Term 4, Week 8 2024

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

THANK YOU

It is with great joy that we acknowledge and thank God for the many blessings bestowed on us throughout 2024. This year has seen St Patrick’s Lochinvar change and grow in many ways. Our school is a community, and as such, all within the community work tirelessly to enhance our school. From our focus on Religious Education and the Catholic Identity of St Patrick’s to our achievements in Teaching and Learning across the curriculum and our successes in Wellbeing, St Patrick’s Lochinvar staff strive every day to support the children, parents and community we serve.

A school is made up of many people and I would like to pay tribute to all within St Patrick’s who make this school the amazing place that it is. My normal desire would be to name every staff member, however considering we have 66 staff members, that is impractical.

Thank you to our Leadership Team who have planned and kept our focus of improvement on track all year. To our teaching staff, including our classroom teachers, LSTs, EALD, ATSI, Intervention teachers and RFF teachers, thank you for loving and caring for our students and thank you for your dedication in teaching our students every day. Thank you to our support staff including LSAs, Library assistants, ASW, NCCD admin staff, PCW, canteen supervisor along with our clerical and ground staff- thank you for all you do. We are a team of people working together for a common purpose.

Thank you to our Year 6 leaders for 2024. You have supported our school so well and you have always been ready to step up when required. To all of our students, thank you for your joy for learning, your friendship and for being WEST people. Thank you for your cooperation and loyalty to our school and respect for your teachers. 

To our parents and grandparents, thank you for your support and engagement in the many opportunities you have had throughout the year to come along to the school in support of your children and grandchildren. A special thank you to Daisy, Bel, Krista, Toiha and Jess in the work you have done within the P&F in 2024.

I want to extend special gratitude to our friends, the Sisters of St Joseph who are such an important element of the fabric of our school. Our school is enriched by our history and our connection to the Josephite Sisters who founded the school in 1883. We celebrate this connection and adopt the Josephite values within our community to respect and care for each other.

On a personal level, I’d like to sincerely thank everybody for a wonderful year. The pinnacle of my teaching career has been this year, leading St Patrick’s Lochinvar as your Principal and I thank you all for this privilege and for working together in achieving all we have achieved.

I pray the following Advent blessing upon you during this special time of preparation for Christmas:

Heavenly Father, fill our hearts with the joy that comes from knowing your love. May we rejoice in the good news of salvation and share that joy with others during this season of Advent. Bless us as we move closer to your coming at Christmas. Amen.

I wish you all a blessed Christmas and a safe and happy holiday season. 

God Bless.

With best wishes,
Dennis Nolan
Principal

CALENDAR EVENTS 

RE NEWS

VINNIES CHRISTMAS APPEAL 2024

I am glad to have to opportunity to share that our Vinnies Christmas Appeal for 2024 was a great success. Given the very short timeframe for the appeal, we have been blown away by the generosity of our school community!

We have raised $1070 through this appeal. These donations will go directly to St Vincent de Paul to help bring joy to families in need during the Christmas period.

If you would like more information around this appeal and how the donations will be used, please head to the link below.

ORGANISATION AND MANAGEMENT

STAFFING 2025

Staff changes for next year:

We farewell and thank the following staff members for their contribution to St Patrick’s:

Erin Saxby- Erin has been appointed as Primary Coordinator at St Aloysius Chisholm. We wish Erin all the very best for the next steps in her career and thank her for her contribution to St Patrick’s

Tahlia Tuckwell- We wish Tahlia all the very best for the next steps in her career and thank her for her contribution to St Patrick’s

Lucie Fuller- We wish Lucie all the very best for the next steps in her career and thank her for her contribution to St Patrick’s

Megan Redman- Megan will be on maternity leave in 2025

Rebecca Mawhinney- We wish Beck all the very best for the next steps in her career and thank her for her contribution to St Patrick’s

Sue Hawke, Bettina O’Heir and Jane Mahony are retiring – see below for more information and reflections

We welcome the following new staff members to St Patrick’s:

