Book Week: What a lovely two weeks of celebrations! Our Book Week Parade saw amazing costumes inspired by a wonderful variety of books, and we finished the week with our Final Chapter storytelling. Thank you again to Ms Tina and our classroom teachers for their organisation and enthusiasm over the past couple of weeks.

Step into Prep: We held our first Step into Prep this week. Children engaged in a story and then some tiger crafts with Ms Phelan and Mrs Namor. It was a lovely morning and we look forward to our next two sessions of PE (8th September) and Performing Arts (15th September).

Registration is via the website: https://www.hsthornburyeast.catholic.edu.au/enrolment-information/book-a-tour/

Extra-curricular Activities: We are offering three extra-curricular activities after school in Term 4.

Strike Soccer – Tuesdays, 3:30pm–4:30pm, every week

Chess Mates – Wednesdays, 3:30pm–4:30pm, every week

Percussion Music Class - Thursdays, 3:30-4:30pm, Weeks 2-Week 7 (includes school performance at assembly)

Mark Mackillop Feedback: We recently received some wonderful feedback about the behaviour of our Year 6 students during their excursion to the Mary MacKillop Centre. I wanted to share this with our community as a reflection of the respectful and thoughtful young people our students are, both within and beyond the school grounds.

The students from Holy Spirit Primary School, Thornbury East were so attentive and willing to learn more about the life of Mary MacKillop, and especially, how she and the Sisters followed Jesus. The students engaged fully in all the experiences, and were so knowledgeable even about the numbers from the Scripture. Thank you so much for coming to visit us - we hope that all students can be as enthusiastic as you.

With thanks,

God bless

Sr Rita

Final note: Across Catholic schools, planning and budgeting for 2027 is currently underway to ensure we are well placed to support our staff, students and school communities in the year ahead. I want to reassure families that our school is carefully planning for the long-term sustainability of Holy Spirit and, most importantly, the continued support and learning of every student.

We recognise the significant financial pressures many households are experiencing, and we are conscious of ensuring that any fee and levy changes remain manageable for families. We are working carefully through our 2027 budget with the aim of avoiding significant increases wherever possible. Fee and levy arrangements will hopefully be confirmed during Term 4, at which point we will provide families with clear and transparent information about what this will look like for 2027. If any family would like to discuss their circumstances or the fees further, please know that you are always welcome to make a time to speak with me.

As always, our focus remains on maintaining a strong and connected school community while continuing to provide a high-quality Catholic education and the very best opportunities for every student.

Belinda Cheong

Principal

What's coming up in the next two weeks....

- 8th September, Step into Prep Session 2, 9-10am

- 10th September, R U OK? Day (students can wear a splash of yellow!)

- 10th September, Indigenous Workshop 5/6, 1pm

- 11th September, Athletic's Day

- 14th September, Art Gallery Walk, 3:15pm

- 15th September, Step into Prep Session 3, 9-10am

- 16th September, Footy Day (dress up in footy colours!)

- 17th September, Students Last Day of Term 3 (students dismissed 1:30pm)

Wednesday afternoons Chessmates (must be registered)

Please check out upcoming events on our Parent Calendar via our website. https://www.hsthornburyeast.catholic.edu.au/news-events/calendar/

PBL