Dear Families,

As we come to the final newsletter of 2025, I write with a deep sense of gratitude for the year we have shared. Looking back, I’m struck by the many moments that have shaped and strengthened our school community: the joyful learning showcases, the impressive Science Exhibition, and of course our unforgettable school production, Superstan.

Just last week, we gathered to celebrate our wonderful Year 6 students as they prepare to step into a new chapter of their learning journey. We are so grateful for the gifts they have brought to Holy Rosary over the past seven years and send them forward with our warmest wishes.

Alongside these major milestones, there has been the everyday magic happening in classrooms, children engaged, curious, and eager to give every challenge a ‘red-hot go’. This year has also brought staff changes, new babies, weddings and many moments that remind us how vibrant and evolving our community truly is.

Each year, we pause to acknowledge and give thanks for our exceptional staff. I am constantly in awe of the talented, dedicated educators we have at Holy Rosary. We are truly fortunate to be surrounded by people who not only care for our children but who are also lifelong learners themselves; curious, reflective and always striving to grow and improve. I’m sure you will join me in wishing them a joyful and blessed Christmas, along with a well-earned, restful break before we come.

together to do it all again in 2026.

Congratulations

Gemma, our Year 1/2 Navy teacher, gained full registration through the Victorian Institute of Teaching. Gemma undertook a project with her class where her goal was to answer the following inquiry question: How does the Gradual Release of Responsibility Model (‘I do, we do and you do’) improve writing outcomes of Year 1 students? Through her inquiry she explored the use of explicit teaching in writing. The results were outstanding, resulting in great gains in the children’s writing. Well done Gemma!

Farewells

A message from Fr Thang

In the Parish Bulletin, Fr Thang expressed his gratitude for the celebration Mass on 1 December and then went on to say…

Dear Friends,

I have to express publicly something of the gratitude which is within me for all the joy and hope, the rich fulfilment that came my way as your priest. Looking back on the last four short years, I have to say that, by far and away, my abiding memories are of the countless blessings we brought to our Mass last week. I would like to thank you for accepting me as I was, and for being willing to share with me in my dual roles – parishes of FlemKen – soon will be one unified parish, providing pastoral care to over 90 retired priests in the Archdiocese, and in recent weeks, to look after the end-of-life situations at RMH. For me, being your priest was such life-giving work, working alongside you in building up God’s reign right here in FlemKen. Thank you very much for your collective gifts. Please continue to pray for me as I will for you. Let us entrust ourselves and our future into God’s hands. With deep gratitude.

Fr Thang

Staff

This year, we say farewell to Emily and Maree, and temporarily to Zoe as she takes a year away.

Emily joined us in 2020 as a graduate teacher, and it has been a joy to watch her blossom in confidence and capability over the years. She has taught across Prep to Year 2 and has become a cherished member of our community, admired by both families and colleagues. We wish her every success as she steps into a new chapter, and we’re delighted that we may still see her around the school as a CRT.

Maree joined the staff this year, teaching in Year 1/2, and although her time with us has been just twelve months, she has made an impact. Her kindness, professionalism and the generous way she gives her time to support children in reaching their goals have all been deeply appreciated. We wish her every happiness and success as she moves on to join the community of Emmaus Primary School in Sydenham.

Zoe also began her journey with us as a graduate teacher in 2021, and watching her grow into the passionate, talented educator she is today has been something special. Her love of music is truly infectious, and so many children have flourished under her guidance, whether in choir, rock band, carols or the school production. We look forward to welcoming her back in 2027 and wish her a rich and rewarding year ahead.

Families

We extend our sincere thanks to our outgoing Year 6 families: Burkandt Family, Cox Family, Nguyen Family, Wells Family, Carbonari Family, Donaghey Family, Febey Family, Guna Sekhar Family, Hadley Family, Panagiotidis Family, Romiopoulos Family, Hearps Family, Jackson Family, Jenkins Family, McLeish Family, McQuillen Family, Nasr Family, Schafer Family, Svarc Family, Thompson Family, Nsar Family.

In addition, we farewell the following families who will be leaving Holy Rosary at the end of 2025. Many thanks to the Flanagan family, Gordon family, Ung family, Ly family and the Marin family. Each one has contributed to the life of our school and our community is richer for the time they have spent with us. We are deeply grateful for their presence and the many ways they have supported and shaped our school. We wish them well as they take on new adventures.

