Newsletter 17 - 23rd October 2025

Thank you to those who have reached out to share your thoughts and concerns about the closure of St Patrick’s Child Care. I understand how distressing and uncertain this time has been for many families, staff, and most importantly, the children in our care. I am deeply aware of the uncertainty this brings and remain committed to supporting families through this transition.

While the decision to close the Centre was made at a systemic level by Catholic Education Tasmania, I recognise the local impact and remain committed to supporting families throughout this transition.

As many of you are aware, Catholic Education Tasmania has made the difficult decision to close the long day care program at the end of this year. This decision allows for essential building works to take place in the area currently occupied by the Centre. These works will help enhance learning spaces for our students and ensure that St Patrick’s continues to serve the Latrobe community well into the future, while remaining focused on our mission of providing high-quality, faith-based education.

Unfortunately, with the new school year approaching and construction needing to begin over summer, the Centre will not be able to operate beyond the end of 2025.

Catholic Education Tasmania and I have been working closely with Latrobe Council and the Tasmanian Government to explore options for future childcare services in the area. We are pleased to share that Lady Gowrie has expressed interest in establishing a new childcare service locally.

In positive news, the Minister for Education, Jo Palmer, announced recently that the Tasmanian Government will contribute $200,000 towards capital works to help a new childcare centre become operational in the Latrobe region by early 2026. The Minister has also confirmed that she is working with the Federal Government to help ensure continuity of childcare services for families next year.

While I know this may not suit every family, I would like to remind parents that St Patrick’s is offering priority enrolment for children currently attending the Centre to join our five-day Kindergarten program in 2026. Families who take up this option will also have access to our continuing Outside School Hours Care service.

Please note that CatholicCare’s Outside School Hours Care and Vacation Care services will continue as usual.

I want to reassure all families that we will do everything we can to support the transition to new childcare arrangements and to assist any new services being established in our community.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your situation further, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Carmen Aylott

Principal.

2025

Term 1 - Friday 7th February - Thursday 10th April 

Term 2 - Monday 28th April - Friday 4th July 

Term 3 - Tuesday 22nd July - Friday 26th September 

Term 4 - Tuesday 14th October - Wednesday 17th December (New Date)

*Student Free Days: Friday 11th April, Monday 26th May, Monday 21st July, Monday 13th October. 

(Easter - Good Friday 18th April, Easter Monday 21st April, Easter Tuesday 22nd April)

2026

Term 1 - Friday 6th February - Thursday 16th April 

Term 2 - Monday 4th May - Friday 10th July 

Term 3 - Tuesday 28th July - Friday 2nd October

Term 4 - Monday 19th October - Friday 18th December (TBC)

*Student Free Days: Friday 17th April, Monday 27th July, Friday 23rd October. 

(Easter - Good Friday 3rd April, Easter Monday 6th April, Easter Tuesday 7th April)

We’re excited to welcome families to our whole-school Athletics Carnival tomorrow, Friday, 24th October! Students from Prep to Year 6 will be participating in a range of track and novelty events throughout the day.

The day kicks off at 9:50am with Year 6 boys in the 800m and Prep students in novelty events. Students will rotate through events in their year groups, with recess and lunch breaks as usual. The carnival concludes with exciting relay races starting from 2:00pm, followed by pack-up at 2:30pm.

Families are welcome to attend and cheer on our athletes. Students can come dressed in their house colours, please bring a water bottle, hat, and wear sunscreen.

A full program of the event times are below: 

Please note: The times listed below are approximate and may be adjusted on the day.

Let’s make it a fun and active day for everyone! 

We’re thrilled to announce that a Cafe Addiction 'n More Food Truck will be joining us at the carnival with a fantastic selection of food and drinks available for purchase from 10.00am!

On the Menu:

• Roast Roll with Gravy
• Sausage Rolls
• Party Pies
• Savoury Subs
• Fresh Sandwiches
• Salad Rolls

Hot Drinks:

• Coffee
• Tea
• Hot Chocolate
• White Hot Chocolate
• Chai

Cold Drinks:

• Milkshakes
• Iced Drinks
• Spiders
• Soft Drinks
• Fruit Boxes

Valhalla Ice Cream – A variety of delicious flavours!

Come and enjoy some tasty treats while supporting our athletes.

Entry forms for the All Schools Triathlon have been sent home with students today. If your child is in Years 3 to 6 and would like to take part, please complete and return the form to the school office by Thursday, 30th October.

• Entry Fee: $25 per student
  (Please note: this cost is the responsibility of parents and will be paid via Compass once forms are returned.)

• Students can choose to compete individually or in a team event.

  • Teams can be made up of 2 or 3 participants and can be mixed.
  • If your child chooses the team option, we must receive entry forms from all team members before we can register the team.

  Once forms are returned, a Compass event will be sent to participating students for payment and confirmation.

Mersey Leven Catholic Parish 

Mersey Leven Catholic Parish is a Catholic community of many people who seek together to live and share the joy of the Gospel. 

Parish Office: 90 Stewart St Devonport

Wednesday - Friday 9am - 2pm

Phone: 036424 2783 

Email: merseyleven@aohtas.org.au

See the Parish website for more information

https://www.merseylevencatholicparish.com/