Need to Know

At the end of a busy Term 1, I would like to wish all families a safe and relaxing Term 1 break. To those who celebrate Easter, Happy Easter, and to those who don't I wish you much chocolate and a restful long weekend.

This newsletter is not nearly as populated as was intended. Unfortunately my car was broken into early this week and my laptop, diary and "to do" book - where I keep all my notes for inclusions for the newsletter - were taken. So I am a little at a loss as my memory of all the important things I wanted to include here is not good!! However I promise the next edition will be back on track.

Since I last wrote we have finished our Naplan testing session and I am pleased to report it was the smoothest testing period ever! A big shout out to Kate Williams, Jamie Myers and Chris Barnett for their meticulous preparation, and to all of our Year 7 and 9 students who took the tests seriously, behaved with respect and responsibility and gave their best efforts.

Uniform reminder

The term break is a good time to ensure that students have all the uniform items that they require, particularly as the weather starts to turn colder. I would like to emphasise two key expectations -

The wearing of the St Helena "tracksuit" pants; other branded versions are NOT ACCEPTABLE. Until the recent announcement by Premier Jacinta Allan that government school students do not have to wear pants and shorts with school logos is communicated to schools, and we have the opportunity to write our uniform policy to make clear our expectations about the style of pants and shorts that will be acceptable, the current uniform policy stands.
HOODIES ARE ABSOLUTELY BANNED.
Under no circumstances are hoodies to be worn to school. Hoodies will be confiscated and returned when a parent is able to collect them, or at the end of term - whichever comes sooner.
There are plenty of warm uniform options in our range, including our puffer jacket. I encourage you to explore these options over the break.
Any families who are experiencing financial hardship that is impacting them being able to wear the uniform, please contact AskLeadership@sthelena.vic.edu.au We can support your child to be in uniform, and assure confidentiality.

Compass Cards

We are aware that nearly 2/3 of our long awaited Compass cards are using photographs from last year. This is a Compass error, and they will be reissuing cards with the correct photographs. In the meantime, your child should use the card they have been issued to access the toilets, release printing etc.

Debutante Balls

Last Friday marked the last of our three 2025 Debutante Balls. It was wonderful to see our community come together with friends and families to celebrate our young people "daring to be excellent". It is nerve wracking to learn and practice a range of dances to perform in front of their families and friends, and they did a wonderful job. They presented themselves beautifully and made their families very proud!! Importantly, I hope they all enjoyed their special night and made some lasting memories.

$5 from each adult ticket at our Debutante Balls goes towards fundraising for the college, and Carmel Archer from An Elegant Affair donates $500 to the school for each ball. I would like to thank attending families for support and Carmel for her generosity and ongoing support of our school.

I was very pleased this week to go to our Student Leadership to ask for their input into spending the nearly $6000 raised. The leaders will come up with a few student centred options which will then go to the broader student body for a vote.

Expressions of interest for 2026 Year 11 students to participate in our debutante balls are open. Expressing interest means you go on the mailing list and will be invited to the information evening; it does not commit you. Students do not have to have identified a partner yet, and same sex couples are welcome. At the time of the ball, at least one member of each couple needs to be a St Helena student. Those who register will be contacted early in Term 2 regarding the information evening.

Does anyone recognise this tag?

Unfortunately we have had some vandalism in our middle school male toilets this week, that included some vile racist graffitti. This is unacceptable behaviour; no child should have to enter their bathrooms and be confronted with this, and no cleaners should have to deal with it. Please ask your child if they recognise this tag. Any information will be treated confidentially and sensitively - it can be sent to AskLeadership@sthelena.vic.edu.au

2025 Musical Production

We are very excited to announce that our musical for 2025 is "42nd Street". Auditions are underway, and I am looking forward to announcing the performance dates and ticketing arrangements!!

Democracy Sausages coming soon!

Saturday 3rd May- Volunteers wanted

Election day is on it's way,

And we've got snags to grill and spray.

From 10 until 3, we will cook with pride,

Serving democracy sausages, side by side.

But we need hands to flip and sell,

To sizzle, serve and do it well!

All funds raised will help us score,

Brand new flooring in our studio - who could want more?

So volunteer, don't delay,

Please help us make 3rd May a sizzling day!

St Helena is a polling booth, which is a great opportunity to raise some funds for new flooring in our dance studio.

If you would like to help us out on the day - even if you can spare just an hour - please email Caitlin Fecondo, Community Engagement Leading Teacher, at cfo@sthelena.vic.edu.au

St Helena Kindergarten

The kindergarten has asked us to remind parents collecting their children at the end of the school day, or dropping them off in the morning, to please avoid parking in the Kinder carpark, or blocking the entrance to the kinder car park.

I'm sure we all remember what it's like trying to juggle a baby or toddler and all the accompanying bags and equipment - let's not make the kinder parents have to navigate finding a car park and walking a long distance to the kinder. The kinder carpark belongs to the kinder, and is for their parents only.