Principals Message

Good afternoon everyone.  

Last Friday, July 25th year four students from St Laurence’s and St Joseph’s attended a Retreat focused on the Sacrament of the Eucharist at Mary Mackillop College. Students in the Youth Ministry Team from Year 10 organised the day in support of our Religious Education program providing an opportunity for students to learn, pray, reflect and celebrate with their fellow students who were making their First Communion.  Children had a fantastic day.  Over the weekend, some of these students made their First Communion. Thank you to Eliza Hughes, Casey Bateman and Robyn Piasente for preparing the students in this sacrament and to the parents for supporting your child on their faith journey. Many thanks also to Fr Stanly for making the children' s First Communion experience so special.

As the Parent and Child Workshops are a vital component of your child's sacramental preparation, Fr Stanly invites those who were unable to make the original Confirmation Workshop for the second Confirmation Parent and Child Workshop to be held on Wednesday, August 6 at 5pm in the Parish Centre that adjoins the St Laurence's Church, Leongatha.  Please contact Catherine on criseley@stlleongatha.catholic.edu.au or Fr Stanley for for more information on 5662 2020 or email leongatha@cdsale.org.au 

Students in year six have begun to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation - the final step in the Sacraments (i.e. Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation). Thank you to the families who showed their commitment to their child’s faith journey by attending the Confirmation Parent and Child Workshop held on Thursday, July 24. Students preparing to receive this sacrament look forward to celebrating their Sacrament of Confirmation Mass  with Bishop Greg on Thursday, August 21st at 5 pm at St Joseph's Church in Korumburra. A resource for families has been sent home in both hard copy and digital format to support parents in preparing their child to receive Confirmation. The most important outcome of using this resource are the conversations that arise from the activities regarding Confirmation.

2026 Class Structures:  It is around this time of the year that we start looking at student numbers and class preparation for the next year.  With this in mind,  if  your child/ren will not/may not be returning to St Laurence's in 2026, please let Liz or the office know as soon as possible.

Book week will run from Wednesday 6th to Wednesday 13th of August. The much anticipated dress up day will be on Friday 8th and a parade will be held during morning assembly.  The theme this year is ' Book An Adventure' which sounds exciting.  You are all invited to morning tea in the library following assembly.   You can have a cuppa, a bikkie and browse the selection of books on offer and of course, purchase if you wish to. 

FOUND:  On Wednesday, a smart watch was found near the sandpit area after the orientation session.  Please contact the office if you think it belongs to your child.

ATTENDANCE:  A reminder that you are legally required to ensure your child attends school every day.     Please submit student absences on the day of the absence via PAM by 9.30am on the day, to avoid a call or *SMS from the office.  *(Please note that the SMS messages are a no-reply service).  If you are leaving a message on the phone, select option 1, give your child's name, grade and the reason for the absence.   If your child has been away for more that three consecutive days, a medical certificate is required.   Please avoid planning holidays or making routine medical appointments during school time and where possible, you should inform the school in advance of upcoming absences.  See the 'School Information' page of this newsletter for more information and for taking family holidays during school time.

Friday 8th August is a special day.  It is the Feast Day of Saint Mary MacKillop.   This a time where we can give thanks to a  woman of deep faith and compassion and who lived a life of service, particularly to the poor and marginalised. May Mary's legacy inspire us to see the needs of others and to respond with courage and generosity, just as she did. 

See you all on Monday.