Good afternoon families,

Thank you for all the support you have given the school this term. We have had so many amazing events I am sure you are all ready for your holidays. I know the students and staff are ready for a well deserved break. This weekend is the last weekend we will have Father Ignatius in our parish. Father Ignatius is moving to Box Hill and we wish him all the very best for his new assignment.

Footy Day and Have a Ball

Thank you to Mr O'Brien for organising the Have A Ball organisation to attend our Footy Day. Total ball count was 208 balls with $108 in donation which was another amazing effort. Thank you to Mr Andrew and the Year 6 students for organising a wonderful morning where all students could participate in a large variety of activities.

Blue Cross Chelsea Manor

We had 2 year Five students initiate a community service activity this term. The two students organised 4 art sessions at lunch time for any students in the school to attend. They made 32 cards, some saying ‘Hello’ and some saying ‘We are thinking of you’. Last Friday the 2 students visited the Blue Cross Chelsea Manor

and gave the residents these cards. The residents were absolutely thrilled and the students were invited to visit again at Christmas and deliver Christmas cards.

St Louis' Italian Choir

Good luck to our Italian choir who will perform on Saturday 5 October.

it will be a fantastic event as the competition is part of the Italian Festival at The Royal Exhibition Building. Thank you so much to Mrs Stefanec for all her wonderful training.

Report from the School Advisory Council. (SAC) Chairperson

Hi St Louis Community,

As Chairman of the Student Advisory Council (SAC), I will be preparing brief summaries of our meetings going forward to keep you informed about key discussions and consultations.

The SAC is made up of the following members: Julius Lau, Nicole Dobrohotoff, Daniel Belton, Linda McDonald-Jones, and me, Bill Tabourlos. We meet regularly with the Principal and Vice Principals to provide feedback and discuss important matters that affect our school.

The following topics were discussed at our most recent meeting on 17 September 2024:

2025 School Fees: After reviewing the financial situation, the school leadership decided to increase fees by 3.9% next year. This decision is driven by rising costs and is a requirement from MACS (Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools) which was shared with the SAC for feedback. MACS is the governing body responsible for overseeing Catholic schools in Melbourne to ensure they maintain high educational and pastoral standards. Overall, the school remains committed to ensuring fees are reasonable and competitive.

School Finances: We discussed strategies to approach MACS for additional financial support given the pressures many families are experiencing. This is an ongoing area of consultation with the school leadership.

Student Enrolment: Enrolment numbers for 2025 are projected to increase with a strong Prep intake and returning students. As a result, the school anticipates having four classes in Prep, Grade 2, Grade 4, and Grade 6, potentially reaching 600 students overall.

Vision and Instruction: The SAC reviewed the "Vision and Instruction" initiative prepared and provided by MACS, which is designed to improve student outcomes through a unified teaching approach. The school is working with MACS to implement this program to ensure teachers receive appropriate training and resources. Parents should have received the Parent Guide outlining this initiative.

Traffic Concerns: Traffic during drop-off and pick-up has been raised as a concern from council and residents. Several possible solutions were discussed. The school leadership will engage with the local council to explore options for improving safety and flow in the area.

Thank you for your ongoing support of the school.

Best regards,

Bill Tabourlos

Chairman, Student Advisory Council

Dates for Term 4

Saturday 5 October :- Italian Choir perform at the Royal Exhibition building

Monday 7 October: Start of Term 4

Thursday 10 October : Family Night Year 3 for Reconciliation. 5 pm or 6.30 pm

Friday 11 October: Division Athletics

Tuesday 15 October: Prep 2025 Orientation 1.15 pm - 2.45 pm

Wednesday 16 October: Year 3 Sacrament of Reconciliation

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