Deputy Principal's Report

Hello! 

Settling Back into Term 4

Coming back after the holidays can be tricky for everyone, and it's normal for children to feel tired or unsettled in the first week or two. Simple routines make a big difference: a regular bedtime, packing bags and laying out uniforms the night before, and a calm, predictable morning all help children feel ready to learn. Chatting with your child about what they're looking forward to this term can also ease any nerves. If your child is finding the return difficult, please reach out to their classroom teacher.

Hello and Goodbye (for now)

As many of you know, next Friday the 16th of October will be my last day at St. Finbar's before I head off on maternity leave to have my first baby. I'll be back mid next year, and I look forward to hearing all about what the community has got up to while I'm away. I just wanted to say a heartfelt thank you for all your support over the years at St. Finbar's and for all the little cards and gifts that has appeared on my desk over the last few weeks. I have loved hearing all the name suggestions from the students and seeing their excitment as well. I can't wait to take on this next chapter in life and look forward to sharing a photo with you all once she's here. It's only goodbye for now and see you all back in 2027!

Hello! If we haven't met yet, my name is Nonie Kay, and I have the privilege of stepping into the Deputy Principal role for Term 4 while Laura Zeeng is on maternity leave. This is my ninth year at St Finbar's, and in that time I've taught almost every year level, most recently as the Performing Arts teacher. I've also led Literacy across the school for many years. I'm excited to take on this new role, though I'll miss teaching every student as they came through the Performing Arts classroom. I look forward to working with you all in a different capacity, so please don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything.

nkay@sfbrightoneast.catholic.edu.au 

Swimming  

Our Swimming Program begins on Monday 12 October at the Danny Frawley swim school and runs for nine days, finishing on Thursday 22 October. Swimming is an important part of our physical education curriculum, helping students build swimming ability, water confidence and water safety awareness. It's also a lot of fun, and a great chance for students to enjoy time in the water with their classmates. Some children may feel a little nervous, which is completely normal. Our instructors are experienced in supporting students of all abilities, and you'll find a swimming social story below that is great to read through with your child. If your child is feeling anxious, please let their classroom teacher know so they can offer extra support. If your child is unable to participate for a legitimate reason, please contact their classroom teacher and Michelle Hill before the program begins.

Please label everything your child brings to swimming, from their bathers right down to each individual sock. It's very common for items to be left behind or end up in someone else's bag, but one thing is certain: if it's labelled, it will come back!

Swimming Promotion

The Danny Frawley Swimming Centre have offered all St. Finbar's families an exclusive offer if you wish to take it up. Please see below. 

Specialist Timetable – Term 4

This term, our specialist timetable has returned to its previous format, with PE, Performing Arts, Visual Arts and Italian taught only on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Please check the uniform guide to see which day your child needs to wear their sport uniform. On all other days, students should wear their summer uniform.

Summer Uniform  

Term 4 means summer uniform! The first two weeks of term are a transition period, so if your child doesn't yet have all their summer uniform pieces, they can continue wearing their winter uniform. We do ask that students wear one full uniform or the other, rather than mixing and matching. Please see the images below for what the summer uniform includes.

As a SunSmart school, all students must wear a hat when outside. Students without a hat will need to sit in the shade. Need a new hat? Cath has placed a large order that arrives on Monday. Simply purchase a hat online, and Cath will deliver it to your child's classroom next week. Thanks Cath!

Thank you for your ongoing support,

Nonie Kay & Laura Zeeng