St Patrick's Primary School Swansea eNewsletter

Message from the Principal

Loving God,
Thank You for the blessings of this school term:
For the challenges that helped us grow,
The successes that encouraged us,
And the friendships that strengthened us.
Watch over our school community during the break.
Keep us safe, healthy, and joyful.
Help us return refreshed, ready to learn and to serve You.
Amen.

Dear Families

Welcome to the Term 2 Week 10 newsletter.

As we reach the end of another busy and rewarding term, we take a moment to reflect on all that has been achieved in our school community. From classroom learning to excursions, sporting events, liturgies, and creative projects, our students have shown enthusiasm, growth, and a strong sense of community spirit.

We are grateful to our dedicated staff who continue to go above and beyond to support every student’s learning and wellbeing. Thank you also to our families for your ongoing partnership and encouragement — it truly makes a difference.

As we head into the break, we encourage everyone to take time to rest, recharge, and enjoy time with loved ones. We look forward to welcoming students back refreshed and ready for the term ahead.

Wishing all our families a safe and restful holiday.

Lucy Harvey
Principal

Bus Update

I am waiting on communication from the Catholic Schools office to inform you of the outcome of our request for a designated St Patrick’s bus to service our families residing south of the school as well as assist with OOSH transportation. This communication hopefully will be sent out today.

Inservice Day

A reminder that Monday 21^st July is a pupil free day. The staff will be continuing our work in Wellbeing with professional learning on self-regulation and interoception. Students will return to school for the start of Term 3 on TUESDAY 22^nd JULY – SPORTS UNIFORM.

School Fees - annual fee payers

Just a friendly reminder for families who nominated their preferred payment frequency to pay annually, these were due by 30th June. Annual school fee accounts will be reviewed in Term 3. Families with outstanding balances will receive a reminder email to help finalise arrangements.

If your circumstances have changed and you're unable to make full payment at this time, please don’t hesitate to contact Rachelle to discuss available payment options.

Term 3 Highlights

Next term is shaping up to be equally as busy. In our learning the students will be developing their public speaking skills with school and regional trials to be held.

Wednesday 30^th July (Week 2) all students will be joining our parish schools of Windale and Belmont to acknowledge NAIDOC week. We will be travelling to St Francis Xavier Belmont for a full day of activities.

Students in Year 4, 5 and 6 will attend the ASPIRE production of ‘Rise of Bozz’ at the Civic Theatre on Friday 1^st August.

The book week theme this year is ‘Book an Adventure’. Start planning those costumes! Students will participate in an incursion with illustrator Chrissy McYoung on the 20^th August and we look forward to our combined Grandparents Day / Book Week celebration on THURSDAY 21^st August. The parade will commence at 9:00am in the courtyard, followed by the book stall in the library, liturgy in the hall, open classrooms and a picnic lunch.

School photos will be held on Monday 25^th August. Full winter uniform to be worn.

On Friday 5^th September we will celebrate Father’s Day with breakfast starting at 7:30am, followed by a liturgy and stall.

Winter Uniform   

All students should be in full winter uniform. Please contact me if you have difficulties meeting this request.  

Term 3 Events for the calendar

Term_Planner_2025_Parents.pdf

Week 1

Week 2

Message from RE Coordinator

Flood Appeal Donations

We would like to sincerely thank all the families who contributed food items to the recent Flood Appeal in our diocese. Your generous response to the needs of those affected by the floods has been a true reflection of our Catholic Social Teaching – See, Judge, Act.

As a community, we saw the hardship faced by others, judged that action was needed, and acted with compassion and generosity. Through your donations, we were able to support flood victims in the Taree parish who are facing difficult times, bringing hope and practical assistance when it was most needed.

Thank you for living out our school values and for showing what it means to never see a need without doing something about it.

Mr Daniel Lockwood
RE Coordinator

Message from Assistant Principal

Wangi Fire Brigade Visit

Last Friday, Wangi Firemen visited St Pat’s to remind students of important fire safety behaviours. The students loved watching their demonstrations of ‘Get down low and go go, go!’, using the fire truck hose, and watching some of their teachers ‘race’ the fireman to put on all their protective gear. A great morning was had by all!

