From the Principal

Celebrating St Patrick's Day

With a Touch of GREEN!!

Celebrating Catholic Education Week

On Friday 20th, eleven of or Year 6 students represented our school at the Catholic Education Week Mass led by Archbishop Peter Comensoli at St Patrick's Cathedral. It was great for our students to see the Cathedral packed full of students from over 350 Catholic School from the Melbourne Archdiocese. This Mass fills all who attend with awe as we gather though many as one in mission and prayer. It is always a precious memory for those who attend.

On Tuesday St Patrick's Day our school community gathered in the hall to celebrate Mass led by Father Anthony. 

Catholic Education Week is being celebrated across Victoria from 15 March to 22 March 2026.It is a great time to celebrate our school St Francis de Sales and all that makes it a vibrant and high performing school. It is a time for all of us to embrace our vision to be a faith community animated by love. 

The theme for 2026 for the Archdiocese of Melbourne is "Christ beside me: Walking in the footsteps of Saint Patrick". This theme draws inspiration from the patron saint of our archdiocese and emphasizes the spiritual journey of students and educators. Now more than ever we are called to walk with kindness for one another, to be peacemakers and show respect and be responsible so that we make a difference as we gently travel forward in life.

The annual Creative Arts Exhibition during Catholic Education Week showcases the wonderful artwork of primary and secondary students in the Archdiocese of Melbourne. It reflects their creativity in a broad range of impressive and inspiring works across various disciplines, including painting, photography, sculpture, fashion and film.

We are delighted to announce that artwork submitted by our school has won an award. This is three years in a row that we have won an award at the Creative Art Exhibition. I was delighted and proud to receive an email this week that said...

It is my great pleasure to inform you that students from your school have been recognised in the 2026 Creative Arts Exhibition, held as part of Catholic Education Week.

We congratulate Melissa Junkeer in her first 12 months as Visual Arts Teacher, for her work with our students. We are very proud of the creativity of all our students. Winning students will attend the exhibition on Sunday with their families to receive the 

Zart Art Sculpture & 3D Art Award. 

Congratulations to...

The exhibition is held at the Catholic Leadership Centre, 576 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne and is open to the public at the following time this weekend: 

Saturday 18 March, from 12pm to 4pm.

SIBLING Enrolments are Due Now for Prep 2027 at St Francis de Sales

Interviews for siblings wishing to commence school at St Francis de Sales in 2027 will be completed this term. 

Interviews appointments for new families have also commenced.

Word of mouth stories about our great school community is the BEST promotion.

Eligibility for 2026 Concessional Fees

Parents with Health Care Cards that are eligible for the The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) are eligible for the School Fees Concession Program. The card must be issued in the name of the fee payer and list the students for whom the concession is to be applied.

The expiry date of the card must be after 1 January of the year for which the concession is to be applied. If an eligible concession card expires after the start of the year, the concessional fee rate will still be applied for the entire year. If a family becomes eligible during the course of the school year, then a pro‐rata concession will be granted.

Important notes

• The concession is automatic for a parent/guardian/carer responsible for the school fees who holds the eligible card.
• A CSEF application must be submitted for a concession to be granted.
• Where the fee account is split, the concession applies to only that portion payable by the eligible card holder.
• All families receiving or requesting a fee concession must notify the school should their financial circumstances change sufficiently to affect the level of concession offered.
• Any offer of a concession is subject to the applicant entering into a Direct Debit Request (DDR) service agreement or Centrepay deduction arrangement. Any default in payment may result in the concession being withdrawn.

• Should an application be considered ineligible, the applicant will be notified that the application has been declined. 

   

A nForma Notice will be sent to all parents. Please indicate if you have or do not have an eligible health Care Card. If you qualify as you posses a valid Health Care Card, you need to complete the attached forms and email or bring them to the office by 1st March so that your application can be processed.

All parents are required to complete the fee agreement. Parents who are paying fees by installments are encouraged to set up a direct debit payment for 2026. 

Payment for fees is essential and a matter of justice. 

If you are experiencing genuine financial hardship, you are encouraged to arrange to meet with the Principal.

Save the Dates:  

• School Closure Days:  

  Friday, 24th April  for staff Professional Development and 

   

  Monday, 27th April for acquittal of Time in Lieu for Term 1 staff additional after school hours. (e.g. P/T Interviews and Twilight Sports).  

   

  Kharisma Kids will be operating on these two days.

Christine White

Principal