team performed very well on the day, winning one game, drawing two and losing another. Unfortunately, the team missed out on a Semi-Final spot by one point. Despite this, the team thoroughly enjoyed the day and have developed a keen interest in the sport. St Patrick’s looks forward to continuing its association with the Stratford Lawn Bowls Club and promoting the game of lawn bowls with the younger generation.
