30 July 2025 — Week 3, Term 3
Welcome from the Principal
Dear Families
In what can only be described as another hectic week, the Catholic Education Week activities from our liturgical celebration, 100 Days of Prep and attendance of our Glenallan students at TCS Touch Football and Netball Carnivals play a vital role in shaping the hearts and minds of students. This fosters a holistic approach that integrates faith, academics and character development.
Our Catholic Education Week Mass, which was held on Tuesday, 29 July provided a wonderful avenue to not only celebrate our faith but also to acknowledge the many students and staff who build such a positive culture every day at St Patrick's School.
After Mass, students were acknowledged with a Catholic Education Week Certificate for creating a culture built on love, dignity, integrity and justice where everyone belongs, feels valued and can succeed. Whilst we are not perfect, we strive for continual improvement. Father Salvador's message rested on the premise that we all need to Shape our Hearts Through Service by Building a Culture of Unconditional Giving. At our school, we believe in nurturing more than just academic growth—we aim to shape compassionate, thoughtful individuals who understand the value of serving others without expectation. Our hope is to foster a culture of unconditional service, where kindness flows freely and generosity becomes second nature.
One of the key lessons we focus on is understanding the difference between conditional service, doing something with the hope of a reward and unconditional service, which asks nothing in return. Our goal is to help students see that when we serve without expecting praise or payment, we grow in empathy, humility and true leadership. Unconditional service fosters an inner strength and a generous spirit that uplifts not only others but also ourselves.
Together, with our families, teachers, and broader community, we are shaping a generation who believe that kindness is its own reward, and that being part of something bigger means being willing to serve, love, and uplift unconditionally.
The final message or challenge presented to our students reaffirmed that all of us have a responsibility to growing this remarkable culture, one act of kindness at a time.
It is also very important to acknowledge our very hard working staff and their continual support in the education of our students by shaping a positive school culture. In particular, we need to acknowledge two members of staff who received awards. Mrs Erin Hilton has made a huge contribution to Catholic education over the course of the last 30 years. Whilst Mrs Hilton's tenure at St Patrick's has been reasonably short, the impact she has made as a music teacher has been amazing. We are extremely lucky at St Patrick's School to have acquired the services of such a talented teacher. Mrs Kerri Shooter also received an award for 20 years of service. Kerri's attention to detail, data interpretation and vast knowledge of the curriculum have proven a recipe for success with both St Mary's School Warwick and St Patrick's School Allora. This success has also been at a system level where she taught teachers to teach as an Education Officer with TCSO Inspire Maths. Thank you Mrs Shooter for all that you do!
As a school community, we are also extremely proud to announce Mrs Kathryn Lucas on her nomination as a finalist for Toowoomba Catholic Schools Excellence in teaching and learning award. Mrs Lucas is a highly experienced early years educator and has led the way for not only St Patrick's School but across the diocese, with the implementation of a literacy program from the University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI). UFLI is an explicit and systematic program that teaches students the foundational skills necessary for proficient reading. All the best Mrs Lucas when you attend the TCS Excellence Awards gala dinner on Thursday, 31 July in Toowoomba. Thank you Mrs Lucas for all that you do and all the best for Thursday night!
As always, if you have any queries or concerns, please contact the school.
Keith Blaikie—Principal
Keith.Blaikie@twb.catholic.edu.au
Catholic Education Week - Student Awards
Catholic Education Week - Staff Awards
General Information
Shaping our future - perception survey
Your chance to help shape our schools' futures
Every two years, families from our school communities share their views through the Shaping our future – perception survey. It’s a valuable way for us to reflect on how each of our schools are living out Toowoomba Catholic Schools shared purpose: enabling full and flourishing lives.
Click here to complete the survey. Please complete the survey by 6 August 2025.
We will also be asking Years 5 to 12 students from across the diocese to complete a student version of the survey during Catholic Education Week at St Patrick's School.
For more information, please email: Keith.Blaikie@twb.catholic.edu.au
Parents and Friends Association
Next Meeting - Wednesday 13 August commencing at 6:00pm
The next St Patrick's P&F Meeting will take place on Wednesday 13 August commencing at 6:00pm. Parents may attend either in person or online and everyone is welcome to attend. Please note that the St Patrick's Parish and School Fete Meeting will be held at 6:45pm directly after the conclusion of the St Patrick's P&F Meeting. As per our normal practice, the St Patrick's P&F minutes from our last meeting will attached to the newsletter email.
As always, if you have any questions or queries, please contact the school or the St Patrick's P&F directly via email at stpatspnf@gmail.com.
Pacific Seeds 88 To Educate Charity Campdraft
The Pacific Seeds Charity Campdraft is certainly looming larger on the horizon as we near August. Please see the latest information below in regard to the Saturday afternoon program for your convenience.
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
- Rosters are now available for both the canteen and bar over the weekend of 23 to 24 August. Volunteers are required. Please see the rosters in the office and just add your name.
