St Patrick's Primary School is a Catholic education provider in Kilmore, Victoria where we work collaboratively to maximise student outcomes. Specialist Subjects At St Patrick's we recognise that education is far more diverse than the traditional English and maths. To that end we provide our students with a range of specialist subjects to complete the curriculum. Physical Education Physical Education (PE) at St Patrick's focuses on developing students Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS), teamwork, cooperation, respect and to promote the benefits of leading an active lifestyle. Each class attends a weekly one hour PE lesson where students practise their movement skills, develop new movement strategies and concepts to give them the confidence to participate in a range of sporting and game based activities. For more information about Physical Education and other opportunities in sport click here . Language (French) Students in Prep – Year 6 will be involved in weekly French lessons. The students learn functional language through speaking, communicating, using gestures, reading and writing. Each class attends a French lesson for one hour a week. For more information about French, click here . Visual Arts Visual Art is an integral part of school life at St.Pats. Our students get "messy" and learn techniques that develop their creativity and curiosity. Each class attends a visual art class for one hour a week. For more information about visual arts, click here . Science Science at St Patrick's supports students in developing their skills and interest in Science, which is taught on a semester basis and each class attends science for one hour per week. For more information about Science, click here .

St Patrick's Primary School is a Catholic education provider in Kilmore, Victoria where we work collaboratively to maximise student outcomes. Prep 2027 Meeting Bookings As part of the Prep 2027 application process, all prospective students and their families attend an application meeting with the School Principal, Michael Bourne. Please book this compulsory meeting using the form below. St Patrick's Primary School Kilmore welcomes you to our online booking for Prep 2027 Application Meetings. At least one parent/carer and the 2027 prep student are required to attend the meeting. The appointment will take approximately 30 minutes and we ask that you arrive 5 minutes early. If relevant to your child, please bring any documentation, ie current records from paediatrician, speech therapist, etc to the meeting. If your child wears glasses, please bring them along to the appointment. Select a meeting time that suits you and your child. If you are booking meetings for more than one child, please complete separate meeting event bookings for each child (do not use Student 2, 3, 4 etc). PLEASE NOTE: THERE ARE DIFFERENT MEETING EVENTS FOR DIFFERENT STUDENTS. IF YOU ARE AN EXISTING FAMILY , ENSURE THAT YOU SELECT THE EXISTING FAMILY MEETING TIMES. IF YOU ARE A NEW FAMILY TO THE SCHOOL , ENSURE THAT YOU SELECT THE NEW FAMILY MEETING TIMES. IF YOUR CHILD HAS ADDITIONAL NEEDS , SUCH AS AN ASD/ADHD DIAGNOSIS OR YOU ARE EXPLORING A DIAGNOSIS, ENSURE THAT YOU SELECT THE ADDITIONAL NEEDS MEETING TIMES TO BEST SUPPORT YOUR APPLICATION.

