Principals Report

Dear Parents, Carers and Friends of St Brendan’s,

Celebrating Our Catholic Identity

Last Friday, our school community gathered in prayer and gratitude as we celebrated Mass with Father Shymon as our celebrant. Beautifully planned by our Year 5/6 team and reverently presented by our Year 5/6 students, the celebration reflected both care and deep understanding of our shared faith journey. We proudly acknowledged our Year 3 students as they prepare to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and it was especially meaningful to see the class candles blessed as symbols of light and hope for the year ahead. Our Foundation students experienced their very first school Mass. It was a gentle and memorable milestone, and it was heartening to see so many families and friends join us. Guided by our 2026 theme, Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus, the celebration reminded us that we grow strongest when we walk together with faith, kindness and purpose.

Looking Ahead to the Season of Lent

As we continue to Walk in the Footsteps of Jesus, we now look ahead to the approaching season of Lent. This is a sacred time in our Church year that gently invites us to pause, reflect and renew. Lent calls us to prayer, compassion and generosity of spirit as we prepare our hearts for the great joy of Easter. Over the coming weeks, our students will be encouraged to consider simple ways they can grow in kindness, gratitude and service to others. It is a season not of heaviness, but of hope. It is a positive reminder that through reflection and love, we are continually invited into new life and deeper purpose together as a community with Jesus as our model and guide.

Seeking Class Representatives for Each Class

We warmly invite parents and carers to consider becoming a Class Representative for 2026. Class Reps play an important role in strengthening the connections within our school community. They serve as a friendly and welcoming point of contact for families in each class, helping to share information and ensure everyone feels included and supported. Class Reps also coordinate small gestures of appreciation, such as organising class gifts for teachers’ and LSOs’ birthdays, and represent St Brendan’s in a positive, community-minded way.

If you are kind, organised and enjoy bringing people together, we would love to hear from you. Please email or speak directly with me, Sue Carr, if you are interested in applying. While all expressions of interest will be considered, we will prioritise parents who have not previously served in the role. Our hope is to have a Class Representative in place for every class by the end of Week Five, and we thank you in advance for considering how you might contribute to our wonderful community.

School Uniform

Thank you to all parents and carers for your continued support of our school uniform policy. We place great pride in the way our students present in their St Brendan’s uniform and in the importance we give to wearing it correctly each day. Our uniform reflects a sense of belonging, shared identity and high standards, and it is truly one of our points of difference as a school community. We appreciate your partnership in reinforcing these expectations and in helping our students wear their uniform with pride.

Padua Perseverance Award

Each term, we are proud to present the Padua Perseverance Award to a Year 4 student who consistently demonstrates perseverance by striving to do their very best in their learning, building positive connections with others, and showing genuine pride in being a St Brendan’s student. This special award recognises quiet determination, effort and character. It is presented at our Week 10 assembly each term by Ms Christine Ward, Head of Campus at Padua College Tyabb, and we thank Padua for their ongoing partnership and support in celebrating these important qualities in our students.

Welcoming Baby Cooper

As Nicola Cooper and her husband Jayson prepare to welcome their first baby, we hold them in our thoughts with such joy and excitement for this beautiful new chapter ahead. We thank Nicola for the warmth, care and dedication she has brought to our community and wish her every blessing as she steps into this very special season of life.

To you our community members, thank you as always, for the way you partner with us so positively and generously. St Brendan’s is a special place because of the people within it; our students, our staff and you, our families. When we work together with kindness, clarity and high expectations, our students flourish. I am deeply grateful to lead this community and look forward to all that lies ahead for us this term.

Warm regards,

Sue Carr