From the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

The Matildas have certainly inspired the nation with their perfomance at the World Cup. I hope that their motivation, spirit and determination to succeed is an inspiration to all our students.

Funky Feet Friday

Tomorrow is Funky Feet Friday. This is the latest initiative from our Mini Vinnies team. Students (and teachers) are invited to wear funky feet, that is colourful shoes and socks with their normal Friday uniform. Those participating are asked to donate to Mini Vinnies, and we in turn will give the money raised to our local St Vincent de Paul Society. So please join us for Funky Feet Friday!

Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated at a special mass this coming Sunday at 1pm. Bishop Tony Ireland, our southern regional Bishop, will celebrate mass and confirm our Confirmation candidates.

I would like to thank and congratulate all the Confirmation candidates for their conscientious preparation to receive the Holy Spirit. Most importantly, the children were well prepared by you, as parents, and by our dedicated 5/6 teachers Ilona Cetrola, Clare Inwood and Molly Greely. I also acknowledge the work of Jo Cowan, our Religious Education Leader, who supported the children and teachers through the preparation of this sacrament.

Let us pray that this group of children will keep the Spirit alive within by calling on the gifts and fruits of the Spirit when the need arises in their lives. We all must endeavour to be open to the Spirit to deal with the challenges we face in the world today

3-6 District Athletics

Next Monday, 21st August, forty-four of our Year 3-6 students will be competing in the district athletics against other Catholic and Government schools within the area. This event will take place at Duncan McKinnon Reserve. These students have been offered training before school each Thursday thanks to Sue Tobin.

Parents are most welcome to come along on the day. We wish all our athletes a fun and successful day.

Swimming

Our Prep-Year 6 swimming program commences next Tuesday and students will be heading to Ashburton Pool for their lessons. We are sure that all students will benefit from these lessons. An Operoo as sent out earlier this week.

A swimming program is now mandated in all Victorian schools and is viewed as an important component of every child's education.

Sporting Facilities

The tennis court resurfacing is now complete and looks amazing. With removable tennis and netball rings installed, we now have more options with the way we use this recreational space.

We also have two sets of soccer goals on the oval and have another set on the way for our 3/4 soccer players.

Special thanks to the Parents Association who have contributed significantly to both of these projects, $40 000 towards the resurfacing of the courts (total cost $110 000) and the purchase of the new soccer goal posts - $4400.

Prep 2024 Meet and Greet

Later this term Jill Palermo and myself will be meeting with our 2024 Preps and their parents for an informal conversation. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet and put a face to our new students and learn more about them from their parents.

We would request that Prep Enrolment forms for 2024 be submitted to the office as soon as possible. This will assist with planning for next year.

Please ensure you take the time to read through this fortnight's newsletter, with important information about our upcoming school concert and some interesting learning going on in the 3/4 classrooms.

Take care everyone

Brendan Welsford

Community News

Strengthening Families Webinar

Salesian College News

Glen Waverley Angels Softball Club

International Sports Camp

Ashwood Cricket Club