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St Patrick's Primary School is a Catholic education provider in Kilmore, Victoria where we work collaboratively to maximise student outcomes. Transitioning to Prep Starting prep is a very exciting time for the whole family and the beginning of your child's journey through school. At St Patrick's, we aim to provide a welcoming and supportive community filled with opportunities for children to grow in confidence as they begin their first school year. Our Transition to School program is made up of several parts which include: Transition conversations Kindergarten contact Discovery days Additional transition sessions Additional family meetings Transition mornings; and Family information sessions. Once at school, the transition is further assisted through: Wednesday rest days at the beginning of the school year, where Preps do not attend school so they can take a break midweek to help them get used to attending school on a full time basis. These dates will be confirmed towards the end of 2026. the Buddy program where each prep student is "buddied up" with a senior student. More information about the Buddy program can be found on the wellness programs page here . 2026 dates Enrolments Open Families are asked to register an enrolment enquiry through the school office. The Enrolment Officer will be in contact and provide you with further information and move the enquiry to the application stage. Children must turn 5 years of age before 30 April in the year they are commencing school. Monday 2nd March School Tours Families wishing to become familiar with our school are invited to attend a school tour with staff and student leaders present. To book a school tour, please go to the Book a Tour webpage under the Enrolment tab. 24 February @ 2:00, 5 March @ 9:15am, 18 March @ 9:15am, 24 March @ 2:00pm, 31 March @ 2:00pm, 2 April @ 9:15am, 24 April @ 9:15am, 28 April @ 9:15am Prep Information Evening This is an opportunity to welcome all parents and carers who are applying for a Prep position at St Patrick’s in 2026 . Important and up to date Information about our school and the enrolment process will be shared during this session. This session is compulsory for all families wishing to apply and will be held in the school stadium as a face to face event. Tuesday 28 April 6:00pm - 7:00pm Enrolments Close Families are asked to complete their online applications by Friday 2 May 2025 to ensure that the enrolment application is given consideration. The school can take up to 105 prep students in 2026 and in the event that more applications are received than places available, a waiting list will be created. Friday 1 May Application Meetings Application meetings are an opportunity for us to begin to get to know the child and parent/carer. They are a time for parents to ask any questions you may have and to explore how to best support their child as they make the transition from kinder to school. Please note, these meetings do not aim to determine if your child is ‘school ready’. If you have any questions regarding school readiness, it is best to have a conversation with your child’s kindergarten teacher. These are compulsory for all families. Throughout May and June Letters of Offer sent out Once places are determined, letters of offer will be sent out to families at the start of Term 3. An acceptance form must be completed and returned to the school to secure the enrolment offer. Start of Term 3 Kindergarten visits Throughout Term Three and Four, our staff will contact each child's kindergarten and/or visit the children at their kindergarten to understand their education journey so far and to put things in place to support their transition. Terms Three and Four Discovery Days Mondays in Term Three (dates to be confired) , our library will be open for you to visit and start discovering what school is like. It will be a chance to share a favourite story and meet some new friends. These sessions are not compulsory. Information on how to book online will be sent with your Letter of Offer. By invitation, as required Additional transition sessions Held during Term Four, on Tuesdays to be confirmed , these small group sessions focus on supporting those children and families who may be new to the school or who would like to build their confidence at St Patrick's in a smaller setting. These sessions are by request from the family or invitation from the school. To be advised Additional family meetings Between now and when the child begins, parents/carers may want to meet and discuss any further concerns or ideas they may have to provide their child with the best possibly start to school. Meetings can be initiated by parents or the school as needed. As needed Transition mornings Three mornings filled with fun and forming new friendships. All children are required to attend to learn about school and meet their new peers and teachers. Your child’s 2026 class and teacher will be announced at the final session. All three sessions are compulsory for all students. Term Four Tuesday 10 November Wednesday 18 November Thursday 26 November 9:15am - 10:45am (compulsory) Family information sessions Whilst the children attend their transition mornings, parents/carers will attend these compulsory family information sessions. They are an opportunity for the school to pass on information. It is also an opportunity to meet other parents and ask questions. These are compulsory. As per transition mornings Held in the school stadium (compulsory)

St Patrick's Primary School is a Catholic education provider in Kilmore, Victoria where we work collaboratively to maximise student outcomes. Enrolment Enquiry St Patrick's is currently taking applications for 2026. It is important to note that most year levels are already full for 2026 and applications for those year levels will be placed on the waiting list. PREP 2027 application are now open and close Friday 1 May.

