Principal's News
Journeying Together in Christ
We officially welcomed in the new school year yesterday with a celebration at St Brendan's church. A first visit to the church for many students. We appreciate the family members who were able to attend. We announced our student leaders for 2025. Congratulations to the following students:
Ewa Patel, Gusti Feldtmann, Reese Opie, Flynn Gemmill, Rhys Cowen, Taqueer Bhatti
We have entered the season of LENT. No matter what religion we may acknowledge, we can use this time to look out for others and think of those less fortunate.
As a Catholic school we celebrate certain days and events in the Catholic calendar. At times, these events are celebrated off site at St Brendan's church. Please do your best to acknowledge the digital receipt of the information regarding bus travel (via PAM). At times, there is no supervision at school due to the whole school attending such events. Please contact me if you have any questions.
Next Tuesday we hold our first swimming event for Years 3-6 at Mooroopna swimming pool.
NO school next Monday due to our Public Holiday. See you on Tuesday.
Our Foundation students are at school full-time now with NO Wednesday break.
OPEN DAYS
We have two of these early in Term 2. See the flyer. We will ask existing parents to be present to welcome visiting families. Our Year 6 students will take groups on a tour of the school as part of the session. Please share the days as needed.
Staffing
We welcome Bruce Geddes next week as our new Grounds/Maintenance person. He will be onsite for 16 hours over a number of days each week.
Uniting Care (Before School Care update)
Uniting would like to know who may be interested in care 8am-4pm during the three pupil free days at the beginning of Term 2.
Use the link to express your interest.
We have progressed well with the Before School option. We are looking at the amended guidelines/contract. We are hoping to offer care between 7am-9am. More details to follow.
Community Group Dates
Chair- Sheena Russell
Term 1- 4th March, 1st April
Term 2- 6th May, 1st July
Term 3- 2nd September
Term 4- 18th November
There will be a calendar of events coming out soon with coordinators names and spaces for new coordinators e.g. Bunnings BBQs- Matt Schroeders 0417 590 564, Bowls Social Night- Beth Ivory 0448 808 875
Other opportunities-Easter Raffle, Major Raffle, Fete, End of Term BBQs x 3, Mother's & Father's Day, Parent morning teas, Open Days, Soccer & Netball Saturday winter sport, other social events...
Coordinators may hold meetings onsite if required. Some do not need a meeting. Some events need one or more meetings.
Advisory Council Dates & Members
Tuesday 7pm
Chair- Cait Alletsee
Term 1- 11th March
Term 2- 13th May, 10th June
Term 3- 9th September
Term 4- 14th October, 11th November
We are seeking expressions of interest to join the Advisory Group. Some goals for 2025 include:
-Master Plan 2025-2035
-Capital Plan for the Stadium
-MAGNIFY- CESL plan and how we use this to support the promotion of our school
-Marketing
-Parent Engagement
We attempt to spread members across these areas so they can engage with other parents throughout the year and possibly form a sub-committee.
We meet 5-6 times throughout the year. If you are interested email David dkeenan@slshepparton.catholic.edu.au and I will send the CESL (Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd) Terms of Reference and a PowerPoint presentation. I was made aware on Monday that there will be a NEW Terms of reference passed by the CESL Board probably next week. I will wait until I receive this and then send.
Drop off and pick-up- Carpark
Although we are fortunate to have our own car park, we still need to be very cautious and patient. The busy times are between 8:40am-8:55am and 3:20-3:35pm. Please model safe practice by using the pedestrian crossings.
Supervised Hours
8:15am-3:40pm
The office does NOT open until 8:30am.
8:15am-8:30am- children or parents are not permitted in the school building. Teachers are getting ready or meeting before the children enter. The front door is opened at 8:30am.
Personal Digital Devices Policy
As posted on PAM (Parent Access Module) please read this policy and accompanying letter from our Executive Director, Kate Fogarty. This policy and any other local guidelines will be sent to you for a digital acknowledgment like a permission note you receive on PAM.
Upcoming Events (see the calendar page and calendar on PAM)
We keep all those people in the cyclone area in our prayers. We pray that by the time we come back to school on Tuesday, the damage is limited, and people are safe.
We pray for Pope Francis and hope his health improves.
David Keenan
(Principal)