Niamh Marzol- Principal
Declan Parr- full time temporary teacher
Sarah Orrett- full time temporary teacher
Ashleigh Grach (returning)- 0.3 teacher
Joanne Standing- 0.3 teacher
Celine Lees- 0.6 teacher
Tiffany Nolan- Learning Support Teacher- 0.6
Liz Allen- clerical role- Mondays and every second Tuesday

Congratulations to the following staff members who have been appointed to permanent contracts at St Patrick’s:

Matthew Perkins- full-time teacher
Tracee Cinello- full-time teacher
Elissa Pryke- full-time teacher
Carley Whitehouse- 0.7 teacher
Chris Devorsine- full- time ATSI teacher
Ethan Callinan- 0.4 teacher
Eliza O’Neil- 21 hours/ week- Aboriginal Support Worker
Sally Hawes- 0.4- EALD

Congratulations to the following staff members who have been appointed to permanent leadership positions next year, supporting the other leadership team members listed in the table below:

Cassie Dennis- Primary Coordinator
Chloe Williams- Primary Coordinator
Helena Powell- DIAL Coordinator

Changes in role:

Debbie Jordan will be moving from a classroom teacher role to an Intervention teacher in 2025- 0.6

Sarah Abrahamse is working in a full-time capacity as a classroom teacher

Sarah Richards will job-share with Amy Shakespeare in a 0.5 capacity and work on 2Y every Tuesday releasing Tracee Cinello for the GEM role. This will give Sarah 0.7 as she has been during 2024

Evelyn Covita has increase capacity (0.2)

Chris Gabrielides- Chris will be working in a 0.3 capacity at St Patrick’s Lochinvar and a 0.5 capacity at St Joseph’s Lochinvar. As such, a 0.5 Psychologist will be appointed by the CSO during the upcoming holiday period

Other information:

Another Learning Support Assistant will be employed in 2025 for 20.5 hours per week. Interviews for this position will take place during week 10.

STUDENT LEADERSHIP- 2025

During our thanksgiving Liturgy on Monday 9^th December, we formally introduced our 2025 student leaders, and they are listed below:

MJR leaders:

• Amelia Haines

• Josie Lawler

Social Justice leaders:

• Ned Cunningham
• Divya Kaur

Stewards of Creation leaders:

• Eloise Lucas
• Addyson Wither

Engaging Community leaders:

• Ellen Booth
• Patrick Monk

House Leaders for 2025:

Dirkin:

• Max Crowther
• Kiarna Marko

MacKillop:

• Mia Akhil
• Scarlett Crouch

Murray:

• Chester Haile
• Sam Horan

Tenison:

• Maxwell Anderson
• Monique Traub-Rehm

Junior AECG Leaders for 2025:

• Lilly Carter
• Rhylan Thorn

We will formally commission our 2025 Leaders next year at our opening mass.

THANK YOU AND FAREWELL

FAREWELL AND THANK YOU TO OUR RETIRING STAFF

We farewell three staff members this year, all of whom will be retiring. They are Mrs Sue Hawke, Mrs Bettina O’Heir and Mrs Jane Mahony. Below are the reflections read at our Thanksgiving Liturgy on Monday relating to our 3 retirees.

MRS SUE HAWKE- written by Mrs Jordan

This morning, I have the privilege of recognising and thanking Mrs Sue Hawke for her many years of dedicated service to our school community – 41 years’ worth in fact.

Sue has been associated with our school since 1988, and formally employed by the Catholic Schools Office since 1989.

During her time at St Patrick’s, Sue has worn many hats. While she is currently employed as our hard-working, efficient cleaner, her role and influence at our school has been much more far-reaching.

Over the years Sue has given her time and shared her skills and expertise as a parent, a grandparent, a gardener, and our canteen supervisor. She has generously cared for our chickens, supervised interested students in gardening groups, helped other students create clever craft constructions, baked delicious treats for staff shared lunches, worked with Mai-Wel to train and mentor groups of young people to help them gain access to the workforce, and offered sincere and caring friendship to others, always with a listening ear and sound advice.

