From the Principal
We are now in planning mode for 2026! If you are planning on moving or you are looking at changing schools for 2026, it would be great if you could please let me know ASAP as we have waiting lists in some year levels.
Production is now only one week away. Please make sure you have booked your tickets and are ready to go, this will help avoid any last minute stress. For next week (Week 4) our normal Wednesday specialist timetable will run on Monday. Sport and Art will be on hold for next week as we put the final touches on Production. Art and sport lessons will be made up at the conclusion of our Production season.
The school will be closed on Monday, 3rd of November for a Time in Lieu day for teachers, we will also be closed on Tuesday, 4th of November for the Melbourne Cup Public Holiday. MACSEYE have advised there will be no holiday care provided on these days.
Month of the Rosary:
October is designated as the Month of the Holy Rosary in the Catholic Church, a tradition that honors the Virgin Mary and promotes praying the Rosary.
Next week:
Monday: Students will have dress rehearsal for production during specialist time
Tuesday: Students will rehearse production in their classes during Sports time
Wednesday: No specialist classes
Please note there will be NO ASSEMBLY on October 27th as we have had to shuffle around specialist classes for Production week.
School Production - Kackawackadoo Bay:
A reminder that the school production, Kackawackadoo Bay, will be held on Thursday 30th October. Tickets are available on CDFPay following a notice that went out on school stream. The 4 ticket limit has now finished and tickets are now available on a first in first served basis.
Pilgrimage to Italy:
After departing Rome we headed to the Benediction Abbey at Monte Casino, which has been home to Benediction Monks since the 6th century. An amazing place with so much old history and new history after being a place of a major battle in WW2. From Monte Casino we made the trip to Monte Saint Angelo in the Provence of Foggia. It is here where according to legend the Archangel appeared 3 times in 490, 492 and 493. We shared mass in English in the underground cave where these appearances are said to have happened. While we were exploring the town, we managed to catch the Hawthorn vs GWS game and the Melbourne Storm and Bulldogs game.
After departing Monte Saint Angelo, we then headed for a two night stay in San Giovanni Rotondo. This was the home of one of Italy's most famous (and most controversial Saints) St Padre Pio. Padre Pio is said to have a Stigmata, this is where he had wounds on his hands and feet like Jesus. A very interesting place where millions of Pilgims visit each year.
Student Code of Conduct:
Please take some time to review our Student Code of Conduct with your children.
Junior Information Evening:
Junior families are welcome to attend the Information Evening on October 29th at 6:30pm. It will mainly have information for our new Prep families but we will be announcing our Junior (Prep to Grade 2) teaching team to the community. The rest of the staffing will be announced in the newsletter on Thursday 6th of November.
Remembrance Day:
Remembrance Day this year falls on Tuesday, November 11th. The Upwey RSL have dropped Poppies off at the office to be purchased.
School Camp:
Year 5/6 City camp is now just over a month away. Mrs Jones and Mrs Janky have been working with the students to plan a fun time away. We will be holding an online information session for parents on Tuesday, 18th of November at 6:30pm. I will send a link for the meeting a few days in advance.
Parents and Friends AGM:
Teeth on Wheels: On-Site November 5th, 2025
Dear Families,
Final Reminder!
Teeth on Wheels will be visiting our school on Wednesday 5th of November 2025 to provide dental check-ups and oral health education to students.
If you haven’t completed your child’s consent form yet, please do so before the deadline:
Click here to sign up – IT MIGHT BE FREE!
CUT OFF DATE FOR YOUR CHILD’S FORM IS ON THE October 30th 2025.
Why are 6-monthly dental check-ups important?
Regular six-monthly check-ups help catch issues early, before they become painful or costly. They also support healthy development of teeth and gums, and reinforce positive dental habits in children from an early age — all in a familiar and stress-free school environment.
Once your form is submitted, the Teeth on Wheels team will be in touch to schedule your child’s appointment and confirm eligibility for FREE dental care under the Child Dental Benefit Schedule (CDBS).
If you have any questions, please contact the Teeth on Wheels team directly at (03) 9338 1191.
Information about Operoo:
As mentioned in the last few newsletters, Operoo will cease operation in Australia at the end of this school year. MACS have advised schools that are currently with NForma (we use NForma for Reports) to engage with them on their medical packages. Tarnia and myself will provide more information to families as the year concludes so we are all set up and ready to go for 2026.
Declan McDermott
Principal
