21 May 2025 — Week 5, Term 2
Welcome from the Principal
Dear Families
Raising a child is one of life's greatest joys and challenges. As the saying goes, "It takes a community to raise a child," and at St Patrick's School, this philosophy is at the heart of everything we do.
Children thrive when they are surrounded by a strong support network—parents, grandparents, teachers, friends, coaches, and neighbours all play vital roles in shaping young minds. Every interaction, big or small, contributes to a child's growth, providing guidance, encouragement, and a sense of belonging.
At St Patrick's School, we are proud to foster a community where everyone is involved in nurturing our students. Whether it's parents providing that unconditional support of their children as they navigate their learning journey, to local businesses supporting the school's fundraising initiatives, or teachers going the extra mile to inspire curiosity, each contribution matters. By working together, we create an environment where children feel safe, supported, and encouraged to reach their potential. When families, educators, and community members collaborate, we give our children the best possible foundation for lifelong success.
With this notion of community in mind, the school needs to acknowledge the SCOPE Club of Allora. During Week 4, the SCOPE Club Of Allora afforded an opportunity for our Year 6 students to attend a workshop at the Allora P to 10 State School. This workshop was designed to further enhance our Year 6 students' understanding of bullying within the context of an online world. The SCOPE Club of Allora engaged a life coach from Brisbane, Mr. Michael Jey, who facilitated this workshop.
“I’m passionate about finding ways to engage with people across issues like bullying, racism and Inclusion. I am a guest speaker and educator/facilitator at schools, universities, corporate settings and with elite sporting codes. I have worked with Rugby Australia as their education provider in their “life skills” program since 2008” (Michael Jeh, 2023).
Students from Year 6 together with Mrs Kirkland attended a two hour workshop with Michael Jey on Thursday, 15 May. The workshop was very well received by our students. Keeping our students safe as they begin to navigate an online world is of extreme importance.
Students provided their key takeaways from session:
Alby - “That the legal age you can be charged by the Police for cyber bullying is 10.”
Mahailia – “Never follow the group choice.”
Katelyn – “Just because people choose the one thing, does not mean it is the right thing.”
Lachlan – “Choose your own way and cast your own shadow.”
Liam – “Even if you hurt someone and it doesn’t show on the outside, it could show on the inside.”
William – “People may not show their pain on the outside, but on the inside it is there."
Tyson – “Don’t trust the people who try to give you stuff for free.”
Max – “Don’t always trust the majority of the crowd as they be wrong.”
Toby – “It is good to be different.”
Charlee – “You don’t have to fit into the crowd.”
Michelle – “If you send something bad on the phone like a message or image, if you are older than 10 years, you can be charged by the Police.”
James – "Sometimes if a student is getting bullied, they may become a bully themselves."
It certainly takes a community to raise a child and as a school community, we thank the SCOPE Club Allora for their unconditional financial support of the workshop facilitated by Mr. Michael Jey. Your support is greatly appreciated.
As always, if you have any queries or concerns, please contact the school.
Keith Blaikie—Principal
Keith.Blaikie@twb.catholic.edu.au
Gala Day - Friday 16 May 2025
General Information
A Raining Success - St Patrick's Family Fun Day
The St Patrick’s School Allora annual Golf and Bowls Family Fun Day was a huge success after the initial date was rained out in March. Election day was a great chance to put political views aside and thrash it out on the golf course!
With 8 teams on the course, there was plenty of action and fun to be had while the non-golfers were entertained with mini putt putt, jumping castle, face painting and live music.
Everyone then settled in for an afternoon of social bowls over a drink and BBQ while the multidraw raffle saw winners walk away with televisions, push bikes, toys, white goods, photography sessions and more!!
St Patrick’s School would once again like to thank the generous sponsorship of the following sponsors (see the graphic below), as without their support, the day would not have been as successful. These sponsorship efforts will be used to fund future building refurbishments at the school.
See you all next year!
Next Meeting - Tuesday 27 May
The next St Patrick's P&F Meeting will take place on Tuesday 27 May 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 AGM will be held at 7:00pm directly after the conclusion of the St Patrick's P&F Meeting. If you would like to be involved in the organising committee for the St Patrick's Parish and School Fete, and you are unable to attend the AGM in person, please contact the office.
