From the Principal
Welcome Back!!
It has been a wonderful start to the school year at St Liborius, and it is so terrific to see the joy‑filled greetings of our students, staff and families. While we celebrate this positive beginning, our thoughts and prayers are also with all those across our state who are currently suffering from the impacts of fire and facing a deeply challenging start to the year.
Today, we have been very excited to welcome our new Foundation students and their families as they officially begin their Catholic education journey at St Liborius, following many months of careful transition and preparation. We look forward to nurturing them to be their best selves and enabling them to experience ‘life to the full’ (John 10:10).
Congratulations to all of our students for the positive and successful manner in which they have returned to school. Students have settled quickly into routines and learning, and it has been great to have everyone back together, reconnecting and making the most of the opportunities of a new year.
DIVISIONAL SWIMMING AND ATHLETICS STRUCTURE
Last week, students in Years 3–6 were invited to participate in trials for the regional swimming carnival, which will take place next Monday 9 February, for interested students who are confident that they have an ability to participate at a competitive level. This year, the structure for swimming and athletics across the system has changed. Students who achieve qualifying times at their Catholic Primary School trials will progress directly to the regional event. Once trials have been completed across all Bendigo Catholic schools, students will be notified if they have qualified to compete at this regional level. We commend all students who participated for their effort, determination and sportsmanship.
Students who are participating in the trial will receive a permission form via PAM.
2026 SPECIALIST STRUCTURE
Students are also very excited to commence their specialist programs this week. In 2026, St Liborius will see a change to our specialist structure, with greater time allocated to STEM and Science, in line with curriculum guidelines. We know students are eager to extend their skills in this engaging area of our curriculum. In 2026, students will also continue to participate in The Arts, Italian and Physical Education within this program.
2026 will see a new chapter for The Arts at St Liborius, where creativity and self‑expression continue to flourish. Students will participate in The Arts for one lesson each week, engaging in both visual and performing arts. This program will be enriched through our Italian program and Science learning. Within this structure, students will enjoy additional performance opportunities through small instrumental ensembles and the reinvigoration of our school choir. Our whole‑school production will continue as a biennial event, and following the success of The Wizard of Oz in 2025, we are already looking forward to exploring exciting possibilities for our 2027 production.
We look forward to a year filled with learning, creativity and connection as we continue to grow together as a school community.
GOAL SETTING MEETINGS
As we begin this year, we invite parents to meet with their child and teacher to discuss their goals for the year ahead. These meetings will take place on Tuesday 17th February, with times available from 2.00-6.00pm, and Wednesday 18th February, from 2.00-5.00pm. These meetings are essential opportunities for us to work together to encourage outstanding learner growth. Bookings will be available via PAM from 4.00pm today.
SUNSMART SCHOOL
You may have seen recent media coverage highlighting calls from medical professionals for mandatory sunscreen breaks in schools. At St Liborius, we are proud to be ahead of the game, with SunSmart breaks already built into our daily timetable.
As a reminder, our school supplies Cancer Council sunscreen for all students. Families of students who are sensitive to this sunscreen are asked to please provide an alternative from home. A full ingredient list can be found by scanning the QR code available on the sunscreen kiosks.
To further enhance our sun safety practices, we have introduced a new broader‑rimmed school hat, now available in sizes S–L. Our previous bucket‑style hats may still be worn and are available for purchase; however, this style will not be restocked.
Looking forward to a wonderful year ahead!
With many blessings,
Alannah
Principal
2026 DATE CLARIFICATION
We have been alerted to an error in dates previously advertised - please note that the end of Term 1 will be on Thursday, 2 April @ 3.15pm.
Apologies for any confusion caused.