New staff

Music Teacher Appointment

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Thomas Marinelli, who will be joining us for a 12-month position as our Music teacher. Tom brings with him a deep passion for music and the performing arts, shaped by many years of involvement in local bands and his volunteer work with community radio. His enthusiasm, experience and love of performance will be a wonderful addition to our school, and we look forward to the energy and creativity he will bring to our music program.

5/6 Navy 2026 Class Teacher

Joshua Fairey joins our team and will be working in Year 5/6N. Joshua is coming to us from Flemington Primary where he has been for the past 5 years. Joshua has also worked in international and interstate schools. We welcome his expertise and know that he is a great fit for our community. Josh attended the Step Up Day on Friday and by all accounts, was well received.

Class Lists

Teachers have worked hard to ensure your children are placed into classes that are appropriately balanced and they have at least one nominated child with them. Class lists have now been finalised and there will be no further changes.

Testing

We will be conducting Literacy testing for children in Years 1-6, during the first week of the 2026 school year. Each child will spend half an hour with their teacher. By gathering this important data early, teachers can begin the year with timely, targeted teaching tailored to the needs of their class. Parents will receive an email from School Interviews Online this afternoon with further details about booking an appointment. Should families not be able to attend these appointments, testing will be made available in the following weeks. Prep testing will occur on Wednesdays in February. Further details early in 2026.

Sharing Images

A reminder that parents should not be posting videos and photographs of other children on any social media platforms without the permission of all parents.

Year 5/6 Christmas Market

Last week the Year 5/6 students hosted a Christmas Market closely tied to their Inquiry and Economics units. They raised a grand total, after expenses, of $1044.49. All profits will be donated to the Make A Wish Foundation.

Year 6 Big Day Out

Last Wednesday the Year 6s attended the Big Day Out at Funfields. They had a great time and it was a fitting way for the Year 6’s to end the year. Enjoy the following photos that tell the story.

Carols

Last Thursday, our school was alive with music and joy as we rocked and rolled our way through both traditional and modern Christmas carols. The children sang with heart, danced with confidence, and filled the playground with energy. Thank you for coming along, cheering them on, and being such a warm and supportive audience.

A special thank you goes to Zoe for leading and coordinating this wonderful event, to the teachers who helped prepare the children so beautifully, and of course to our talented students, who practised their lyrics and dance moves with such enthusiasm. Thanks to Sarah for setting and decorating the stage.

Graduation

Last Thursday evening, we gathered to celebrate our Year 6 Graduation, a milestone filled with pride, warmth, and a touch of nostalgia. Thank you to our dedicated Year 5/6 teachers, who prepared the students with such care and ensured they were ready for this special moment. We are grateful to Sarah and Michaela for the planning and preparation that shaped the evening into something memorable. Most importantly, we thank our Year 6 students. Over the past seven years, you have each brought something unique and valuable to the life of our community. It has been our privilege to know you, teach you, and watch you grow. We wish you every success and happiness as you continue your learning journey.

Chess Club Winners

Introducing our Term 4 Chess Champions. Well done boys!

Reading Achievers

Last Thursday, we gave out reading awards. We made a conscious decision to recognise the hard work, diligence and perseverance to work towards developing a skill. These children were chosen by their teachers and four of them have received a $25 gift voucher for Collins Books to choose some holiday reading.

Last Day Antics

We will begin our day with a prayer service at 9:15am in the church. Following this, Year 5 and 6 students will participate in a netball match.

At 12:45pm, we will come together in the school yard for a much loved tradition, a guard of honour to celebrate our wonderful Year 6 students and those moving on from other year levels. This is followed by our whole-school sing-and-dance to Tina Turner’s Nutbush City Limits, which always ends the year on a high! Children will be dismissed from the school yard at 1pm, ready to begin the summer break. We kindly ask that all children are collected promptly.

Have a wonderful week and a very Merry Christmas from all of us at Holy Rosary. May your holidays be filled with rest, joy, and plenty of memorable moments. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2026, refreshed and ready to embrace another exciting year together!

To those moving on from Holy Rosary, we send you off with our blessings for the journey ahead.

Maria

Speech and Drama