From our Principal

St Roch’s School theme 2026:

"United in Faith, Sharing the Light"

Dear Families,

Welcome to Issue 16 for 2026 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.

Illuminating Our Creative Community

What an extraordinary evening we shared at our recent Art Show on Friday! I am immensely proud of everything that has been accomplished by our students, staff and of course, our talented Visual Arts Specialist, Anne Pullen.

An event of this scale relies on a whole community effort. There are so many people who have supported Anne throughout the year, far too many to name individually but I want to offer my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you. Anne, your dedication of time and energy truly brings out the very best in St Roch’s. It was lovely to see our current and future families, extended families, friends, colleagues and family join us for this magnificent event. A shout out to Graham Pullen, Anne's husband for all his behind the scenes support. We were delighted to have Dr Carina Garland attend this special event.

A special acknowledgement must go to our wonderful Arts Leaders: Olivia Nolan, Aira Merchant, Rose Iles and Matilda Stubbs. It is such a pleasure to witness your passion for leadership and your genuine enthusiasm for being fully immersed in the arts. We also thank Cassie Jensen for providing art work related to her STEM lessons using glow paint and 3D Printing.

I also want to express my deep gratitude to our committed staff, who work tirelessly behind the scenes to showcase the talents and capabilities of our students.

Anne, you have truly outdone yourself. By grounding this evening in our theme, Illuminate, you showed us how art can shine a light on the unique creativity within each child, giving every single student the opportunity to shine brightly.

Congratulations, Anne, we loved seeing your artistic vision come to life through our students!

Thank you to Michael Whelan for providing the photos above.

Welcome Prep 2027 Families!

What a wonderful evening we had with our Prep 2027 Families last Wednesday. We welcomed parents to an information evening that highlighted key events and key tips from our School Captains, Mia Smarelli and George Bristow, our P&F Presidents, David Crew and Will Cheang, current Prep P&F Class Representatives, Bridie Parry and Kate Bollard, Anna from Bob Stewart, Alex Granland, Nadine Bolton, Rachel Gray and myself supported by Nicolle Briglia and Mia McKenzie-McHarg throughout the preparations for this night and on the night.

Thank you to all the families who joined us for our Prep 2027 Information Evening! It was wonderful to welcome both new and familiar faces as we shared what makes our school community so special.

Throughout the night, we highlighted how our core pillars: Community, Wellbeing  and Academic Excellenceform the foundation of everything we do. From our early learning environments to our student leadership programs, these strengths guide us in fostering a safe, inclusive and encouraging space where every young learner can thrive.

We also shared our vision for the school, offering a glimpse into the exciting developments ahead. From upgraded learning facilities to innovative curriculum initiatives designed for the modern world, our commitment remains clear: nurturing confident, curious and compassionate lifelong learners.

We are so excited to partner with you as your children take their first steps into their primary school journey. 

Congratulations! We love receiving stories of achievements!

Congratulations to Adam Sayers who has made the U10 State finals for tennis. This has been Adam's goal since the start of Term 1 and he has worked so hard for this. 

On top of this, in the latest super 10s camp (Tennis Australia pathway for u10 players) during school holidays, Adam won an award for effort over outcome recognised by Tennis Australia performance team for trying his best no matter the outcome. 

We have a budding tennis champion!!

I was contacted recently by a past parent who shared exciting news regarding her Year 12 2027 child's leadership role along with other past students who have been elected into leadership roles of Prefects and House Captains at our neighbouring Secondary School. Parents have commented that the Public Speaking oppportunities at St Roch's in their formative years and in the Senior  years in particular, prepared these students for these accomplishments.

Upcoming Events:

• Friday 16 October - Year 2 Assembly 3.00pm
• Friday 30 October - Year 1 Assembly 3.00pm 
• Friday 6 November - School Spirits Sports Day 12.00pm - 3.00pm 
• Wednesday 11 November - Remembrance Day Liturgy 10.30am 
• Friday 20 November - Semester 2 Highlights Assembly 2.45pm 
• Monday 14 December - Year 6 Graduation Assembly 3.00pm 

School Spirit Sports

The St Roch's School Spirit Sports event will take place at Gardiner Park on Friday 6th November. We are asking for assistance in getting the marquees to the park by 10am. If you are able to help with transportation and/or set up of the marquees that would be fantastic. Please email Marjie King at  mking@srgleniris.catholic.edu.au if you are able to assist in this very important task. 

P&F Committee Messages:

Please refer to our notice on nForma requesting families to send through their favourite family recipe for the St Roch's Family Cookbook. All recipes will need to be sent to us by Monday 30 November to office@srgleniris.catholic.edu.au

Christmas Fundraiser

Thank you to Steph Morris for organing an end of year Christmas fundraiser to get us into the Christmas spirit!! Please see the flyer below:

Student Free Days 2026

Term 4:    Monday, 2 November 2026

                    Monday 30 November 2026  

School Term Dates 2026 

Term 1: Friday, 30 January – Thursday, 2 April 2026 at 2.30pm

Term 2: Monday 20 April – Friday 26 June 2026 at 1.00pm

Term 3: Monday 13 July – Friday 18 September 2026 at 1.00pm

Term 4: Monday 5 October – Tuesday, 15 December 2026 at 1.00pm

Year 7, 2029 – key enrolment dates 

The Archdiocesan Enrolment Committee (AEC) has approved the key enrolment dates for students starting Year 7 in 2029

 Current Year 4 parents/ carers - Families are encourage to apply to at least two secondary schools to increase the likelihood of receiving an offer.

Applications for students starting Year 7 in 2029 will open on Wednesday 27 January 2027 and close on Friday 13 August 2027.

Offers will be posted to 2029 prospective Year 7 applicants on Friday 15 October 2027. Parents/carers will be required to accept an offer by Friday 5 November 2027.

Little Roch Stars Pre-Prep Sessions

Come along to our last session of Little Roch Stars for this term on Friday 11 September from 8.30am until 9.30am with Toni Allen (Early Childhood Educator and our very own Year 6 Classroom Teacher) and Alison Swift (a wealth of experience as a Learning Support Officer).

Warmest regards,

Angie Mastoras 

Principal

All students attending St Roch's Parish Primary School have the right to feel safe.  The care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people is a fundamental responsibility of all within our school.

 

We acknowledge the Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri people, the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet today, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

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