Dear Families,

It was fantastic to see the beaming faces and hear the excited voices of students on Monday as they greeted staff and friends. A walk through the learning spaces later in the morning, saw all student straight back into school routines and engaged in the learning activities. I look forward to a busy Fourth Term, full of rich learning experiences and community events. Please note the important calendar dates for this term.

Uniform

It is expected that students wear their summer school uniform this term, including hats. We understand that Melbourne's warmer weather can be late in arriving, so we allow a couple of weeks for change over. Hats are compulsory and students will be asked to remain in the shade if they do not have a hat from next Monday.

Tricky Talks

A gentle reminder that Tricky Talks, sessions will take place this coming Monday 14 October.

Session One: Where did I come from? (5pm)

Session Two: Preparing for puberty (6:15pm)

The cost of the evening is $25 per family and can be paid by card or cash at the office.

Working Bee

There will be a short Working Bee this coming Sunday at 9:00am - 10:30am. We are hoping to weed and tidy the garden area behind the retaining wall and complete some other jobs such as painting and moving items.

Changes to afternoon Valet

We are trialling a new process for afternoon valet to allow families to park, parents to build connections and students to utilise the playground. Students are now being collected from the basketball court. If you need to get out of your car for any reason such as strapping in children, please park so that valet can be a faster process.

St Joseph's Award

Congratulations to Freddy, Emme and Charlotte who received the St Joseph's Award at our last assembly. We feel it is important to focus on positive behaviour and thank them for consistently being respectful, being safe and being learners.

Bring Your Own Device Program 2025

It has been decided that we will phase out the Bring Your Own Device Program at St Joseph's. We will allocate a school Chrome Book to all students. These devices are to remain at school at all times. We arrived at this decision due to cyber safety concerns, cost of living pressures on families and reliability of devices being brought to school each day. Year Five and Six students who purchased their own Chrome Books in the last two years may continue to bring in their own devices.

Visual Arts Exhibition

Students have completed some amazing Art Works this year and the exhibition will be a wonderful community event on Thursday 15 November. 5:00pm - 6:30pm. Jane is looking for some parents to assist her with some organisation matters. If you are able to assist, please email her at: jbyrne@sjsorrento.catholic.edu.au

Oaks Day

Tickets have been released for this wonderful event. The QR code and a letter asking for auction items can be found later in the newsletter. Please think of any possible local businesses or friends who may be able to donate an auction item. Thank you to the organising team.

Centrelink Health Care Card Holders

If any family holds a Centrelink Health Care Card, please contact Lucy in the office as you are eligible for CSEF and School Savings Bonus for 2025.

Many thanks,

Monica

moshannassy@sjsorrento.catholic.edu.au