School News

Dear parents, families and friends,

As we approach the end of October and the second month of the season of Spring we also have the celebration of Halloween. As I have discussed in previous newsletters over the years there is both a Christian (Catholic) and secular celebration at this time of year. Originlly they were both very closely intertwined, but over the years they have become separated with the Catholic/Christian Church focusing on the Feasts of All Saints and All Souls and the secular celebration about dressing up, trick or treating, ghosts and monsters; an opportunity to have fun. Halloween in the Northern Hemisphere is closely link to the season of Autumn (Fall) and harvest, something which really doesn't make sense for us here in Australia as the days are getting longer, the leaves on the trees are green and growing and we are busy planting and growing. To all our families I wish you a Happy Halloween Night; enjoy dressing up, trick or treating and some fun jump scares. I also wish all families a happy and holy time over the feasts of All Saints and All Souls.

I returned last week from my three weeks overseas on holiday with my family. We had an absolutely amazing time in both Hong Kong and Japan. Hong Kong was hot and humid, however this was a welcome change from the cold weather of Melbourne and it didn't stop us from seeing as much of the city as possible. Highlights for us included sailing Victoria Harbour at night on a traditional Chinese Junk and watching the nightly Light Show, eating Peking Duck, taking the tram car up to Victoria Peak and visiting the giant Buddha ontop off Ngong Ping. Of course Hong Kong Disneyland was the top experience for us. 

Japan blew us away. We visited Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo. Castles, shrines, temples kept us busy and getting our steps up. We averaged 25,000 steps per day! My favourite was Kyoto as it provided a mix of traditional and modern in a setting that is highly clean and safe. Highlights included visiting Hiroshima, Mario Carts in Tokyo, Japanese BBQ, visiting Mt Fuji and climbing the steps to pass through the Thousand Tori Gates. We finished with Tokyo Disney which was a magical experience.

Building Project Update

Building works are continuing to progress. The builders are working towards a completion date of the 17th December 2026.

2027 Preparations

As we begin to make preparations for next, a reminder to please complete the friendship lists as these are of huge assistance for us as we create the class groups for next year. We encourage you to include up to 4 friends for your child. We will endeavour to place them with at least one of their friends. I ask that all requests for student pairings and separartions are sent to me or Dina via email so that we can record them directly into the Class Solver program.

St.Vincent de Paul Christmas Hampers

Twice a year St. Vincent de Paul societies around Australia hold drives to support those in need, one being the Winter Appeal and the other is the Christmas Hamper Appeal. In the spirit of the Christmas season and that Christmas came into the world to bring love and peace to all, we take this opportunity to think of others, not just ourselves. I take this opportunity to thank all our families for their generosity throughout the year, especially in regards to St. Vincent de Paul. I also acknowledge that a lot has been asked of you in terms of donations for the Parish Schools Fair. Whatever you can donate, however small, towards the Christmas Hamper Appeal will be greatly appreciated. You will never seen the smile on the face of those who receive a hamper. You will never hear their words of gratitude. You may not fully understand what this means to them, however, you can know in your heart that you have acted in kindness and generosity to make a difference to someone in need.

Items for Hampers:     

Christmas Cake  Christmas Tarts   Christmas Puddings   Custard    Shortbread Biscuits   Soft drinks  Chocolates/Lollies    Dry Biscuits/Crackers.  

Comic & Graphic Novels 2nd Hand Donations

We have recently started a Comic & Graphic Novel Club at lunchtimes on Wednesdays. This club is for students to read, share, swap and talk about comics and graphic novels. If any families have or know of anyone who has 2nd hand comics and graphic novels that they nolonger need and would like to donate to our club, then these would be greatly appreciated. The only requirement is that any comics and graphic novels need to be age appropriate. To date we haven't received any donations of comics, so we would greatly welcome any donations to support our club.

There will also be the Yarraville Comic Fair in St. Augustine's Hall on Sunday 29th November.

Upcoming Newletters:Year 5/

• Monday 14th December

Upcoming News Updates:

• Friday 13th November
• Friday 4th December

Upcoming Events:

• Wednesday 4th November - Year 5/6 Zoo Excursion
• Tuesday 10th November - Year 3/4 Zoo Excursion
• Friday 13th November - Years 3 to 6 Swimming Carnival
• Friday 13th November - Prep After School Activities
• Saturday 14th November - Parish Schools Fair
• Monday 23rd November - Prep 2027 Orientation Session 1
• Monday 23rd to Wednesday 25th November - Year 3/4 Camp @ Portsea
• Sunday 29th November - Yarraville Comic Fair in St. Augustine's Hall
• Monday 30th November - Prep 2027 Orientation 2
• Wednesday 2nd to Friday 4th December - Year 5/6 Camp @ Phillip Island
• Sunday 6th Decemebr - Yarraville Card Fair in St. Augustine's Hall
• Monday 7th December - Prep 2027 Orientation Session 3
• Thursday 10th December - End of Year School Mass
• Monday 14th December - Prep to Year 6 2027 Orientation - Step Up Day
• Tuesday 15th December - Last Day of Term 3.15pm Dismissal

Weekly Clubs:

• Comic & Graphic Novel Club - Wednesday lunchtimes from 11.00am to 11.20am in the library
• Chess Club - Thursday lunchtimes from 11.00am to 11.40am in the library (This is a paid activity. Enrolment forms available from the office)
• Cartooning Club - Friday lunchtimes from 11.00am to 11.30am in the library

Please read each page of the newsletter so that you can remain up-to-date and informed of all that happens in our very busy school. A lot of work goes into creating it each month.

Enjoy the long weekend. It is the last break until the Christmas/Summer holidays.

Matt Stead

Principal