Dear St. Brendan's School Community,

Welcome to the first newsletter of the 2026 school year! It has been a wonderful start across the whole school and we extend a very warm welcome to all families, both returning and new. A special welcome to our Foundation students and their families, who have settled beautifully into school life with curiosity, confidence, and enthusiasm. We also welcome all new students and families who have joined the St Brendan’s community this year. We look forward to connecting with you and partnering together throughout 2026.

We also invite all families to join us for our first assembly tomorrow (Friday) at 9:00am in the courtyard. Year 6 Lindon/Secchi and O’Hara students will lead us in prayer as we reflect on our 2026 School Theme:

“Seek Peace and Pursue It”

~ Psalm 34:14 & 1 Peter 3:11 ~

We warmly welcome everyone to attend this special gathering as we begin the year in community and prayer.

In this week’s newsletter, you’ll find key updates and reminders, including:

Our School Focus for 2026
Hello Night
Locking of School Gates
School Drop-off & Pick-up
General Updates
Term 1 Events

Our Focus for 2026

Last year, we partnered with ACER and Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd for a whole‑school review. This work has helped us shape our new School Improvement Plan for 2026–2029, and we’re excited to share the main areas we’ll be focusing on this year.

What This Means for Our School Community

1. Helping students grow as leaders in faith

We’re creating more chances for students to lead prayer, be part of liturgies and take an active role in our Catholic Identity. This year, students will also help design a sacred Indigenous garden, working with our Koorie Educator to honour Yorta Yorta culture and foster a meaningful space for reflection and celebration.

2. Strengthening learning in literacy and numeracy

We’re continuing to build a more consistent and clearly structured curriculum across all year levels. With evidence‑based teaching practices and the Science of Learning at the centre, we’re working hard to ensure every child makes strong progress in reading, writing and maths.

3. Supporting our teachers to be their best

Our teachers will be working closely with trained Instructional Coaches through the Step Lab. These coaching cycles help strengthen teaching practices, build confidence and ensure students receive high‑quality learning experiences in every classroom.

4. Using student learning data well

We’re also building a clearer whole‑school approach to collecting and using learning data. This helps teachers understand exactly where each child is at and how to support their next steps in learning.

We’re genuinely excited for the journey ahead. Everything we are focusing on this year is about ensuring St Brendan’s remains a place where every child feels safe, supported and inspired to learn. Thank you for your partnership, your trust, and the way you continue to work with us to help your children thrive. Together, we look forward to making 2026 a year of growth, connection and proud moments for our whole community.

Hello Night – Thursday, 19th February

We are excited to welcome all families to Hello Night on Thursday 19 February. This evening is a wonderful opportunity for your child/ren to take you on a school tour, show you their learning spaces, meet staff, and connect with other families.

All families are welcome, and students are encouraged to invite grandparents and extended relatives to join us.

We will also be launching our 2026 fundraising efforts with a Sausage Sizzle. Come along and meet members of our School Advisory Council and our Parents & Friends volunteers. They would love to chat with you about ways you can get involved in upcoming fundraising events.

This year, funds raised will contribute to capital works projects, new classroom furniture, and additional learning resources for our school. These improvements will directly support the teaching and learning environment for all students.

Please see the Hello Night flyer on PAM under Daily Messages. It can also be found on the Hello Night page of this newsletter. Please note orders via CDF Pay will be open by end of day tomorrow, Friday 6th February.

We look forward to a relaxed, welcoming evening celebrating our school community.

School Gate Procedures

A friendly reminder that our Knight Street and Baker Avenue gates are locked each morning at 9:00am. Between 9:00am and 3:00pm, all parents, carers, and visitors are asked to enter via the Front Office and follow our sign‑in procedures.

These measures support our ongoing commitment to child safeguarding and ensuring a secure environment for all students.

School Drop‑off and Pick‑up — Baker Avenue

For families who use Baker Avenue for drop‑off and pick‑up, we kindly ask that you follow all traffic signs and avoid parking over, or performing U‑turns across, residents’ driveways.