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 ewsletter. Please email Elise Vlasveld (elise.vlasveld@spkilmore.catholic.edu.au ) to request to be added to the newletter 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 (deb.amodio@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. Instrumental Music Program St Patrick's provides great support to our students that wish to develop their music interests and talents. The school has three rooms dedicated to private drums, guitar and piano lessons. Specialist instrumental music lessons can be arranged directly with the teachers and can be conducted during the school day, or before/after school. Drums Drumming at St Patrick's Primary School is run by drummers Xavier Kelly and Mitchell Dwyer, who deliver a well-structured and informative program for the young minds of today. Students of all ages can immerse themselves in tailored private weekly lessons. These range from 30 minutes to one-hour lessons during or after school hours as requested. Drummers of varying skills and abilities can cover topics starting with the fundamentals of drumming and music, including theory and reading. Private drum lessons with Xavier or Mitchell also provide the opportunity for students to join the St Patrick's “Drum Squad” with rehearsals running once a week at lunch time. The program is fully funded by the school in order to provide an opportunity for all involved to work in a team environment and the chance to play at events such as full school assemblies and liturgical occasions such as ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day. Students get the chance to advance their skills by working with ensemble groups and working on solo performance pieces thus providing a pathway to becoming a better musician and a more confident individual. Furthering opportunities for senior students enrolled in private drum lessons, St Patrick's Primary School is now offering a fully funded grade 6 band program as a direct pathway into Assumption College and the My-Map course structure where Corey also teaches drums and is a leading facilitator of the ensemble program. Enrol today and begin your drumming journey! Guitar Individual or Group Lessons available. Teachers Oscar Poncell and Beau Farrell offer an engaging and interactive approach to learning guitar. Students will build well rounded set of skills on the instrument including Technique, Theory, and a wide list of songs to play. Once confident, students may also have the opportunity to perform as part of the St Patricks Soiree Program, where they get to perform a song to showcase what they have learnt on their musical journey thus far. Piano At Saint Patrick’s Primary School we offer a pedagogically informed piano program that will inspire and motivate young individuals in the art of pianism. Our piano faculty is run by our well-educated tutor Ethan Wynne. Throughout their studies, young pianists will have the opportunity to learn from a large range of genres and repertoire, understand the fundamentals of music theory and grow in their technical ability at the piano. Piano lessons are typically 30 minutes on a weekly basis but can be expanded to 45 minutes or 60 minutes based on the student’s needs. Students will also have the opportunity to advance through the AMEB piano repertoire, allowing the student to steadily progress through these grades that will develop their understanding of music and skills at the piano. This can lead to the student deciding to sit a piano exam that is nationally recognised. These grades progress from early beginner to advanced. Piano students will also be a part of the school Soiree that is held annually, allowing students to showcase what they have been working on with their teacher. This also provides the chance for students to play in duets with their classmates, allowing them to have a new and fun experience. Singing Hey! I am Isabelle Zoch, I am a soul, pop, jazz and RnB vocalist and songwriter from Pyalong and I am nearing the end of my music degree at the Australian College of the Arts. I love all music; I love playing with other musicians and most of all I love sharing the beauty of singing and song with other people. I am so thrilled to be the head of the music team at St Patrick's Kilmore, and as a specialist vocal teacher offering private lessons to all of the wonderful students that are simply curious or completely ecstatic about singing. In my lessons you can expect to have a LOAD of fun, doing lots of singing with me, learning new songs, cool and quirky vocal techniques and warmups, how to put on a fabulous performance and some fun music theory skills along the way. There will be lots of laughs, encouragements and a lot of singing to be had, so if you think this is something you or your child would love or even just curious about, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch and start your singing journey with me today. School Band Program The Senior Band Program is on offer at St Patricks Primary