This week, I share a beautiful reflection from one of our parents on the simple yet powerful conversations families can have about treating others with respect. These everyday moments over dinner, on the way to school, or before bedtime help children understand kindness and empathy.

Together, as families and educators, we guide our children to know what respect means, and to live it each day through their words, actions, and care for others.

Dear Parents and Carers,

Bullying is not always loud or obvious. It is not only physical, verbal, or online harm.

Sometimes it happens through small actions or words that can quietly hurt another child’s feelings, confidence, or sense of belonging.

That’s why it is so important to have conversations at home about kindness, empathy, and inclusion.

You might hear your child say things like:

➢ “My friend said my lunch smells funny”

(That comment might seem small, but it can make another child feel embarrassed about their culture or home food.)

➢ “My friend said I cannot play if I invite someone else”

(This teaches exclusion instead of friendship.)

➢ “They said I am too slow, too tall, too skinny, too fat or too weird”

(Children start believing something is wrong with them when it is simply what makes them unique.)

➢ “They all ran away and laughed.”

(Sometimes, playful teasing crosses the line into emotional hurt)

➢ “My friend said I cannot play with them today because I forgot to bring a ball/toy/book/letter I said I was going to bring”

(Children start believing they made a mistake and now are not good enough to be included and lost the chance to belong).

Children start learning what friendship means through small daily experiences. When inclusion is conditional (“you can only play if…”), they may begin to believe that friendship and kindness are earned, not freely given.

As parents, we all believe our children are kind, and they usually are. But children are still learning how their words and actions affect others. It helps to guide them by asking simple reflection questions such as:

✓ “How would you feel if someone said that to you?”

✓ “What could you do to make someone feel included today?”

Let’s remind them that:

💛Everyone is different, and that’s what makes friendships special.

💛 It is never okay to comment on someone’s body, clothes, or abilities.

💛 Games and activities feel best when everyone is welcome to join.

💛True kindness means caring for other hearts, not just our own.

All children deserve to grow up in safe, respectful, and caring spaces. Together, as families, teachers, and a community, we can help them build those spaces with empathy, understanding, and inclusion.

With appreciation,

A parent who cares

Wedding Bells

Last weekend Zoe celebrated her marriage to Jonas in a beautiful and meaningful occasion surrounded by family and friends. It was a faith-filled celebration that reflected the love, joy, and commitment they share. We wish the happy couple every blessing for a lifetime of love, laughter, and cherished moments together.

Fees

Families who are not on a direct debit payment plan for fees should now have finalised their fees for 2026. These fees are critical to our operation and if you have not paid I urge you to make this a priority.

World Teacher’s Day

This Friday we celebrate World Teachers’ Day and say a heartfelt thank you to our amazing teachers who guide, nurture and inspire our children every day. This year’s theme, “Hats Off to Teachers,” is a reminder to honour all they do for our students and community.

Hats off to our teachers—thank you for making such a difference! 🌟We welcome families to join us in prayer on the yard at 2:30 pm.

Student Free Days

Just a reminder that school will be closed on Monday 3rd and Tuesday 4th November.

We also have a Professional Learning Day on 28th November where the staff are working with Fr Elio Capra on Sacramentality.

Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day is coming up on 11 November. We are once again selling poppies in the office for the RSL and encourage families to purchase one.

Mercy Spirit Award

The Mercy Spirit Award will be presented at Holy Rosary Church on Monday 10 November at 2:40 pm.

Swimming

As mentioned on Operoo and in last Friday’s email, our swimming program will run from 5 to 27 November. We’ve worked closely with the coordinator at KCARC to create a great experience for all students.

The first swimming session starts at 9:05am, which includes 5/6 N and Prep N. These classes will leave from the assembly area at 8:53am, allowing time to take the roll and be ready to hop in the pool on time. Please ensure your child arrives promptly, as we won’t be able to wait for latecomers. Any student who misses departure may unfortunately miss that session. All consent forms should now be returned. If you haven’t yet done so, please return yours by tomorrow Tuesday 28 October so that KCARC staff can finalise the swimming groups.

Swimwear should be worn underneath school uniforms for easy access at the pool. Ensure a change of underwear and a towel is brought to school in a suitable swimming bag. Remember that children will be carrying their own bags so pack accordingly.

The following helpful hints have been provided by KCARC

Swimwear: One-piece swimwear is preferable for girls, it allows for greater learning time and less ‘costume adjustment’ time. Board shorts can be great fun in an aquatic environment but really make learning very hard work, especially for beginners. They are very heavy when wet, greatly restrict leg movement and create a ‘drag down’ effect on the body.

Hair: Plaiting and tying back long hair ensure it is out of the way. Wet, floating hair gets in the way of learning, especially when trying to perform essential breathing skills, most times students end up with hair instead of air in their mouths.

Goggles: If your child wishes to use goggles please ensure that these are properly fitting and fully adjusted prior to class commencement. Goggles should cover the eyes only, masks covering the eyes and nose can compromise breathing and cannot be permitted in the program.

Towel: It is often a good idea for students to bring two towels to class, one to dry the body and one for the hair (especially if it is long). Please ensure all items of clothing, including bags are clearly identified with your child’s name and school name. This assists in retrieving lost and misplaced items.

Each child has been timetabled to participate in 6 sessions. To satisfy the pool’s requirements and our timetable, we have developed the following schedule.

We’re really looking forward to a fun and active few weeks at the pool!

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

5 Nov

Years Prep, 1/2 and 5/6

6 Nov

Year 3/4

7 Nov

All students from P-6

12 Nov

Years Prep, 1/2 and 5/6

13 Nov

Year 3/4

14 Nov

All students from P-6

19 Nov

Years Prep, 1/2 and 5/6

20 Nov

Year 3/4

21 Nov

26 Nov

Years Prep, 1/2 and 5/6

27 Nov

Year 3/4

28 Nov

Student Free Day

Enjoy the last days of October

Christine


Term 4
Monday 3 November	Student Free Day
Tuesday 4 November	Melbourne Cup Day
Wednesday 5 November	Prep - 6 Swimming begins
Monday 10 November	Mercy Spirit Award presentation 2:40 pm
Friday 28 November	Student Free Day
Wednesday 10 December	Year 6 Big Day Out
Thursday 11 December	Carols 9:00 am
Thursday 11 December	Year 6 Graduation liturgy 5:30 pm
Tuesday 16 December	School concludes at 1 pm

Important Dates