It’s important that our neighbours on Baker Avenue have full access to enter and leave their properties at all times during the day. Your support helps us maintain positive relationships with our local community.

Please also be aware that Council Parking Inspectors regularly visit the area and have issued fines for unsafe or illegal parking.

Thank you for helping us keep the area safe and respectful for everyone.

Before‑School Library Opening & Volunteer Reading Program

Beginning next week, our Library will be open each morning from 8:30am. Families are warmly invited to drop in so children can borrow books or enjoy some quiet reading to start their day.

We are also seeking parent volunteers to support our morning reading program that will be launched later in the term. Volunteers will help by listening to children read during this time. If you are interested in being involved, please complete the Volunteer Registration form available at: https://www.sbshepparton.catholic.edu.au/how-to-be-involved we will review your registration form and provide you with an online school volunteers module to complete prior to volunteering.

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

School Fees – Direct Debit Information

For families who would like to set up a Direct Debit to pay school fees, please ensure you complete a new Direct Debit form for the 2026 school year. This form is available on our school website: https://www.sbshepparton.catholic.edu.au/enrolment-school-fees

Important Information

To calculate your fortnightly payment amount, divide your total school fees by 21 fortnights.
Direct Debits will commence on Friday, 27 February, with the final payment scheduled for Friday, 4 December 2026.
Please note: A new Direct Debit form must be completed at the beginning of every school year.

If you would like assistance setting up your payment plan or have questions about school fees, please contact the school office.

General Reminders for All Families

A reminder that students are required to bring water bottles to school each day. Please note that juice and cordial are not permitted.

We understand that celebrating a birthday is a special moment for children. However, we ask that no cakes, lolly bags, treats, or gift bags be sent to school.

Teachers will acknowledge birthdays with their students and sing “Happy Birthday” as part of the celebration.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Free Public Transport for Students Under 18

From 1st January 2026, the Victorian Government will introduce free public transport for all Victorians under 18 years of age. This change will impact the Conveyance Allowance Program (CAP) and the School Bus Program (SBP).

What does this mean for you?

Students under 18 will be able to travel for free on trains, trams, and buses using a Youth myki card. Families will no longer need to claim public transport ticket reimbursements under the CAP. However, allowances for private car or private bus travel remain unchanged. Please note that Youth myki cards cannot be used on privately arranged or non-subsidised bus services—reimbursements for these services will continue as usual.

School Bus Program Changes

From 2026, students who are ineligible for transport assistance will no longer pay a term fare to use SBP services. Eligibility rules remain the same: students qualify if they attend their nearest non-government school (by denomination) and live 4.8 km or more from the campus. Ineligible students may still access a seat if available but must relinquish it if an eligible student requires it.

Getting a Youth myki Card

Youth myki cards are available online for $5 at transport.vic.gov.au/myki. Simply create or log in to a myki account, purchase and register the card, and wait for delivery. Due to high demand, delivery may take longer than the usual 10 business days, but printed or digital confirmation emails can be used as a ticket from 1 January while you wait. A registered Youth myki is valid until the child turns 18, and students must tap on and off each trip. From 27th December, staffed train stations will also sell unregistered Youth myki cards valid for four years.

Need More Information?

Visit Travelling to School for details on transport assistance.
Updates on free travel and Youth myki cards are available at Transport Victoria.

Questions?

Conveyance Allowance: 1800 060 970 (Option 1) or conveyance@education.vic.gov.au
School Bus Program: 7022 2247 or student.transport@education.vic.gov.au

Upcoming Events

Term 1

Tuesday, 17th February Shrove Tuesday
Wednesday, 18 February Ash Wednesday Mass and Liturgies
Thursday, 19th February Hello Night 4pm-6pm
Friday 27th February, Solidarity Walk 9:00am
Friday, March 6th Opening School Mass 9:30am
Friday, 27th March: School Photos
Monday, 16th and Tuesday, 17th March -Parent-Teacher Learning Conversations
Friday, 20th March: Harmony Day
Last Week of Term Holy Week Liturgies

Thank you for your continued support.

Joel Brian (Principal)