School Advisory Council Update

Join the Council in 2026

The School Advisory Council said farewell to two members at the end of 2025, when their children graduated from Year 6. Shelagh Doyle, a member for two years, was a valued contributor who brought her deep experience as an educator, and her advocacy for students and parents, to the Council, Kate Meehan, a member for a year. We wholeheartedly thank Shelagh and Kate for their time and commitment to the Council.

The Council is now seeking at least two new members to join in 2026. More are welcome. We are a friendly bunch of parents who represent the voices and experiences of the parent community, helping to inform the school’s decision making. We meet about eight times a year for 1.5 hours, and welcome support either on an ongoing basis for specific projects. See Christine’s update in the 23 February newsletter for more information, or email me at hrsac@kensington.catholic.edu.au.

MACSEYE

Christine continues to send feedback about MACSEYE, the sole provider available to our school for out-of-hours care, about child and parent experiences. This includes consistency in holiday care. Any parent with feedback is encouraged to contact MACSEYE directly on 1300 501 029 or on the website here.

Focus on Child Safe Standards

Christine updated the Council on MACS’ renewed focus on Child Safety Standards and how this is coming to life at Holy Rosary. Parents will see monthly spotlights on the Standards in the newsletter; students will experience activities that reinforce their personal safety network; and teachers will work through compliance tools. As always, if see or hear anything that makes you feel uncomfortable about the safety of our students, please report it to Christine or the school leadership team.

Spending on building updates

Being a school that is more than 100 years old (110 years this year in fact), Holy Rosary’s

buildings need continual maintenance. The school has secured funding, including a small loan from MACS, to undertake much-needed work. The most expensive fixes will be to the roof on the old part of the school and the drainage issues alonside the hall. Other maintenance include upgrading railings on the internal staircase to improve safety, levelling the uneven office floor to make it safer, and updates to the music room (damaged during floods two years ago). All work has to be approved by the Bishop, on behalf of the Archbishop, so will take place as approval is secured.

Enrolments

For the first time in at least seven years, Holy Rosary had a full Prep cohort in 2026, with 52 first-time schoolers starting in February. Overall, student numbers at the school have remained roughly the same from last year, meaning the school’s funding-per-student has not been affected.

Get in touch with the Council any time at hrsac@kensington.catholic.edu.au.

Laura Cochrane

Chair, School Advisory Council

Mathematics