Yesterday, our St Patrick's School staff attended our Staff Commissioning Mass at St Patrick’s Church. A big thank you to Father Olek and the Croydon Park Parish community for hosting us, blessing our staff and commissioning both returning and new members for the year ahead.

This year’s Commissioning Mass also coincided with the parish’s Lunar New Year celebrations, making the occasion an especially joyful gathering for the church community.

We are grateful to begin 2026 together in faith, service and community.

You are warmly invited to the Official Opening of the St Patrick’s Garden
Sunday 15 March, following the 8:30am Family Mass

We are delighted to celebrate the completion of the St Patrick’s Garden—a special space created for prayer, reflection, and community.

Following Mass, we will gather in the garden for a short opening ceremony, including:

• A blessing of the garden by our priest
• Ribbon-cutting by two parishioners:
  • Our longest?serving parish member
  • Our youngest invited parish member
• Morning tea and a BBQ to follow

We look forward to celebrating this beautiful new space together as a parish community.

For more information please contact the school front office. 

Walking Together at St Pat's Family Evening - Wednesday 11 February

Join us for our Walking Together at St Pat's Family Evening and Meet the Teacher Night on Wednesday, 11 February. 
Parents and caregivers are warmly invited to meet their child’s teacher and hear about the learning year ahead.

More details to come. 

Open Morning - Thursday 27th November

We will have an Open Morning on Thursday, 27th November at 9:30am. This event is for new families who want to learn about St Patrick’s School.

Visitors will enjoy a school tour and morning tea with our new Principal, Mrs Catherine O’Dea.

Current families: Please share this news with friends or relatives who may want to join our school.

We look forward to welcoming new families!

RSVP here: School Tour Enquiry, St Patrick's School

Event Details

Date: Thursday, 27th November
Time: 9:30 AM
Location: 33a Dudley Street, Mansfield Park, SA

• School Tour & Morning Tea with our new Principal, Mrs Catherine O’Dea
• Learn about our Little Paddy’s Transition Program
• Special Offer: All new enrolments on the day will receive a St Patrick’s school shirt and hat
• Now accepting enrolments for 2026 - secure your child’s place early!

Why Choose St Patrick’s?

At St Patrick’s Mansfield Park, every child is supported, known, and encouraged to grow.
Here’s what makes our school special:

• A strong community where families are valued
• Our guiding motto: “In All Things Love”
• A welcoming environment with caring, dedicated staff
• Plenty of room to play
• Exciting new upgrades coming in 2026

We’re proud to offer a safe, positive, and inspiring environment where children thrive academically and socially.

Spread the Word

Please share this invitation with friends, neighbours, and families who may be looking for a welcoming, community-focused school.

Contact Us:

• 08 8303 4500
• info@stpatsmp.catholic.edu.au
• Visit our website
• RSVP Here: https://www.stpatsmp.catholic.edu.au/school-tour-enquiry.html 

NATSICC National Assembly 2025

I was invited to attend the NATSICC National Assembly this year, thanks to the generous support of CESA and St Patrick’s School. The Assembly is a gathering of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholics, together with those who walk alongside us in faith, to celebrate the unique gifts First Australians bring to our Catholic Church.

The theme Pilgrims of Hope deeply resonated with me. It reminded me that as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, our faith journey is one of strength, resilience, and deep spirituality. Walking together in faith and culture, we continue to share hope and healing within our Church and wider community.

PHOTO - The first photo is of myself and Stan Grant, journalist/author.  The second photo is of Geoff Aufderheide, Sue Coghlan, Sharee McNamara(CESA), Amey Lekkas (Cardijn College).

Sandra Hartley

5/6SH Teacher