At St Patrick’s Primary School, we acknowledge the spirituality of every child. Opportunities to nurture their spiritual growth are planned for and provided through a variety of experiences. These connect children to a faith community, give them a sense of security and belonging and remind them that they are deeply loved.
We strive to guide students toward living responsible and just lives by teaching and modelling the Gospel values of love of others through compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, advocating for justice and service to the poor and marginalised. One of the ways we do this is through our Mini Vinnies committee. Students raise money for organisations such as Caritas, and Catholic Mission Australia, and are involved with events such as the Winter Sleepout and Appeal, Socktober, and Christmas Appeal.
At St Patrick’s Primary School, we encourage students to develop their whole selves, treat others fairly and respectfully, be responsible for their actions, and follow moral and ethical principles. We strive to activate this through opportunities to celebrate and learn about the Catholic faith through Religious Education classes, daily prayer, retreats and reflection days, liturgies and Mass.
Social Justice
Social justice involves all staff and students, with the school supporting Catholic and other not-for-profit organisations. Children in Years 5 and 6 are able to join our social justice group, Mini Vinnies. Mini Vinnies support the local senior conference of the St Vincent de Paul Society through fundraising activities.
Retreats
Friendship With Jesus Stage 1 Retreat
This is a day dedicated to getting to know Jesus and building a relationship with Him. It provides our younger students opportunities to find God in their everyday lives and recognise the values of Jesus in others too.
Accedere Year 4 Retreat
Having completed the Sacraments of Initiation in Year 3, the purpose of this activity is to invite Year 4 students to a retreat day that focuses on the theme of ‘friendship in Jesus’. Developed by the CSO, this program is provided to schools to implement with their Year 4 cohort. Primary schools often engage the support of the Youth Ministry Officers (YMOs) to assist school staff in delivering the program.
Exuro Year 5 Retreat
Exuro is a Student Discipleship Retreat Day for Year 5 students held in each of the five regions of the diocese. Year 9 CSYMA student leaders facilitate small group discussions and activities. Formed parish school staff now convene these retreats.
Incitare Year 6 Retreat
A one-day retreat for Year 6 students using various group processes and student-led discussion. Students will experience faith-nurturing activities and skilling for being faith leaders in their respective schools.
CSYMA Junior Stage 3
This is a combined schools retreat day where St Patrick’s Primary School hosts a one day retreat aimed at helping students to walk with God. Following this retreat day, a weekly lunch club is offered to focus on one's own relationship with God. It is intended that this cohort of students will build capacity and feel inclined to take up a position in the secondary school Youth Ministry class using the CSYMA program.
Prayer
In nurturing a proper understanding of the role of prayer in the faith life of students, prayer focus is developed to assist age-appropriate parish school engagement in prayer experiences. The main forms of prayer that have been promoted in Catholic Education are the traditional forms and the Rosary, Awareness Examen, Lectio Divina, and the contemplative prayer of Christian Meditation.
Sacramental Programme
St Patrick’s Primary School places great importance on the Sacramental life of our students. Our school based Sacramental Programme supports parents, the first teachers of the child’s faith development, in the preparation of their children to receive the Catholic Sacraments. Students who have been baptised in a Christian faith may receive the Sacrament of Confirmation from Year 3. Students in Year 4 may receive the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. Students can choose to begin their faith journey at any time in their schooling.
