From the Acting Principal
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Father's Day
It’s hard to believe that just last weekend we were celebrating Father’s Day. Father’s Day is a special day to highlight the central roles our dads play in our lives. We also celebrated all the other men in our lives such as grandpas, uncles, cousins, teachers and special friends who have helped to shape and form us into the person we are today.
We had a couple of things happening for our wonderful dad’s last week. On Thursday the 4th of September, we had our much loved PA Father’s Day stall, where students were able to purchase gifts for their dads or significant other. I would like to especially thank our Parents Association for purchasing and organising the gifts for the Father’s Day Stall, and thank you to all the volunteers who helped out on the day. I have no doubt that our students loved shopping for their dad and choosing that special gift. (Plus, there is Mathematics involved!)
Also, on Friday the 5th September, we had our Father’s day liturgy led by our RE and Social Justice Grade 6 leaders. Our four leaders Rebecca, Alina, Olivia and Emily did an amazing job and we thank our Religious Education Leader Mrs Phil Solari for preparing the liturgy.
Three-Way Conversations with Parents, Teacher and Student
On Tuesday, the 9th September, and Wednesday the 10th September we conducted our Parent-Teacher-Student conversations. It was wonderful to see so many families take up this opportunity to book an appointment. A three-way interview actively involves parents, students and teachers in reflecting on student progress and setting future goals. A three-way interview acknowledges the most important participants in the learning process – student, teacher and parent.
The main benefit is that they provide a student voice to discuss performance and progress. When students are engaged with their own learning and learning progress they are encouraged to articulate this. These types of interviews place the student at the heart of the assessment and reporting process. We also hope that they strengthen the home-school partnership and allow children to see their parents and teacher working together for them.
Swimming Program 2025
For the last two weeks, our students have been participating in one of two programs relating to swimming skills and safety. We are in our last week of swimming for our Prep to Year 4 students and although the students are tired in the afternoon they are enjoying the experience of going on the bus and swimming with classmates.
Celebration of The Arts - 15th to the 19th of October
SAVE THE DATE WEDNESDAY 15th OCTOBER
The countdown is beginning for our incredible Celebrations of The Arts 2025! Please keep the evening of Wednesday 15th free so that as many families as possible can join in the opening night festivities.
More details will be shared soon, featuring a night filled with an art exhibition, live music, interactive art installations, and a fantastic Cake Stall hosted by the St Simon's Parents' Association, plus much more.
MACSSIS - School Improvement Surveys
As a school, we continually review and reflect on the effectiveness of our learning and teaching approaches, as well as our engagement with the community and students. As a Catholic school, we participate in the annual feedback survey called the MACSSIS School Improvement Survey.
We would like to strongly encourage all families to participate in the surveys and to click here for more information. Please keep an eye open in your inbox for an invitation to participate.
So far only 15 families have completed the survey, and we are hoping for more. The survey is open until this Friday 19th September.
When you have filled out the survey, please let us know in the office. There’s a $50 gift card up for grabs for one lucky family that takes part!
St Simon’s Staff and Contact Details
A complete staff list, including roles and positions for 2025 is available through the newsletter each week by going to Staff Contacts in the General Information section.
You can also follow our Facebook and Instagram channels to see some of the latest activities within our St Simon’s community.
Last day of term 3 - Friday 19th September
Friday the 19th of September is our last day of Term 3 and we will be celebrating with Footy colours day. Students are encouraged to come dressed in their footy gear, rugby clothes or even footy colours if they don’t have any official clothes. Please note that we finish school at the normal dismissal time of 3:15pm.
End of Term 3
As we reach the end of what has been a full and productive Term 3, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible efforts of our students, staff, and families.
This term has been filled with hard work, learning, growth, and many memorable moments from classroom achievements to special events, excursions, and community initiatives. It’s been wonderful to see our school values in action each and every day.
With the two-week break now upon us, I encourage everyone to take this time to rest, recharge, and enjoy time with family and friends. Whether you're travelling, relaxing at home, or catching up on things you haven’t had time for, I hope the break brings a sense of calm and renewal.
To our students, thank you for your energy, curiosity, and commitment to learning.To our staff, your dedication and care do not go unnoticed, and I hope this break brings you some well-earned rest.
And to our families, thank you for your ongoing support and partnership.
Wishing you all a safe, restful, and refreshing holiday.
Monica Rayner
Acting Principal