St Roch's Parish Primary School Newsletter

From our Principal

St Roch’s School theme 2025:

 

Dear Families,

 

Welcome to Issue 14 of our iNewsletter! We hope this newsletter continues to keep you up to date with all the news, events and learning that happens at St Roch's.

 

On Monday and Tuesday of last week, Nadine, Rachel and I were fortunate to attend the inaugural Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) Flourishing Learners Conference. Marvel Stadium was transformed into a hub of inspiration and learning as more than 1,200 Catholic educators gathered at this Conference.

 

Across two energising days, the conference delivered a rich program of keynote presentations, practical workshops, and collaborative learning experiences. The atmosphere was electric, filled with purpose, inspiration, and a shared commitment to nurturing every learner.

 

Local and international experts delivered a consistent message: MACS is flourishing with a collective vision and a responsibility to ensure every student is seen, supported, and challenged.

 

MACS provided professional development that empowered educators and leaders to implement its Vision for Instruction and Vision for Engagement.

 

Keynote speaker Professor Br David Hall FMS inspired attendees by emphasizing the role of hope in education, quoting Romans 5:5 to "awaken hope in our students." Tom Sherrington's presentation offered practical, research-based strategies like cold calling and explicit instruction, aligning with the Catholic philosophy of educating the whole child. Kristen Douglas's challenge, "If you are not actively including, you are actively excluding," highlighted the importance of fostering an inclusive learning environment.

 

Collaborations with experts like Professor Dylan Wiliam and the Grattan Institute provided momentum for sustainable, high-quality instruction. Overall, the two-day conference celebrated the shared mission of Catholic educators: to bring hope, equity, and excellence to the classroom.

 

The Catholic education conference emphasised that effective education is both purposeful and practical, grounded in evidence, and centered on hope.

Several experts contributed to this message:

  • Professor Dylan Wiliam stressed that school improvement depends on investing in current teachers and that formative assessment and feedback should guide daily instruction.
  • Tom Sherrington highlighted the importance of consistent teaching techniques to ensure all students are engaged and learning.
  • Bronwyn Ryrie Jones argued that assessment should foster a culture of thinking, rather than simply checking for understanding.
  • Kristen Douglas described educators as "ecosystem builders," where learning and student well-being are interconnected.
  • Jamie Clark showed how thoughtful design can reduce cognitive load and enhance memory.
  • Amy Haywood from the Grattan Institute connected excellence and equity, stating that high-performing schools are characterized by shared routines, strong curriculum, and targeted professional development.

 

We congratulate our staff for their commitment to professional learning led by our Leadership Team, Rachel, Matt, Louise, Alex and Nadine as well as Toni over the past year. This conference affirmed the amazing work of ALL staff at St Roch's in providing a quality education for your children. We are grateful to ALL of our staff for their dedication.

 

Day 2 of the program began with a memorable blessing and address from Archbishop Peter, delivered in the stadium. He reflected on the recent canonisations of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati, illuminating how education shaped their purposeful lives and paths to holiness. May these Saints be a model for all people.

2025 MACSSIS SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT - Family Survey for Years 4, 5 and 6 

Please check your emails as you will have received the link to complete this important survey that supports our school. MACSSIS is an annual process whereby schools listen to the thoughts and feelings that students, families and staff have about how their school can improve. These surveys help inform the ongoing improvement of schools across the Archdiocese of Melbourne and in particular our wonderful Primary School of  St Roch's.

Expressions of Interest - P&F Committee 2026

At this time of the year we call on expressions of interest for positions on the Parents and Friends Committee, whether it is as a President, Vice President, Secretary, Class Representatives, General Capacity, Fundraising, Working Bees and so on. Some positions are being filled as I write this and we are always hopeful that many more parents will offer their support in whatever capacity is available for 2026.

 

Please email Angie on principal@srgleniris.catholic.edu.au if you are interested in any role on our Parents and Friends Committee.

 

As Term 3 comes to a close, we would like to extend our sincere thanks to all our students and their families for your hard work and dedication. This term has been filled with significant achievements, both academically and personally, and we are incredibly proud of the growth we have seen.

 

We have focused on strengthening core skills and fostering a love for learning. Many of our students have demonstrated remarkable resilience and a commitment to their work. Whether it was in the classroom, on the sports field, or in creative pursuits, your efforts have not gone unnoticed.

 

As we look ahead to Term 4, we are filled with excitement. This final term is a crucial time for consolidating knowledge and preparing for the year's end. We encourage all students to use this break to rest and recharge so they can return ready to finish the year strong.

 

I take this opportunity to thank Nadine Bolton, the Leadership Team, the Administration Team, all the Teachers, Learning Support Officers, the School Advisory Council, the Parents & Friends Committee and especially Father Gallacher for their outstanding support of me. I am grateful to be part of such a wonderful team.

 

Wishing you all a safe and restful break. Looking forward to seeing everyone back, refreshed and ready for an exciting final term.

 

Warmest regards,

Angie Mastoras 

Principal

 

St Roch’s Parish Primary School

Glenvale Road, Glen Iris 3146

Telephone: 9885 7704

Email: principal@srgleniris.catholic.edu.au

Website: www.srgleniris.catholic.edu.au