Whatever the role, Sue undertakes her work in a quiet understated way, exemplifying commitment and dedication. She doesn’t look for applause or accolades. Rather, in the spirit of Mary MacKillop, she sees what needs to be done and sets to work to fill that need.

Our school community has been made richer by your presence Sue and today we publicly recognise your work and offer our sincere thanks for all that you have done for us at St Patrick’s. Going forward, we wish you every happiness, and hope that our paths continue to cross. We sincerely thank you, Sue.

MRS BETTINA O’HEIR- written by Mrs Lawler

Today, we celebrate and honour someone who has been a vital part of the St Patrick’s community for the last 16 years: our dear colleague and friend, Bettina. Her journey with Lochinvar, however, began long before this, as a student at St Joseph’s High School. It seems only fitting that her career has come full circle, leaving a lasting legacy in a place so close to her heart.

Bettina has spent decades championing the belief that “Everybody has a place in this world, and everyone will find their place—we just have to help them get there.” These are not just words for Bettina; they are the foundation of her work. She has tirelessly ensured that St Patrick’s is an inclusive environment, where every child, every family, and every teacher feels valued.

The work wasn’t always easy. Bettina walked alongside families during their most challenging times—offering optimism, truth, and unwavering support. She celebrated each milestone, no matter how small, recognising the incredible journey of growth for students and teachers alike. For so many, she was the quiet but constant presence that saw them through the hardest moments with compassion and care.

As a colleague, Bettina has been a mentor and role model to so many of us. Her wisdom, encouragement, and quiet brilliance have shaped not only the students but also the teachers here at St Patrick’s. Her reputation extends far beyond our walls, with many at the Catholic Schools Office referring to her as “the best in the business.”

Bettina, the legacy you leave behind is one of awareness, authenticity, and accountability—a legacy that will continue to guide us in how we teach and support our students. Your work has touched the lives of so many, and there are countless students, past, present and future, who will feel the impact of your dedication. What you have built here at St Patrick’s will not only endure but inspire us to carry forward the values you’ve embodied so wholeheartedly.

On behalf of all of us—teachers, students, and families—we thank you. Thank you for your dedication, your wisdom, and your unwavering belief in the potential of all of us.

MRS JANE MAHONY- written by Ms Virgona

Today, we come together to celebrate a very special person who has been a part of our St. Patrick’s family for the past 13 years — Mrs Mahony. Her story is one of determination, passion, and a sprinkle of magic.

Mrs Mahony began her teaching adventure later in life, leaving behind a career in finance to follow her true passion. After becoming a full-time university student, she graduated and started teaching at different schools. But it was here, at St. Patrick’s, where she truly found her home.

On her first day in 2011, she was welcomed with open arms by Mr Nolan and Mr Treloar, our principal at the time. From job-share positions to having her own class, Mrs Mahony has taught many of you, filling her classroom with warmth, humour, and learning. She has touched countless lives with her unique ability to connect with everyone she meets.

One of her famous sayings is, "There are no mistakes in art." This phrase has inspired many budding artists among us. Mrs Mahony’s love for art, especially the works of Matisse, has shown us that every effort has value. And who could forget her love for coffee? A happy Mrs Mahony is one with a cup of coffee in hand!

Not only is she a wonderful teacher, but she’s also an avid reader. She has shared the magic of stories with her students, from the enchanting world of Harry Potter to the hilarious adventures of Mr Stink by David Walliams. Her sense of humour and ability to connect with students, parents, and colleagues have brought countless smiles to our faces.

To her supportive family — her husband, Steve, children, and now beautiful grandchildren — thank you for sharing her with us and allowing her to follow her dream.

And to you, the students she’s taught, both past and present, Mrs Mahony has cherished every moment with you. Your laughs, discussions, and unique perspectives have been invaluable to her.

