PARTNERING WITH PARENTS
Community
At St. Patrick’s Catholic School, we respect the essential role that parents play as the first and ongoing nurturers and educators of their child. We believe that, by partnering with families, this meaningful relationship enhances the possibilities for each child, promoting their engagement, achievement, and overall wellbeing.
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We work closely with families and the wider community to support each child’s unique learning journey. Through collaboration, we create and strengthen safe, nurturing environments where children can grow.
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We focus on fostering positive relationships with parents to ensure that students thrive not only academically but also in all areas of life. As mentors and partners, we guide each child through their individual learning experiences, contributing together to their spiritual, emotional, social, and cognitive development.
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Building strong relationships is at the heart of our educational approach, focusing on the holistic development of the child, encouraging progress, motivation for learning, and the importance of a supportive home and community environment for learning.
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We truly value this community partnership and understand that family and community engagement has the greatest impact when parents and carers are actively involved as co-educators of their children and when the entire school community works strategically toward shared goals.
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Families are encouraged to engage in their child’s learning by attending various school events such as Masses, Liturgies, the Art Show, the Concert, the school fete, information evenings and a variety of Sacramental evenings. These events provide fantastic opportunities for students to proudly showcase what they have been learning. These events not only celebrate the hard work and accomplishments of our students but also strengthen the connection between the school and families. We encourage all families to participate and be part of these special occasions, as they play an important role in supporting the success of our students' learning experiences.
School Advisory Council
School Advisory Councils (SAC) play a vital role in the governance and operation of Catholic schools within the Archdiocese of Melbourne. They serve as a forum for consultation and participation, bringing together the parish and school communities.
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The new governance structure was developed through a consultation process involving priests, principals, and parents, highlighting the critical roles of the parish priest and principal in leading the school’s mission, with the support of the School Advisory Council.
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The School Advisory Council (SAC) provides a structured platform to:
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Facilitate the discussion and development of educational policies and planning, including curriculum and the physical environment at St. Patrick’s.
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Offer advice and guidance to the Parish Priest and School Principal on matters specific to the St. Patrick’s community.
Foster communication and collaboration with other parish groups connected to the school.
The SAC meets regularly throughout the year, and its members serve a two year term.
Parents are encouraged to take an active interest in the SAC and its activities. Meeting details are shared in the school newsletter, and a summary of the minutes from each meeting is published to keep the community informed.
Parent and Friends
The St. Patrick's Parent & Friends Association (PFA) offers parents the opportunity to become actively involved with the school through social and fundraising events. PFA events include Welcome Nights,the school fete, Mother's and Father's Day stalls and breakfasts, the Easter raffle, a variety of special school lunches for students the Colour Run, as well as raising funds through raffles and other activities.
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The PFA plays an important role in supporting the school’s future development by providing funding for the general maintenance of school buildings, school equipment, and curriculum resources.
The PFA is a vibrant and welcoming group of parents, meeting once each term. Details and information about upcoming events and activities are shared in the school newsletter.
Membership of the Association is open to all parents and staff of St. Patrick's Primary School and we encourage new members to join. Please email pandf@spmurrumbeena.catholic.edu.au if you would like more information or would like to join the group.