Principal Report

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.