Dear Families,

The signs of autumn are everywhere around us now with the leaves beginning to turn and weather beginning to cool dramatically, particularly this weekend! It feels as though we may have missed autumn altogether and now suddenly winter is knocking on the door.

School Uniform

This week at assembly, I reminded the children about our uniform policy, in particular the change from Summer to Winter uniform and that we do not mandate which uniform should be worn in which term as long as its either the full winter or full summer uniform. All we ask is that a “common sense” approach to the wearing of the uniform, particularly on days of extreme weather. Please refer to the "School Uniform" page further in the newsletter for additional details.

Whole School Excursion

We are all getting very excited for our whole school excursion to Healesville Sanctuary next Friday 12th May. If you haven’t done so already, please check the Operoo form for all details and to grant permission for your child to attend. We only have capacity to take one parent per class, we thank all those parents who volunteered. Please note, the school office will be closed next Friday as Kerry will also be attending, but the school phone will be diverted to her mobile for emergencies.

School Information & Open Evening

On Wednesday 10th May, we will be holding a School Information & Open Evening for any prospective families. The evening will begin with some information sharing, followed by school tours conducted by our staff and students. There will also be a light supper provided as well as an opportunity to speak with staff, and current students and families. Please feel free to pass this information onto neighbours, friends, relatives. They will need to register their attendance prior to the evening by calling the school office on 9803 6828 or via email office@hsvs.catholic.edu.au.

Enrolments open for 2024

Enrolments for 2024 are currently open! If you have a younger child who turns 5 before 30 April 2023, please come and see Sherridan or Kerry in the office for an enrolment form. Also, if you know of anyone else in the community with a child the same age, pass on our contact details– we would love to give them a tour of our fabulous school! At Holy Saviour, every other day is Open Day!

Illnesses

As we move into the cooler months and with COVID still present within the community, please ensure your child stays home if unwell. Should you require a RAT test we have boxes at school, as well as quite a number of boxes of children’s face masks. Please feel free to come and pick these up from the office.

Mother’s Day Breakfast

On Monday 15th May, we are inviting all children to celebrate Mother’s/Special Friends Day by having breakfast and being involved in some fun activities at school with their mum/special friend. If for some reason the children’s mother cannot attend the breakfast, then we encourage them to invite a significant other female such as their grandmother, aunty or a family friend etc. Breakfast will begin at 7:30am and run through until approximately 9:30am. In order to assist with catering, we ask you to complete this form by Wednesday 10th May.

Vinnies CEO Sleepout

On Thursday 22nd June, I’m undertaking a personal fundraising project – the 2023 Vinnies CEO Sleepout, which this year will be my 5th sleepout. Held nationally, the event is attended by CEOs, business executives and community leaders, and involves sleeping on a piece of cardboard for a cold night during winter to raise funds and awareness for people experiencing homelessness and poverty.

But the Vinnies Sleepout has always been more than just a fundraiser – the annual event brings together leaders who are well positioned to help address some of the issues that many vulnerable Victorians face. And this year it is more important than ever. With prices increasing, homelessness is rising. There are more families on the streets than any other time in recorded history. Many of them are children. These families need our urgent support. Many families can't even afford food right now, let alone rent or buy a house.

The biggest way you can support the Vinnies CEO Sleepout is to donate to yours truly! Click on my profile link https://www.ceosleepout.org.au/fundraisers/steve-evans/victoria and contribute what you can to this invaluable cause.

National Walk Safely to School Day - Fri 19th May

Well it’s that time of year again when our school seriously starts talking about walking!

Walk Safely to School Day asks that we all consider our transport habits and try to incorporate more walking as part of a healthy, active way to get around. And although walking all the way to school isn’t realistic for many of us, it’s quite easy to figure out how you can build a walk into your family’s daily routine.

You can teach your child the healthy habit of walking more by:

Walking with them the whole way to school
If they get the bus or train, walk past your usual stop and get on at the next stop
If you have to drive, park the car a few blocks away from the school and walk the rest of the way.

Regular exercise like walking with your child not only helps them (and you!) beat chronic problems like obesity, heart disease, behavioural and mental health issues and diabetes. It also gives you a great opportunity to teach your child safe ways to behave around roads and traffic.

Remember, Active Kids are Healthy Kids so get planning your own Walk Safely to School Day journey for Friday 19 MAY 2023! For more information, visit www.walk.com.au

Little Learners is Back for 2023!!!

Our Little Learners Program will be back again in 2023! This program will run over five weeks this term and will provide opportunities for all 3 year old and 4 year old Kinder children and their parents to experience school life at Holy Saviour. Each session will run for 40 minutes and focus on a different subject area each week. Please feel free to pass the attached flyer onto any parents of 3 & 4 year old children.

2023 Sacramental Program

All the dates for the 2023 Parish Sacramental Program have been set. Please add the following dates to your diaries if you are wanting your child to receive either of these sacraments.

Sacrament of First Eucharist

Presentation Mass: Sunday 21st May, 10am @ Holy Saviour

Information evening: Wednesday 31st May, 7pm

Reflection Day: Friday 2nd June, 9am-3pm

Sacrament of First Eucharist: Sunday 4th June, 2pm @ Holy Saviour

Catholic Secondary School Enrolment Applications

Key Enrolment Dates for Year 5 Students in 2023 starting Year 7 in 2025

The key enrolment dates for students in Year 5 in 2023 who will be starting Year 7 in 2025 have been agreed after consultation with the Executive of the Principals Association of Victorian Catholic Secondary Schools (PAVCSS).

The timeline of events and dates are as follows:

27th January 2023 – Applications opened for Year 5 students commencing Year 7 in 2025.

18th August 2023 – Applications will close.

20th October 2023 – Offers will be posted to prospective Year 7 applicants.

10th November 2023 – Final date for parents/carers to accept an offer made by a school.

Parents of Year 5 students in 2023, please diarise these dates so you don’t miss out.

Final Thoughts ~ Choices

Attitude is a choice.

Happiness is a choice.

Optimism is a choice.

Kindness is a choice.

Giving is a choice.

Respect is a choice.

Whatever choice you make makes you.

Choose wisely.

Kind regards,

Steve Evans

Principal

Happy Birthday!