Principal's News

ANZAC DAY

We attend services on ANZAC Day or watch it on TV and pay our respects. Every time I hear the 'last post' my emotions bubble. 

I messaged a past student whom I taught many years ago. He is a Lieutenant Colonel. His experiences have seen him overseas and in Australia. I simply said, " Thank you for what you do and enjoy today."

Our Year 6 students represented our school very well last Thursday. Thank you!

ENROLMENTS OPEN for NOW and 2025

After two successful open days (18th April and 2nd May) people have had an opportunity to take a look at our school. Existing families are encouraged to collect an enrolment pack if they have a child starting in foundation or another year level in 2025. This will assist our planning. At present we have three foundation classrooms and this will only continue if numbers are around 50. 

Year 7 Notre Dame College

Enrolments close on Friday 17th May

Staffing Update

We welcome the following people:

Jess Salau will join us from Monday 6th May as a Learning Support Officer (LSO). She will be here 5 days per week. Jess worked at Wyndham Early Learning since 2018. Before that Jess was at James Tilson Kindergarten. Jess is a parent at our school. 

Danielle Damiamopoulos will join us a full-time teacher. Danielle's experience dates back to 2016 where she taught at Gowrie street and most recently Mooroopna Public school as a classroom teacher. Danielle will fill our vacant Performing Arts position and part of the Visual Arts role. 

Troy Watts has returned to his original PE/Sport role since Bettina DeGuzman joined the 3/4 Learning Community. I thank Troy for filling the 3/4 role during in term 1. Bettina has transitioned well in a new school and new country. 

Special thanks to Donna Allen for supporting Bettina's transition and life outside of school. The friendly duo of Donna Allen and Jen McKillop met Bettina at Melbourne Airport and made her feel very welcome.

Josh Harrison informed us of a change on the last day of Term 1. He has joined St  Mary's Mooroopna which is much more convenient to his home. We wish Josh all the best. 

We have part of Visual Arts to fill and this will be finalised when Danielle begins at St Luke's. 

What does the next three weeks of Term 2 look like?

Sunday 5th May is when we are celebrating St Brendan's Feast Day. We are part of the St. Brendan's Parish. A Mass at 11:00am will be followed by food options and an expo of all the different groups/ministries our parish offers.

Our Community and Advisory Groups meet in May.

On Friday 10th May we have our Mother's Day stall for the children. Parents can purchase a coffee between 8:30am-9:30am out the front. Please do not purchase children a hot drink before they enter the grounds. 

Our Sacramental program continues with Reconciliation on Saturday 18th May.

Fr Joe Taylor celebrates 50 years as a priest with mass in Echuca at 11:00am on Friday 24th May.

School Supervision from 8:15am & Wednesday Afternoon

The morning seems to be going well. Children have the option of waiting under the front entrance, basketball/netball courts, down ball or playground closest to admin building. 

When we experience rain children will need to wait under the front entrance shelter.

Wednesday afternoon Terms 2/3 is our busiest time due to sport training. Parents are responsible for their own children, in particular those not training but at school. Please ensure bark, sand and rocks are not spread over the playground. After school care use our grounds from 3:25pm every day.

Toilets

Unfortunately, some children have not be caring for our toilets. Our cleaners have been greeted with fruit (mainly bananas) being smeared and squashed over the floor, walls and ceiling. Please remind children how to care for our facilities.

Community Group

We meet next week Tuesday 7th May at 7pm in the staff room. Some ladies went out for dinner last Friday (as advertised). The mother's day store will be provided on Friday 10th May during school hours. A big thank you to our helpers in advance.

Parent & Teacher Meetings

These have now concluded. The format was a trial and seemed to work quite well. A reminder that ongoing communication is the key to growth and positive learning experiences for your child.

After School Care

Like many businesses Uniting need more employees. Please contact them if you are interested. If you would like to enquire for care after 3:25pm for your child see the details below.

UNIFORM

Winter uniform is now required. A reminder that hair must be tidy and tied back if below the shoulder. If you are not sure of the length come and ask.

School Zone & Safety

A reminder that we have a school zone on the highway. The speed changes from 80km to 60km. The highway patrol have been active in recent times.

The highway is not an area to drop children off or complete a u-turn. 

Please find a car park and do not wait on our internal roadways. Other cars cannot always pass and if there is an accident the cameras will be used as evidence.

A couple of weeks ago on the 29th ApriI, Mrs Keenan and I attended the Shepparton Vaisakhi Mela- Kabaddi games.  It was a real treat as I had only watched the sport in Griffith, NSW years ago. It was lovely seeing some families. I really enjoyed experiencing the Punjabi culture. 

Last term we went to the Italian festival. Another great initiative in Shepparton. We are very fortunate to be able to have access to these events. Again, we met many families from school and joined them in celebrating their heritage. 

20 years

In 2025, it will mark 20 years for St Luke's. I will be sharing photos of our past in the remaining newsletters this year leading into 2025. 

Our first School Board (Advisory Group) and other events.

David Keenan