Deputy Principals' Report
Dear Families,
The Mitchell Street playground has certainly been a big hit with students this week, with students of all ages sharing equipment and playing together harmoniously in both playgrounds.
A reminder that next week we have our annual Italian Day. Signora Bassily has been putting together a wonderful educational experience for this day. Students are invited to dress up in their favourite Italian-themed costumes or colours. There will also be a special canteen lunch available on this day but must be pre-ordered. For further information please see the Italian Day page.
Warm Regards, Deputy Principals: Joelle Diakrousis and Anthony Speranza
Student Leadership Update
Congratulations to our Prep to Year 5 SRC, Social Justice and Sustainability leaders for Semester 2 who were presented with their badges at our Week 2 Assembly.
Last week, our dedicated Student Representative Council members convened to discuss and formulate a clear set of expectations for our school playground. Their collaborative efforts have resulted in three key principles: 'move and act safely,' 'be considerate of others,' and 'share the space.' It has been truly wonderful to see these expectations embraced by the entire student body this week. The SRC's initiative has fostered a stronger sense of community and responsibility, and we are incredibly proud of their leadership.
The Year 6 SRC leaders have also been consulting with the Semester 2 representatives on a range of classroom suggestions that have been submitted. This follows on from a great initiative in Semester 1, where a suggestion box was placed in each classroom to give every student a voice. This ongoing collaboration between the representatives and all students empowers the school community, giving members a meaningful opportunity to contribute to our school.
Australian Mathematics Competition
We are delighted to share that over 60 students from Years 3 to 6 participated in the 2025 Australian Mathematics Competition this week.
The AMC is a nationally recognised competition that challenges students with a range of engaging and thought-provoking mathematical problems, encouraging them to think creatively and apply their knowledge in new ways.
We extend our warmest congratulations to all the students who took part. Your willingness to challenge yourselves and push beyond your comfort zones is a testament to your dedication and growth mindset. We look forward to celebrating your efforts and achievements by presenting certificates at an upcoming school assembly.
Labelling of uniform
As the colder weather sets in, we’re noticing an increasing number of jumpers and jackets being misplaced or left around the school. To help us return lost items promptly and ensure no child is left cold during the day, we kindly ask families to clearly label all uniform items, especially outerwear.
A quick check to ensure your child’s name is on their jumper or jacket makes a big difference!
Smart Watches at School
We kindly remind families that smart watches are not permitted at school. These devices can be a distraction to learning and may pose privacy concerns. If a student is wearing a smart watch, they will be asked to remove it and store it in their bag for the duration of the school day. We appreciate your support in helping us maintain a focused and respectful learning environment for all students.
Resilience Groups Year 3 & 4 (Formerly Bounceback)
Mrs Diakrousis has resumed her small group Resilience sessions. At this stage, the groups will be offered to Year 3 and 4 students only.
These sessions will explore a range of strategies designed to support the development of resilience through small group activities and discussion. Our second focus will be on Resilience —Building Inner Strength.
During the sessions, students will:
- Recognise thoughts and feelings during challenges.
- Learn calming and coping strategies to bounce back.
- Develop positive self-talk skills to stay strong and motivated
The program will run as an eight-week block, with sessions held once a fortnight in the afternoon.
We look forward to supporting our students as they continue to grow in confidence and emotional wellbeing.
Seasons for Growth – Grief and Loss Support Program
We would like to let families know that Mrs Diakrousis will resume the Seasons for Growth program this term. Seasons for Growth is a small-group program designed to support children who have experienced significant change, loss, or grief—such as the death of a loved one, family separation, or other major life changes.
The program helps students explore their feelings in a safe and supportive environment through age-appropriate discussions, stories, creative activities, and personal reflection. It aims to build emotional resilience and equip students with strategies to cope with change.
The program will be available for students from Prep to Year 6, and groups will be organised by level: Junior (Prep–Year 2), Middle (Years 3–4), and Senior (Years 5–6).
If you feel your child would benefit from being part of this program, please contact Mrs Diakrousis at jdiakrousis@spmentone.catholic.edu.au.
The program will begin in Week 4, Term 3
Random Acts of Kindness
We would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the following students for their outstanding display of kindness and compassion towards others. Your willingness to support, encourage, and uplift those around you has set a wonderful example for our entire school community. It’s incredibly inspiring to see students across different year levels go out of their way to make others feel valued, included, and respected.
Your acts of kindness—whether through small gestures or significant efforts—are powerful reminders of the positive impact we can all have. Thank you for embodying the values that make our school a welcoming and caring place for everyone. Keep up the amazing work!
Term 3, Week 3
Renny R., Vince F., Thomas B. and Ethan M. (6NM) For showing leadership qualities by including another student in their game.