Principal's News

PERFORMANCE CONGRATULATIONS!

We have many people to thank for the success of our

 ‘Step into the Spotlight’ Performance. We acknowledge the following contributors:

• For working the sound and preparation of the visual show, including the advertising flyers – Neesha Valvo;

• For his assistance with lighting – Lachlan McSpedden;

• For their assistance with Costume searches and ideas – Richard Fattibene and Ann-Marie Sabato

• For his assistance with the logistics of the performance - Jamie Atherton

• For the design of the Program – our Arts Leaders;

• To the staff who assisted on the Committee with the organisation – Neesha Valvo, Richard Fattibene, Ann-Marie Sabato, Gayle Carrazza, Cristina Grande, Kristina Reid, Jess Lynch and Fiona Henderson; 

• For the venue, and for their assistance and patience with our many questions – Paul Harris (Business Manager), Joseph from the theatre and we thank Mark Aiello, the Principal of Parade College;

• For the recording of the performance for future enjoyment – Matt Grant from AiDEMEDiA and Michael for filming tonight;

• For the stage – Tony from Instant Stages;

• For the lighting – Stuart and Mark from Monaco Sound and Vision;

• To the Office Team for managing the advertising, ticket organisation and programs;

• A very special ‘Thank you’ to Ashlee and especially Ally from Footsteps who attended each week this term with enthusiasm and her expert choreography skills which she taught the students.  We also thank Annie, our Training and Development Manager from Footsteps, who coordinated our program. 

• To all the parents – we thank you for your support of the show by providing costumes, having the children at Parade on time and for coming along to enjoy their performance;

• To the magnificent staff of St Martin’s School for their hard work over the last term to rehearse, encourage and support the students.  Thank you for making this a memorable part of our students' lives at St Martin’s. 

   

Most importantly, a wonderful effort by all our students, showing resilience and learning their dances so well to give us such a fabulous performance.

Please note that as we have had a school performance this year, there will not be a community Carols night this year, the next Carols night will be held in 2026.

2025 MACSSIS SURVEY

Thank you to those who have already completed the MACSSIS Survey. This data is important for our Annual Action Plan each year. Please send through a screenshot to show your completed survey to go into the draw to win one of four $50 Rebel vouchers! The Survey closes on Sunday 21 September, so you do have two more night to complete this!

NETBALL CONGRATULATIONS

We congratulate our Year Six Girls Netball team on their success this year. Last week, they won the Netball Victoria Grand Final, entering on a Wildcard.

On Wednesday, they competed in the SSV State Finals against some very good competition. It is a massive achievement to even get to this point. Unfortunately, the girls played better teams on the day and didn’t make it to the Grand Final. Their attitude was not to be upset, but to be proud of their achievement and acknowledge the other teams.  Thank you to - Annalise, Zoe, Quinn, Eva, Clara, Emilia, Grace, Poppy, Abigail, Mia, and Amelia.

Special thanks to the parents who went along to support. HUGE thanks to Sean Martin for his encouragement and effort in coaching the team to their success. 

A WILDLIFE WARRIOR

Through Zoos Victoria Wild Week, Noah W is turning his passion into action — raising awareness and funds to help protect threatened species, like the Grassland Earless Dragon, from the brink of extinction. By supporting him, you’re helping to make sure future generations can experience the same incredible wildlife that inspires him today.  Check out Noah's page and give him some encouragement.

It is wonderful to hear about Noah’s zest for life and the way he pours his heart into caring for every animal. 

MACSEYE

Today marks the final day of OSHClub in our St Martin’s Community. We thank OSHClub for caring for our students for the past 20 years. Our new Outside School Hours Care program is being run by MACSEYE from the start of Term Four. 

MACSEYE is the Early Years Education arm of MACS. From the first day next term, a new team will be on site, although I believe Adrian is remaining at St Martin’s. 

Full information and how to enrol can be found in this newsletter.

THANK YOU AND GOODBYE

Charlotte George, our OSHClub Coordinator, has decided to move on from St Martin’s Service. Charlotte has been at the school for the past 2 years. On behalf of those families who have attended OSHClub, I would like to sincerely thank Charlotte for her care of the children and her connection to the school. We wish her all the very best for the future, personally and in her career.

EXCITING NEWS!

There is some exciting news in Prep DG ~ Brigitte De Gregorio is having a baby!

This is wonderful news for Brigitte and Marc, however it does mean she will be leaving us for a time at the end of the year. We look forward to some happy news of the baby's arrival early next year!

And in Year Two, Alya D'Souza got engaged last weekend, so we offer her and Tom our congratulations!

‘A CUPPA, CHAT AND BOOK SWAP’

As part of our involvement in Take the Way of the Gospel, opportunities were identified for bringing together parishioners from St Martin’s and St Pius’, focussing on social interaction. The plan was to organise two events for 2025. An invitation was extended to all parishioners to come together for a ‘Cuppa, Chat and Book Swap’ at St Pius on July 8. Thank you to those who came along. It was heartening to see people from both parishes interacting so well, enjoying a cuppa and a chat about the books, or life in general.

We are inviting you to come along to our second combined social get together.

‘A Cuppa, Chat and Book Swap’

Enjoy a cuppa and chat

Bring along a book and swap it

Everyone is welcome, including the kids (they can bring a book to swap too!)

 Venue: St Martin’s Community Centre

Date: Tuesday September 23 (the first Tuesday of the school holidays)

Time: 10:30am – 11:30am

We encourage you to come along, if you are able, and be part of the journey.

CLASS MASSES

Please note that the days and dates for Class Masses have been included in the Diary Dates. Please check your child’s class as some of these may have changed. Teachers will send you an alert approximately three weeks prior to the Mass so you can change work if you would like to attend.

SCHOOL CALENDAR AND PUPIL FREE DAYS

Our Pupil Free Days (School Closure Dates) for the rest of the year are:

Monday 3 November and Monday 1 December

Please note all dates on the school calendar, as there are sometimes changes from the Level Newsletters which are sent out at the start of the term. 

Term Three has been jam-packed! Wishing you all a safe, happy and restful holiday break!

We look forward to seeing you back on Monday 6 October for the start of Term Four.

Best wishes and thank you for a fantastic term!