Acting Principal's Message 

Dear Families

Week 10!! Only two days next week and the 2024 school year will come to an end. It is hard to believe, but I think all teachers and school staff are ready for a rest!

I apologise for the late newsletter, I have been trying to sum up in words my time at St Andrew's over the last two years and it is hard to condense the happiness and positive community I have experienced in my time here. 

I would like to say THANK YOU to this unique and welcoming community for the way you have embraced me into the St Andrew's fold and made this such a special place to be a part of. I have worked in different communities and been so fortunate to enjoy connections with a diverse range of families, parishioners, students and staff, but my time at St Andrew's, although brief, will forever hold a special place in my heart. The children, our students, the young people you are raising, are people we are so proud of. They are living examples of Jesus in the way they demonstrate respect, kindness and genuine joy for life (and school sometimes!). Thank you for allowing me to be part of their journey alongside you, it is a privilege and honour to be trusted by a community to work in partnership for everyone in our care. 

I know you are in safe hands with your new principal,  Brian Martin and that he will continue to guide and shape the future generations of St Andrew's. I keep sharing with him that this is the most beautiful community and he is so lucky! 

I wish you all a Merry and Safe Christmas, enjoy the festive season in whatever way you choose to mark the occasion. 

The gifts I'd leave beneath your tree, 

Aren't those that you can touch or see,

No toys meant just for pointless play,

But gifts to bless you every day.

The gift of friendship warm and true,

Is one that I would leave for you.

Good health and happiness and cheer

To keep you smiling through the year.

The gift of peace that comes from God,

With prayer to guide each path you trod.

And when your heart has lost its song

The gift of hope to cheer you on.

These are the gifts I'd leave for you.

–Kay Hoffman

End of Year Morning Tea & 'Thank you' to families for your support!            

Join us for a Coffee/Tea with Seb & Alicia from ‘Two Hens Coffee'

 between 8.30am and 9.15am  on  Tuesday 17th December

We invite ALL FAMILIES to an End of Year Morning Tea from 8.30am on Tuesday 17th December.   The staff and students wish to thank all family members for your support of the school throughout 2024.    We thank members of the School Advisory Council, Parents and Friends Committee members, Classroom Helpers, Excursion Helpers, Working Bee attendees, Second Hand Uniform Volunteers, Story Dog Volunteers and the many other family members who add so greatly to our wonderful community.

Two Hens Coffee Cart will be onsite serving hot drinks for parents/carers only.  

We welcome all families to this occasion.   

(Please note - Refreshments are provided for adults only)

Outstanding Fees & Levies

Thank you to families that have or continue paying their school fees.  Term four is almost over and we would appreciate the finalising of any outstanding monies.

Please contact the Office if you are unable to finalise your fee account to discuss options available to help you meet your fee commitment.

office@saclaytonsth.catholic.edu.au  or 9551 5094

A reminder to order your 2025 Stationery List

Please read the 2025 Stationery page

Congratulations and ‘Thank you’ Year 6 Children 

Guard of Honour - 12.45pm - 1.00pm Friday 17th December

Tomorrow at 12.45pm we farewell our 2024 graduates.   We will gather at the front of the school and farewell our Year 6 children with the traditional end of school year guard of honour. 

Our Year 6 children take on a new journey in 2025.   We wish them every happiness for the New Year.  May they find greater independence, new learnings and many friendships!  We hope that St Andrew’s will always be that safe place, a place of fond memories for each child.   

On behalf of the School Staff I wish families the blessing of peace, hope and love.  

May the greatest gift you receive be that of your children, family and friends 

throughout your Christmas and New Year. 

End of Year Reports 

End of year reports have been sent to parents via a new delivery system through nForma. From Monday 9th December you will be able to access your child's Semester 2 report via an app. Please follow the instructions to download this app. Your child/ren have worked hard this semester and are proud to celebrate their  growth.

Right to Disconnect - Reminder

As some of you may be aware, Fair Work Australia introduced a new act as of 26th August, that gives employees the Right to Disconnect outside of their designated work hours. As this result, St. Andrew’s has implemented email and communication policies in line with this. 

