Dear St. Finbar's Community,

As the curtains draw to a close on our enchanting journey through Wonderland with "Alice: The Musical," I am filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and pride. Your unwavering support, boundless enthusiasm, and tireless dedication have been the driving force behind the success of this production, and I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest thanks.

From the moment the idea of bringing Lewis Carroll's classic tale to life on our stage was born, your passion for the arts and commitment to our students' growth shone brightly. The countless hours of rehearsals, the creative energy poured into set design and costumes, and the resounding applause that filled our auditorium each night are a testament to the incredible spirit of our St. Finbar's community.

To our talented cast, your dedication to your roles, your hard work, and your passion for storytelling brought the characters to life in a way that captivated audiences of all ages. Your performances were truly a reflection of the talent, perseverance, and teamwork that define the essence of St. Finbar's.

To the incredible staff of St. Finbar's goes my heartfelt thanks. The success of the musical was directly related to their selfless support and participation in all aspects of production. I would like to make particular mention of Mrs Susan Williams our Director and Miss Nonie Kay our Assistant Director who each spent may hours preparing our students for this production.

To our dedicated crew, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the seamless execution of each scene, your attention to detail and willingness to go above and beyond did not go unnoticed. Your contributions were instrumental in creating the magical atmosphere that transported our audience into Wonderland.

To our parents, families, and friends, your presence in the audience, your cheers, and your unending encouragement provided our young performers with a sense of accomplishment and confidence that will stay with them for a lifetime. Your support is a testament to the strong bond we share as a community.

As the final bows were taken and the last notes faded away, it is clear that "Alice: The Musical" was not just a production; it was a testament to the power of collaboration, passion, and the transformative impact of the arts in education.

Thank you for believing in the importance of nurturing creativity and providing our students with the opportunity to shine. Your support has ignited a spark that will continue to inspire our students' artistic endeavors for years to come.

2024 returning students

We are currently seeking confirmation from families in regards to the 2024 enrolment status for their children. Can I please ask all families to complete the Operoo link which was sent out on Tuesday 25th July ASAP. We have many families on our waiting lists for 2024 and we would like to let them know of availability of places as soon as we can.

Dad's Footy Match - Save the Date!

Please keep the afternoon of Saturday 2nd September free as our highly skilled and courageous St. Finbar's Dads take on the St. Joan of Arc Dads in the annual footy match. There will also be children's footy matches on as well as a longest kick comp for the Mums.

School Closure Day

Just a reminder that we have a school closure day scheduled for tomorrow - Friday 11th August. The staff will be participating in Literacy professional development all day. Team Kids will be running a whole day care program on this day in the hall.

Farewell for now....

Time has a way of carrying us on unexpected journeys, and today, I stand before you with a mix of emotions as I prepare to embark on a temporary adventure. As you may already know, I am about to begin a period of secondment to St. Patrick's School in Mentone, and while this journey will take me away from the familiar environment of St. Finbar's, it is not a farewell, but rather a "see you later." Tomorrow will be my last official day at St. Finbar's for the 2023 school year. I will be back for some official events such as Year 6 Confirmation and Graduation.

St. Finbar's has always been more than just a school to me; it has been a family, a community, and a source of inspiration for the past 8 years. The bonds we've built, the memories we've shared, and the achievements we've celebrated together will forever hold a special place in my heart. During my time at St. Patrick's, I am excited to learn, to grow, and to gather new ideas that can enrich our beloved St. Finbar's community even further.

While I may not be physically present at the school, please know that my spirit remains intertwined with all that St. Finbar's represents. Our exceptional team of educators, staff, parents, and most importantly, our wonderful students, will continue to carry the torch of excellence that defines our school's ethos. This temporary separation is an opportunity for all of us to continue nurturing the values that make St. Finbar's so exceptional. I wish Ms Hill every success as she takes over as Principal until the end of the year, very ably supported by Mr Steele Anderson and Mrs Peggy McDonald as Deputy Principals.

I encourage you to embrace this period of change with the same enthusiasm and resilience that have defined our community. Use this time to reflect on our shared goals, to explore new possibilities, and to strengthen the relationships that sustain us. As I immerse myself in the experiences of St. Patrick's School, I will be thinking of each of you and looking forward to returning with fresh perspectives to share.

Thank you for your unwavering support, your understanding, and your belief in the transformative power of education. Let's continue to keep the St. Finbar's spirit flourishing and thriving.

P.S. - Go the Mighty Blue Boys!

God Bless,

Pat Berlingeri

Principal

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Parish Bulletin

Sunday 13th August, 2023