School as part of our co-curricular program. Learning how to play in a band builds confidence, resilience, perseverance and is a lot of fun! Adding your new skill sets to a group setting like band can be one of the greatest experiences a student can have. From learning complex rhythms, melodies, chord progressions, playing with backing tracks, performing and opening many events St Patricks has on offer, the band program is a guaranteed way to energise the body, mind and spirit of those involved. Senior band offers a team bonding environment, where students will meet like-minded individuals to create, collaborate and further themselves on not only their chosen instrument but as tomorrow’s industry thought leaders too. It is expected that all students involved in Senior Band sign up for at least two terms of private instrumental tuition. Private instrumental tuition will provide students with the knowledge and power of what is expected to be part of an elite program and ready their minds for performances and much more. If you would like any more information on private instrumental tuition or the Senior Band Program, please make contact with our Music Co-Ordinator Isabelle Zoch (isabelle.zoch@spkilmore.catholic.edu.au).

St Patrick's Primary School is a Catholic education provider in Kilmore, Victoria where we work collaboratively to maximise student outcomes. School Policies Our school policies at St Patrick's Primary School are designed to provide uniformity and consistency in decisions and actions across the community. They are written documents that outline the required process or procedure within the school. Policy development is generally overseen by the Principal, as well as the executive team and leadership team and they regularly seek community views, develop policies and oversee program implementation for the school. School policies are generally reviewed on a four-year cycle to ensure their continuing relevance. MACS Care, Safety and Welfare of Students Administration of Medication Policy Administration of Medication Procedures Anaphylaxis Management Policy for MACS schools Anaphylaxis Procedures Emergency Response to Anaphylactic Reaction Attendance Policy for MACS Schools Recording and Monitoring School Attendance Procedures Modified Timetable Procedure for MACS Schools Closed Circuit Television Policy (including CCTV Privacy Statement) Duty of Care Policy for MACS Schools Excursions, Camps and Travel Policy MACS Schools Camps Procedures MACS Schools School Excursion Procedures First Aid Policy First Aid Procedures ICT Acceptable Usage Policy Digital Tools Used By St Patrick's MACS Medical Management Policy Medical Management Procedures Pastoral Care Policy for MACS Schools Student Behaviour Support Policy for MACS schools Student Behaviour Support Procedures Suspension, Negotiated Transfer and Explusion of Students Procedures Bullying Prevention Policy for MACS Schools Bullying Prevention Procedures Supervision Policy Supervision for Students Procedures MACS Child Safety and Wellbeing Child Safety Code of ConductChild Safety and Wellbeing PolicyChild Safety and Wellbeing Procedures Child Safety and Wellbeing Record Keeping Procedures Engaging Families in Child Safety PolicyPROTECT: Identifying and Responding to Child Abuse - Reporting Obligations PolicyPROTECT Procedure - Informing staff of reporting obligationsPROTECT Procedure - Police or Child Protection interviews at schoolPROTECT Procedure - Responding to all forms of child abusePROTECT Procedure - Responding to offences under the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic) PROTECT Procedure - Responding to requests from Victoria Police and Child Protection PROTECT Procedure - Responding to student sexual offendingReportable Conduct PolicyReportable Conduct Procedures MACS Complaints and Complex Issues Complaints Handling Policy Complaints Handling Procedures School Community Safety Order Scheme Internal Review Process School Community Safety Order Review Form MACS Curriculum Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Policy Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Overview for Parents and Carers MACS Employment Health, Safety and Wellbeing Commitment Statement Code of Conduct for MACS Staff MACS Enrolment of Students Concessional Fee Program Procedures MACS Primary Schools School Fees Concession Application Form Concessional Fees Notice Enrolment Policy for MACS Schools Enrolment Agreement Enrolment Procedures for MACS Schools Enrolment Form Parent/Guardian/Carer Code of Conduct Student Code of Conduct Student Acceleration and Retention Policy MACS Financial Debtor Management and Recovery Procedures MACS Governance Democratic Principles Statement MACS Governance Statement Privacy Policy Privacy Collection Notice - Students and Parents MACS Code of Conduct for School Advisory Councils School Advisory Council Manual: For all MACS Schools School Advisory Councils Terms of Reference School Philosophy Statement Whistleblower Policy Working Together in Mission Other School Policies Communications Policy Credit Reporting Policy Head Lice Policy School Uniform Policy Therapy Animal Policy