As we say farewell, let’s remember the joy and wisdom she has imparted. Mrs Mahony, we wish you all the best in your retirement. Enjoy many more novels, cups of coffee, and adventures.

So here’s to you, Mrs Mahony — a teacher, a mentor, and a friend. Remember, “There are no mistakes in art.” Let’s take this moment to appreciate the masterpiece of her career in teaching.

FAREWELL MESSAGE FROM MRS O'HEIR

Looking back with much love…

At the end of this term, I will retire with mixed feelings from a teaching career which began 40 years ago and has filled my life with love and joy.  I have been blessed with the opportunity to work with children, helping them to learn, grow and flourish, which in turn has been enriching and rewarding. 

All of my teaching experiences have been in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, beginning with nine years of full-time teaching followed by part-time/casual work until 2008. I was committed to making learning a positive, inclusive experience for children with challenges and prepared for my future role as a Learning Support Teacher by completing a Master of Special Education.  For the past 15 years, it has been a privilege to be a Learning Support Teacher at St Patrick’s Lochinvar.

I will always be extremely grateful to Peter Treloar, Jacqui Wilkinson and Dennis Nolan for trusting me to fulfill the role according to my beliefs. In those early years, Learning Support relied on parent volunteers for reading and donated toys for Lunch Club. We achieved so much for so many children with “love and fresh air”. It takes a team of people to support learning, and I have worked with the very best of people: teachers, learning support teachers, intervention teachers, learning support assistants, pastoral care workers and psychologists.  Thank you! 

I cherish the journey that Learning Support has taken me on with families and would like to honour the families who I have worked with at St Patrick’s, for your faith in me and your support.  Your children are very dear to me, and I will always treasure my memories of them. I really do hope that we found a way to help your children thrive.

Bettina O’Heir

FAREWELL MESSAGE FROM MRS MAHONY

I was in my 40’s when my teaching journey began – jumping from a career in finance to being a full-time university student. After four years of essay writing, assignments and placements, I graduated in 2009. Over the next few years, I did casual teaching at a number of state and catholic schools in the area.

My first casual teaching day at St Patrick’s was in late 2011. I was welcomed at the gate by Dennis Nolan and Peter Treloar. The warmth and feel I got as I entered the school on that day will remain with me forever.

Fast forward to 2024, where I’m looking back at my time spent here at St. Patrick’s. I’ve taught in job-share positions as well as having classes of my own. I’m extremely thankful for the staff I have worked with during this time, many of whom I now call friends, not just work colleagues.

Thank you to the many families I have had the pleasure of meeting, for the support you have shown towards your child’s education, and to me as their teacher.

To my own family – my husband, children (and, now, grandchildren) - thank you for allowing me to pursue my dream of becoming a teacher. Your love and support have meant the world to me.

Finally, to the students I’ve taught over the past 13 years. I have loved every single minute - the laughs, the discussions, the way you have opened my eyes to look at something in a completely different way. I’m going to miss you all. Dream big, and remember, you can achieve anything.

Jane Mahony

FAREWELL MESSAGE FROM MRS HAWKE

I have spent the last 41 years as a member of the St Patrick’s community as a parent, a grandparent and as a staff member in a number of roles, including canteen supervisor, gardener and cleaner.  

It has been a privilege to work with many staff over the years and to be able to connect with the students with them greeting me fondly each morning, as well as having been able to share my love of craft with them over the years.

While I will no longer be employed by the Catholic Schools Office, my position as cleaner will continue in a new capacity with Ventia so I will still be part of the community moving forward.   

Sue Hawke

FAREWELL MESSAGE FROM MRS SAXBY

Mrs Saxby has been appointed Primary Coordinator at St Aloysius Chisholm, commencing next year.

As I prepare to say goodbye to the St Patrick’s community, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude and reflection. For the past 13 years, I have had the honour of being both a parent and a teacher at this wonderful school. I am grateful to have watched both of our children thrive in this community and have taught so many exceptional students. During this time, I have seen the extraordinary transformation of our humble log cabin school to the modern and dynamic environment we now enjoy. Our students are very lucky!

