Principal's News

Dear Families,

It’s hard to believe we are already 3 weeks into the term, and thank goodness we have ended this week with some beautiful sunshine- it certainly lifts the spirits, and just in time for the Year 3 and Year 4 Dendy Cricket Day. Thanks to Tanya, Donnella and parent helpers for supporting our students today.

A highlight of the last couple of weeks has been getting to know our new Parish Priest, Fr Gallacher. 

We are grateful for his beautiful celebration of the life of Rob Toffoletto last Thursday; such a hard day for Angie, the children, family and friends, but Fr Gallacher’s sensitive and thoughtful words brought comfort on the day of the funeral. Thank you to all those family and community members who continue to support Angie and the children- I know she is very grateful.

Reconciliaition Information Night

On Monday evening, our Year 3 students and parents joined me, Mrs Jackson and Fr Gallacher for our Reconciliation information session. Thank you to our students and parents for your thoughtful input and interactions during this preparation session. A particular highlight of the evening was Fr sharing his photographs of the Holy Land, which I know resonated with all of us in the room. Thanks to Mrs Jackson for organising the evening.

Finding Nemo Updates

At the time of writing (Friday) there are 58 tickets available for Wednesday the 1st of November and 130 available for Thursday the 2nd of November. To purchase tickets click on this link:

https://www.trybooking.com/CMDLQ

Later in this newsletter, Miss Karen has put together a list of items that children will need to wear from home. Note that it is just the odd thing here and there as we have provided most items. 

Early next week we will be putting the call out for volunteers to run the bar on both nights, so please look out for the signup link and thank you in advance for volunteering if you can.

Prep 2024

Our new preps came in for orientation #2 yesterday and had a great time as they continued to build and strengthen their connections to our school, staff and friends. Thanks to Jasmine, Dean, Jo, Stacey and the staff for another great orientation morning.

While our prep teachers were busy with our newest students, our current preps had a fantastic time with their grade 5 and 6 buddies and even managed a trip to the park. What incredibly strong bonds these children have formed and I couldn’t be prouder of the continued leadership from our oldest students.

Thanks for Your Time!

It seems that this year has been non-stop with opportunities for parents to participate in the life of the school. There has been so much this year that could not have been possible without your support and generosity. Last weekend’s sausage sizzle at the referendum brought in over $3k in fundraising and similarly this week’s uniform sale raised in excess of $1k. This all adds up and I’m so grateful for your fundraising efforts and support which, down the track, will go towards the building/ refurbishment plans for our school. Thank you to all the parents and siblings who helped at the sausage sizzle and to Mel and Simone for the uniform stall; you're generosity with your time is greatly appreciated.

I would also like to thank our School Advisory Council for their support throughout the year, and for assisting in setting next year’s school fees. A special word of thanks to Peter Piasente who will step down as Chair at the end of this year after several years in the position. Peter has been a superb help and his words of wisdom and advice have been invaluable, especially in the ‘covid years’. Congratulations and thank you to David Stegehuis, who has been nominated as the SAC chair for 2024, and after working closely with David in his P+F roles, I know our parent community will continue to be well-represented on the council.

If you are interested in applying for a position on the SAC, then please email me: principal@sjmalvern.catholic.edu.au

Families will receive their 2024 fee letters at the beginning of December, but please note we have kept the increase to an absolute minimum, with a total increase for 1 child at $180. Also, a reminder that this year’s fees need to be paid in full prior to the end of the year (We have bills to pay) unless you are already on a payment plan. Our business manager, Jessica, will be providing me with an updated list of outstanding payments next Thursday, so it would be appreciated if you could make contact with me if you are facing financial difficulties.

Although we are at the pointy end of our rehearsals for Nemo, before we unleash the show onto the community, our students and staff have begun their personal and community health topic, which will run throughout Term 4. I feel so fortunate that we have many parents willing to share their professional expertise with our staff and students, and this week our 3s and 4s were fortunate enough to be visited by Jane Horan (Stella Y4) who is an ADHD coach. Apparently, the children asked very thoughtful and respectful questions and I know the teachers really appreciated Jane’s expert input into this important aspect of health and neurodiversity. Thanks Jane!

A New Leadership Team!

Today, Martin and I took a step back in our roles and handed over the reins to Principal for the day, Mr Lucas, and Deputy Principal for the day, Ms Valentina. After leading the assembly, it was straight into meetings, taking a prospective parent on a tour, writing the newsletter, visiting the classrooms, submitting an application for a capital grant and finally attending a business lunch with Fr Gallacher. Phew!

Thanks Lucas and Valentina for being good sports and such good leaders of our school. They successfully managed to handle staff requests to leave early and requests for a pay rise! Well done!

Lucas' Report:

Hi, this is Principal Lucas and I’m going to tell you about my day.

First I ran the assembly and gave compliments to the children who were sitting well. Then I did a school tour for new students.

After that, I went to La Via for lunch. I had a cheese toasty and It was good. 

I also went to the shops to buy presents for the birthday box,  I may have even got myself a special treat at the shop. 

I have had such a fun day being Principal but I am pretty tired, I think it’s time for a nap. 

See you around

Principal Lucas

Valentina's Report

Hi, I am Deputy Vale I am going to tell you about my day it was so fun. I LOVED IT but l need to calm down a bit. 321 EXPLODE!!!!! I really could not wait but it was fun. First, I gave stickers to students who did well and were working hard. Then I went to get gifts for the birthday box, I even had time to see my dad at his shop. Later on, I  went for a business lunch and did some important deputy work. Finally, I got to take some of my friends for a special treat.

From Deputy Valentina  

Costume List from Miss Karen and the team:

Staffing 2024

We are at that time of year when parents are keen to know who their child's teacher will be next year. Please know that we are in the middle of finalising staffing for next year and I will communicate the staff list with you all at the end of the Melbourne Cup week.

Wishing you all a restful and relaxing weekend ahead...let's hope the sun shines,

Michelle