St Patrick's Primary School is a Catholic education provider in Kilmore, Victoria where we work collaboratively to maximise student outcomes. Transition to Secondary School Transitioning from primary school to secondary school can be a time of great emotion. Whilst some students transition to other local secondary colleges, and participate in their transition days, the majority of our students transition across to Assumption College. St Patrick's likes to ensure that its students are ready for that move by implementing a range of transition sessions and programs to assist St Patrick's Primary School prides itself on its relationship with Assumption College (ACK). That deep bond between the schools extends to our Year 6 to Year 7 transition program. Our transition program is a year-long program that includes key staff from Assumption College attending St Patrick's throughout the year, as well as regular tours and invitations to participate in Assumption College events. In 2021, the transition program was extended for Terms 3 and 4 to include a fully immersive experience where the Year 6 St Patrick's students select one of Assumption College's Year 7 subjects that interests them and attend that subject onsite at Assumption College three times per week with the Year 7 students. All Year 6 students participate in this transition program regardless of which secondary school they attend for Year 7. The program is about providing our Year 6 students with a secondary experience such as attending different classrooms for different subjects, having different teachers and participating in a different style of learning. These experiences are transferable to any secondary school setting. Assumption College provides all Year 6 students with an Assumption email address and access to the Assumption SIMON Learning Management System (LMS) at the start of the program and are emailed a booklet of subject alternatives. Students electronically select a number of subject preferences and, depending on timetabling, the student will be allocated one of their preferences. As students could be allocated any one of their preferences, families are encouraged to work with their child to ensure that the subjects that are selected are reflective of the child's interests. Our Year 6 students fully participate in whichever class they attend. The class is conducted for 75 minutes, three times a week. Students are required to complete all work set both for in the class, and outside if required. Students also participate in all class assessments. Where students are required to have a laptop, St Patrick's provides the students with those laptops. As the Year 6 students are at Assumption College for almost four hours per week, there is an adjustment to the learning expectations at St Patrick's. Students continue to participate in their regular Literacy, Maths, RE and specialist subjects. Whilst students do not participate in formal SEL or Inquiry lessons, these subjects are incorporated into the other areas of their learning. As such, SEL and Inquiry are not reported on in the Semester 2 report, however their Assumption College subject will be. The content of this part of the report depends on the subject that the student participates in. Students at St Patrick's Primary School receive a unique transition experience that we believe is not replicated anywhere else. By giving our Year 6 students six months of genuine transition in a secondary school environment, the students learn how to move around a large campus, how to find and get to and from classrooms. In addition, they receive the benefits of the experience of having different teachers each day as well as engaging with current Year 7 students, from whom they can learn from their transition experiences, which helps to reduce transition anxiety in students. At St Patrick's we pride ourselves on developing the whole child, not just their academics, and this program is another way that St Patrick's sets up our students for success into the future, regardless of the secondary school they attend in Year 7. For those students who do attend Assumption College in Year 7, the Year 7 coordinator keeps in touch with the classroom teacher and throughout the year will occasionally attend the Year 6 classrooms so that the children have the chance to ask any questions they may have and it also gives them the opportunity to get to know them. For students with need, during the Parent Support Group (PSG) sessions in Terms 2, 3 and 4 there are ACK staff participating in the meeting so parents have the opportunity to voice any concerns they may have. Class teachers also fill in a personal transition form on each child in Year 6, including information about them so that their secondary school teachers have up-to-date and relevant information about the student before they get to their secondary school.

