Dear Parents, Guardians and Carers,

Last night we had our 2025 Parent Information Night, which we incorporated with a Family BBQ at the Stratford Bowls Club. The Parent Information Session provided parents with an insight into the key areas of St Patrick’s, including school operations; Catholic Identity and Religious Education; Learning and Teaching; Learning Adjustment; Mental Health and Wellbeing; and the Whole School Approach to Positive Behaviour Support. Whilst the information session was on, the children enjoyed some games and activities on the lawn bowls green. The children appeared to have a fabulous time. Following the information session, the parents and children had a sausage in bread and enjoyed the beautiful weather. Thank you to all the parents that attended and brought their children along. I hope that you found the information session valuable and the evening a great social event. If you have any feedback, please email me on principal@stpstratford.catholic.edu.au or contact the office.

St Patrick’s Swimming Carnival

On Monday we had our St Patrick’s Swimming Carnival. We had a great day and everyone that competed did an amazing job. We have 26 students going on to represent our school at the Heyfield and District Carnival next Monday, which is a great achievement

I would like to acknowledge and congratulate our Age Champion winners for this year.

9 Year Boys – Dustin Marshall

9 Year Girls – Phoebe Bates

10 Year Boys – Mitchell Bates

10 Year Girls – Leeanna Fieldsend

11 Year Boys – Riley Bartlett

11 Year Girls – Jemma Pattison

12 Year Boys – Zac Gray

12 Year Girls -Isla Dorning

All students that competed throughout the day were awarded points for their house, depending on their results. The overall house scores for the day were.

1^st – Brice 141 points

2^nd – MacKillop 114 points

3^rd – Ryan 70 points

Road Safety/Child Safety

With the increase in student numbers, drop offs and pick ups are becoming increasingly busy. Our main priority is that all children arrive and leave school safely. Parents play a significant role in this, and I am asking for your support. Please ensure that you are driving safely, parking legally and following all road rules and signs appropriately.  Please find below an information sheet on driving and parking safely near schools.

Mobile Phones and Smart Watches

A Mobile Phone and Smart Watch Policy is currently being created. This policy will outline our school expectations and procedures for these devices. We understand that mobile phones and smart phones are communication devices that some students require, however the policy is being developed with the intention of keeping all students safe. Both mobile phones and smart watches have the capability to take photos, record and communicate with others, all of which can impact child safety. If your child has a mobile phone or smart watch, please remind them of the need to be safe with these devices. The policy will be sent out to all families next week.