We know there are many times that parents need to email school staff due to many family and work commitments, which can continue as normal, but please allow staff 48 hours to respond, between the designated hours. 

As a school, our policy on returning emails is that emails are responded to within a 48 hour time frame and within the hours of 8.00am-4.45pm.

Thank you for your understanding.

2025 Teacher/Student Learning Interviews - Year 1 to Year 6

Wednesday 29th January and Thursday 30th January 2025

We will begin the year with two days where Year 1 to Year 6 children will meet with their 2025 class teacher for a scheduled 30 minute onsite learning interviews. 

The staff believe that the 2 days of learning interviews provide an invaluable opportunity for classroom teachers to meet with each child to assess where they are at in their learning journey.  The learning interview will focus on each child’s literacy and numeracy development. Through gaining an understanding of where all students are at, teachers will then have the knowledge to best plan for the term ahead.   The information gained from the interviews will further be built upon throughout Term 1 as teachers continue their ongoing assessments with their children. 

Booking Your Child’s Interview Time  - Year 1 to 6 Only 

Parents can book for their child's 30 minute learning interview by clicking on the direct link  https://www.schoolinterviews.com.au/code/7hm28 

This will take you to step 1 to enter your details. Please select either Wednesday 31st January or Thursday 1st February, 2025. 

The booking portal will be open today, Friday 13th December at 4.00pm

Booking times will run from 8.30am till 3.00pm on both days.

When you click finish, you will receive a confirmation email. Please check your junk mail folder if you do not receive the email. 

Classes will commence full time for all classes on Friday 31st January

Prep 2025 Classes -  Wednesday 29th & Thursday 30th January (8.45am - 1.30pm) 

Our new Prep children will commence the term from Wednesday 29th January.

Prep children will be onsite from 8.45am - 1.30pm for  Wednesday 29th & Thursday 30th January.

Friday 31st January will be a full day (8.45am-3.15pm). 

Our Prep children will have Wednesday’s as ‘Rest Days’ throughout February.

Dates for the 2025 Year - Closure Days & Time in Lieu Days 

Parents/carers please note the School Closure dates and Time in Lieu days set for the 2025 school calendar. 

There are 4 days set aside for staff professional development and first aid training.  There are additional 2 days as set aside for staff Time in Lieu Days (TIL).   TIL days were introduced as a component of the new Enterprise Bargaining Agreement. 

• Monday 3rd March - Closure Day 1  
• Thursday 24th April TIL day
• Friday 20th June -Closure Day 2  
• Friday 15th August - Closure Day 3
• Monday 3rd November TIL day
• Friday 21st November – Closure Day 4

Year 3 & 4 Swimming Program 2025

The Year 3/4 students will undertake an 8 day swimming program commencing in Week 5 on Monday 24th February.  Further details will be sent to families on Operoo at the beginning of Term 1.

Thank you to our Crossing Supervisors

Parents please take the opportunity throughout the coming days to thank our ever present and ever caring crossing supervisors.  They are there for our children rain, hail and shine.

NO U-Turns on Bunney Rd

We remind parents that there is to be absolutely NO u-turns on Bunney Rd. Victoria Police and Kingston council  will be monitoring this and taking extra precautions to make sure all drivers are following the expected road rules outside our school. Please remember there are lots of young children and families dropping off and picking up around school hours and we all need to think of safety before convenience. 

We also discourage families gaining access to the school through the staff car park.  Staff cars are entering and exiting at different times and it is unsafe to have children and their parents taking this short cut.

PLEASE ENTER THE SCHOOL VIA THE PROPER ACCESS GATES on Bunney Road

Lost Property

Lost Property is stored in the blue bin located near the front entrance.  It is the student’s responsibility to promptly collect any lost property.  Clearly labelled items are returned to their owners.

At the end of Term 4 ALL unclaimed items (named or unnamed) will be donated to the Uniform Shop. 

Students not returning in 2025

If you have not informed us please ring or email the school immediately as it effects our planning and enrolment numbers.

office@saclaytonsth.catholic.edu.au  or 9551 5094

Mrs Nicole Black

(Acting Principal)