It has been a privilege to work alongside dedicated colleagues, supportive parents, and, most importantly, inspiring students. Each of you have contributed to making my experience here truly memorable and one that I will forever hold in a special place in my heart. As I move forward to my next adventure at St Aloysius, I carry with me the lessons learned, memories created, and beautiful friendships. Thank you for your support and kindness. I will always look back on my time here with great fondness.

God Bless
Mrs Saxby

IMPORTANT MESSAGES FOR PARENTS

REPORTS

Semester 2 reports will be available via Compass from Monday 16th December 2024. Should you wish to discuss your child’s report with the class teacher/s please contact them via admin@lochinvarsp.catholic.edu.au

WHOLE SCHOOL OVERVIEW- END OF YEAR AWARDS

The Mary MacKillop Award for Excellence:

This award is presented to one child each year who has demonstrated commendable qualities of faith, respect, compassion and leadership. The recipient of this award can come from any grade from Kinder to Year 6.

Andrew Crawford (Year 6) received this award:

Throughout his schooling life, Andrew has consistently shown a remarkable ability to integrate faith and action. Whether through quiet acts of kindness, or offering support to classmates in need, he exemplifies the essence of selfless service.

His compassion shines through in every interaction, demonstrating a great understanding of the importance of supporting the wellbeing of others.

Andrew has proven time and again his respect, pride and connection to our school community. He shows this by staying behind to help pack up the classroom, preparing to lead in whole school assemblies, taking part and leading in the school band or supporting the Stewards of Creation every morning.

He actively participates in school events, upholds the values of respect and inclusivity, and leads by example in creating an environment where everyone feels valued. His ability to foster genuine relationships with peers and teachers alike speaks to his heart for community, and he is often a source of encouragement to others.

This award serves as a testament to Andrew’s character, and we are certain that he will continue to live these values with grace and commitment in all he does.

Congratulations, Andrew, on this well-deserved recognition. We are proud to have you as a part of our school community.

YEAR 6 GRADUATION- FRIDAY 13/12

The Year Six Graduation Liturgy and dinner will be held on Friday, December 13th.

The Graduation will take place at East Cessnock Bowling Club (ECBC) commencing with a Liturgy at 5:30pm followed by dinner and further formalities of the Graduation. Year 6 students and their parents are attending the Graduation. We look forward to a wonderful evening together.

STEP UP DAY- MONDAY 16/12

Students will move up to the next classroom with their allocated class group for 2025.

YEAR 6 CLAP OUT- WEDNESDAY 18/12

Time: 2.30pm

Detail: Staff and students in Years K-5 will assemble on the path leading from the canteen to the administration building (within the school), and from the administration building to the carpark (outside the front entrance), effectively creating a ‘tunnel.’

Parents and family members are invited to gather in single file along the concrete path which runs outside the black fence and connects the administration building at the front of the school to the base of the hall car park off Gregory Rd.

The Year 6 students will continue their procession along the path, being celebrated by their loved ones as they go, completing their journey at the end of the path, where their Year 6 teachers will be waiting to meet them to escort them, through the carpark, to the hall.

Following the procession, parents will be asked to collect their Year 6 child from the hall carpark gate and;

1. Promptly leave the school site or
2. Move to usual dismissal points to collect siblings.

CURRICULUM NEWS

YEAR 4 SCIENCE

MAKERS AND MINERS

LIBRARY NEWS

VIVACE PERFORMANCE

On Monday 2nd December our school band (rock) performed at Newcastle’s City Hall in an Aspire Band Showcase. An amazing experience for them to play music on a theatre stage in front of a large audience, with a professional sound crew.  They showed their outstanding musical abilities and professionalism that were beyond their years.

