From the Principal

REMINDER School Closure Day -Friday 5th June - Professional Learning: Religious Education

Dear Parents and Carers,

As this newsletter is published, so much is happening in our school and parish community. Please take some time to browse through the sections of the newsletter to capture what is going on.

First Reconciliation for Year 3s

Our Year Three students, with the support of their families, continue to prepare for the Sacrament of Penance (Reconciliation). On Thursday, 21st May at 6:00 pm, we will gather in the church with Fr Jerald and several visiting priests for the Reconciliation liturgy.

Mother’s Day celebrations

A big thank you to all the families that supported our Mother's Day celebrations. Thank you to the Parents' Association for hosting a very successful Mother's Day stall, with many students having the opportunity to get their mum or a significant person something special they chose.

We had a wonderful turnout to this year's Mother's Day Breakfast on Friday, with over 380 people in attendance over the two sessions. Thank you to the families who were booked for the second session but decided to attend the first session instead. This meant the numbers were a little more evenly distributed, with less crowding and waiting than anticipated.

A huge thank you to Adam, Xavier, Martin, Quoc, Aaron and Tony, who came to assist with setting up and cleaning up of the the breakfast. Thank you to our teaching staff who came to work a little earlier to help with student supervision, food service, and general hosting.

Thank you to Barb and Kelli in the office for the admin and food preparation support in the lead up and on the day also.

Finally, it was a great example of community celebration on Friday afternoon as we came together for our Mother's Day liturgy, a time of giving thanks to God and showing our appreciation for everything Mothers do for us.

Car Park Safety

There have been several observations in the car park of unsafe carpark behaviour in the morning and drop-off times. Please ensure cars are parked in line with the markings and within the defined spaces.

As a general reminder, please take some time to read our car park safety protocols. If you have relatives picking up students from school, please make them aware of these protocols. Everyone has a role to play in keeping our school and parish site safe for all people.

Car Park Safety and Protocols

Parking is only permitted in the designated spaces. Parents are welcome to park in the upper car park on the side closest to the school oval (East side of carpark). Parking spaces on the Taylors Lane side (West side if carpark) and all spaces in the lower car park (Gate 2) are for staff vehicles.
Disabled\Wheelchair parking is available in the Gate 4 carpark at the of the carpark on the left-hand (East side) side.
The speed limit within the car park is walking pace - 5 km/h
When using the Drop off\Pick up lane (left lane) drivers must remain with their cars at all times. No car should be left unattended whilst in this lane. If you need more time to find your child then you need to move out of the lane and find a car park.
When using the Drop off/Pick up lane, students should exit the car on the left side to ensure they are not at risk of the cars moving down the right “through” lane.
Children, especially young children, often react without thinking and so accidents can occur in the safest environments. Everyone’s co-operation is essential.
Due to the high level of vehicles at drop-off and pick-up times, we encourage parents to park in the surrounding streets and walk into the school property. Not only will this ease congestion but offers children an opportunity for some incidental exercise and a relaxed time to talk about their day.

Year 4 Camp

The Year Four Camp to Wyuna Camp in Queenscliffe is in its final stages of organisation and planning. This is a special and significant time for our Year Fours students, as it is the first of their overnight school camp experiences. There can be a range of emotions and feelings about camps for students, and teachers and school staff are well placed to support students through these moments. Thank you to parents and families for working with us regarding medication and other supports for students in the lead-up to camp. We look forward to hearing about the Year Fours experience upon their return.

Prep 2027 Enrollment - Current Families

A reminder to current families with a child starting Prep next year to please complete the digital enrollment form on the school website. (Click here) Prep 2027 interviews for current families will be conducted late Term 2, so it is important that you return your enrolment form as soon as possible. Please contact the school office if you have any questions.

THE ST SIMON'S FETE IS BACK IN 2026!

School Closure Days Terms 2 and 3 - 2026

Throughout the year, the school schedules several school closure days for staff to engage in professional learning and compliance activities. There are also days scheduled for time-in-lieu (TIL) activities that staff attend and run outside the normal hours of the school day. These days are used to acquitt these hours.

When a school closure day is scheduled, Beyond Edu Care will operate a program of care for the day so that families can have their children looked after on the school site.

Term 2

Friday 5th June - Professional Learning: Religious Education

Term 3

Student Free Day Friday 18th September (First Aid CPR, Compliance)

Term 4

Thursday 8th October - Student Free Day (Time in lieu, School Production student rest day)

Monday 2nd November - Student Free Day (Time in lieu)

Tuesday 15th December - Last day of School for students

nForma

ARE YOU CONNECTED TO OUR SCHOOL VIA THE NFORMA APP?

NEED TO KNOW MORE? CLICK HERE

In preparation for camps and excursions, please ensure that all Medical and Health information in nForma for your children is up to date.

St Simon’s Staff and Contact Details

A complete staff list for 2026 is available through the newsletter each week by going to Staff Contacts and General Information section

Check out our Community News for the latest activities happening in and around Rowville.