Principals Report

Dear Parents, Carers and Friends of St Brendan’s,

I have spoken with a number of parents in the past week who have expressed their amazement at just how quickly the year seems to be flying by. The rate at which your children are growing up continues to amaze me too. I really enjoy watching your beautiful children ‘get bigger and more grown up’ each and every day. It is so exciting to watch as they try and then master new things. We have so many reasons to celebrate children of all ages and stages in our school.

It is a constant reminder to me, whose children have already grown, that we all should slow down, pay attention, notice and appreciate their efforts as they navigate the world of school and the world of life. Please take the time to appreciate your children as they are right now, today and in this moment. They are special gifts to love, nurture and support. 

~Behind every child who believes in themselves lies a parent who believed in them first~

St Brendan’s Day

It was an absolute joy to celebrate St Brendan’s Day last Thursday. The students were engaged in many activities where they learned about the story of Brendan the Navigator, the patron saint of our school. We were so blessed to be able to come together to celebrate Mass where we gave thanks for St Brendan. The Year 5/6 students shared the story of Brendan through drama and art and Father Shymon led us in a beautiful Eucharistic celebration. Thank you to the many parent\s and grandparents who were able to join us. Finally, in the afternoon, the students enjoyed a musical performance by Kaboom Percussion. Thank you to Emma Chapple, our Religious Education and Music/Performing Arts teacher for organising this special performance.

State Budget

You all received a letter from me yesterday via Audiri asking you to contact your local State member, Paul Mercurio, to express your concern at the inequity of the payment of $400 announced in the State Budget on May 7 this year. The amount will be paid to every parent whose children are enrolled in a government school, however, it will  only be awarded to Health Care Card holders in Catholic and Independent schools. I encourage you to sign and send the letter to Paul Mercurio for a response. Thank you for your support in this matter. 

Back Gate Parking

If you park at the back of the school when collecting your children in the afternoon, please show respect for our neighbours by not parking across their driveways or on the nature strips. We were sent a photo last week from an unhappy and highly annoyed neighbour of a large 4 Wheel Drive parked partially across their driveway  and partially on the nature strip. We strive to enjoy good relationships with our neighbours and with the wider community of Somerville. Please support us by showing respect for others at all times.

Family Mass

On Saturday night our school families were invited to attend a family Mass at St Brendan’s. During this Mass, students from St Brendan’s who are preparing to receive the Sacrament of Eucharist for the first time were presented to the parish community. Thank you to the members of the parish who went out of their way to make our students and their parents feel welcome and special by preparing delicious food for the children to enjoy after Mass. It was a beautiful celebration.

Reconciliation Week - May 27 -June 3

The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2024, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will —and must —continue. 

During the week commencing Monday 27th May, the students will be involved in learning activities designed to  increase their knowledge and awareness of the history and disadvantage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Thank you to our Indigenous leader, Jenny Riddell for leading teachers and students to increase their awareness and understanding at this important issue.

Year 5/6 Assembly

Yesterday, our Year 5/6 students presented their learning at assembly. As I mentioned to the many parents who attended. I was just so proud and so impressed by this group of students. The maturity they displayed as they showcased their work in:

• English
• Mathematics
• Sport
• Inquiry Learning

made me feel grateful for the teachers who lead the senior students: Nicole Reed, Nicola Ristrom, Holly Waldock and for the Learning Support staff; Siubhan Brickwood and Mariah Pevitt who provide such wonderful support and more the wonderful cohort of students who belong in Year 5/6. I was extremely proud as they showcased high quality learning and engagement. Well done to all.

I wish you all a wonderful week ahead.

Warm regards

Sue

Mother's Day Breakfast

Mother's Day Mass

Mother's Day Stall 

A huge thank you goes to our Mother's Day gift purchasers, Cindy and Natalia, and to all our fantastic Mothers Day stall helpers, those who did set up, sales or both, without you all, this would not be possible.