St Patrick's Primary School is a Catholic education provider in Kilmore, Victoria where we work collaboratively to maximise student outcomes. Back to School 2026 Whilst school holidays can be a wonderful time of Christmas and New Year celebrations, filled with less routine, maybe a holiday and some relaxation, there is also the necessary job of preparing to get students back to school. At St Patrick's we aim to provide as much information as we can for parents to help in that process. School Uniform All of the school uniform information can be found on our website here . All uniform items that identify the school, such as polo shirts, house polos, backpacks, jumpers, hats and dresses are to be purchased through Academy Uniforms. Their Thomastown store is open over the school holidays and the school uniform shop near the netball courts will reopen on Thursday 29 January from 9:00am to 5:00pm . All other uniform items (except shoes) can also be purchased through the uniform shop, but can be substituted for like items from other department-type stores. School Requisite Items St Patrick's provides a list of items that a student will use throughout the year, broken up into a list of items the school provides and a list of items re quired to be supplied by families. The list was provided at the end of Term 4, but copies of the School Requisite List for 2026 for each year level can be found here: Prep Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Back to School Reminders Please remember the following: Label everything that is being sent to school; If a 2025 classroom is labelled on an item, such as lunch boxes, please change it to the 2026 class; Do not forget to also change the classroom on the reusable school lunch order bags to avoid lunch orders being lost; Lunch orders recommence on the first day of school - Monday 2 February; Specialist classes will commence on Monday 2 February - check infographic for your class sports uniform days. School Reopening The school office will reopen on Friday 30 January , and our Year 1-6 Get To Know You (GTKY) meetings will also be on Friday 30 January . Families will be emailed after 21 January with information about how to book GTKY meetings. S tudents will return with classes to commence for Prep to Year 6 on Monday 2 February 2026 . Communication A reminder to ensure that your email address is registered with the front office so that you receive the weekly newsletter. Please email administration@spkilmore.catholic.edu.au to request to be added to the newsletter list. We also recommend that all families with Facebook, request access to our parent/carer-only Facebook group. You can find the group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stpatskilmorefamilies . You must answer all questions to be admitted to the group. Only parents and carers will be accepted, and all other requests (including other relatives) will be decli ned for privacy reasons. Finally, you must ensure that you setup your PAM account. The Parent Access Module (PAM) is connected the school's SIMON student management system. From this account you can notify absences, access reports, provide and update medical information, nominate emergency contacts, etc. You will be provided with access information if you have not already got access. Other Dates Please refer to the Hours, Dates and Days webpage for further information about school hours, terms dates and other school calendar dates. 2026 Welcome Barbeque To welcome our families to school for 2025, there will be a back-to-school barbeque on the evening of the first Friday of school, Friday 6 February 2026 from 4:45-6:00pm . 2026 School Fees Finally, school fees for 2026 have been set, and information can be found on the webpage here . School fee invoices will be sent out early in Term 1. The school is moving to all payments being made by direct debit (either weekly, fortnightly or monthly). Please contact Deb Amodio, the Finance Officer, to setup your direct debit arrangement . Late in 2021, our head office, MACS, released a new Concessional Fee Policy, which provides reduced fees for: families of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent; families with Health Care or DVA Cards; or those families facing severe financial hardship. In order to be eligible for the Concessional Fee Policy, you must be entitled to the CSEF Payment, with an eligibility cut off date in April. Do not delay in applying for CSEF and Concessional Fee, as we cannot apply the discounts if the CSEF application is not approved. CSEF applications close at the end of Term 2. If you believe that you may be eligible for a concessional fee, please contact Deb Amodio (finance@spkilmore.catholic.edu.au ) to request the documentation to apply for the concessional fee. The concessional fee must be paid by direct debit and the concessional fee is not retrospective, and any existing debt stands in full. If you face issues in paying the school fees, at any time during the year, please contact Deb Amodio, and discuss what arrangements can be made to assist your situation. It is important that you contact the school early so that we can assist appropriately.

St Patrick's Primary School is a Catholic education provider in Kilmore, Victoria where we work collaboratively to maximise student outcomes. Learning Diversity Catholic schools, in their endeavours to support all students to flourish, intervene as early as possible to meet the individual needs and abilities of each student. ‘Catholic schools are committed to fostering inclusive practices which respond to learning diversity so that all students are actively engaged in learning and experience success .’ Horizons of Hope: Learning Diversity in a Catholic School, 2017. What is Learning Diversity? Diversity encompasses all learners across cultural, academic, social emotional and physical attributes noting these are not mutually exclusive. ‘Learning diversity’ refers to the infinite variety of life experiences and attributes a child brings to their formal learning at school. Educators seek to meet the needs of all learners, so that every student experiences success. While all educators have this goal, Catholic educators see each student as a sacred creation – ‘made in the image of God’ (Genesis 1:27). It is the understanding that all students should be fully active members of their school community and that all professionals in a school share responsibility for their learning. Learning diversity in Catholic schools is enacted through an inclusive pedagogy and a commitment to uphold the rights of all to be: welcomed; valued; acknowledged; actively engaged in education. Catholic schools in their endeavours to support all students to flourish, intervene as early as possible to meet the individual needs and abilities of each student. "All students regardless of race, age or gender, by virtue of their dignity as human persons, have a right to an education that is suited to their particular needs and adapted to their ability. (Pope Paul VI 1965)." *Horizons of Hope: Foundation Statement: Learning Diversity in a Catholic School How does St Patrick's embrace Learning Diversity? St Patrick's Primary School have a Learning Diversity Leader, Natalie Rees, who oversees the school's learning diversity program. The program involves the full spectrum of a child's time at the school, from assistance in transitioning to school, assisting with referrals for assessments, additional classroom support, regular parent meetings, learning intervention programs, personalised learning plans, NDIS support, additional support during recess and lunchtimes, providing break out space from the classroom, speech therapy, occupational therapy and psychological help, through to transitioning into secondary school. The school maintains detailed, continuous records of a student and their progress, and through those records can obtain additional funding which is utilised to provide this school-wide program. This includes additional support resources, additional classroom support through Learning Support Officers (teacher's aides) and specific programs. In addition, the school is one of few that have a dedicated support space, known as the Engine Room. The Engine Room provides a break out space for students to leave the classroom, regulate themselves through sensory or physical activities, and then rejoin the classroom ready to engage in the learning. The school also engages a speech therapist and occupational therapist on a part time basis to assist students in these areas. The school also has a part time psychologist that works with students that require additional support.