St Patrick's Primary School is a Catholic education provider in Kilmore, Victoria where we work collaboratively to maximise student outcomes. Curriculum The Victorian Curriculum sets out what a student should learn during their Prep to Year 10 schooling years, which incorporates the Australian curriculum, but is reflective of the Victorian priorities and standards. The learning areas are as follows: The Arts, which incorporates areas such as dance, drama, media arts, music, visual arts and visual communication design; English; Health and Physical Education; Humanities, which incorporates areas such as civics and citizenship, economics and business, geography and history; Languages; Mathematics; Science; and Technologies, which incorporates areas such as design and technologies and digital technologies. The Victorian Curriculum also includes capabilities, which are skills that are taught throughout the learning areas. These are: critical and creative thinking; ethical; intercultural; and personal and social For more information about the Victorian Curriculum 2.0, go to the Victorian Currriculum and Assessment Authority website here .

St Patrick's Primary School is a Catholic education provider in Kilmore, Victoria where we work collaboratively to maximise student outcomes. Anti-bullying Bullying is a global problem that is not confined to schools. It is something that people of all ages, with all backgrounds, and in any social, educational or workplace environment may witness, be subjected to, or participate in, at any time in life. What is bullying? The national definition of bullying for Australian schools was developed by the Safe and Supportive School Communities Working Group . This national group includes all state, territory and federal education departments, as well as national Catholic and independent schooling representatives. The definition of bullying has been developed as part of the National Safe Schools Framework and can be found on the Australian Government's Student Wellbeing Hub. Bullying is an ongoing misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behaviour that causes physical and/or psychological harm. It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power over one or more persons. Bullying can happen in person or online, and it can be obvious (overt) or hidden (covert). Bullying of any form or for any reason can have long-term effects on those involved, including bystanders. Single incidents and conflict or fights between equals, whether in person or online, are not defined as bullying. What is NOT bullying? Behaviours that do not constitute bullying include: mutual arguments and disagreements (where there is no power imbalance ) not liking someone or a single act of social rejection one-off acts of meanness or spite isolated incidents of aggression, intimidation or violence. However, these conflicts still need to be addressed and resolved. Types of bullying. There are three types of bullying behaviour: Verbal bullying which includes name calling or insulting someone about physical characteristics such as their weight or height, or other attributes including race, sexuality, culture, or religion Physical bullying which includes hitting or otherwise hurting someone, shoving or intimidating another person, or damaging or stealing their belongings Social bullying which includes consistently excluding another person or sharing information or images that will have a harmful effect on the other person. If any of these behaviours occur only once, or are part of a conflict between equals (no matter how inappropriate) they are not bullying. The behaviours alone don't define bullying. Verbal, physical and social bullying can occur in person or online, directly or indirectly, overtly or covertly. Setting – in person and online Bullying can happen in person or online settings. Online bullying is sometimes called cyberbullying. Verbal, physical and social bullying can happen in person . Verbal and social bullying can happen online , as can threats of physical bullying. Specific features of online settings create additional concern for students, parents and carers, and teachers. For example, bullying someone online can potentially have an enormous audience. Research shows that children who are bullied online are often also bullied in person. This means that effectively dealing with online bullying means looking at other situations as well. Means – direct and indirect Bullying can be by direct or indirect means. Direct bullying occurs between the people involved, whereas indirect actions involve others, for example passing on insults or spreading rumours. Indirect bullying mostly inflicts harm by damaging another's social reputation, peer relationships and self-esteem. Visibility – overt and covert Bullying can be easy to see, called overt, or hidden from those not directly involved, called covert. Overt