From our Principal
St Roch’s School theme 2025:
Dear Families,
Welcome to Issue 13 of our iNewsletter! We hope this newsletter continues to keep you up to date with all the news, events and learning that happens at St Roch's.
Your active engagement in our school life, whether you're volunteering at events or simply staying connected to your child's learning journey or coming together as a school community for various events, makes an incredible difference. Furthermore, your enthusiasm for our school is contagious; it's a true gift to see you acting as such proudadvocates for our wonderful school and sharing its spirit with the wider community. Your support is vital, and it’s what makes St Roch's such a special place.
St Roch's Major Fundraiser - Our 95th Anniversary A Night to Remember
Thank you for your support in celebrating our 95th year anniversary at St Roch's.
On Saturday night, many parents gathered to celebrate in style.
On behalf of the entire school community, I want to express my deepest gratitude to all the parents who dedicated their time, energy, and expertise to organise this incredible evening.
This evening was a true testament to the spirit of our school, and it simply wouldn't have been possible without the team: The Fundraising Team……
On Decorations thank you to: Karen Crew, Monique Ireland and Maria O’Driscoll as well as Bree Lynch.
On Entertainment thank you to: Jess Mount and Jess Nichols.
On the Invitations, Signage, Media Wall, Photographer and Content Creator we gratefully thank Jess Whelan and Jess’s husband Mick as well.
Thank you for your hard work and especially to Hayley Thomas for working alongside Kate all the way!!
Kate Phillips, from the initial planning stages to the final touches, you poured your heart into every detail, creating this memorable night that celebrated our history and looks forward to our future.
Your commitment to raising funds for our students is especially commendable. The success of this event will directly benefit our students by providing them with the resources they need to continue to thrive.
Your generosity and dedication will have a lasting impact on everyone. As the leader of this Fundraising Team, and on behalf of our students and families and staff, Kate we THANK YOU!!
Thank you for being such an integral part of our school family. Your efforts have not only created a legacy for our 95th year but have also strengthened the bonds of our community.
We are incredibly fortunate!
We thank the parents of past years who were also present. It was so lovely to have you there!! Thank you for continuing to be a part of our community.
A special mention to all who donated towards this event and for the final results of the silent auctions that will be shared soon.
A message from Kate Phillips
What an unforgettable evening! Our 95th Anniversary Major Fundraiser was a true celebration of community, generosity, and school spirit. After months of planning, it was a joy to see everything come together for what truly was a night to remember.
With over 80 parents and teachers in attendance and an incredible 64 auction items enthusiastically claimed, the event was a resounding success. Together, we raised an amazing $10,710.15 in support of our school!
We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed – whether through donating, bidding, attending, or volunteering. Your unwavering support strengthens our school community and enriches the educational journey of every child.
A heartfelt thank you to our incredible Fundraising Team:Hayley Thomas, Jess Whelan, Karen Crew, Jess Mount, Maria O’Driscoll, Monique Ireland, and Jess Nichols – your dedication and hard work played a huge role in making this event such a success.
Here’s to continued community spirit and to our next Major Fundraiser in two years!
Kate Phillips
Major Fundraiser Committee
Here is a link to the Major Fundraiser photos via Dropbox made available to us by Jess & Michael Whelan. Sincere thanks!!
MACSSIS School Improvement Survey
This month our school is participating in Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools – School Improvement Surveys (MACSSIS). MACSSIS is an annual process whereby schools listen to the thoughts and feelings that students, families and staff have about how their school can improve. These surveys help inform the ongoing improvement of schools across the Archdiocese of Melbourne.
All staff, students and families of St Roch's will be invited to participate in completing the short survey to tell us what is working well and what could help make our school even better. Please take the time to watch the short video below about the survey.
We will be sending families further information about how and when they can complete this survey over the next few weeks.
Elevate and Engage
We are delighted to invite parents to a special event, Elevate and Engage - Senior Hub, on Wednesday, September 3rd, at 7:00pm where we will unveil our newly refreshed Senior School Program.
This is a unique opportunity for current St Roch's parents to gain an exclusive insight into the exciting updates and enhancements we have made to our Year 5 and our Year 6 programs.
We look forward to sharing our vision for the future in our Senior School and discussing how these changes will benefit our students, your children.
We also look forward to sharing our excellent NAPLAN results that demonstrate our staff and students' commitment to learning.
Your presence will make this event truly special. Please RSVP via CDF Pay.
State Library Excursions - Prep to Year 6
During the month of August all classes had the opportunity to visit The State Library of Victoria.
Prep to Year 3 participated in "Creating your own book" workshop and a tour of the library including the current exhibition "World of the Book".
Years 4, 5 & 6 participated in the Medieval Calligraphy Workshop and also toured the library visiting the same exhibition.
The State Library is an amazing building combining old and new areas for people of all ages to explore and enjoy, it truly is worth a visit.
All who attended must agree it is a hidden gem of Melbourne.
The library provides a wonderful Education Team to make the excursions a success, filled with knowledge and fun for the students.
A big thank you to the parents, teachers and students who attended over the three days to make this experience a great success.
We also thank Carmel Rozario, who was instrumental in the organisation and coordinating of these excursions. As the Library Technician, she certainly shares the love of reading that we want to instil in all our students.
Condolences
Our thoughts and prayers are with Rachel Gray our dedicated Year 2 Classroom Teacher and Literacy Leader on the recent passing of her mother, Elizabeth (Betty) Gleeson in Lockhart New South Wales.
Our hearts go out to Rachel and her family during this incredibly difficult time.
MLC Cup
Congratulations to our families who participated in the community event on Saturday at the netball and football games. Well done James Bawden and his team and to Bec Kirkwood and her team and we wish everyone well. See photos on the Community Engagement page.
Celebrating our Fathers and Special Friends
We’re looking forward to celebrating our dads and special friends with a series of events this week:
- Father’s Day Stall – Tuesday 2 September $5 per child (cash or CDF app)
- Dad’s & Special Friends Breakfast – Friday 5 September $25 per family via CDF app
Dad’s Drinks – Friday 12 September @ Gardiner Hotel Rooftop
From 6:30pm, food & drinks at bar prices. RSVP via CDF app.
Please jump on and register – your support makes these events possible and means so much to the kids! Will Cheang & Dave Crew
Wishing everyone a wonderful week especially the people in our lives we call Dad!!
Happy Father's Day!
Warmest regards,
Angie Mastoras
Principal
St Roch’s Parish Primary School
Glenvale Road, Glen Iris 3146
Telephone: 9885 7704
Email: principal@srgleniris.catholic.edu.au
Website: www.srgleniris.catholic.edu.au