Principal's Report

Dear Members of the St. Cecilia’s School Community,

As we approach the pinnacle of global soccer excitement with the upcoming World Cup Soccer final, I am reminded of the incredible power that a common belief and shared goal can have within our very own school community. Last night's semi final, featuring the Australian women's national soccer team, The Matildas, serves as a remarkable parallel to the positive energy that we can generate when we unite around a common purpose.

The Matildas: Shining on the World Stage

In a world filled with competitive sportsmanship and international camaraderie, the Matildas have demonstrated the true essence of dedication and teamwork. Their journey to the World Cup semi final has been a testament to their relentless pursuit of excellence, the power of resilience, and the importance of unity within a diverse group. We stand in awe of their ability to overcome challenges, demonstrate unwavering determination, and represent our nation with pride.

The Parallel Within Our School Community

Just as the Matildas exemplify the spirit of unity on the field, our school community embodies a similar sense of togetherness within these very walls. Our shared goal of nurturing and educating the future leaders of our society unites us in a common mission. Whether it's the camaraderie displayed during school events, the support offered during challenging times, or the enthusiasm shown for each other's achievements, we are bound by the threads of a shared purpose.

The Power of Common Belief

Last night, as we witnessed the anticipation and fervor surrounding the World Cup Soccer semi final, we should reflect on how this energy can be harnessed within our school community. When individuals come together with a shared belief in the potential of our students and a commitment to their growth, the results are truly remarkable. It's this belief that fuels our collective effort to create a nurturing environment where every student can thrive, regardless of their background, abilities, or challenges.

Celebrating Diversity and Unity

Just as the Matildas' success celebrates the diverse talents of their team members, we also celebrate the unique strengths that each member of our school community brings to the table. Our diversity is our strength, and our unity is our driving force. Just as the Matildas' victory would signify a triumph for every Australian, the success of our students is a collective achievement that reinforces the positive impact we can have when we work together towards a common goal.

As we gathered to support the Matildas in their pursuit of victory, let's channel that excitement and positive energy into our own community. Let's continue to foster an environment where collaboration, empathy, and dedication lead to successes both big and small. Together, we can achieve greatness, just as the Matildas have shown us on the global stage.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our shared mission.

Concert Preparations

We are thrilled to announce that the St. Cecilia's Whole School Concert is GETTING CLOSER  on

WEDNESDAY 13th SEPTEMBER

Preparations have well and truly commenced. All of our classes have begun rehearsals for the big occassion. More information will follow shortly regarding tickets, parking, costumes, starting times etc. 

This year we will be holding our school concert at Camberwell Grammar School at 55 Mont Albert Rd, Canterbury.

Tickets will go on sale next Wednesday 23rd August.

 We will send out a detailed note regarding ticketing tomorrow. 

To ensure all of our families have an opportunity to buy tickets, we are initially limiting our Round One ticket sales to four per family. This does not include St. Cecilia’s students as they will be seated with their teacher and class members.  

Learning Walks for Parents

I am resending this note regarding Learning Walks for Parents from last newsletter. At this stage, I have 2 available parents attending - would be more than happy to accomodate 4 or so more. Please email me asap if you are interested!

During school tours with prospective parents, I am often reminded how infrequently our current parents have the opportunity to witness the teaching and learning that occurs in a typical school day. In order to provide a chance for this to occur, we would like to offer a Learning Walks for Parents opportunity. We have trialled this initiative some time ago, but would to recommence this term for any interested parent or guardian. 

When: Monday 21st August 

What is a Learning Walk for Parents? 

It is an invitation to parents to come to the school for a set period of time to be led by the Principal on a facilitated and structured learning walk of the school/ classrooms during the school day. Not to look at the decor - but to learn more about the learning that is happening. The focus of the structured walk is children and their learning as opposed to teachers and the teaching. Each learning walk can have a topic or theme. The purpose is more about giving parents an opportunity to witness what the “real” learning looks like. 

These are also not about a parent sitting in and observing their child... but to learn more about a topic or the school through observing learning in action. Following the Learning Walk, the group would sit down to a more “in depth community conversation” about what they’ve observed.

If you would be inteterested in joining me on Monday 21st at 9:30am, please email me mmckenna@scgleniris.catholic.edu.au 

The tour would take approx. 1 hour. 

I can host approx 6 parents at a time. 

TOM (Tournament of the Minds) Teams Ready to Fire

The TOM challenge is on Sunday 20th of August at Deakin University. The first team will have the two challenges in the morning (9:40 and 10:40) and the second team in the afternoon (2:20 and 3:10) Our wonderful TOM team leader, Ms Caterina Cerrina has been working incredibly hard with the teams over the past few weeks to prepare for the challenge. We wish the teams the very best of luck and look forward to them reporting back on their experience in the next newsletter.

Coffee Van

Next Friday (25th August) we will have a Coffee Cart at school to coincide with our Book Week Parade morning.

Times:   8am - 8:30am   (staff)

                 8:30am - 10 am (all parents) - not for students

Drop the kids and stay around for a coffee and a chat before our Annual Book Week Parade!! (for the adults only please)

Gold coin donation. 

See you there...

Parent's Association - Helpers Wanted for Father's Day Breakfast

One of the many exciting events coming up this term is the Father's Day Breakfast. The Parent's Association is looking for volunteers. You can contact jmcgrath1976@yahoo.com  or christopher.knott@dwfoxtucker.com.au if you are interested. 

Child Safety

As I indicated in our last newsletter, over the next few months I would like to share some important information with our school community that explains and unpacks what Child Safety looks like at St. Cecilia's. 

In July 2021, the Victorian Government announced new Child Safe Standards (CSS) to further strengthen child safe environments and protect children from abuse.

Commencing last newsletter, I will simply share one of the standards each fortnight with a clear definition and examples of how this is enacted within our school. 

This fortnight I have included Child Safety 2: Leadership, governance and culture – 

Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture.

Social Media @ St Cecilia's

Another way of keeping up with what is happening at St Cecilia's is by following us on Instagram (@stceciliasgleniris). We often post photos of what learning has been happening in our classrooms, photos of events such as camp and reminders of what is coming up in our school and community. Thank you to two of our staff members (Fiona Walsh and Bella Lasscock) who have taken over coordinating our social pages. They are doing an outstanding job! Check it out!

Marty McKenna

Principal

St Cecilia’s School