St Patrick's Primary School is a Catholic education provider in Kilmore, Victoria where we work collaboratively to maximise student outcomes. Prayer Prayer is a personal response to God’s presence and is a form of communicating with God. It fosters a personal and living relationship with God and nourishes the spiritual growth of all members of the school community. Each class takes time out of the day to pray. There are many ways of communicating with God. Students are encouraged to participate and lead prayers at assemblies, in classrooms during liturgical celebrations and at Mass. All students have opportunities to experience prayer situations, which are: • FORMAL - to learn words, songs and gestures that will help students to pray. • PUBLIC - to share aloud a prayer or prayer intention. • PRIVATE - to listen as well as speak to God personally. • SILENT - to engage in reflection, meditation or times of silence. Classes begin the day with either Christian Meditation or Prayer. All members of the school community are invited to participate in Christian Meditation and Prayer at the beginning of the day. Prayer commences with The Sign of the Cross and a scripture reading. Prayer concludes with St Patrick pray for us and we always remember to pray for one another. The staff, Parents and Friends Committee and School Advisory Council commence their meetings with prayer. Sacred Space/Prayer Table A prominent place in learning spaces is provided as a focus for prayer and a constant reminder of the presence and closeness of God. A different colour cloth is displayed for each of the liturgical seasons. The following is placed on every prayer table: a Bible, Crucifix, Candle to represent the light of Christ present during class prayer time and Resources – prayer book, biblical pictures, children’s Bible stories. Various religious icons and artefacts brought in by students can be placed on prayer tables. Morning Prayer Prayer occurs daily with students sitting in a prayer circle at the beginning of each day. End of school day prayer Classes are encouraged to pray the traditional prayer of Hail Mary or Our Father to conclude the day. School prayer St Patrick's has a school prayer which is part of the daily prayers undertaken in the school. It is as follows: Let us remember we are in the Holy presence of God and each other. Au nom du père, du fils et du Saint-Esprit. Amen Upon this ancient land of the Taungurung people, we pray together: Loving God, Inspire us to learn with each other in the community. Give us strength to show love and compassion like the Mercy Sisters and Marist Brothers. We honour all those who have come before us. Help us flourish in all that we do. In the way of Mary, help us to be strong and true. St Patrick and St Marcellin, Priez pour nous. Mary our good mother, pray for us. And may we always remember to... pray for one another. In the name of the father, the son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

St Patrick's Primary School is a Catholic education provider in Kilmore, Victoria where we work collaboratively to maximise student outcomes. Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) is a school-wide framework that explicitly teaches, models, and reinforces positive behaviors to create a safe, respectful, and productive learning environment for all students. What is PBL? Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) is an evidence-based framework that promotes positive behaviour in schools. PBL helps students develop important social and emotional skills that contribute to their success in school and beyond. It focuses on teaching, modelling, and reinforcing positive behaviours that align with the school’s values and expectations. This initiative is designed to create a positive, inclusive, and supportive school culture where all students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. How was PBL developed at St. Patrick’s? The PBL staff team have worked closely with staff, students, and parents to ensure the initiative is tailored to meet the unique needs of our school community. Throughout this process the values of Respect, Resilience and Responsibility were selected and a matrix of expected behaviours was developed, this outlines the behaviours we hope to see in all students. These behaviours are linked to our school values, and will be explicitly taught throughout the year. The PBL Matrix The PBL matrix will guide students on how to behave respectfully, responsibly, and with resilience across different areas of the school. This includes behaviours in classrooms, the playground, the hallways, the library, and all other school environments. Each week, a new focus value will be highlighted, and all staff will reinforce these values consistently across the school.

St Patrick's Primary School is a Catholic education provider in Kilmore, Victoria where we work collaboratively to maximise student outcomes. Book a Tour St Patrick's Primary School offers school tours throughout the year. Tours will take place in groups or individually, depending on the situation. All tours should be booked online below.

St Patrick's Primary School is a Catholic education provider in Kilmore, Victoria where we work collaboratively to maximise student outcomes. Religious Education Parents, students and staff work together as witnesses to the Good News (Gospel) in the way they shape the school community and enact a vision of the Kingdom of God. Here students are supported to grow, enlightened by faith, animated by love and leading to hope. "Learning as encounter is a dialogical, relational and optimistic pedagogy, one that opens up horizons of hope for the future for the individual learner, their school, the Church and the wider community." "Religious Education as a particular curriculum area is critical to education in a Catholic school. It deliberately attends to the spiritual development of each person, acknowledging and celebrating the Holy Spirit at work, inviting relationship with God and a Christ-like stance towards others. At the same time it is a disciplined process of ‘faith seeking understanding’, where the questions of God, beliefs and life are articulated and explored in dialogue with the Catholic Tradition to develop students’ faith lives and stimulate a search for meaning and truth. It is interpretative by nature and deepens learning when students are invited to explore cross-curricular connections." Here at St Patrick's we integrate RE and Inquiry to facilitate students making these connections. Teachers implement learning activities informed by the Religious Education Curriculum Framework – www.resourcemelb.catholic.edu.au , and learning progression is guided by achievement standards the following areas: ● Scripture and Jesus ● Church and Community ● God, Religion and Life ● Sacrament, Prayer and Liturgy ● Morality and Justice This information is taken from the MACS publication "Religious Dimension", which can be found here .

