St Patrick's Primary School, Cessnock aspires to empower and challenge students through the use of innovative teaching practices and wonderful learning environments equipped with modern technology and engaging facilities.
Affiliated with the Sisters of St Joseph who are pioneers of Catholic education in the Cessnock area, the school continues its mission of providing quality education within the context of Catholic faith, where the uniqueness of each individual is nurtured and valued. Our school is committed to helping the less fortunate in our community and globally through our very important ‘Social Justice’ framework that has been developed.
From the moment our students enter St Patrick’s in Kindergarten they are a part of our ‘Successful Foundations’ Early Learning Program that focuses on the importance of ‘play-based’ learning. This allows the students to transition very smoothly into the school environment.
Our teaching and Learning environment from K-6 is very well equipped with many interactive facilities and the latest technology. Our classrooms cater for a variety of learning opportunities and provide a stimulating and adaptable learning environment for all students. We have also just recently installed a very dynamic ‘Outdoor Learning Area’ for the students to work on various projects aligned with the school curriculum.
The school also boasts a newly upgraded Learning Centre for specialised intervention and extension activities. With a highly trained Learning Support Staff St Patrick’s is able to deliver a wide range of targeted intervention programs and supported sensory activities. We have a well-resourced ‘Sensory Garden’ on our grounds that provides calmness and comfort for some our students who present with low-level anxiety. To complement this area we also have a beautiful and serene reflection area referred to as; ‘The Prayerful Place’.
St Patrick's is a place where the creative and individual talents of each student is greatly appreciated, embraced and encouraged; students have the opportunity to develop, explore and express their creative abilities and potential through music, drama, dance and visual arts. St Patrick’s enters the local ‘Abermain Eisteddfod’ every year and competes in the Junior and Senior Choir sections. Many students also enter in the Verse Speaking, Bible Reading and Public Speaking sections of the competition often with resounding results.
St Patrick’s places a high emphasis on physical education participation by all students, encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle. We have a very well-developed internal and external sporting program offering a wide range of team-based sports.
Parent participation in the school community is strongly encouraged and as a result, St Patrick's has a wonderful band of helpers who come on a regular basis to assist the school. Through hard work, dedication and a commitment to ensuring that high standards are always maintained, St Patrick's has earned an excellent reputation in the local community.
Students of St Patrick's Primary School, Cessnock are encouraged to continue their Catholic education by attending St Joseph's College, Lochinvar.
