Principal's Report

Dear Parents and Carers,

We keep our Year 2 students, along with several of our older students new to our school community, in our thoughts and prayers as they take these important next steps in their spiritual journey toward receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

On Monday, all participating students took part in a wonderfully reflective and peaceful Reflection Day. This special time provided them with the opportunity to step back from their usual classroom routines, engage in meaningful discussion, and prepare their hearts and minds to receive the sacrament with confidence and understanding on Thursday, 29th October. It was inspiring to see the enthusiasm, reverence, and spirit of community shown by all the children throughout the day.

A heartfelt thank you goes to our Religious Education Leader, Mrs Kathryn Ady, for her thoughtful guidance, organization, and unwavering support in leading this preparation. We are also deeply grateful to our dedicated Year 2 teaching team—Mrs Kerrie Presnell, Miss Sarah Crough, and Miss Sophie Mackey—as well as our wonderful Learning Support Officers (LSOs) for their continuous care, effort, and support as they walk alongside our students during this milestone moment in their faith formation.

Prep 2027 Orientation

The orientation process for our 2027 Prep classes will begin next month. I am pleased to announce that our 2027 Prep teachers will be Mrs Charlotte Spence, Miss Kristi Lenton, and Miss Laura Smith. 

Our Prep teachers do an outstanding job each year in preparing and supporting our newest students as they begin their school journey. The orientation process is an important and exciting time for children and families, helping everyone to feel comfortable, confident and connected to our school community. Charlotte, Kristi and Laura put great care into planning engaging, welcoming and developmentally appropriate experiences that ensure our new Preps are ready for a smooth transition into school life.

I am very excited about the Prep team we have for next year and look forward to meeting our 2027 students and families during the upcoming orientation sessions:

• Wednesday 11th November – Parent Information Evening - (6:30pm-7:30pm)
• Tuesday 17th November – Prep 2027 Orientation Session #1 (9am-11am)
• Tuesday 24th November – Prep 2027 Orientation Session #2 (9am-11am)

2027 Planning for Enrolments

As we begin planning for the 2027 school year, we would like to remind families that if your child/children will not be returning to St Patrick’s School in 2027, please notify me by email no later than Friday, 30 October at pberlingeri@spmentone.catholic.edu.au.

Current Year 6 students and families do not need to provide notification, as these students will be completing their primary schooling at the end of 2026.

We are currently planning for approximately 495+ students to commence the 2027 school year. We are pleased to be maintaining three straight classes at each year level, with several year levels already at, or nearing, capacity.

Our governing body, Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS), has indicated that minimum class sizes moving forward should be 25 students per class or more, and we are steadily working towards this number. At the beginning of next year, our 21 classes (3 classes per year level x 7 year levels) will have a collective average of approximately 23.5 students per class.

Importantly, we will not exceed 26 students in any individual class at any year level. This means that while we are working towards the MACS expectation of 25 students per class, we will also maintain a clear upper limit of 26 students per class.

Your early notification is greatly appreciated, as it allows our staff to plan carefully for the year ahead, including the allocation of students to their new classes. It also assists us in responding appropriately to families who are seeking enrolment at St Patrick’s for 2027.

We understand that family circumstances can change, and we appreciate your support in keeping the school informed as early as possible. This information is invaluable in helping us prepare for a smooth and successful start to the 2027 school year.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support and cooperation.

School Fees

Please note that all school fees are now due, unless prior arrangements have been made with the office.

Taekwondo @ St. Patrick's School

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