bullying involves physical actions such as punching or kicking or observable verbal actions such as name-calling and insulting. Overt, direct, physical bullying is a common depiction of bullying. (This is sometimes called 'traditional bullying'). But overt physical bullying may not be the most common type of bullying. Covert bullying can be almost impossible for people outside the interpersonal interaction to identify. Covert bullying can include repeatedly using hand gestures and weird or threatening looks, whispering, excluding or turning your back on a person, restricting where a person can sit and who they can talk with. Covert social or verbal bullying can be subtle and even sometimes denied by a person who claims they were joking or 'just having fun'. Some bullying is both covert and indirect, such as subtle social bullying, usually intentionally hidden, and very hard for others to see. This type of bullying is often unacknowledged at school, and can include spreading rumours, threatening, blackmailing, stealing friends, breaking secrets, gossiping and criticising clothes and personalities. Indirect covert bullying mostly inflicts harm by damaging another's social reputation, peer relationships and self-esteem, that is, through psychological harm rather than physical harm. Harm – physical and psychological Bullying has the potential to cause harm (although not all unwanted actions necessarily cause harm). The physical harm caused by some types of bullying is well recognised. More recently, research has confirmed that short and long term psychological harm can result from bullying. This includes the harm to a person's social standing or reducing a person's willingness to socialise through bullying (particularly covert social bullying). In fact, just the fear of bullying happening can create distress and harm. The ongoing nature of bullying can lead to the person being bullied feeling powerless and unable to stop it from happening. The effects of bullying, particularly on the mental health and wellbeing of those involved, including bystanders, can continue even after the situation is resolved. Roles in bullying The roles within bullying are: as the person being bullied as the person bullying someone else as a person who witnesses bullying happening or knows about someone being bullied. A student who is bullied in one context may do the bullying in another, and a student who sees bullying in one context may be bullied in another, as individual students may take on different roles in bullying on different days, in different circumstances or with different peers. Being bullied Bullying is not a harmless part of growing up. The most obvious and immediate effect is reducing students' participation, learning and enjoyment of school. Other impacts include physical health complaints and fatigue, mental health impacts such as depression and anxiety, and social implications including self-doubt and reluctance to participate in group activities. Many students who are bullied online are also bullied in person. Just as bullying in person can cause harm, being bullied online can lead to social, psychological and educational issues. Some research into the impacts later in life has suggested that online bullying leads to more significant negative impacts, but research asking students directly what they think at the time found the majority considered bullying in person to be more harmful. The most significant negative impacts have been reported in students who have been subject to direct and relational forms of bullying. Bullying can create high levels of social anxiety and a sense of loss of dignity and 'agency'. Agency is the sense of control a person has over what happens to them and their life, and their ability to make choices. Feeling powerless and unable to stop the bullying can lead to lasting harm. Feelings of anxiety, fear and distress about being excluded and being treated with contempt can continue away from the school setting for students who experience bullying in person or online. Bullying others The impact for students who bully others depends on whether the bullying is short-term or persists over years. Some students engage in bullying for a short time only and then stop either because they realise it is inappropriate or the school supports them to learn more appropriate behaviour . A small group of students continue to bully others over many years. Students who persistently bully others have been found to have later issues in mental health and educational outcomes, as well as showing criminal and anti-social behaviour . These outcomes do not necessarily mean their bullying behaviour results in the later outcomes and the criminal behaviour. It is possible something else in the child's attributes, environment or experience contributes to both. However, these later outcomes suggest that persistent bullying is an important warning