Dear Parents and Caregivers,

The Term continues to be full of learning, engagement and community spirit as we get closer to the end of another school year.

One highlight was the Student Disco, hosted by the St Simon’s Parents Association. The hall was buzzing with excitement as students, across two sessions, danced, laughed and enjoyed an evening of fun together. Events like these don’t just create memories, they also strengthen the bonds between families, staff and students. A heartfelt thank-you to the many parent volunteers whose time, creativity and enthusiasm made the night such a success.

Our students have also been busy learning beyond the classroom.

Year 3 enjoyed a memorable Camp day at Enchanted Adventure, embracing challenges with confidence and teamwork in some tricky, drizzly conditions. They also embarked on an exciting excursion to the Melbourne Museum, where they explored history, science and culture in hands-on ways.
Year 4 ventured to Twisted Science, diving into interactive exhibits that sparked curiosity and deepened their understanding of scientific concepts.
Our Preps have been enthusiastically involved in Maths on the Move, building early numeracy skills through active, playful and collaborative learning experiences. Prep students are also looking forward to an excursion to Melbourne Zoo in a couple of weeks time!
Year 5 students are now preparing their leadership speeches as they get ready to step into their Year 6 leadership roles next year—an important milestone in their growth as young leaders.
Meanwhile, our Year 6 students are beginning preparations for their upcoming graduation, including the creation of their treasured memory books that capture their years at St Simon’s.
Finally the Year 2 students are looking forward to an excursion to Twisted Science which is just around the corner

Prep 2026 Transition

We continue to welcome our 2026 Prep students as they participate in the next phase of their transition program. It is a joy to see our newest learners beginning to connect with their future classmates, teachers and learning spaces. Equally heartening is seeing the mix of new families joining St Simon’s alongside current families returning with younger siblings. This blend of fresh perspectives and ongoing relationships strengthens our community in meaningful ways.

Season of Advent - All Welcome to Attend

As we move toward the season of Advent, I warmly invite all families to join us for our School Advent Liturgies, commencing next Friday, 28th November at 2:30 pm in the church. These gatherings provide a special opportunity to pause, reflect and prepare together for the coming of Christmas.

Thank you to our dedicated staff, families and students for continuing to contribute to the rich life of our school.

St Simon's Parent Association - Colour Fun Walk a thon - THIS FRIDAY from 2:15pm

THIS FRIDAY from 2:15pm**

All families are warmly invited to join their child(ren)’s class for our Colour Fun Walk-a-Thon this Friday. It promises to be a fun afternoon filled with colour, fun and community spirit. Please refer to the Audiri post or Operoo email for full details about how the colour powder will be used.

Students are encouraged to wear casual clothes on the day, including a light-coloured or white T-shirt, so the colour powder shows clearly. A gold coin donation is appreciated to support the event.

We look forward to sharing this colourful celebration!

End of Year events

As we come to the end of the year, please keep the following end-of-year celebrations in your calendars. It is an exciting and memorable time when we come together to celebrate achievements and learning whilst also farewelling families and staff. All families and members of the school community are invited to attend.

2025 Thanksgiving Mass Thursday 11th December @ 9:15am in the Church:

During this celebration we will:

Acknowledge any staff leaving or not returning in 2026
Acknowledge any returning or new staff for 2026
Acknowledge any families leaving St Simon's at the end of the year, i.e. the youngest child in the family is in Year 6, or a family that is moving to another school.
Acknowledge volunteers in SAC members, Parents' Association, Canteen
Performing the “Passing on the light” ceremony - All Year 5 and Year 6 students

2025 Final Assembly Tuesday 16th December @ 9:00am in the Hall

During this celebration, we will:

Present various community-based awards
Acknowledge of all Year 6 Awards presented at Graduation Mass
Formal farewell to leaving staff, including "right of reply" speeches
Announce Student Leaders for 2026

Thank you to our school advisory council and Parents’ Association for another successful year supporting our school through community engagement, feedback and fundraising.

I am excited to announce that our much-anticipated upgrade to the prep playground will take place in the weeks of February next year.

Key dates for the start of 2026.

To assist with your household planning for the beginning of the school year, please note the following 2026 dates for Term 1.

Term 1 Dates: Tuesday 27th January to Thursday 2nd April

Tuesday 27th January: Staff Return (No students)
Wednesday 28th January: Meet and Greet Session ( by appointment with your child's classroom teacher), Prep Assessment session (by appointment for current families with a 2026 prep child)
Thursday 29th January: Yrs 1- 6 Students return
Friday 30th January: Preps' First Day of School

Check out our Community News for the latest activities happening in and around Rowville.