Newsletter 19th October 2022

In the spirit of Reconciliation, we acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land in which we sit, the Wadawurrung people, who have cared for this country for thousands of years.  We would like to pay our respects to the Aboriginal Elders past, present and future for they hold the traditions, memories and wisdom of Mother Earth on which we place our feet upon today.

Upcoming Dates

21st, 28th October & 4th and 11th November:                     Combined Schools Day St Mary's 

24th October:                         10.00 am Grandparents, special friends day  

31st October:                           School Closure report writing day

1st November:                        School Closure Melbourne Cup day

16th December:                      Last day of school for students 

30th January 2023:                Students first day of school

Principal's News

This past week has been a difficult for many across the state. The exceptional amount of rain with the forecast of more to come has been challenging for many towns. We keep all those communities and individuals impacted by flooding in our thoughts and prayers over the coming days.

Last Thursday I travelled to Barwon Heads to spend some time with other Ballarat Diocese Principals . We spent time with Dr Aimee Maxwell who spoke about the importance of wellbeing for all. As a group we revisted the challenges of the past 3 years, what we learnt, what we need to change and what we need to let go. Her quote –

Really struck a cord with me. How often to we hold onto things or thoughts that are not life giving. They may actually do us harm. Moving on and adapting to changing times requires us to  -

Reconcile with changes

Reconnect with the flow

Restore what’s life giving

Relinquish what isn’t

and live with Resilience.

An important thought for all of us.

Enjoy the sunshine and take a few minutes to  reflect on what you are grateful for today.

Take care,

Inez

Relationship and Sexuality Program

On Monday Jim Waight from DOBCEL conducted meetings that went through why we teach the program in our schools, how it fits with the context of our Catholic faith and the Child Safe Standards we adhere to. Thanks to the many parents that could be part of the meetings. If you couldn’t make it and would like an outline of the theme - My Body please contact the school. The program will begin this Friday. This particular unit is one of 6 themes taught as is part of ‘The Fullness of Life’ program that we have adopted this year. Please see your child’s teacher if you would like more information.

Grandparent Days

On Monday we welcomed the children’s grandparents to St. Mary’s. What a beautiful morning it was with children sharing their learning, interviewing their grandparents, all participating in a Liturgy and morning tea as well as the children singing a beautiful song to their grandparents. The weather was kind to us and many grandparents spent recess time with their grandchildren out in the yard playing and chatting. Many of our visitors shared wonderful stories about their own school days and how things have changed over time.

A huge thanks to the staff for making this special event happen, to the grandparents for making the effort to join us and the children for being so welcoming towards the visitors that came.

The smiles on everyone’s faces was heart-warming. It was a very special occasion that all enjoyed.

The children and staff at St. Brendan’s are busy preparing for their visitors next Monday.

AGMs 2022

Save the date!! I have put in the dates for the Annual General Meetings for this year. St. Brendan’s will be on Tuesday the 22^nd of November at 7pm and St. Mary’s is Tuesday the 15^th of November at 7pm. All are welcome. It is a time to reflect, celebrate all that we have achieved over the past year.

Wine and nibbles will be provided so come along and join us for an hour.

4 day weekend for families

A reminder that Monday the 31^st of October is a school closure day for both schools. Staff will be working writing reports and planning. The Tuesday is Melbourne Cup. I know some families take this opportunity to have a break before the real busyness of the end of the year really sets in.

Combined Schools Days

Once again, thank you to everyone for supporting the CSDs. The children and staff really enjoy them and the children are really settling into the routine of the days.

We will be at St. Mary’s for the next 4 Fridays. Remember, the days are in the school calendar which all can access.

The warmer weather is something to be grateful for and seems to lift everyone’s spirits. Our schools are buzzing and everyone appears positive and happy. Children are settled and it is a time of getting on with things, learning and enjoying each other’s company.

Uniforms – Hats

Term 4 means that children should be wearing their summer uniform and hats are needed for outside play. It is easier if children leave their hats at school, rather than take them home each day. Teachers will collect the hats on Thursdays to take over for combined school days.

The warmer weather also means that the UV rays are stronger. As we a Sun Smart schools, we encourage all children to come to school with sunscreen already applied however, it will be available at school for the children to use. If your child has sensitive skin and requires their own sunscreen, please let the teachers know and if possible, send along their own sunscreen.

It is also that children bring a water bottle to school each day to stay hydrated, especially as the weather gets warmer. 

The uniform policy is attached. 

Closure day

A heads up that there will be a pupil free day on Monday the 31^st of October, providing families with a 4-day weekend. Melbourne Cup is on the Tuesday. Once again, this is in the school calendar which you can access on the school website and your Schoolzine app.

School Fees

Just a reminder regarding school fees.  As per our School Fees Policy all school fees must be finalised by the 30th November of the current school year.  If you are experiencing difficulty in managing your school fees please make an appointment to discuss with Inez. 

Junior News

WHEN I GET OLDER……

We had lots of fun dressing up today.  Some of the children even asked if we can do it again, and someone asked if we could do it every day!!! What do the Juniors want to be when they get older…..

Simon everywhere App update

Damascus information evenings for 2024 commencement

Loreto Open Day