Principal's News

50-Year Ordination Anniversary

Last Sunday 19th May Father Joe Taylor, our Parish Priest celebrated 50 Years ordained as a Priest. He celebrated at all three-weekend masses with his brother priests. At the Sunday 11 am mass the Parish invited 8 couples who had celebrated or will be celebrating 50 years of marriage. 

Today, (Friday) we celebrated with a mass at St Mary's Echuca. Bishop Shane Mackinlay and other priests were present. Fr Joe grew up in Echuca.

The celebrations are very well deserved for a beautiful human being. When Fr Joe speaks, his message is so clear. Only a couple of Sunday evenings ago, Fr Joe knocked on our door at home. He joined Nicole and I around the fire pit and had a glass of red wine with us. We often only see Priests at mass, weddings, baptisms, funerals, and in our schools. We sometimes forget that they need time away from the spotlight and I know Fr Joe and our other local priests enjoy being part of everyday family life. I think the glass of red was a help!

Strategic Plan, NEW Webpage & Promotional Video

We are moving closer to launching all three! Our strategic plan, webpage, and promotional video will hopefully highlight what a beautiful school we have and present the direction for the next three years.

BOUNCE Readiness- Emergency Management

On Tuesday and Wednesday we reviewed, undertook training, and finished with a lockdown and evacuation.  A new document has been drafted and sent to CES Ltd.

Landscaping Upgrade

We are planning on landscaping the space adjacent to the Performing Arts room. Part of the planning is an extension of the security fence and a bike shelter. 

NEW Footpath

You may have seen some action out the front along the highway. A footpath will continue from the corner near our pump shed along the front of our school to Grace Road (new estate). Shepparton Council has been coordinating communication with the school. More information will follow once a starting date is confirmed. Once this is completed the Advisory Council will be planning for an upgrade to our entrance, signage, and the facade of the school. This includes signage on our Stadium. 

TERM 2 EXPO

This will be held on Friday 14th June after our morning assembly. This is a celebration of the History and Geography work completed by F-6. You may like to invite grandparents to come along!

Mother's Day- Thank you

We thank everyone who donated gifts for Mother's Day. The children love this experience!  A special thanks to the parents who coordinated the wrapping, storing of the goods, and the sale of the gifts throughout the day.

St Michael's, Footscray

I was fortunate to visit St Michael's a few weeks ago. It is so valuable seeing how other Principals and schools go about things. We all have challenges, but we believe there is a solution to most situations. It was amazing standing in their playground and surrounded by high-rise residential buildings. They utilise their space so well. It made me further appreciate our grounds and facilities. 

Public Holiday followed by a Pupil Free Day

King's Birthday Monday 10th June

Pupil Free Day Tuesday 11th June

ENROLMENTS OPEN for NOW and 2025

After two successful open days (18th April and 2nd May) and many tours, people have had an opportunity to take a look at our school. Existing families are encouraged to collect an enrolment pack if they have a child starting in Foundation or another year level in 2025. This will assist our planning. At present, we have three Foundation classrooms and this will only continue if numbers are around 50. 

Staffing Update

Danielle Damiamopoulos will join us as a full-time teacher from Monday 27th May.  Danielle will fill our vacant Performing Arts position and be part of the Visual Arts role. 

UNIFORM

Winter uniform is now required. A reminder that hair must be tidy and tied back if below the shoulder. If you are not sure of the length come and ask. 

School Zone & Safety

A reminder that we have a school zone on the highway. The speed changes from 80km to 60km. The highway patrol has been active in recent times.

The highway is not an area to drop children off or complete a U-turn. 

Please find a car park and do not wait on our internal roadways. Other cars cannot always pass and if there is an accident the cameras will be used as evidence.

Staff Watch

We have many talented staff or they may have been talented in their younger years. Hopefully, I can share something in each newsletter. This week we delve into the world of Dressage and Ballroom dancing.

Miss Coomans at a recent event. Lexi has been involved with horses and dressage since about the age of 6. 

Miss Finn has been competing in amateur competitions since 2018. The staff look forward to many medals from both very talented staff members. 

20 years

In 2025, it will mark 20 years for St Luke's. I will be sharing photos of our past in the remaining newsletters this year leading into 2025. 

Next week is Sabbath week. The number 7 is significant in the scriptures. On the seventh day, Jesus rested. We encourage staff to spend time doing things they do not normally get a chance to do. This may mean some extra marking of work without the pressure of other school meetings, attending an extra mass, doing something for a friend or family member, putting a smile on someone's face, or simply entering school each day thanking God for what they have.  Last Sunday was Pentecost Sunday. Jesus wants everyone to be a disciple and look after each other. 

David Keenan