St Patrick's Primary School is a Catholic education provider in Kilmore, Victoria where we work collaboratively to maximise student outcomes. Vision, Values and Logo A school's vision and values speak to the core of the school and what it believes in. Our logo is a well-known symbol that represents the school's history and mantra of walking in the footsteps of the Lord. School Vision St Patrick’s Primary school works in partnership with families, the parish and the community both locally and global. Together the whole school community developed its Vision statement in 2017. “St Patrick’s is a Catholic learning community. We commit to being a school where all members have an opportunity to flourish in an inclusive relational environment. We believe in developing active and curious learners. We aspire to be compassionate and responsive to the needs of all.” School Values We value celebrating Catholic traditions, engaging in dialogue and critically reflecting on faith in a contemporary context, and that social justice is an integral part of our Catholic faith. We value and nurture a caring community of staff, students and parents by promoting the values of respect, tolerance and co-operation. We value that every child at St Patrick’s should experience 12 months growth in 12 months. We value that personalised learning is embedded in our curriculum with student engagement, rigorous teaching and purposeful learning in all areas of the curriculum. We value that all students should accept responsibility for their own learning and need to develop a higher level of self-esteem which in turn will lead to resilience and empathy. We value the criteria for St. Patrick’s Primary School to be Child Safe compliant. We value a staff culture that is characterised by a shared vision and a strong sense of team work. We value the involvement of all families and community groups in the life of the school. School Logo The St Patrick's school logo is: In the Footsteps of the Lord The motto was selected after a school-wide competition was run in 1988. The competition was won by a Year 3 class (3J) after one of their families had discussed the competition around the dinner table and spoke about how at times in life Jesus may have helped and how they could live like Him, hence "In the Footsteps of the Lord". The class submitted that motto and won and it has been the school motto ever since.

St Patrick's Primary School is a Catholic education provider in Kilmore, Victoria where we work collaboratively to maximise student outcomes. External Newsletters In addition to the internal school newsletter, there are a number of organisations that support the work of Catholic Education. Their newsletters provide insight and information to our families. Marist Schools Australia (MSA) Their latest newsletter can be found here . Catholic Schools Parents Victoria (CSPV) Their latest newsletter can be found here and select the year and "eNews". Catholic Education Today (CET) Copies of the CET magazine can be found here .

St Patrick's Primary School is a Catholic education provider in Kilmore, Victoria where we work collaboratively to maximise student outcomes. Wellness Programs St Patrick's Primary School have a range of different wellness programs that are aimed at providing students with a diverse range of activities and programs to address their specific needs. Seasons for Growth Seasons for Growth is a small group grief and loss education program. It is based on the belief that change and loss are part of life and grief is a normal response to these losses. The Seasons for Growth program provides an opportunity for children to learn the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to understand and respond well to grief and loss experiences (e.g. death, separation, divorce). More information on the Seasons for Growth program can be found on the KidsMatter website here . Prep?Year 6 Buddy Program Each Prep student is matched with a Grade 6 buddy. Together, they participate in regular shared learning activities throughout the year, including literacy, inquiry, maths games, cooking and craft. It helps the Preps feel safe at school and promotes leadership and responsibility in the Grade 6's, who do an amazing job nurturing and guiding the preps through their first year. It is a rewarding and positive program for all involved! Imagination Club St Patrick's work with the I-CAN Network and together we embrace Autism. Through the Imagination Club we also recognise that many students don’t have a diagnosis, or their diagnosis has not been disclosed. Our school's mentoring program is called ‘Imagination Club – for students with big imaginations’. More information on Imagination Clubs can be found on the I CAN Network website here .

St Patrick's Primary School is a Catholic education provider in Kilmore, Victoria where we work collaboratively to maximise student outcomes. Mass and Liturgy Religious education at St Patrick’s is not confined to Religious Education classes. Christ is at the centre of all of our endeavours. As a learning community joined together in faith we aim to bear witness to Christ’s vision and values in all aspects of school life. In doing so, we extend our formal religious education to include class mass at church and whole school liturgies. Class Mass at Church Classroom teachers prepare liturgical celebrations with their students. Students have an opportunity to celebrate the Liturgy of the Word and Eucharist through attending class mass. Every class prepares for and attends at least once per semester. Mass is held in the St Patrick’s Church at 9am on weekdays. Families and members of the Parish and school community are always welcome to attend these celebrations. Whole School Liturgies Whole School Masses are celebrated during the year. Special Liturgies are celebrated in accordance with the Liturgical Calendar and the school community is welcome to attend. Places of worship are the Parish church, stadium and court yard.