30 October 2024 — Week 5, Term 4

Welcome from the Principal

Dear Families

'The rhythm of life'

When you think about the complexity of life with its inevitable struggles and celebrations, everything has a rhythm. When you break it down into simple terms, basically everything that we do has a rhythm. This philosophical learning is the result of an epiphany I had during our annual Glengallan school camp to Maroochydore. Sitting in our dragon boat as a single team of St Patrick's School staff and students, the maintenance of an even rhythm was crucial. I am not sure whether it was the mention of a race that my competitive juices resulted in me thinking more deeply about the rhythm of life. Our dragon boat instructors experimented with a number of different techniques until they found the right rhythm in the boat where we were all paddling as one. Upon reflection, I think it was the fourth technique our instructor used where she would call out number one and then we had to tap the gunnels for number two. So that was our rhythm in the boat...one tap, one tap, one tap.

The possession of a clear rhythm was beneficial during our competitive racing as we could lift our tempo to the “one tap, one tap, one tap” and alternatively, we could slow down using the “one tap, one tap, one tap". This sequence became a really clear rhythm of life in the dragon boat.

In times of stress and deadlines, we can certainly raise the tempo or cadence but still adhere to our “one tap, one tap, one tap”. Alternatively, in times of less stress and retreat, we could use the exact same rhythm of “one tap, one tap, one tap”.

Whilst I am reluctant to give out any advice, I certainly would recommend dragon boat racing as a future hobby if you are close to water. Like our school community, our dragon boat instructors originate from a wide range of ages and abilities, but that sense of community, that conversation and athletic discourse provides an avenue for the inclusion of all people.

The annual school camp to Maroochydore has proved to be another wonderful success. Our students were wonderful ambassadors not only for our school but more importantly, for their families. Whilst Mrs Shooter and I will certainly suffer from ‘Camplag’ for the next 10 days or so, we are so lucky to be able to watch our students develop outside of the classroom context. School camps are extremely important in the education of the whole child. They are such an invaluable activity where resilience can be built in students, where they become more independent and where they are required to take responsibility for their own lives. It is this notion of resilience, independence and responsibility that are synonymous with the skills students build when they attend school camp. It was such a privilege to witness the interactions with staff together with the friendships built with new and unfamiliar personalities within the group and to observe students grow in their ability to problem solve and develop their self-confidence.

As you would be all well aware, my mark of a good school camp is the amount of baked beans provided for breakfast in the mornings. From a personal perspective, having baked beans 2 out of 3 mornings is heaven and from the camp food front, the camp was a complete success. Congratulations once again to all our Glengallan students for their resilience, for their ability to work as a team and for their increased understanding of personal responsibility. I would also like to acknowledge the enthusiasm and diligence of Mrs Shooter. We are truly blessed to have a teacher of such high calibre as Mrs Shooter. It is such a massive effort to be away from her own family and we appreciate everything that you do. We look forward to 2025 with much enthusiasm.

What were the highlights for You? Student reflections from camp:

• Mahailia W - "Meeting new people and making friends with them".
• Charlee P - "Having fun with everyone and the dragon boat racing". 
• Michelle B - "I liked all the good team work, particularly the dragon boat racing". 
• Lachlan E - "I made camp better by having a good attitude when we did all the activities".

Have a lovely fortnight. 

Keith Blaikie—Principal

Keith.Blaikie@twb.catholic.edu.au

My New Gallery

General Information

St Patrick's Parish and School Fete

It was so pleasing to hear such positive feedback from both parents and members of the wider community about the St Patrick's Parish and School Fete. Some long standing members of the parish were adamant, that it was the biggest crowd seen in many years. From a school perspective, it is just refreshing to witness the wholehearted support for the fete which will ensure it will continue on well into the future. The St Patrick's Parish and School Fete committee need to be congratulated for their enthusiasm, unbridled passion and unconditional support of this unique community event. Whilst the funds raised will be split 50-50 between the school’s P&F Association and St Patrick’s Parish, it is the coming together as a school and parish community which is the primary aim of the fete. Congratulations to all who managed to get to the fete on the night and we look forward to 2025 which from all accounts, will be bigger and better.

Non State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme

The Non State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme assists eligible families with the cost of traveling to school, with applications for Semester 2 2024 now open online and close on 31 October. Please see the attached flyer which provides further information in regard to the Non State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme. The Bus Fare Assistance Program (BFAP) weekly family threshold for Semester 2 2024 is $25 ($15 for concession card holders).

2024 Darling Downs Aquathon

Congratulations must go to Katelyn P on her recent success at the Darling Downs Aquathon which was held on Friday 25 October. Katelyn finished third in a field of 42 competitors. She is off to the state championships in Hervey Bay in February 2025. Katelyn's highlight was having an opportunity to compete against her friends from other schools. Look out Brisbane 2032!!

Religious Life of the School

Minutes Reflection - Lee ann Weekes TCSO 

One of the things I love about this time of year is the blooming of the Jacaranda trees. The purple blossoms covering the footpath fill me with joy, signalling warmer weather and the promise of summer holidays. When I completed my teaching degree in Brisbane, there was a saying around the university campuses, 'As Jacarandas bloom, exams start soon' or ominously, 'Once the Jacaranda has flowered, it is too late for study'.

This annual transformation of the Jacaranda trees can be seen as a metaphor for the seasons of life and the importance of timing. In Ecclesiastes 3:1, it is written, 'To everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven'. Just as the Jacarandas bloom at their appointed time, so too do the events in our lives unfold according to a natural schedule. This scripture reminds us to embrace each season with patience and trust in the process.

In the lives of teachers and students, this metaphor is particularly poignant. As the Jacarandas bloom, students and teachers alike are reminded of the impending exams and the culmination of a year’s hard work. It is a time of reflection, preparation, and sometimes, anxiety. Teachers, much like gardeners, have nurtured their students throughout the year, and now they must trust in the growth and learning that has taken place.

As Terry Hershey beautifully puts it, 'We are called to be present to the sacred in the ordinary, to find the extraordinary in the everyday'. The blooming Jacarandas remind us to appreciate the beauty and significance of each moment, even amidst the pressures of exams and deadlines. By being fully present and embracing the journey, may our students and all who support them find joy and meaning in their efforts, trusting that each season brings its own unique opportunities for growth.

Upcoming events - November

• Friday 1 November - All Saints Day
• Saturday 2 November - All Souls Day
• Wednesday 6 November - Prep 2025 Transition Day # 2 from 8:30am with Parent Information Session
• Wednesday 6 November - St Patrick's P&F Meeting from 6:00pm
• Friday 8 November - Swimming lessons commence at the Allora Pool
• Friday 8 November - Whole School Assembly with Remembrance Day Reflection (Cunningham) commencing at 2:00pm
• Monday 11 November - Remembrance Day (Glengallan to Allora Cenotaph at 10:30am) 
• Wednesday 13 November - St Patrick's Playgroup commencing at 9:00am
• Wednesday 13 November - Newsletter
• Thursday 14 November - School Advisory Council (Board) Meeting commencing at 6:00pm
• Friday 29 November - Interhouse Swimming Carnival from 9:00am until 1:00pm
• Tuesday 3 December - End of Year Whole School Mass commencing at 9:30am
• Thursday 5 December - Year 6 and Whole School Awards Ceremony commencing at 6:00pm
• Friday 6 December - Christmas Concert commencing at 10:30am
• See the Sentral calendar for more information.
  

Reminders

Uniform Days

Summer Uniform 

 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