Dear Parents,

What can we say about Melbourne's up and down weather?! One day it's 30 degrees, the next it is wild winds, rain and possible thunderstorms. This is Spring!

Unfortunately, we made the difficult but considered decision to cancel the Family Fun Day this Sunday, for safety reasons. As we had booked a number of inflatable activities for the children to enjoy, we felt these would be unsafe if it was windy or rained. Given the weather possibly coming on Sunday, we will cancel and focus on a fantastic Colour Run fundraiser instead, and gather together in early 2026 for our Shrove Tuesday Picnic.

I particularly want to acknowledge the work of the sub-committee led by Michelle Don Paul, who have been working towards this day, spending time at meetings and online planning, researching and ordering for the day. Thank you for your commitment and hard work. We will save it all for 2026!

Since the last Newsletter, we have celebrated the sacrament of Reconciliation with 3MA and 3JM. Special Congratulations to the students and thank you to their parents and family members for attending to support them. The class teachers and Marita Anderson also spend a great deal of time teaching the students about forgiveness and practising for the sacrament. Everything is so smoothly organised and calm. I thank Annie Jenkins, Giulia Costa, Jasmine Victoire, Meaghan A'Hearn, Robyn Atherton and Marita Anderson for their work. Thank you also to Fr Wayne and Fr Michael for their gentle manner with the students.

WORLD TEACHERS DAY - 31 OCTOBER

Next Friday is World Teachers' Day, a chance to recognise the excellent work which teachers do every day to boost and develop the skills and knowledge of their students. Whether a graduate or a highly experienced teacher or leader, the reasons for becoming a teacher vary but have as a core ideal the desire to assist others, specifically in their learning. We have a fantastic staff at St Martin's, dedicated to supporting the growth of each child!

Please encourage your child to reflect on their teacher/s and share the qualities they admire most in them. I'm sure you also remember a teacher who inspired you in your learning, so you too can share a story of how that teacher made you feel.

PREP 2026 - ORIENTATION SESSIONS

Our Orientation Sessions begin NEXT week, on Thursday 30 October at 9.30am, Wednesday 12 November at 9.30am and Monday 17 November at 9.30am.

We look forward to seeing our Prep students and parents at these mornings. Please note that we ask parents to stay at school during the Orientation Sessions, and meet with staff in the GECCO, so we can share further information with you.

2026 CLASS ORGANISATION

If you are not returning to St Martin's in 2026, could you please advise me in writing as soon as possible, as we are beginning to organise classes.

As we approach the end of the school year, planning for our 2026 class placements is well underway. Our goal is to create balanced, supportive, and engaging learning environments where every student can thrive. Teachers carefully consider each child’s academic progress, social connections, learning styles and individual needs when forming classes.

Students will soon provide the names of 4 other students with whom they believe they work well in the classroom. They will be placed with at least one of these students. Parents are encouraged to talk to their child about who they could list as their 4 nominated students across the level. These should be children they work well in class with, not necessarily their close friends. This thoughtful process takes considerable time and care, as our ultimate goal is to create the best possible learning environment for all students.

We are happy to consider parental input on the social and emotional needs of your child. If you feel there is specific information that is critical to your child's success in their next class, please submit it in writing to me no later than 3:30pm, on Friday 31 October.

It is vital to understand that we cannot guarantee any requests. For example, while we appreciate requests for your child to be placed with a specific friend, we may receive conflicting requests (i.e., one parent requests the friendship, while the other parent requests the children be separated). Our staff and leaders must use their professional judgment to make the final decision that best supports the overall class structure.

To ensure fairness and the integrity of our placement process, requests for a specific teacher will not be accepted or considered. Every member of our teaching staff is a highly valued and dedicated professional. We are very fortunate to have such a strong team at St Martin's. Teachers frequently change year levels, roles or even schools from year to year. Therefore, to manage our resources effectively and ensure a fair process, we cannot base class placements on who will be teaching which level.

By respecting these boundaries, you are supporting our staff in creating balanced and effective learning groups for every student in the school.

Students will have time with their new teacher/s on the day allocated for the following year's Transition session - Monday 15 December. Parents will be informed about their child’s class for the following year on that same day. No changes will be made after this day. Class teachers for the following year will be made known to families via the final School Newsletter in December.

I ask you to trust the teachers’ judgement and professionalism in making a decision that is in each student’s best interest. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we undertake this important process.

FEES INFORMATION FOR 2026

The 2026 Fees information will be shared in the coming week so you can arrange your payment plan for next year. We are transitioning to a tiered arrangement of fees, which is not such a drastic change, as we have always attempted to acknowledge this in our previous structure. All MACS schools will have tiered fees by the end of 2026.

ITALIAN DAY

It is fantastic to celebrate the Italian culture and how much knowledge our students have through Italian Day, coming up on Friday 7 November. The students will enjoy the Italian performance booked, as well as pizza and gelato. We are fortunate to have Signora Di Muzzio leading the learning of language and culture in our school. We are excited for the day.

YEAR 6 GRADUATION

Our Graduation dates and activities are as follows:

Monday 8 December - 9.15am Graduation Mass in the Church and 6.30pm Graduation Dinner at the Manningham Club

Wednesday 10 December Year Six Big Day Out to Funfields

Tuesday 16 December - End of Year Mass 9.15am and the Final Farewell on Top Yard immediately following this.

CLASS MASSES

There are only a few Class Masses to occur this year. Teachers will send you an alert approximately three weeks prior to the Mass so you can change work if you would like to attend.

SCHOOL CALENDAR AND PUPIL FREE DAYS

Our Pupil Free Days (School Closure Dates) for the rest of the year are:

Monday 3 November and Monday 1 December

Please note all dates on the school calendar, as there are sometimes changes from the Level Newsletters which are sent out at the start of the term. Thank you.

BAPTISM

If your child has not yet been baptised, please consider whether you would like to celebrate this sacrament prior to them reaching the sacramental years.

Please contact the Parish Office on P: 9401 6338 to arrange this with Fr Michael.

PARISH RENEWAL PROGRAM

This weekend, the Parish Renewal Program focus is Commitment.

Commitment is more than a financial component, although this is also of significant importance in maintaining the parish and its running costs.

It is also about a commitment to each other and to serve others.

Can you share some time to assist in the parish as a Minister of the Word (reading), as a Minister of the Eucharist, in delivering Communion to the Sick, or volunteering on a committee such as Vinnies or the Bereavement Group?

We gain so much more from our involvement with others. Please consider the information available in the Parish section of the Newsletter.

Have a wonderful weekend! God bless.

CLASS MASSES

Term 4	Class
Tuesday 28 October	PDG
Thursday 6 November	3JM
Tuesday 18 November	PGC

Community Fun Day