Discover St Patrick's

Choosing the right education for your child is one of the most important decisions you will ever make.

As parents, carers, or grandparents you have a choice - and the right - to offer your child the best education available.

The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle proudly hosts some of the best schools in Newcastle, Maitland, the Hunter and Upper Hunter, Lake Macquarie and Manning regions.

Catholic schools offer a unique educational experience which forms the child or young person as a person of integrity, compassion, faith and wisdom. Catholic schools also work closely with their local parish to enhance in students a capacity to make sense of their world, to make judgements and to recognise the uniqueness of others within a faith community.

Each school has a supportive community of teachers, parents, carers, P&F committees, clergy, parishioners, and support staff who work together to focus on students; encouraging success, promoting discipline, supporting creativity and instilling compassion. This means that Catholic schools don’t just teach religious studies, they seek to develop spirit, mind, body and character and cultivate Gospel values that support lives filled with joy, endeavour and hope in the future.

Each Catholic school has a commitment to focusing on each individual child’s ability, offering a unique array of educational, creative, sporting and formation opportunities for students.

Finally, Catholic schools offer peace of mind to parents; knowing they’ve made the right choice and the best investment for their child’s future. It is because of this and the many opportunities available to students that we believe choosing a Catholic education, is the right choice to make.

Why Families Choose St Patrick's

OUR CATHOLIC FAITH AND TRADITION

With a Catholic identity as its foundation, St Patrick’s Primary School, Cessnock seeks, to dedicate the task of creating a school atmosphere permeated by the Gospel spirit of freedom and love. It is an explicit aim of the school to maintain an identity inspired by the work and spirit of the Sisters of St Joseph, pioneers of Catholic education in the Cessnock area. Guided by their special charism, we continue their vision of providing quality education within the context of Catholic faith where the uniqueness of each individual is nurtured and valued. We aspire to empower and challenge students through innovative teaching practices to become lifelong learners.

St Patrick’s core school values of respect and compassion are taught in an atmosphere of love, tolerance and acceptance. In response to the perceived needs of the Catholic community of Cessnock, the first Catholic school commenced in 1887, located at Nulkaba. Over the last 10 years, St Patrick’s have undergone major building developments to expand and renew the facilities of the school. Catering for students from Kindergarten to Year 6, St Patrick’s encourages students to become inquisitive and motivated lifelong learners.

SOCIAL JUSTICE INITIATIVES

Fundamental to our school’s vision and mission is the call to be the face of Christ, through our Making Jesus Real (MJR) core values of; kindness, compassion, forgiveness and justice. Some initiatives that complement this program are visits to local nursing homes, Minnie Vinnies fundraising, support of Parish Winter & Christmas Appeals, and support of the missions through CARITAS and Catholic Missions.

MODERN FACILITIES AND TECHNOLOGY

St Patrick’s Primary School, Cessnock provides a wonderful learning environment for students, equipped with modern technology and engaging facilities. This includes a contemporary well-resourced library with a bank of 30 computers, additional banks of laptops and iPads for use by all classes and access to SMART Board technology in all teaching and learning areas. The school also boasts a Learning Centre for specialised intervention and extension activities, attractive school grounds and playing fields and interactive classrooms, which cater for a variety of learning opportunities and provide a stimulating and adaptable learning environment for students at the school.

LEARNING SUPPORT SERVICES

St Patrick’s is fortunate to have two learning support teachers and a leading teacher who provide effective support and guidance for class teachers in making adjustments for a diverse range of needs within any classroom, at grade level or across the school. The aim is for all students to have successful access and participation catering for their individual needs within the school’s teaching and learning programs and the school’s broader social and spiritual environments.

PASTORAL CARE SERVICES

St Patrick’s Primary School provides its students, staff and parents with access 5 days a week to our professional Pastoral Care Service onsite. Our Pastoral Team offer various outreach and counselling programs both internally and externally. They also provide social skills groups and initiatives to students from K-6 as well as liaising with classroom teachers and relevant school/CSO personnel.

ENCOURAGING CREATIVE PURSUITS

St Patrick’s is a place where the creative, expressive and individual talents of its students are greatly appreciated, embraced and encouraged. All students have the opportunity to develop, explore and express their creative abilities and potential through music, drama, dance and visual arts. We continually aim to broaden our students learning in Creative Arts through thoughtfully planned, sequenced and related experiences. Performing Arts, school choir, and dance classes continue to be an area of achievement for our students, especially with the school’s participation in the annual Abermain Eisteddfod. We provide opportunities for students to attend cultural events such as the diocesan ASPIRE production each year. Students also have the opportunity to participate in the bi-annual school concert, where the talents and skills of the students are showcased and in annual events, particularly at the conclusion of the school year.

OPPORTUNITIES IN SPORT

St Patrick’s has a well-developed internal and external sporting program offering a wide range of team-based sports, outdoor class lessons and physical education opportunities. Students are provided with the opportunity to represent and compete at regional, diocesan, polding, state and national level in swimming, cross country, athletics and a variety of team sports during the winter and summer season, including soccer, rugby league, tennis, basketball, netball, hockey and cricket. Students can also participate in soccer, netball and rugby league gala days. At St Patrick’s we place a high emphasis on physical education participation by all students, where a healthy, active lifestyle is encouraged. Our Year 2 students participate in a two-week intensive swimming program in Term 4 of each year.