Dear Parents and Carers,

Yesterday, we farewelled Mr Daniel Bau at St Simon the Apostle’s in Rowville. It was a very moving and heartfelt celebration of Mr Bau’s life. We are deeply grateful to all staff, parents, and students who attended and supported one another during this time of grief.

A special thank you to the staff who remained at school to continue supporting our students — your care and presence made a meaningful difference.

Below, you will find resources to help support you and your family during this very difficult time.

A Prayer for Mr Bau

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Mother's Day Activities

Next week we will be holding our annual Mother's Day morning on Tuesday 6th May.

The hall will be open from 7:45am for a sweet treat for families (provided at no cost from our amazing P & F), as well as to socialise and take photos. Please note that this is not breakfast. Please ensure you and your children have breakfast before attending school on this day. A coffee van will be available from 7:45am as well as instant coffee and tea in the hall.

The classrooms will be open from 8am for Mums and children to visit. At 8:45am the bell will ring as scheduled and we will prepare to gather for our special Mother's Day Mass. Classes will be seated by 9am in the church for a 9:15am start. Parents are most welcome to sit with their children in the church. Older siblings are invited to sit with their younger siblings if parents are attending.

On Wednesday 7th of May the P & F are running our annual Mother's Day stall in the school hall. All classes will be able to access the Mother's Day stall before recess. Please remember to bring up to $10 per child and a carry bag for items purchased.

ANZAC Day

My sincere thanks to the many families who participated in the march to the Mentone RSL on Friday morning. It was a special occasion where our school was extremely well represented. A special thanks to Mrs Williams our Community Leader and the Year 6 students who assisted in presenting a book on behalf of our community.

School Winter Uniforms

At the commencement of Term 2, students may wear either the FULL summer uniform or FULL winter uniform (please do not mix and match the uniforms) until the end of Week 3. From Monday 12th May, ALL students must be in FULL WINTER UNIFORM, including correct shoes.

School Maintenance and Projects

We have been busy improving our school buildings and grounds over the past few weeks. We are currently completing, or have completed the following projects:

Danny has nearly completed the new Chicken Coop in the garden space, and he will begin removal of the old chicken coop in prepartion for the installation of the new junior playground.
Relocation of network communications box on the mezzanine floor to enable bag lockers to be placed in the corridor allowing for greater space in the Year 3 & 4 classrooms.
Replacement and repair of the eco bikes and pumps. Hand water pump to be repaired soon as well.
Installation of the Gaga Pit.

Swimming Lessons

There will be an additional day of swimming catch for Wednesday's cancelled session due to Mr Bau's Funeral. This was due to take place on Monday 5th May. Unfortunately there has been a double booking at the pool, so this date will be postponed. We will advise parents in due course. The program has run exceptionally well and I would like to thank all staff and parents for your support of this important program. Special mention to Mr Edwards, Mrs Diakrousis and Mr Speranza for all of the background organising and logistics that have gone into the program running so smoothly.

School Cross Country Carnival

Last Thursday we held our annual Year 3 - Year 6 Cross Country Event. I would like to congratulate all students in attendance for their participation and support of each other. Special thanks to Mr Edwards for his organising and to Danny for assisting with the set up and pack up. Thanks also to all staff and parents who assisted and attended. Special mention to the Kilbreda students who helped with record keeping and course marshalling, we really appreciate it. Congratulations to Brigid (Green) House who were the overall winners on the day.

Year 6 Camp Survey Data

I am pleased to present the following final data from the Parents and Current Year 5 Students in regards to the travel arrangements to the 2026 Year 6 Canberra Camp. I will present this data to the School Advisory Council for a final decision on Wednesday 3rd May. I will keep the community updated of the final decision later this term.

School Advisory Council and P&F Meetings

Our next School Advisory Council Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 7th May at 7pm. The next P & F meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 13th May at 7:30pm

Staffing Updates

Tomorrow, Mr Brodie Ross will be going on parental leave in preparation for the arrival of the Ross twins. Mr Nathan Mayberry will be teaching eLearning during Mr Ross' absence.

Picasso Cow Program

We are fortunate this year to be participating in the Picasso Cow Program. Thanks to Mrs Brown our Visual Arts teacher for organisng this exciting addition to our school. The program promotes awareness of the Australian Dairy industry across two key themes of Farm to Plate and Health & Nutrition. We will create a Picasso Cows learning journal that will document and showcase students' learning and engagement.

School Calendar

Please use the following google link to add the school calendar to your own calendar for ease of information exchange. School Google Calendar HERE.

God Bless

Pat Berlingeri

Principal

St Patrick's Before & After School Care