Good afternoon families,

I hope you are enjoying this sunny Friday.

2024 is fast approaching.

We would like to provide clarity around our class structure and specialist program for next year.

In 2024 there will be::

3 Prep classes
4 Year One classes
3 Year Two classes
3 Year Three classes
3 Year Four classes
4 Year Five classes
4 Year Six classes

This means that some class sizes will be larger than the current structure but we will continue to have straight grades. There will be no multi-age classes.

These decisions have not been made lightly and a number of external parameters have been part of the equation. These include financial considerations, direction from Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools and ensuring that St Louis continues to remain a viable and competitive educational organisation in the current economic climate where our students learning is at the forefront of our decision making processes.

Current research also supports our decisions. The following is a quote from the ‘Evidence for Learning’ site: “Reducing Class Size.’

The reduction of class sizes in Australian schools has demonstrated little effect on student achievement. A 2014 study from Macquarie University used international test data to assess the relationship between class size and achievement. The authors concluded that there is not a strong relationship between class size and learning. A 2005 review article by Professor John Hattie noted that, in Australia, it has been difficult to find studies linking smaller class sizes to increased achievement

Our Specialist program consists of a composition of the following subject areas: Physical Education, Language Other Than English, Music, Art, Garden 2 Kitchen, Sustainability (Garden) and STEM.

For each level the following will occur:

Preps - PE, Art, Music and Sustainability
Year One - PE, Art, LOTE and Music
Year Two - PE, Art, LOTE and Music
Year Three - PE, LOTE, Art (for one semester), Music (for the alternate semester) and Garden 2 Kitchen
Year Four - PE, LOTE, Art (for one semester), Music (for the alternate semester) and Garden 2 Kitchen
Year Five - PE, LOTE, Art and STEM
Year Six - PE, LOTE, Art and STEM

Our proposal has been fully supported by the School Advisory Council and our governing body (MACS).

We are excited by the opportunities for our students that we are able to provide. We look forward to continuing to further develop and enhance our family and school partnerships as we roll into the coming year.

Remembrance day

Our two school leaders Mitchell and Chloe will be representing St Louis' at the Longbeach RSL Remembrance Day Service.

Important Dates:-

Saturday 11 November - Remembrance Day

Monday 13 November - Prep 2024 online information session. 7 pm

Tuesday 14 November - Year 4 zoo excursion

Tuesday 14 November - Year 6 cricket finals

Tuesday 14 November - PFA meeting - 7 pm

Wednesday 15 November- Kids on Keys concert for parents. 4 pm; 5.10 pm ; 6.20pm

Friday 17 November - sausage sizzle lunch day

Saturday18 / Sunday 19 November - Year 2 level masses.

Monday 20 November - Prep assembly 2.30 pm

Monday 27 November- Prep- 2 swimming program starts.

Tuesday 28 November - Swimming training Years 2-5 at Toby Haenan Chelsea Heights

7-8 am

Thursday 30 November - Swimming training Years 2-5 at Toby Haenan Chelsea Heights 7-8 am

Enjoy your weekend

Carmel Stutterd

Christmas Trees