THERE was a lot of colour at St Patrick’s Parish Primary School in Ballarat yesterday, as pupils and staff celebrated the day of their patron, Saint Patrick.
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School principal Mark Hogbin said St Patrick’s Day was a big event on the school calender.
In the morning pupils were entertained with a performance from the Australian Irish Dance
Company before they attended midday mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral. Mr Hogbin said it was a tradition to plant sweet peas on St Patrick’s Day as it brought good luck.
As part of their environmental science program, the grade 5/6 class planted the peas along the school’s Errard Street border.
Children took part in activities in their classrooms, including cutting out shamrocks.
The school started St Patrick’s Day celebrations on Friday with its annual walkathon around
Lake Wendouree, which is one of the school’s main fundraisers.
“All kids know when St Patrick’s Day is coming,” Mr Hogbin said.
Each year, the school focuses on teaching a different aspect of his life.
This year they spoke about how he was kidnapped by pirates at the age of 17.
Mr Hogbin said all pupils knew St Patrick’s story and each had their own favourite parts.