Each member has demonstrated their dedication through attending practice each week, assemblies on Fridays, Masses and attending other school events. At our recent assembly these students received an ‘Excellence in Music’ award for their contribution to our school. Our school is extremely proud of these students. (Jane Kleinman- band coordinator)

Band members: 
Drums – Allan Shinoy,
Guitars- Oliver McNally, Andrew Crawford, Patrick Monk, Ava Tiedeman, Grayson Himberger,
Keyboards -Parker Christian, Kiarna Marko

P&F EXECUTIVE POSITIONS 2025

On Wednesday evening 4/12/24, the outgoing P&F team – Daisy Farmer, Belinda Rodd, Krista Lawler, Jessica Wieland and Toiha Knight were thanked for their wonderful support and dedication throughout 2024. Three members of the current executive will be returning in 2025 along with some new members. 2025 will be the final year of P&F groups within schools. From 2026, all schools will revert to the FACE (Family and Community Engagement) model.

2025 P&F:

President- Toiha Bonser
Vice President- Daisy Farmer
Treasurer- Allison Smith
Secretary- Jessica Wieland/ Clare Monk
Federation Delegate- Kristy McNally

ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER NEWS

SPORT NEWS

CRICKET

Congratulations to Amandi De Silva who has been selected in the Girls Diocesan Cricket Team. Amandi progressed to the Girls Polding Cricket Team on December 4th and has been selected in the Polding Cricket Team. Amandi will now trial for the NSWPSSA Cricket Team in 2025. We wish Amandi the best of luck.

BASKETBALL

Congratulations to Maxwell Anderson who has been selected in the Diocesan Basketball Team. Maxwell will head to Tamworth early next year to trial for the Polding Basketball Team. We wish Maxwell the best of luck.

AFL

On Wednesday 11^th December, Catholic Schools NSW held the Inaugural Sport Awards for 2024 at the SCG. One of the awards that is presented is the NSWCPS Maroon Award, this award is given to a student who has been outstanding in their sport in 2024. Congratulations to Phoenix Russell who has received this award for her performance and efforts in Australian Football. This is what the presenters had to say about Phoenix:

Phoenix Russell has demonstrated outstanding leadership, skill, and dedication in Australian Football throughout 2024. As a captain and standout player, Phoenix has shown exceptional ability both on and off the field, earning recognition for her leadership and athleticism at the state and team levels.

Phoenix’s 2024 journey was highlighted by her role as Captain of the NSW AFL Primary School Sapphire Team. Her leadership and commitment to fostering team cohesion were pivotal to the team’s success, earning her the admiration of her teammates and coaches. Phoenix’s ability to inspire her peers and lead by example set her apart as a true leader in the sport.

As Co-Captain of the NSWPSSA Team, Phoenix further showcased her tactical understanding, strategic thinking, and determination. Her contributions to the team’s performance earned her recognition as a top-four performer, underscoring her ability to excel in high-pressure situations and rise to the challenges of elite competition.

Phoenix’s passion for Australian Football is matched by her broader commitment to sport. She captained the Maitland Saints Team to a Premiership in 2024, demonstrating her dedication and teamwork at the club level. Her success across multiple sports highlights her athleticism, versatility, and drive to perform at her best.

Phoenix’s achievements in Australian Football are a testament to her hard work, resilience, and love for the game. Her leadership qualities, sportsmanship, and ability to inspire those around her make her a role model for her peers and an asset to every team she represents.

It is with great pride that Phoenix Russell is awarded the NSWCPS Maroon Award for Excellence in Australian Football. This recognition celebrates her extraordinary accomplishments, her leadership on and off the field, and her contribution to the sport. Phoenix’s journey exemplifies the values of teamwork, perseverance, and excellence, inspiring future generations of athletes to follow in her footsteps.

GALA DAY

On Friday 22nd November a group of Stage 3 students travelled to Maitland Hockey Centre to participate in a gala day. The students engaged in several warmup drills, followed by playing four games against the other attending schools. It was a hot day but it was lots of fun! Thank you to all the parents for ensuring your child was dropped off and picked up safely, and to Mr Crich for organising. 

PARENTING PAGE

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