Diverse Learners Team News

Learning Support – Literacy activities for the holidays

For those who would like to continue building literacy skills through the holidays, here are some fun activities from the Lexia learning platform. Also, don’t forget you can access the Sora online library for e-books and audiobooks, including books from the Premier’s Reading Challenge List.

Mrs Jo Simes
Learning Support Teacher

High Potential & Gifted Education

Diocesan Math Bee Final

Congratulations to our high achieving student, Cooper Bass, who proudly represented our school at the recent Diocesan Math Bee and achieved an outstanding result as runner-up! Competing against Stage 1 students from across the diocese, Cooper impressed judges with quick thinking, strong problem-solving skills and a calm, focused approach under pressure. We are incredibly proud of this achievement and the dedication shown throughout the competition. Well done, Cooper!

Mrs Cathy Curk
Gifted Education Mentor

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Education

Thank you, Nathan....and Bunnings!

Last Friday, lots of our children were involved in preparing our garden beds for the planting of a range of native Bush Tucker plants.

Nathan Moran, an indigenous educator and expert in this field, guided our students and shared his knowledge about the cultural uses of native plants as food and medicines.

A big shout out to Bunnings at Bennetts Green for kindly donating plants and soil.

Our students have enthusiastically volunteered to be caretakers of our Bush Tucker Garden. We can’t wait to harvest them in time and use them in a range of recipes.

Mrs Liz Walker
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Education Teacher

SchoolTV Article: Shaping Healthy Masculinity

Young people today are navigating a rapidly changing world - economically, socially and emotionally. Many are struggling to find direction. For boys in particular, even a simple search for advice on fitness, confidence or relationships can quickly lead them into a stream of online content that promotes extreme or unhealthy ideas. This is the reality of the digital age and the nature of today's attention economy. This topic has gained renewed attention with the release of the critically acclaimed TV show 'Adolescence', which highlights the complex challenges boys are facing. In recent years, there has been a concerning rise in online spaces that present confusing and often harmful ideas about masculinity. Many boys are exposed to messages that glorify toughness, emotional detachment and dominance, while dismissing empathy, vulnerability, and kindness as signs of weakness. These outdated ideals are limiting boys' emotional growth and shaping how they engage with others. The impact is real - and it's being felt across our schools, homes and communities. We need to consider how we can best support boys as they grow into respectful, confident and emotionally intelligent young men. With a constant stream of messages shaping their beliefs - from social media and online influencers to schoolyard conversations and pop culture - it's more important than ever to offer boys consistent guidance grounded in care, clarity and connection. This means introducing healthier role models and creating safe spaces where boys feel encouraged to express themselves openly. They need to understand that seeking help and showing emotion are not signs of weakness, but of inner strength - and that respect for others is a true marker of maturity. Encouraging positive, cross-gender relationships offer enormous benefits to boys, helping broaden their perspectives, challenge stereotypes and develop respectful relationship skills for life. The Australian Government has developed an interactive tool called The Algorithm of Disrespect to help adults understand the subtle and often hidden forms of online disrespect. It simulates a typical young person's digital experience, offering valuable insight into what many young people encounter online. To explore the tool, click the button labelled ENTER JAMES' PHONE via the link HERE. For more information on how to support young men online, click HERE to view a resource from eSafety Commissioner. To better understand the hidden meanings behind emojis - as highlighted in the TV show 'Adolescence' - here are two resources you may find helpful: Crime Stoppers Kids Online World

Full SchoolTV Article

SchoolTV Article: Navigating AI Relationships

In today's world, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has infiltrated almost every aspect of our lives, including relationships. The rise of AI-powered romantic and companion bots is particularly popular among young people, offering a new frontier in human interaction. Initially emerging in the gaming world, AI companionship has evolved into mainstream culture, with apps providing personalised experiences that range from platonic friendships to romantic encounters. These apps allow users to create and interact with virtual partners, raising significant privacy and ethical concerns, particularly for younger generations. Research highlights potential risks associated with AI companions, including the normalisation of inappropriate conversations and the possibility of grooming. Criminologists warn that children as young as 12 are accessing dating apps, often bypassing age restrictions, exposing them to sexual content and predatory behaviour. These interactions can blur the boundaries between real and virtual relationships, creating confusion and potential psychological harm. Adolescents, in particular, may turn to virtual partners for validation, risking unhealthy emotional attachments that can affect their real-life relationships. These relationships often lack the mutual respect and effort required in real-world connections, which are crucial for personal growth. As AI technology continues to shape social dynamics, it's important for us all to stay informed and involved. AI has the potential to enrich educational experiences and foster creativity, but it also poses challenges related to privacy, mental health, and misinformation. By maintaining an open dialogue and promoting a balanced approach, we can help young people navigate this new digital landscape, allowing them to benefit from AI's advancements while protecting them from its potential risks.

