Week 10 is upon us, and we now only have another week left of Term 4. What a year 2021 has been! Just when we thought the worst of COVID 19 was behind us last year, the Delta variant became the new challenge. We are grateful to have come through this year again relatively unscathed with our school, family, and community members safe. Learning has continued despite the challenges that have been thrown our way with Level 3 restrictions and protocols in place for the past two terms.  This Friday will be an opportunity to gather as a school community to reflect on the year that has been, while celebrating the achievements and successes of another school year. We look forward to welcoming our families back into our school grounds for the first time in a very long time.

Last Thursday, we reached a most exciting point with the new School administration building. Our builder Tom Gaskin and team, Representatives from the Parent Building Committee, CE staff and our architect John Clark, witnessed our School Captains ‘cut the ribbon’ and ‘hand over of the keys’ to our new administration area. The building now requires a final council inspection before it can be occupied. We are very excited that this area is so near to being occupied.

Work on our new cultural space began over the weekend. The back wall of the Learning Hub (facing First Ave) will become the backdrop for the new mural. Local Aboriginal elders and family members have been engaged to paint the mural which will depict the story of the 1852 Great Flood and the bravery of Yarri and Jacky Jacky. This area is envisaged to become an outdoor learning area for our students.

As the school year draws to an end, it is important to recognise all those who have helped make this such a successful year of learning and achievements. A huge thank you goes to the awesome staff of St Patrick’s School  for their continued dedication and contribution to meeting the learning needs of all students. We are so fortunate to have such a great team of professional people. Thank you to the members of the Community Council, who continually volunteer their time and commitment for the benefit of our school community. Thank you to our wonderful parents for your continued support and dedication to your children and our school and finally, thank you to our amazing, beautiful students who always give their best day in and day out, striving to continue to learn, improve and achieve. We are so proud of our each one of you and all that you have achieved across the school year.

Our best wishes go out to our Year 6 students as their time at St Patrick’s comes to an end. We wish Jezanna, Juliet, Jess, Lilly, Harry, Alec, Nick, Locky, Ollie and Jack, all the very best as prepare for High School and new endeavours. Best wishes to each of you and may St Patrick’s spirit guide you always.

May the blessings of Christmas and the New Year be with each of our families. Enjoy your holidays and we look forward to 2022.

Christine Baron