Deputy Principals' Report

Dear Families,

A very warm welcome back to all our students and families as we begin Term 4!  We hope the recent break provided a wonderful opportunity for everyone to enjoy some restful time together, recharge, and soak up the spring weather. It's always a pleasure to see our grounds full of energy again, and we are excited to embark on what promises to be a busy and rewarding term. As we approach the end of the academic year, the pace naturally increases, but please be assured that our dedicated staff are here to guide every student through the final term's activities, learning, and assessments with confidence and assurance/

This final term brings with it a host of exciting events, important academic milestones, and preparations for the next school year. With Term 4 upon us and the change in weather, our School Sun Smart Policy is now fully in effect: school hats must be worn by all students during all outdoor play times, including recess and lunch. We ask for your support in ensuring your child has their hat available, and sunscreen is also highly recommended. Let's make Term 4 a successful, exciting, and sun-safe one!

Warm Regards, Deputy Principals: Joelle Diakrousis and Anthony Speranza

SLIP, SLOP, SLAP, SEEK, SLIDE

A reminder for all students to come prepared with their hats and sunscreen each day at school. As we spend more time outdoors, it’s essential that everyone stays protected from the sun’s UV rays. Parents, it would be greatly appreciated if you could teach your children to apply sunscreen at home before they come to school in the morning. This not only helps start their day off with good coverage but also ensures they’re familiar with the routine, as students will need to reapply during the day. By building this habit at home, we can work together to keep everyone sun safe .A helpful PDF on sunscreen is attached below:

A helpful reminder for all of us is the Cancer Council’s “Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, and Slide” slogan. This easy-to-remember message encourages children to Slip on a shirt, Slop on sunscreen, Slap on a hat, Seek shade, and Slide on sunglasses whenever they’re outside. Practicing these sun safety steps helps build lifelong habits that protect skin health. Further advice is also attached below:

Resilience Groups Year 3 & 4 (Formerly Bounceback)

Mrs Diakrousis has resumed her small group Resilience sessions. At this stage, the groups will be offered to Year 3 and 4 students only.

These sessions will explore a range of strategies designed to support the development of resilience through small group activities and discussion. Our second focus will be on Resilience —Building Inner Strength.

During the sessions, students will:

• Recognise thoughts and feelings during challenges.
• Learn calming and coping strategies to bounce back.
• Develop positive self-talk skills to stay strong and motivated           

The program will run as an eight-week block, with sessions held once a fortnight in the afternoon.

We look forward to supporting our students as they continue to grow in confidence and emotional wellbeing.

Seasons for Growth – Grief and Loss Support Program

We would like to let families know that Mrs Diakrousis will resume the Seasons for Growth program this term.  Seasons for Growth is a small-group program designed to support children who have experienced significant change, loss, or grief—such as the death of a loved one, family separation, or other major life changes.

The program helps students explore their feelings in a safe and supportive environment through age-appropriate discussions, stories, creative activities, and personal reflection. It aims to build emotional resilience and equip students with strategies to cope with change.

The program will be available for students from Prep to Year 6, and groups will be organised by level: Junior (Prep–Year 2), Middle (Years 3–4), and Senior (Years 5–6).

If you feel your child would benefit from being part of this program, please contact Mrs Diakrousis at jdiakrousis@spmentone.catholic.edu.au.

Random Acts of Kindness

George L. (3FH) For helping another student do up their shoe laces.

George V. (2SC) For being a great friend to others on the playground.

Zoe Caspersz (3FH) For handing in some valuable lost property.