Dear Families,

We are really enjoying a wonderful Term 4, with fantastic learning happening right across the school. The students are settled, focused, and working beautifully. There is still so much to look forward to before the end of the year—our Athletics Carnival, Prep Orientation, the Fun Run, excursions and incursions, Carols, and of course, Year 6 Graduation. It’s a busy and exciting time, so please keep an eye on the calendar to stay up to date with all the upcoming events.

Grandparents and Significant Others Morning

Today we had the pleasure of welcoming many grandparents and significant family members into our school. The school yard was buzzing with excitement as guests joined students and staff for a morning of shared learning and connection.

It was a wonderful opportunity for our students to showcase their classrooms and learning environments, and for families to experience the vibrant atmosphere of our school community. We are so grateful to everyone who visited and contributed to making the morning so special.

Opening of Basketball Courts and Dadirri Space

We were delighted to officially open our beautifully renovated basketball courts and Dadirri space last week. It has been wonderful to see our students playing freely on the courts again - no longer dodging cracks or the occasional reminder of visiting birdlife!

We also extend our deepest thanks to Rosa for her outstanding work and vision, bringing the Dadirri space to life.

Both of these spaces, our basketball area and running track together with our Dadirri space, are going to be important in the learning of our students. They represent two sides of the same coin: one vibrant and energetic, the other calm and reflective. Together, they support the holistic development of our students, physically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.

These spaces are also places for our students to simply be children - free from the worries of the world, connected to each other through learning, play and friendship, and immersed in the joy of being together. We look forward to seeing these spaces continue to enrich the lives of our students every day.

Thank you for supporting our school through P & F

I have included some important information further on in this newsletter about the fantastic fundraising efforts of our wonderful P&F group. I encourage everyone to take a moment to read it where it highlights the great work they’ve done and outlines how the funds raised have recently been spent to support our school.

With thanks

Last week we were delighted to welcome Sarah’s husband, Chris, to our school. Chris in an ornithologist who works in the field of conservation at Birdlife Australia. He generously shared his knowledge with some of our students, assisting them to complete the Aussie Bird Count. The students really enjoyed working with Chris and learnt a lot from the experience. They counted 10 different species during the 20 minute survey. A big thank you to Chris for taking time out of his busy schedule to spend the morning with us, it was greatly appreciated!

Athletics Day

Next Wednesday 6th November, students and staff will travel to Meadowglen International Athletics Stadium, 146 McDonalds Road, Epping for our School Athletics Day. All students are expected to attend as part of their Physical Education program, and we will be leaving school by bus no later than 9:00am and returning by 2:30pm.

Students will need to wear their full sports uniform, including their hat, and bring a snack, drink bottle and lunch in a small backpack. While sunscreen will be provided, students are encouraged to bring their own, but NOT coloured zinc. In the interest of allergies, please do not bring lollies or food to share.

Just a quick reminder to families: photography of students other than your own child/children is not permitted at school events. This is to protect the privacy of all children and families, and to ensure that images are not shared inappropriately or without consent. Thank you for your understanding and support.

If the Athletics Carnival is cancelled due to wet weather, our regular school timetable will continue as normal. An Audiri notification will be sent to families as soon as a decision is made, so please keep an eye out for updates.

School Advisory Council – Call for Nominations

The School Advisory Council is currently calling for nominations to fill several vacancies. I encourage any parents who are interested in contributing to our school community to consider applying.

If we receive more nominations than available positions, a ballot will be held. All parents and guardians of children attending the school will be eligible to vote to elect the parent representatives. Please note that nominations will close on November 5th.

School Fees Reminder

Thank you to the majority of families who have finalised this year’s school fees. There are just a few accounts still outstanding, and I kindly ask that these be settled this week. If you would like to discuss your account, please contact Marisa.

Statements for outstanding fees and levies for 2025 have now been sent out. All outstanding amounts are due tomorrow, October 31st, unless you are paying via direct debit. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

School Uniform

The wearing of the correct school uniform is compulsory for all students. It is now time for all students to wear the correct summer school uniform. Students are required to wear their school hats in Term 4 while at school and are strongly encouraged to wear them when walking to and from school. l remind all families to ensure students have hats, especially next Wednesday at our Sports Day. With the UV index much higher this term, parents are encouraged to ensure that your child wears sunscreen too.

Happy World Teachers’ Day!

World Teachers’ Day – A Moment of Thanks

Tomorrow is World Teachers’ Day, a wonderful opportunity to recognise and appreciate not only our teachers, but all staff members for the important role they play in our school community.

I’d like to sincerely thank our staff for the incredible work they do every day in educating, nurturing, protecting, supporting, and growing the minds and spirits of our children here at St Joseph the Worker.

We celebrated today with a special morning tea to acknowledge and give thanks for our dedicated and talented staff. Their commitment and care make our school a truly special place.

Prep Orientation

We are looking forward to seeing all our 2026 Prep families again next week at our second and final session which will take place on: Thursday 6th November ~ 9.00 am – 10.30 am

A reminder will be sent to all families via the Audiri App.

School Closure Day – Friday, 31st October

A friendly reminder, the school is closed tomorrow, Friday 31st October, for staff professional learning. Staff will be working together to discuss Melbourne Archdiocese of Catholic Schools Vision for Engagement, which is an evidence informed and authentically Catholic commitment to nurturing calm, respectful and inclusive classrooms in which every student can thrive academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually. We look forward to sharing some of this important work with families in coming weeks.

Please note, that there will be no school next week, on Monday November 4th and Tuesday 5th November (Melbourne Cup Day).

Wishing everyone an enjoyable long weekend.

May St Joseph the Worker bless you and watch over you and your family at this time.

Kind regards,

Maria Barnes

Principal

Community News

St Monica's College