REMINDERS

Student-Free Day Friday 18th September

Dear Parents and Carers,

Parent Feedback - focus on school improvement - MACSSIS

Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools – School Improvement Surveys (MACSSIS): 31 August –18 September 2026

Every year, we pause to listen to our students, families and staff to gauge how our school learning community is travelling. This feedback is invaluable to our progress as an effective school community and is backed by evidence-based research and best practices.

A significant and formal way in which we engage and gather data is through MACSSIS, the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools – School Improvement Surveys.

MACSSIS is a set of surveys that have been built specifically for Catholic schools in Melbourne in partnership with researchers at Learning First and in wide consultation with principals in Catholic schools in Melbourne.

In 2026, students in Years Four, Five and Six, families and staff are invited to participate in MACSSIS via our secure andpurpose-built online platform. The online platform is where our leadership will access the summary reports that visualise the results of the student, family and staff surveys.

In the coming week, please keep an eye out in your inbox for a message inviting you to participate in the parent family MACSSIS survey.

Fathers' Day celebrations

Thank you to all the families who came and supported Father's Day Celebrations across the school. Thank you to our amazing St Simon's Parents' Association for hosting the Father's Day Stall, and to our volunteers and school staff for assisting with Friday's Breakfast. Finally, thank you to our students who led us in prayer and reflection for Friday afternoon's Liturgy, with support from our REL, Mrs Solari.

School Production Count Down!

Tickets will go on sale in the last week of Term 3. Look out for the trybooking link. We are all getting very excited.

Lost Property

The school lost property is overflowing. Please take some time during the school drop-off or pick-up to check through the lost property tub located at the bottom of the stairs at the rear of Building A.

It is so important to ensure that all school uniform items are clearly labelled so they can be easily returned. If you are using "hand me downs" or purchased second hand items, please update or freshen the labels so that we can connect students to clothing items.

Any unclaimed items with no name or unclear labelling will be assessed for its suitability for the school's spare uniform supply.

St Simon's Fete 2026 - Raffle - is coming!

Getting involved in the St Simon’s Fete is one of the most rewarding ways to connect with our vibrant school community, and we welcome help of all kinds. There are many ways to assist, including managing a stall, assisting with setup and pack-down, or lending a hand for just an hour or two. Volunteering not only lightens the load and ensures the day runs smoothly, but it also gives you a fantastic opportunity to meet other parents, forge lasting friendships, and strengthen our school spirit. Most importantly, when our children see parents and carers giving their time and energy to support the community, it sets a powerful, positive example of generosity, teamwork, and service.

However you choose to contribute, your involvement makes a meaningful difference, and we would love to have you on board!

St Simon's Fete - Partnership and Promotional opportunities for local and small businesses

This wonderful event is a highlight of our calendar, bringing together families, friends, and the wider community for a day of fun and celebration. To make this year’s fete our best one yet, we are inviting members of our school community and local businesses to partner with us.

We have a variety of fantastic promotional and sponsorship opportunities available, offering an excellent platform to showcase your business while supporting our community.

If you would like to explore sponsorship options or find out how you can get involved, please contact the Parish Office or reach out directly to Fete Committee member, Bill Leane 0411 289 319.

Child Safety - MACS Care

In this newsletter, as part of our continual commitment to Child Safety awareness, we spotlight Child Safe Standard 7 - ’Processes for complaints and concerns are child-focused."

Click here to find out more.

Newsletter Side Sections and Pages

Please take time to browse through the sections and pages of the newsletter. You find more details and information about events and posts you see through Social channels.

Connect with Us on Social Media 📱

Want to see all the latest activities, student achievements, and exciting experiences happening around our school in real time?

Be sure to check out and follow our official school social channels! It’s a wonderful way to stay connected with the vibrant St. Simon the Apostle Primary School community and get a firsthand look at what our students are learning and creating each day.

Facebook: Follow us for community updates, photo galleries, and event reminders.
Instagram: Check out our latest stories, highlights, and snapshots of daily school life.

Search for St. Simon the Apostle Primary School on both platforms, hit follow, and join our growing online community!

School Closure Days Term 3 and 4 - 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 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.