St Brendan's Primary School

Principals Report

Sue Carr

Dear Parents, Carers and Friends of St Brendan’s,

Welcome back to the final term of our school year. It’s wonderful to see our students return rested, refreshed and ready to make the most of this busy and joy-filled term ahead.

 

There’s so much to look forward to:  learning, celebrations and community moments that remind us what makes St Brendan’s such a special place.

 

As we begin this new term, we pause in gratitude and prayer, asking God’s blessing on all that lies ahead for our students, staff and families.

 

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.”— Psalm 118:24

 

We give thanks for:

  • our students who bring life and laughter to every classroom

  • our teachers and staff who guide with wisdom and care

  • and our families who walk alongside us in faith and partnership

     

Loving God,

Bless our learning this term.

Fill our hearts with patience and understanding,

our minds with curiosity and courage,

and our community with kindness and joy.

Help us to see Your presence in every person we meet

and in every moment of the days ahead.

Through Christ our Lord,

Amen.

 

Our children have made a focused and settled start to what promises to be a wonderful final term.

Staff Professional Learning

We began Term 4 with an inspiring professional learning day led by Glen Pearsall, a well-known Australian educator, author and consultant. Glen’s session focused on:

  • Classroom management and positive behaviour
  • Feedback and questioning techniques
  • Differentiation in instruction

It was an engaging, practical and thought-provoking day and a brilliant way to start the term. We hope to welcome Glen back to St Brendan’s in 2026.

School Uniform Reminder

Thank you for supporting your child’s transition to the summer uniform. All students are expected to be in full summer uniform by Monday 27 October.

Hats are compulsory during recess, lunch and PE lessons. If your child does not have a hat, notes will be sent home. Hats can be purchased from the school office.

Thank you for helping keep our students sun safe and proudly representing St Brendan’s.

Class Placements for 2026

As we look ahead to 2026, our teachers are carefully forming class groups for next year. This is a thoughtful and collaborative process designed to create balanced, supportive learning environments where every student can thrive.

 

When forming classes, we consider:

 

  • A balance of girls and boys
  • A range of learning abilities
  • A fair spread of students with additional learning needs
  •  

We ask families to trust our professional judgement as teachers know each child’s learning style and group dynamics very well. To ensure fairness and consistency:

 

  • We cannot take requests for specific teachers

  • We cannot make placements based on friendship requests

     

If you have a specific concern regarding your child’s placement, please email Sue Carr at scarr@sbsomerville.catholic.edu.au by Friday 20 October. Requests received after this date or through other staff members will not be considered.

 

Thank you for your understanding and support as we prepare for another successful school year.

Year 3/4 MK Assembly

A huge congratulations to Kim McKeown, Julie Kloppenborg and their students for a fantastic assembly this week. I was disappointed to miss it, but I’ve heard wonderful feedback — especially about Jax C’s impressive electric guitar performance. Well done to all our creative and confident learners in 3/4MK.

Whole School Creation and Mission Mass - Thursday 16 October at 11:30am

All parents, grandparents and friends are warmly invited to our Whole School Creation and Mission Mass this Thursday. The celebration has been lovingly prepared by our Year 3/4 students and teachers, and we look forward to gathering together as a community of faith.

St Vincent de Paul Christmas Hamper Appeal

As we prepare for the joy of Christmas, we once again invite families to support our St Vincent de Paul Christmas Hamper Appeal.

 

Please consider donating festive grocery items such as: shortbread, chips, savoury biscuits, chocolates, tea, coffee, plum puddings, long-life custard, tinned ham, sauces, gravies, tinned fruit, soft drink, lollies and paper napkins.

 

Our Mini Vinnies team will work with Bill Grant and his volunteers at St Mary’s Hastings to pack and distribute hampers to families in need. Your kindness and generosity make a real difference.

 

Thank you for your ongoing support, encouragement and partnership. Let’s make Term 4 a joyful and memorable one for our students.

 

Warm regards,

Sue Carr