Dear Families,

As we come to the end of the 2025 school year, I have been reflecting in gratitude for all we have shared and all we have accomplished together as a community of faith and learning. The season of Advent invites us to wait with purpose, reflect with gratitude, and look forward with hope. It is a time of new beginnings, a reminder that God is always present in the quiet moments, gently guiding us into the future He has prepared for us. Something I have considered a lot whilst looking back on the school year that has been.

Mother Teresa offers us a beautiful reflection for this season:

“At this Christmas when Christ comes, will He find a warm heart? Mark the season of Advent by loving and serving others with God’s own love and concern.”

As I reflect on 2025, I am so grateful for the opportunities our students have been given this year. There were two big priorities to the work that staff undertook this year. The first being the introduction of the Science of Learning in English and Mathematics and the second the introduction of Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL). Both of these initiatives focus on excellence in learning, behaviour, and student wellbeing and align our school with the MACS Vision for Instruction and Vision for Engagement. Our staff have done an incredible job in undertaking this new learning this year and we look on building from this in 2026. Next year will will have a focus on running parent workshops for both English, Mathematics & PBL.

St Vincent De Paul Christmas Appeal

I would also like to share a heartfelt message our school received from the St Vincent de Paul Society in response to our Christmas hamper donations.

“We extend our sincere thanks for the generosity shown by your school community toward those in need. While Christmas is a time of joy and celebration for many, it can also be a time of hardship for others. Through your kindness, St Vincent de Paul is able to ease this burden by providing families with food hampers and, where possible, a special gift for a child. Your support brings hope, dignity, and comfort during this season. Thank you once again for your compassion and generosity.”
Ms Jeanette O’Neil Secretary, St Vincent de Paul Society (Our Lady’s)

We are grateful to everyone who contributed and supported this important initiative. Your care and generosity truly reflects our Catholic Social Teachings around preferential treatment for the poor .

Staffing updates

I am pleased to share that I can finally accounce the 3B teacher for 2026. Ms Georgia Chelsey's Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) registration was confirmed earlier this week. Georgia is a new teacher to Mother Teresa and is joining us from Holy Cross Mickleham where she has been an LSO this year. Georgia had the opportunity to join us this morning and meet the students in 3B who took home their Meet the Teacher flyers.

As I shared on Compass earlier this week, Miss Clara Pitros' VIT registration has also come through. Clara will be our Grade 4B teacher in 2026. Students who are in 4B in 2026 are aware as they had Clara for their Step-Up session on Monday Morning.

2026 Calendar

Start of the School Year Dates

Tuesday 27/1 ~ Staff return Professional Development (No students)
Wednesday 28/1 ~Staff Professional Development Day (No students )
Thursday 29/1 ~ Grade 1-6 students return to school
Friday 30/1 ~ Foundation student start school (half day, 12.30 finish)

Student Free Days (School Closure & Time in Lieu (TIL)

Friday 6/3 ~ School Closure Day (TIL)
Thursday 24/4 ~ Staff First Aid Training
Friday 5/6 ~ School Closure Day (TIL)
Monday 2/11 ~ School Closure Day (TIL)
Monday 13/7 ~Staff Professional Development - Catholic Identity: Vision & Mission
Tuesday 2/12 ~ Staff Professional Development - Forward Planning for 2027 school year
Wednesday 16/12 ~ School Closure Day (TIL)
Thursday 17/12 ~ School Closure Day (TIL)

2026 Term Dates

Term One ~ Thursday 29th of January to Thursday 2nd of April
Term Two ~ Monday 20th of April to Friday 26th of June
Term Three ~ Monday 13th of July to Friday 18th of September
Term Four ~ Monday 5th of October Tuesday 15th of December

Finally, thank you for your ongoing support, trust, and partnership. As wait for Christmas, may the light of Christ fill your homes with peace, love, and joy. May the break ahead provide rest and renewal, and may the spirit of Advent remind us that every ending carries within it the promise of a new beginning.

On behalf of the Mother Teresa Primary School staff, I wish you a blessed, joyful, safe and peaceful Christmas. We look forward to welcoming our students and families back in the new year with renewed energy, excitement, and hope.

Regards,

Jess

Our Lady's Parish Christmas timetable

Our Lady's Parish

Christmas timetable