A message from our Principal

Dear St. Brendan's School Community,

As we come to the end of another very successful term, I would like to pause and celebrate the many positives we are seeing across our school.

It has been wonderful to see students settling so confidently into their classrooms and getting stuck straight into their learning. Across the school, we are witnessing strong growth academically, socially and emotionally, and this is something of which we can all be very proud.

I would like to sincerely thank our teachers and Learning Support staff for their ongoing dedication, care and professionalism. Your commitment to knowing each child, supporting their needs and creating engaging learning environments ensures that every student has the opportunity to flourish.

Harmony Day was a real highlight of the term and a wonderful celebration of the rich cultural diversity within our school community. The day began with a powerful assembly, led beautifully by Kasi Kelly, our Aboriginal Education Officer. We were honoured by the Welcome to Country dancers Rikkirah-Lee, Marley-Jae, Arya and Aria, and by Daley and Rylee who shared a formal Welcome to Country with great confidence and respect.

I would also like to acknowledge and thank Mrs Angela Collins, Mrs Leanne Pellegrino, Wood Sensei and Mr Ethan Baxter for their outstanding coordination of the event. The joy, learning and sense of community shared by students and staff on the day was truly special.

Over the past fortnight, we have been delighted to welcome many families to our school through our Open Day tours. Our students did a fantastic job showcasing all that our school has to offer by being engaged in their learning and confidently sharing information as families toured the school. If you know of any families seeking Foundation enrolment for 2027, we will be offering small group tours during the first two weeks of Term 2. These can be booked online via our school website.

As we move into the Easter season, we are reminded of the hope, renewal and promise at the heart of this sacred time. Easter invites us to reflect on compassion, resilience and new beginnings, values we strive to live out each day in our school community. I wish all our families a safe and restful Easter break and thank you for the continued partnership and support you bring to our school.

Last Day of Term 1 and Start of Term 2

A reminder to families that Thursday, 2nd April is our final day of Term 1. Students will be dismissed at 2:20pm on this day.

Term 2 will begin for students on Tuesday, 21st April. Our staff will return on Monday, 20th April for a professional learning day and will be preparing for a positive start to the new term. We look forward to welcoming all students back to school on Tuesday.

Catch‑Up School Photos

Catch‑up photos for students who were absent on school photo day will be held on Wednesday, 1st April.

Photos will take place at Dale Wright – Portrait Maker at his studio: 73 Wyndham Street, Shepparton VIC 3630.

Families of students requiring catch‑up photos are asked to make arrangements to attend.

2027 Foundation Enrolments Closing Soon

A reminder to all families that Foundation (Prep) enrolments for 2027 will close on Monday, 27th April.

If you have a child starting school in 2027, please submit your enrolment application as soon as possible to secure a place and assist us with planning. You can Submit an Enrolment Application here

We look forward to welcoming our newest learners to our school community later this year.

Before‑School Library Opening & Volunteer Reading Program

Many thanks to the parents who have already signed up for the library reading program. It has been a delight to see families calling in each morning to support reading at our school. Parents and carers are warmly invited to drop in with their children so they can borrow books or enjoy some quiet reading time to begin the day.

We would love to see even more parents get involved in supporting this valuable program. If you are interested, please complete the Volunteer Registration Form available at: https://www.sbshepparton.catholic.edu.au/how-to-be-involved

Once your registration has been reviewed, you will be provided with access to the online school volunteers module, which must be completed prior to volunteering.

The program is overseen by Heather Woodman, who will also provide group training for parents participating in the before‑school reading sessions.

Smart Devices – Phones and Watches

As a reminder, we prefer that students do not bring smart devices such as mobile phones or smart watches to school. We understand, however, that some families may feel a device is needed for after‑school travel arrangements.

If a student does bring a smart device to school, the process is simple: devices must be handed in at the school office at the beginning of the day and can be collected from the office at 3:00 pm.

We ask parents and carers to please have a conversation with their child about this expectation and the importance of keeping devices safely managed during the school day. Your support helps us maintain a focused learning environment for all students.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Upcoming Events

Term 2

Monday, 20th April Staff Professional Develop Day (Pupil Free Day)
Tuesday, 21st April First Day for Students
Friday, 1st May - Year 1 Excursion to Bendigo
Friday, 15th May - St Brendan’s Feast Day
Thursday 21st- Friday 22nd May- Year 4 Camp Alexandra Adventure Resort
Monday 1st- Tuesday, 9th June - Scholastic Book Fair
Friday, June 5th - Staff Professional Development Day (Pupil Free Day)
Monday, June 8th June - Kings Birthday Long Weekend (Public Holiday)
Friday, June 12 - Year 3 Excursion Billabong Ranch Echuca
Friday, June 12 - Feast of the Sacred Heart Mass and Liturgies
Friday, 26th June - Last Day of Term 2 (2:20pm Student dismissal)

Thank you for your continued support.

Joel Brian (Principal)