Deputy Principals' Report

Dear Families,

This term has been a whirlwind of activity and achievement! It's been wonderful to see our students' dedication and enthusiasm shine through in all they do. Thank you for your continued partnership and support; it makes all the difference.

With the holidays just around the corner, we hope you all have the chance to take a well-deserved break. Whether you're planning a trip away or simply enjoying some downtime at home, we encourage students use this time to rest, recharge, and reconnect with family and friends. We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for a big Term 4.

Warm Regards, Deputy Principals: Joelle Diakrousis and Anthony Speranza

SRC Update

Year 6 and the Prep to Year 5 SRCs met this week to discuss the many ideas collected from classroom suggestions boxes. A few interesting ideas have been collected, and 3 initiatives have surfaced for action in Term 4:

1. Painting of the Gaga Ball Pit
2. Painting of the Treehouse Playground
3. A Prep to Year 6 Timecapsule Project

Represenatives discussed and voted that the SRC commence planning on a painting project for the Treehouse Playground. We look forward to seeing the next steps from the Year 6 Leaders and SRC representatives for this initiative. 

Resilience Groups Year 3 & 4 (Formerly Bounceback)

Mrs Diakrousis has resumed her small group Resilience sessions. At this stage, the groups will be offered to Year 3 and 4 students only.

These sessions will explore a range of strategies designed to support the development of resilience through small group activities and discussion. Our second focus will be on Resilience —Building Inner Strength.

During the sessions, students will:

• Recognise thoughts and feelings during challenges.
• Learn calming and coping strategies to bounce back.
• Develop positive self-talk skills to stay strong and motivated           

The program will run as an eight-week block, with sessions held once a fortnight in the afternoon.

We look forward to supporting our students as they continue to grow in confidence and emotional wellbeing.

Seasons for Growth – Grief and Loss Support Program

We would like to let families know that Mrs Diakrousis will resume the Seasons for Growth program this term.  Seasons for Growth is a small-group program designed to support children who have experienced significant change, loss, or grief—such as the death of a loved one, family separation, or other major life changes.

The program helps students explore their feelings in a safe and supportive environment through age-appropriate discussions, stories, creative activities, and personal reflection. It aims to build emotional resilience and equip students with strategies to cope with change.

The program will be available for students from Prep to Year 6, and groups will be organised by level: Junior (Prep–Year 2), Middle (Years 3–4), and Senior (Years 5–6).

If you feel your child would benefit from being part of this program, please contact Mrs Diakrousis at jdiakrousis@spmentone.catholic.edu.au.

Random Acts of Kindness

Mia B. (PCS) and Grace B. (PCS) For trying their hardest to find the owner of a hat that was found on the playground. Thank you for your persistence!