Principal's Report
Dear St. Cecilia's Community,
As we move through the middle of Term 2, it is always a valuable opportunity to pause and recognise just how important this term is within the school year. Term 2 is often where we see significant growth in our students, both academically and personally. The routines and expectations established at the beginning of the year are now well embedded, allowing students to develop greater confidence, independence and resilience in their learning.
Across the school, classrooms are busy places filled with rich learning, collaboration and high levels of engagement. It has been wonderful to see students continuing to challenge themselves, respond positively to feedback and demonstrate persistence when learning becomes difficult. These are important habits that support long-term success both inside and outside the classroom.
Term 2 is also a time where our wider school community truly comes alive. Already this term we have celebrated and enjoyed many special moments together, including our Cross Country event, Mother’s Day Breakfast, Debating, student sporting opportunities and various learning experiences across all year levels. Events such as these are important because they help strengthen the sense of belonging and connection that sits at the heart of St Cecilia’s.
At the same time, Term 2 can also become very busy and demanding for students, staff and families. As a school, we continue to place a strong emphasis on wellbeing, balance and maintaining healthy routines. Regular attendance, consistent home routines, reading, organisation and ensuring children are well rested all make a significant difference at this point in the term.
I would also like to sincerely thank our staff for the tremendous commitment, care and professionalism they continue to show each day. The learning opportunities, support and encouragement they provide our students are deeply valued and appreciated.
Finally, thank you to our parents and carers for your ongoing partnership and support. The strong connection between home and school continues to be one of the greatest strengths of our community. Together, we create an environment where our children are known, supported and encouraged to flourish.
I wish all families a positive and successful second half of Term 2.
Mid Year Function – Bookings Now Open!
Date: Saturday 25 July 2026
Time: 7:00pm – Late
Venue: Huzzah, 4 Paran Pl, Glen Iris
Our much-anticipated St Cecilia's Mid Year Function is fast approaching, and we are looking forward to a wonderful evening of connection, laughter and community with our parent community.
The Mid Year Function is a fantastic opportunity for parents and carers to come together, meet other families, strengthen friendships and enjoy a relaxed night out away from the busy routines of school and family life. One of the great strengths of St Cecilia's is the sense of community we share, and events such as this help continue to build those important connections.
A huge thank you to Elle Cusak and our Parents Association for their work in organising what promises to be a fantastic evening.
Bookings are now open and can be made via the link below:
Book Here: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1589196
We encourage families to secure their tickets early and join us for what is sure to be a wonderful night. We look forward to seeing many members of our community there.
Child Safety - Drop off and Pick up time!
Just a follow up to my previous communication around child safety - A reminder to all families that student safety remains our highest priority during pick up and drop off times around the school precinct. Recently, we have observed an increase in unsafe parking and driving behaviours, including stopping in the Kiss and Drop zone, using the church driveway and Father’s carpark for student collection, parking too close to crossings and calling children across busy roads.
We ask all families to support a safe environment by following road and parking signage, using designated crossings, avoiding unsafe stopping or parking, and modelling safe behaviours for all children. Please remember that Council parking officers regularly monitor the area and fines are issued frequently.
Thank you to all families for your continued cooperation in helping ensure every child arrives to and leaves school safely each day.
Parents’ Association Update – Building for the Future
Thank you to the many parents and carers who have already completed our recent Parents’ Association community feedback survey and shared thoughtful ideas for the future of St Cecilia’s. We greatly appreciate the time taken to contribute suggestions and perspectives.
How PA Funds Support Our School
Over many years, funds raised through PA events and community initiatives have directly contributed to a wide range of student-focused resources, improvements and projects across the school.
Some of the many initiatives supported through PA fundraising have included:
• Chromebooks, laptops and charging trolleys to support student learning and digital technologies
• STEM resources including drones, Sphero technology and green screen equipment
• Literacy texts and classroom learning resources
• Classroom and flexible learning space furniture
• Hall upgrades including a new projector, curtains, painting and air conditioning
• A piano to support performing arts and liturgical celebrations
• Drinking fountains for students
• Flooring, matting, blinds and awnings across learning spaces
• Signage and educational displays around the school grounds
• The chicken coop and garden-related projects
• Basketball backboard replacements and outdoor improvements
• Resources for new classroom spaces
• Development of the STEM Centre / Art Room
• Landscaping and school masterplan projects
These projects have supported learning, wellbeing, technology access, creativity, sustainability and improvements to both indoor and outdoor learning environments for all students.
We would like to invite parents and carers who haven't had the chance to complete this short community feedback survey to help guide future discussions and planning.
Possible areas for future suggestions may include:
• Student Learning Resources and Technology
• Outdoor Play and Recreation Spaces
• Student Wellbeing and Inclusion
• Sustainability and Environmental Projects
• Arts, STEM and Creative Spaces
• Sporting and Physical Activity Resources
• Community Events and Parent Engagement
• Faith and Catholic Identity Initiatives
• Landscaping and School Environment Improvements
• Library and Literacy Spaces
The Parents’ Association continues to play a significant role in strengthening our school community and supporting projects that directly benefit our students.
This term, we are especially excited about three PA-supported projects currently underway, including the refurbishment of our new student podcast room within the library, the installation of a digital information screen in the undercroft area, and Stage 3 of our landscaping masterplan at the corner of Hillside Parade and Van Ness Avenue.
For families who have not yet had the opportunity to complete the survey, we warmly encourage you to do so. Your ideas and feedback are highly valued and help guide future discussions and priorities for our school community.
Thank you again for your ongoing support of the Parents’ Association and St Cecilia’s.
Foundation Enrolment 2027 for Siblings
Final Reminder: This note is simply a check in to see that we have accurate numbers of siblings that are intending to commence Foundation next year at St. Cecilia's. We have commenced tours for new families and we have started sending out formal offers, we want to be aware if a sibling will be commencing but have not yet submitted an enrolment form. Places are filling quickly!
If you intend to enrol a child in Foundation at St. Cecilia's in 2027 at St. Cecilia's please complete this form. Please ensure you have submitted your application form asap! (available on our website). http://www.scgleniris.catholic.edu.au/
For sibling enrolments for 2027: Click Here
Have a great weekend!
Marty McKenna
Principal
St Cecilia’s Primary School