Full SchoolTV Article

Year 4 News

YEAR 4 NEWSFLASH!

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Year 4 has had a jam-packed term, full of learning, laughter, and a few cheeky fibs.

Let’s start with the big story — Ned Kelly is back! Well… sort of. Students have been writing their own newspaper articles about Ned Kelly and the Kelly Gang, blending history with creativity. “We were allowed to add a twist and included some naughty fibs,” said Jude. Rumours of bushrangers spotted in Swansea have yet to be confirmed.

Over in Visual Arts, students have been combining their mapping skills with their creativity. “For art we included what we have been doing in Maths with maps into our collages,” reported Emelia and Grace. “We made birds’ eye view of local beaches.” The result? Stunning artworks that you could spot from the sky!

Spelling has been a challenge that Year 4 is meeting head-on. With the PLD program in full swing, students are expanding their vocabulary and testing their brains. “It’s pretty tricky, but we are getting the hang of it,” said Giselle. “Can you spell insurance, superb, and exclusive? Because I can!”

And let’s not forget the Maths madness that’s been taking over the classroom. “We have been doing lots of math on lots of different topics,” explained Charlie and Ruby, “but our favourite part is all the Maths games.”

In Religion we’ve been learning about confirmation and the gift of the Holy Spirit. “We worked as a class to make our prayer table a sacred space, I love drawing pictures of the gift of the Holy Spirit” shared Emily.

With this much happening already, who knows what stories Term 3 will bring? Stay tuned — Year 4 newsroom will be back with more breaking news soon!

Miss Ellen Drinkwater
Year 4 Teacher

Year 6 News

It’s been a Fishy Term in Year 6!

During Science lessons this Term, Year Six have been engaging in the Department of Fisheries Get Hooked! Program. They have learnt to fish safely and sustainably by following the 6 Junior Fishing Codes:

#1 Only Take What You Need

#2 Fish With Friends

#3 You’re the Solution to Water Pollution

#4 Throw the Little Ones Back

#5 Don’t Leave Your Tackle Behind

#6 Quality Catchments Equal Quality Fish

As part of this unit, students created Sustainable Fishing Posters, advertising bag and size limits, environmental considerations and safe release methods. And, last Friday, students put their fishing knowledge to the test with a practical fishing session, catching and releasing 9 fish altogether!

To compliment their fishy learning, students used the collage techniques learnt in Art this Term to create an Under the Sea Glow Gallery! Please enjoy the phots of their creations.

Mrs Claire Browne
Year 6 Teacher

Library News

Book an Adventure

Term Three is always a fabulous term in the library as we celebrate the CBCA Shortlisted books and celebrate literacy in general. The theme for Book Week this year is Book an Adventure and we are excited to see where our stories will take us.

Technology in the Library

We have finished a very busy term in the library with all the children being able to log on to their computers.

Kindergarten students got a little bit of help from their Year 5 buddies and were able to use their individual passwords and log into the computer then use 3D Paint. They made some amazing designs.

Year 1 students can not only log into their computers but were able to sign into a coding program and use coding to create a dance party.

All other students can successfully log in, create, code, design and stay aware of responsible use of technology.

200 Nights Reading

Don’t forget to keep filling the 200 Night Reading Journal. Some students have already collected their 75-night prize and many have passed the 100-night goal.

Sport News

Athletics

Our students performed outstandingly at last weeks Lakes Region Athletics Carnival. We are excited to announce that 14 of our will be representing the Lakes Region at the Diocesan Carnival next Term, including 3 of our relay teams!

Congratulations Daisy Barringer, Evie Buchanan, Florence de Champlain, Ruby Hansen, Emily Hill, Charlie Hill, Scarlett Jones, Egan Joyce, Nixon Kirkwood, Lucas Nicoll, Jude Mulder, Vincent Walker, Jaymie Tisdell and Layla Watkins.