sign of ongoing problems. Schools and parents/carers need to support those who bully others to learn more appropriate ways to get on with others and deal with conflict and social challenges. Being a bystander Students who see bullying happening can also experience negative impacts. Many students who are bystanders to bullying feel distress and anxiety about seeing something they consider to be wrong. Students can also feel distress about not knowing what to do. Students may be concerned about their own safety or potential loss of social status. They may be afraid of being bullied themselves if they say something. Students who see bullying happening to others may also doubt whether they are generally safe at school. Research shows that frequent bullying and reports by students of feeling unsafe at school are closely linked. Feeling unsafe can have a negative impact on learning and participating for all students. Some researchers suggest that bystanders are key to stopping bullying, but these students are also part of the peer group and there may well be issues for them if they speak up. Students weigh up a number of factors to decide if they should intervene, including their relationship with those involved, the apparent seriousness and impact, whether they think someone else should intervene, and their opinion of the person being bullied. More information The information provided here has come from the "Bullying, No Way!" website. For more information on bullying, please head to their website, which can be found here . St Patrick's Positive Relationships Policy can be found here , and our Cyber Safety Policy can be found here . St Patrick's have also run a number of forums on bullying and cyber safety and they can be found here: BULLYING CYBERSAFETY

St Patrick's Primary School is a Catholic education provider in Kilmore, Victoria where we work collaboratively to maximise student outcomes. Technologies In the Victorian Curriculum F–10, the Technologies includes Design and Technology and Digital Technologies. Technologies and Design Technologies and design aims to develop knowledge, understanding and skills to ensure that students: become critical users of technologies, and designers and producers of designed solutions can investigate, generate and critique designed solutions for sustainable futures use design and systems thinking to generate innovative and ethical design ideas, and communicate these to a range of audiences create designed solutions suitable for a range of contexts by creatively selecting and safely manipulating a range of materials, systems, components, tools and equipment learn how to transfer the knowledge and skills from design and technologies to new situations understand the roles and responsibilities of people in design and technologies occupations, and how they contribute to society St Patrick's prioritises the digital safety and wellbeing of the children in our care "We're a DiGii Safe School" Digital Technologies Digital Technologies provide a framework for students to learn how to use technologies to create innovative solutions that meet current and future needs. Students are encouraged to make decisions about the development and use of technologies, considering the impacts of technological change and how technologies may contribute to a sustainable future. The curriculum provides practical opportunities for students to be users, designers and producers of new technologies. In Design and Technologies, students use design thinking and technologies to generate and produce designed solutions. In Digital Technologies, students use computational thinking and information systems to analyse, design and develop digital solutions. With technology embedded across the curriculum, St Patrick's ensures students at all levels have access to appropriate devices and platforms. Students in Prep have access to a classroom set of iPads, Year 1 & 2 students have access to classroom banks of laptops. In semester two, Year 2 students are taught email and provided with their St Patrick’s school email account which will remain with them whilst they are enrolled at St Patrick’s Primary School. In Years 3 - 6, students have access to 1:1 devices. Our Year 3 students begin using Google Education accounts and become familiar with a variety of Google platforms. By Year 6 our students are competent users of technology and transition smoothly into secondary school with competent digital technology skills. All classes from Prep to Year 6 use Seesaw, providing a learning link between students, teachers and families. Our use of Seesaw enables us to connect families to see their child's work and celebrate their progress on a regular basis. Further information about ICT and Technologies can be obtained from the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority website here and the Victorian Government Education website here .