- Roast Dinner - Saturday 23 August from 6:00pm. For catering purposes, the Campdraft committee has requested dinner tickets be pre-purchased. Please access the following link - http://bit.ly/4lCppNW (This is the Event Brite link, which is the platform we are using for meal ticket purchase.)
Central Downs Athletics - Friday 25 July
In what could only be described as a wet track, 58 students from St Patrick's School ventured to the Central Downs Athletics Carnival at Allora P-10 State School. The students looked amazing in their school uniforms and marched with great pride before the carnival commenced with the traditional 'march past'. The younger students did exceptionally well in what can only be described as an intimidating experience.
Our congratulation must go to Katelyn P, Poppy B, Charlee P, Skye M, Breanna R, Ruby W, Riley W, Hunter R, Aiden H, Toby S, Leo H and Jonah S on their selection for Southern Downs. Both Riley and Ruby W need to be acknowledged for their wonderful performances on the day as both were crowned age champions of their respective age group. Congratulations!
Central Downs Athletics - 2025
Liturgical Life of the School
St Patrick's Sacramental Program
As a parish and school community, we would like to extend our hearty congratulations to Aiden H, Noah H, Bryce H, Leo H, Oliver J, Rose K, Georgia L, Cormac M, Edward M, Charlee P, Oceania P, Leo W and Lachlan S who will receive the sacrament of First Eucharist on Sunday 3 August commencing at 9:00am. First Eucharist is the first time a child receives Holy Communion, participating fully in the central act of Catholic worship—the Mass. For children, this sacrament fosters a sense of unity with the Church and with fellow believers. It teaches gratitude, reverence, and the importance of community.
Once again, we would like to acknowledge and thank Miss Karine Preston for her unconditional and highly professional preparation of our student candidates. Thank you!!
Minutes Reflection - Paul Grealy (TCSO)
…he asks us to leave the ‘boat’ of our human securities.
Today, the church celebrates the feast day of St James the apostle. James, along with John and Peter, comprised a special trio that was closest to Jesus among his disciples. This trio witnessed some of Jesus’ greatest miracles and stood by his side in his darkest hours. According to the writer of Matthew’s gospel they witnessed the transfiguration (Matthew 17:1) in fear and trembling, greatly afraid they were encouraged by Jesus to not fear, to rise up. Tragically, James was beheaded by Herod Agrippa in 44 AD, the first apostle to be martyred for his belief in Jesus.
In a special way this year we remember St James, the pilgrim and evangeliser. Today, in the Jubilee Year of Pilgrims of Hope, many pilgrims are found following the St James Way, also called the Way of Saint James. It is among the oldest and most well-known pilgrimage routes globally. Commonly referred to as the Camino de Santiago or simply the Camino, it consists of various routes that stretch across Spain, France and Portugal, all leading to the city of Santiago de Compostela in the region of Galicia, northern Spain. According to tradition, the Cathedral of Santiago is the resting place of St James.
One of the themes of the Jubilee Year is that of mercy and fraternity. Emphasis has been placed on the importance of mercy and fraternity among people, encouraging acts of kindness and solidarity. Kevin Treston in Choices for Life – the Beatitudes for Daily Living explores his belief that “Mercy arises in a heart atune to a compassionate way of being.” (p54)
Perhaps this week, today, or even now, grab a copy of Kevin’s book and reflect on how God’s mercy is in your life, mercy that will be eventually realised, although not in ways we might hope for.
How 'atune' is your heart as you step out of your 'boat'?
Upcoming events
- Thursday 31 July - TCS Netball and Touch Football Carnival (Glengallan students only)
- Thursday 31 July - TCSO Excellence Awards
- Friday 1 August - PUPIL FREE Day - Bishop's Inservice Day (Toowoomba) - school closed
- Wednesday 6 August - St Patrick's Playgroup from 9:00am until 10:30am
- Wednesday 6 August - Marty Savage (TCSO) to visit
- Friday 8 August - Whole School Assembly commencing at 2:15pm in the Church
- Saturday 9 August - St Patrick's P&F Care and Concern home visits from 9:00am to 11:00am
- Tuesday 12 August - Mary Mackillop Feast Day Mass commencing at 9:30am in the Church - All are welcome to attend!
- Wednesday 13 August - Newsletter
- Wednesday 13 August - St Patrick's P&F Meeting commencing at 6:00pm in the library
- Wednesday 13 August - St Patrick's Parish and School Fete Meeting commencing at 6:45pm in the library
See the Sentral calendar for more information.
Reminders
Uniform Days
Winter Uniform (commences Tuesday 6 May 2025)
Formal - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
Sports - Wednesday, Friday
Please remember that we are a...
‘Nut Aware’ School.
Times for Mass at St Patrick's Church are as follows:
1st Sunday - 9am 2nd and 3rd Sunday – 5.30pm
4th & 5th Sunday Liturgy of the Word with Communion - 9am