Social Events - Term 2
The following social events have been confirmed for Term 2:
- Friday 20 June - St Patrick's P&F Family Get-Together at 3:00pm at the Railway Hotel.
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.
Teaching and Learning
Teaching and Learning: Moving towards a strong future
St Patrick’s School Allora is currently exploring the new Toowoomba Catholic School’s Teaching and Learning framework which has been designed to update the priorities and requirements for all Catholic schools in relation to curriculum, pedagogy, assessment and reporting. The framework provides a cohesive and comprehensive blueprint for delivering a consistent and equitable education, where all children, regardless of their location, ability or background, are able to access a high-quality education.
At the core of teaching and learning practices within this new framework is the evidence based approach known as the ‘Science of Learning’ which aligns all teaching strategies with how students learn. These areas have then been broken down into the phases of learning which include engage, build, deepen and apply.
Students learn best when learning is intentionally designed to engage and demand the thinking of all learners. Teachers set students up for success when they activate students’ prior knowledge, provide explicit learning intentions and success criteria, and connect learning.
Students learn best when the working memory is used to build knowledge and ongoing practice is provided to move things to long term memory. Teachers set students up for success when they teach explicitly, check for understanding and provide feedback.
Students learn best when opportunities are provided to consolidate and connect learning which is designed to deepen understanding. Teachers set students up for success when they consolidate and deepen understanding through connections and practice.
Students learn best when they develop mastery and are provided with opportunities to draw and apply understanding from their long-term memory to generate ideas, solve problems and think critically and creatively. Teachers set students up for success when they apply learning by promoting critical and creative thinking.
Religious Life of the School
Pope Leo XIV - Angela Travers | Senior Leader Mission & Identity
Four weeks ago, we received the heartbreaking news of Pope Francis's passing. Catholics and people of goodwill around the world mourned the loss of a leader known for his simplicity, deep connection to humanity and transformative courage. His reform efforts within the Church and his responses to contemporary global issues such as social justice, migration, ecology, materialism and inequality resonated with those on the margins and challenged those in power.
On 8 May, we celebrated the election of a new leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, the first American Pope. In a world yearning for peace, it was uplifting to hear Pope Leo XIV emphasise peace, dialogue, attention to the most vulnerable, and synodality in his inaugural speech.
At the start of the conclave, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re remarked, “Today’s world expects a lot from the Church in terms of protecting those fundamental human and spiritual values without which human society will not improve and will not benefit future generations.” Pope Leo XIV, with his Augustinian background and missionary work, brings a spirit of humility, profound wisdom and a clear passion for the Gospel. He is known for his work with the marginalised in Peru, his strength in addressing contemporary challenges and his heartfelt eloquence. He has not shied away from already confronting these challenges – climate anxiety, war and displacement and the digitisation of human connection.
As we learn more about Pope Leo XIV, we will understand what his leadership means for us all. Our Catholic Social Teachings will be a key connector to our young people.
We warmly welcome Pope Leo XIV and pray for him.
“Let us be people of peace, builders of bridges, and bearers of hope.” – Pope Leo XIV.
Upcoming events
- Monday 19 May to Thursday 22 May - TCSO Principals' Forum in Goondiwindi
- Wednesday 21 May - Newsletter
- Friday 23 May - NO TUCKSHOP
- Monday 26 May - St Patrick's Sacramental Program from 3:10pm to 4:10pm
- Tuesday 27 May - St Patrick's P&F Meeting commencing at 6:00pm in the library followed by St Patrick's Parish and School Fete AGM commencing at 7:00pm (Both events are available via in-person or online) - Anyone is most welcome to attend!!
- Tuesday 27 May to Tuesday 3 June - Reconciliation Week
- Wednesday 28 May - State of Origin Match # 1 - wear something to support your team
- Wednesday 28 May - St Patrick's Playgroup from 9:00am to 10:30am
- Thursday 29 May - Whole School Assembly in the Church commencing at 2:15pm
- Friday 30 May - Central Downs Gala Day # 2 for Dalrymple and Glengallan students
- Friday 30 May - Under 8's Day in Clifton for Talgai and Cunningham students
- Tuesday 2 June - Mary Help of Christians Whole School Mass commencing at 9:30am
- Wednesday 4 June - Newsletter
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
