A message from our Principal
Dear St. Brendan's School Community,
What a fantastic fortnight of learning and community spirit at St Brendan’s!
On Tuesday, we paused to honour Remembrance Day. Mr Dom Poppa prepared a beautiful liturgy that was shared across all learning communities, ensuring this important occasion was observed with respect and reflection.
On Friday 31st October, we celebrated Grandparents Day, which was a wonderful success. A heartfelt thank you to all families who generously donated food for the morning tea, and to our students and staff for making our grandparents feel so welcome.
As we look ahead to the final weeks of the year, we also want to acknowledge two valued members of our staff, Liz Dainton and Marg Caldow will be retiring at the end of this year.
We thank them sincerely for their dedication, professionalism and the incredible support they have provided to students and staff throughout their time at St Brendan’s. While things will look different for them in 2026, we are delighted that we will still see them casually as relief teachers in the new year.
In this week’s newsletter, you’ll find key updates and reminders, including:
· PAM Updates
· Swimming Program
· Foundation 2026 Transition
· Christmas Concert
· Social Media Age Restrictions – Information for Parents
· A Look Ahead at Upcoming Events
Thank you for your continued support as we work together to make these final weeks of the year meaningful and memorable for our students.
Kind Regards,
Joel Brian (Principal)
Parent Access Module (PAM)
Access to the Parent Access Module (PAM) has been reinstated via web browser only. The PAM mobile app remains offline until further notice.
Key Updates:
· Password Reset Required: All users must reset their password using the “Forgot Password” option on the PAM login page.
· New password must be at least 12 characters and include uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters.
· Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): A 6-digit code will be sent to your registered email each time you log in. Access PAM here: https://pam.sbshepparton.catholic.edu.au If you need help, contact admin@sbshepparton.catholic.edu.au
Swimming Program
Hardcopy permission notes for our Swimming Program (Weeks 8 & 9) and Whole School Fun Day (11th December) were sent home last week.
Please return completed hardcopy forms or access the Parent Access Module (PAM) via the web browser only.
Foundation Transition Program
Tomorrow, we welcome our 2026 Foundation students to St Brendan’s!
This is an exciting opportunity for them to explore our facilities, get familiar with the environment, and meet our amazing staff.
Save the Date – Christmas Concert
We’re excited to announce our End-of-Year Christmas Concert on Monday, 15 December at Sacred Heart Hall (next to the Church).
- Doors open and Student Assemble with Teachers: 6:00 PM
- Concert begins: 6:30 PM
Our team has been busy preparing scripts, selecting songs, and even holding auditions for main roles. This special event will feature every student, bringing the spirit of Christmas to life!
Please mark your calendars—we can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Social Media Age Restrictions for Under-16s
From 10th December, new restrictions will come into effect to protect children under 16 from the risks and pressures of social media.
These changes are designed to reduce exposure to:
- Excessive screen time, driven by constant notifications and disappearing content
- Negative or manipulative content, served by algorithms
- Harms to wellbeing, including increased stress, reduced sleep, and difficulty concentrating
In addition to these design-related risks, young people may also encounter harmful conduct online, such as cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and pressure to share personal images.
These restrictions are not a ban, but a delay, allowing families to say “not yet” instead of “no”, knowing other under-16s are also being prevented from creating or keeping accounts. This gives children time to build the digital, social, and emotional skills they need to navigate social media safely when they’re older.
For more information and support, visit the eSafety Commissioner’s website:
Social Media Age Restrictions – eSafety
Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping our students safe online.
Upcoming Events
Term 4
- Friday, 14th November – Kinder Transition 9:15am-10:45am
- Friday, 21st November – Kinder Transition 9:15am-10:45am
- 24th to 28th November – Junior Years & Middle Years (Group 1) Swimming Program
- 1st to 5th November – Middle Years (Group 2) & Senior Years Swimming Program
- Wednesday, 3rd December – Foundation Information Night
- Tuesday, 9th December – Orientation Day
- Wednesday, 10th December – End of Year Mass
- Thursday, 11th December – End of Year Celebration Swimming Day for Students
- Monday, 15th December – End of Year Concert
Tuesday, 16th December – Students Last Day
Thank you for your continued support.
Joel Brian (Principal)