Principal's Message 

TERM 3 SEMESTER 2

Bonjour à tous.

During the week I sent out an email from DOSCEL regarding my retirement at the end of the 2026 year.  The process of appointing a new principal has begun.  This could take some time but will inform you as soon as we know anything.

We have cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth and RNA virus over the junior and middle grades.  If your children are unwell or exhibiting any of the symptoms, please keep them home to protect the other children in the class and our staff.  This is also a timely reminder, that if your child has had vomiting or diarrhea, please keep your child/ren home for at least a full 24-48 hrs after their last episode of vomiting or diarrhea, before returning them to school.

Respectful conversations.    We understand that there will be times when your child comes home and tells you that they are having a hard time at school.  These conversations will or can make you defensive and a knee jerk reaction is to contact the school while you are angry and upset on your child's behalf leading to unpleasant emails or conversations with staff.  Our advice is, before you hit the keyboard or the phone, please get the whole story from your child.  You need context and clarity.  We also know that sometimes all the story does not get relayed.  Your child may tell you that they have told teachers and nothing has been done and that whatever is happening has been going on for some time.  In most cases, your complaint is the first time the school has heard of it, we cannot investigate or resolve what we don't know.  Staff do work tirelessly to ensure that all children are feeling heard, seen and safe at school.  It is never acceptable to send an aggressive or angry email to your classroom teacher or other staff members.  

Please familiarise yourselves with our Parent Code of Conduct.  This can be found on the Child Safety & Parent Code of Conduct page of this newsletter.

2027 Enrolment intentions for grades 1 through to 6.  This time of the year we are starting to look at class structures for the following year. To assist us with this, if your child or children will not be continuing their education at St Laurence's in 2027, we would appreciate you letting the school know as soon as possible.

Families with children commencing in Foundation next year, please return your enrolment agreement as soon as possible.  If you have made the decision to not go ahead with your enrolment, please let the school know as soon as possible.

Parent Teacher Interviews for Deb Gannon & Judy Ryan will be held on Tuesday 18th August from 2:30 - 5:30pm and Thursday 20th August from 3:30 - 4:30pm in the 1/2 area. Entry via Brumley St gate.  Bookings are via PAM.  If you are unable to attend at the scheduled times, please email Deb Gannon dgannon@stlleongatha.catholic.edu.au  and Judy Ryan jryan@stlleongatha.catholic.edu.au  

directly to make an alternative arrangement.

 TRANSITION FOUNDATION 2027

We warmly invite our enrolled Foundation 2027 children and families to join us for our Transition mornings.

MONDAY 12 OCTOBER - 9:15–11:00am ~ Cuppa in the Staffroom. Come along for a relaxed cuppa and an opportunity to meet members of our school community.

TUESDAY 27 OCTOBER - 9:15–11:00am ~ Students participate in Specialist Subjects

MONDAY 9 NOVEMBER - 9:15–11:00am ~ Parents are invited to stay and discover more about our school community.

• Learn how you can be involved with Parents & Friends

• Meet and talk with our Principal, Liz O’Loughlin and Deputy Principal, Christy Roberts

• Chat with our Office Staff about uniforms

• Learn how to connect to CDF Pay and PAM, our communication platform

Children will need to bring a hat, water bottle and a snack on each of these days.

Merci,

Have a restful weekend.

Liz

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DIARY DATES 2026