Dear Parents,

What an amazing day it was last Friday at our St. Patrick's Festival! I would like to thank our amazing P & F for making this special event happen for our students. In particular, I would like to thank Marie Facciolo, Maria Hogan, Helen Collins, Kimberley Sichlau, Maryann Luci, Kirra Gridley and Abby Baker. We are so blessed to have such wonderful support for our community events. My thanks to the entire community for your support of this important fundraising event for our school. Proceeds from the festival will go towards the new Junior Playground scheduled for installation later this year.

Thanks also to all of the St. Patrick's Staff for their support of this event, in partuicular Danny Benoiton who worked tirelessly behind the scenes getting the school ready and also with the late night pack up. I would also like to thank the many staff who volunteered to be on the dunking tank at various stages during the afternoon, it was an invigorating experience!

Sibling - Prep 2026 Enrolments and Open Days

I have had a wonderful time this week meeting our 2026 Prep sibling enrolment students and their parents. We currently have 26 sibling enrolments for next year. I will be starting the new family enrolment meetings next week, and will continue them into Term 2.

Congratulations to all of our Year 6 students who have been tour guides for our Open Day visitors! We have received many compliments on their professionalism and the excellent tours they have conducted. Our last official Open Day was on Wednesday this week. Tours are still available via appointment through the office.

Whole School end of Term Mass

This Tuesday, we came together as a school community to celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation at our End-of-Term Mass. This special day marks the Angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary, announcing that she would conceive and bear Jesus, the Son of God. Mary's faithful "yes" to God's plan is a powerful reminder of trust, humility, and devotion.

A heartfelt thank you to Fr. Justin for leading us in this beautiful celebration and to all our students for their prayerful reverence throughout the Mass. It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on Mary’s example of faith as we approach the end of the term.

May we continue to be inspired by her trust in God’s plan.

Staffing Updates for Term 2

As previously announced, Mrs. Emily Thorley (Prep) will be commencing maternity leave on 30th May (Week 6, Term 2). I am pleased to confirm that Mrs. Charlotte Spence will be taking over as the Prep ET teacher for the remainder of the year, starting in Week 7, Term 2. Mrs. Spence is an experienced teacher who has been working with us as an emergency teacher. Once she takes over, the class name will change to Prep CS.

We are also pleased to welcome back Mr. James Daidone, who will return from parental leave and long service leave at the start of Term 2 to resume his role as STEM Specialist Teacher and Leader.

Additionally, Mr. Brodie Ross (eLearning Specialist Teacher and Leader) will be taking parental leave and long service leave early in Term 2 as he and his family prepare to welcome twins. Mr. Ross will be on leave for the majority of Term 2. During his absence, Mr. Nathan Mayberry, who has been covering for Mr. Daidone in Term 1, will step into the eLearning Specialist role.

Furthermore, Mrs. Bridget Troup (Year 6) will commence maternity leave on 13th June (Week 8, Term 2). From Week 9, Term 2, Mr. Nathan Mayberry will take over the Year 6BT class, which will be renamed Year 6NM.

We appreciate your support and patience as we navigate these staffing transitions. Thank you for your kindness and understanding towards our staff during these changes.

Thankyou from St. Vincent De Paul

A Huge Thank You to Our Social Justice Leaders, Jill Ireton and Mrs. Ady!

We are incredibly grateful to our Social Justice leaders, volunteer parent Jill Ireton and Mrs. Ady for their tireless efforts in running our Second-Hand Uniform Shop. Thanks to the generous donations from past families, our shop provides affordable uniform options for current and new families, while also supporting a great cause.

All proceeds from uniform sales go directly to our local chapter of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Over the past 12 months, we have proudly donated $1,300—an amazing achievement that directly helps those in need in our community.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed, whether by donating, purchasing, or volunteering. Your kindness and generosity make a real difference!

Please see attached a letter from Mr Jeremy Kloppenborg the Secretary of the Mentone St. Vincent De Paul Society, thanking the school community for our support.

P & F Easter Egg Raffle

Emergency Management Drill

Emergency Evacuation Rehearsal – Tuesday, April 1st

On Tuesday, April 1st, at approximately 12:00 PM, we will be conducting a rehearsal of our emergency management system. This will involve sounding the evacuation alarm and practicing how to exit the building quickly and safely.

We encourage you to discuss this drill with your child, emphasising the importance of practicing emergency procedures and what to expect when the evacuation siren sounds.

Thank you for your support in ensuring a safe and prepared environment for everyone.

Stations of the Cross

On Friday 4th April at 9am the whole school will be participating in a reflection on the stations of the cross in the school hall. Thanks to Mrs Kathryn Ady for coordinating this important event for our school.

Last Day of Term 1

Next Friday 4th April is the last day of Term 1. Students will assemble on the blue basketball court at 12:15pm for a short outdoor assembly and will then be dismissed at 12:30pm. Please note the change in dismissal time to last year. School will resume for Term 2 on Tuesday 22nd April at 8:45am. I wish you all a relaxing term holiday. Please note that Prep - Year 3 Swimming lessons commence on the first day back for Term 2.

St. Patrick's Hong Kong visit

On Thursday, April 3rd, we will be welcoming St. Patrick's Primary School – Hong Kong to our school! Approximately 30 Year 5 & 6 students will be joining our Year 5 & 6 students during their specialist classes in the morning. They will be participating in Physical Education, Italian, STEM, eLearning, Visual Arts and Performing Arts lessons in the morning.

Our visitors will also stay for recess before departing the school for their next engagement.

I’m excited to share our school community with fellow St. Patrick’s schools from around the world and look forward to a wonderful experience for our students!

School Calendar

Please use the following google link to add the school calendar to your own calendar for ease of information exchange. School Google Calendar HERE.

God Bless,

Pat Berlingeri

Principal

Parents and Friends Association

Special thanks to our Festival Sponsors

2025 Fundraising for the Junior Playground Upgrade

Easter Egg Raffle

P & F Constitution