Principal's Report

Dear Parents and Friends 

This is the final newsletter for 2025 with school finishing next Tuesday. We are very grateful to have had another faith filled year of learning and fun at St Carlo Borromeo Catholic Primary School. 

Staffing News

Congratulations to Samantha and Stephen Motta, who welcomed Roman last Thursday, a little brother to Isaac and Celine! Wishing your family joy, good health, and precious moments together as you celebrate this new little blessing. 

We wish Amanda La Scala and her husband Nick all the very best as she commences her maternity leave in preparation for the arrival of their first baby. This is such a special and exciting time, and we hope the coming weeks are filled with joy as they await their little one. We can’t wait to meet your new bundle of joy!

As the year concludes, we farewell several staff who have made a wonderful contribution to our school community:

Farewell to:

• Jane Barlow
• Esther Materia
• Elle Pace
• Mardeen Mikhael

We sincerely thank them for the care, dedication and professionalism they have shown during their time at St Carlo’s and wish them every success for the future. They will always remain part of our school family. A formal note of thanks can be found on the next page.

In 2026 we welcome:

• Dr Bern Long - Mathematics Leader
• Taryn Travanca - Literacy Leader
• Chelsea Conforto - Classroom teacher
• Jenna Cauchi - Classroom teacher

Returning from leave:

• Stephanie Bonnett
• Karen Cope
• David Whimpey (Speech pathologist)

End of Year Mass

Last Friday December 6, we celebrated our End of Year Mass where we gave thanks to God for the year that has passed, and to celebrate the many wonderful events and achievements throughout the year.  Thank you to Mrs Ann Kuric, who prepared the beautiful liturgy. The school choir sang passionately led by our incredible Mrs Frances Milan and Miss Cindy Nguyen! In appreciation of all their outstanding leadership and service, we presented awards to all our Year 6 school leaders and also gave thanks to our Class Captains for 2025.

Student Reports

Today, families will have received their child’s End of Year Report via email. We are confident that you find these reports meaningful and reflective of the progress your child has made. Teachers dedicate an enormous amount of time and care to preparing these reports, and I thank them sincerely for their hard work.

Orientation Day for 2026 Classes

All class lists for 2026 are now finalised, and no changes will be made. On Monday 15 December, students will meet their 2026 teacher and classmates during our whole school Orientation Session. They will bring home a letter outlining their teacher’s name and details regarding Term 1 assessment.

Testing Days:

• Thursday 29 January 2026
• Friday 30 January 2026

More information will follow via Audiri.

Year Six Graduation

This Thursday 11 December, we celebrate our Year 6 Graduation. We are extremely proud of our Year 6 students and wish each of them every success as they move into secondary school.

Information for 2026

The final school day for our Prep to Year 5 students will be Tuesday 16 December, with a 1:00 p.m. finish. Please see the following pages for key information, including important dates and the 2026 Specialist Lessons Timetable.

Thank you! 

As we close our final newsletter of the year, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to all families. Your support, partnership, and encouragement make our school the wonderful community it is. We have shared countless highlights and achievements this year. I would particularly like to acknowledge:

Faith and Religious Education

Our sacramental celebrations and liturgies have been prayerful, meaningful moments that support the spiritual growth of our students. Thank you to Mrs Kuric and our teachers for their devotion to our Religious Education program and for teaching our students about the Catholic faith, traditions, and preparing them for sacraments and liturgies.

Learning and Teaching

Our teachers and curriculum leaders continue to deliver high-quality learning programs, reflected in our students' excellent academic growth. Our excursions, incursions and special events, including the outstanding Art Show, were major highlights. A special thank you to Mrs Damoulakis for her continued dedication and excellence of the Visual Arts program. Our specialist programs continue to provide high quality engaging opportunities for all students. 

Sporting Excellence

Congratulations to our students on their wonderful sporting achievements, consistently placing first or second in regional competitions. Thank you to Mr Justin Cummins for his exceptional coaching and commitment and to all the staff for their support. 

Parish Support

We are blessed to have Father Dishan and Father Samuel, whose spiritual guidance and presence enrich our school community.

Leadership Team

To our School Leadership Team: Nella Fimiani, Jessica Sardo, Jane Barlow, Therese Reed, Pina Distefano, Ann Kuric and Lisa Summers - thank you for your outstanding dedication, hard work and support throughout the year.

Staff

To all staff, thank you for your professionalism, care and commitment. You have worked tirelessly for our students, and we hope you enjoy a very well-earned break.

Our Students

Well done on a magnificent year! You have grown in resilience, confidence, knowledge and faith. To our Prep students; congratulations on completing your very first year of school! To our Year Six students; we will miss you and know you will thrive in Year Seven! As a staff, we are privileged to support their development and to share in their many milestones and successes.

Student Leaders 

A sincere congratulations and thank you to our Student Leaders for their exemplary leadership throughout the year. You have represented our school with maturity, responsibility and kindness, and we are very proud of you all. We also congratulate our newly elected leaders for 2026. We are confident that you will continue the strong legacy set by this year’s leaders and serve as outstanding role models for our school community.

Parents and Friends

A special thank you to our Parents and Friends’ Association, especially Tina and her team. Your efforts have supported major fundraising events, excursions, digital technologies, play spaces and new sports equipment. Your contributions are deeply appreciated.

Leaving Families

We farewell families whose youngest child is completing Year 6. Thank you for your many years of support, you will always be warmly welcomed back to St Carlo’s.

Wishing You a Blessed Christmas

As we approach Christmas, may the peace, love and joy of the season fill your homes. On behalf of Father Dishan, Father Samuel, and all staff, I wish every member of our St Carlo Borromeo community a joyful Christmas and God’s blessings for a safe and happy New Year.

Thank you once again for your incredible support throughout 2025. It is a privilege to serve as principal of this wonderful school.

Kevin Gleeson.