St Patrick's Primary School is a Catholic education provider in Kilmore, Victoria where we work collaboratively to maximise student outcomes. Prep 2026 Testing Bookings For Prep 2026 students, each Wednesday in February is a rest day. During these rest days, the teachers meet with their students to conduct testing. Please book this compulsory testing session using the link below. St Patrick's Primary School Kilmore asks that each new Prep 2026 student attend a one-hour testing session during one of the four rest days in February 2026. At least one parent/carer and the 2026 prep student are required to attend. The testing will take approximately 60 minutes and we ask that you arrive 5 minutes early. If your child wears glasses, please bring them along to the appointment. Please click on the link below, and use code r8jhf . Then 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. Book Testing Session

St Patrick's Primary School is a Catholic education provider in Kilmore, Victoria where we work collaboratively to maximise student outcomes. Kilmore Parish The Catholic parish of St Patrick’s, Kilmore was established in 1849 and is the oldest inland Catholic parish in Victoria. Kilmore prides itself as “Australia’s first inland town”. Founded by William Rutledge an Irish immigrant in 1841, he named the town after his family home and local Irish diocese. The Gaelic names mean burying place and big church. And so St. Patrick’s became Australia’s first inland Catholic parish in 1849, before the State of Victoria existed. Recollected history is that there was initially a chapel on Brewery Hill, at the north end of the town, built of 6ft paling slabs and a shingle roof. The gold rush meant increases of traffic though the area, and residents were quick to provide for the needs of this growing area and travellers. By 1848 a catholic school had been started and in 1851 three sites in Sutherland street were granted. With the usual government grant and donations, a stone church/school was built on the current site by 1854, but by then the parish priest Timothy O’Rourke, had ideas of a substantial church. Numerous priests, nuns, brothers and laypeople have served the tens of thousands who have come here to worship, to be educated, and to belong as members of this historic parish. The church you see today is a wonderful, visible sign of the faith that inspired those mainly Irish immigrants who flocked here in pioneering days, and was restored in 2012. Our current priest, Father Prakash Cutinha has served in the Parish since September 2020. The Kilmore Parish covers 1500 square kilometres, from Kalkallo to halfway between Broadford and Tallarook and from Strath Creek in the east to Pyalong in the west. Schools in the parish also include Assumption College and the new Our Lady of the Way at Wallan. Mass times are: Saturday - Broadford at 5:00pm - Kilmore at 6:30pm Sunday - Kilmore at 7:45am - Wallan at 9:00am - Kilmore at 10:30am The Parish House (Presbytery) is open Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 9:30am to 4:00pm. Parish secretary Caterina Bosevski is in attendance during these times. The Parish Secretary can be contacted on (03) 5782 1084 during these times or email kilmore@cam.org.au . More information about the Kilmore Parish 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. Student Leadership At St Patrick's leadership is about motivating, influencing and directing people to work together to achieve goals in accordance with the school's values and beliefs. It is important for students to experience school leadership opportunities in order to learn how to build relationships, define their identity and achieve tasks effectively. It also provides an opportunity to learn to identify and display effective communication and interpersonal skills. St Patrick's Primary School is very proud of our student leaders. These students are ambassadors who embody our school values and motto. The school offers both formal and informal leadership opportunities to our students. We hope that all of our students would think of themselves as leaders through modelling appropriate behaviour to others, helping students that need assistance, and generally exhibiting traits that walk "In the Footsteps of the Lord". However, we also have formal leadership positions, and our Year 6 students have the most significant roles to place in these positions, including School Captains, House Captains and other student leaders. School Captains School Captains are the most significant student leaders in the school. They take an active role in all aspects of the school community and work with others to achieve the best possible outcomes. They are approachable, reliable and trustworthy, and their duties involve communication with staff and students, public speaking at assemblies, school events and other community events. School Captains are positive role models for all students with regards to behaviour and presentation. House Captains A House Captains' role is to encourage all students to participate in House activities. They coordinate House events, such as the Houes points system, House lunches, and leading their respective houses in various whole-school events such as the athletics carnival. House captains are approachable and reliable and demonstrate enthusiasm for their House, thereby encouraging students to get involved in a range of school activities. Student Leaders Student leadership is open to any student in Year 6. Outside of School and House Captains, there are a range of other leadership roles, such as for ICT, Media, French, Science, Art, Library, Academic and more. The leadership group is elected from the Year 5 students during their time in Term 4. Students nominate for two leadership positions and then prepare and present a speech that is given to the Year 5 students, as well as the Year 5 staff and members of the leadership team. Students and staff vote for their preferred candidates and the ultimate decision rests with the School Principal and Deputy Principal.