Principal's Report

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

It is absolutely wonderful to be back at school after my Camino pilgrimage and further school holiday travels in Spain. I would like to thank the many parents who followed my travels with interest and many encouraging comments. I would also like to thank Bernie Turner for leading our school so capably in my absence. The support emails and messages from our classes warmed my heart especially when walking such long distances was a real challenge.

I feel privileged to have had time out to reflect on my life, my faith and my role as principal of our wonderful school. To have walked the same paths as so many pilgrims over so many centuries was a treasure that I will hold in my heart forever more. I had the opportunity to ask myself many times, what did I learn on this journey? The answer is I learned many things. These include:

My God is always with me. I only need to ask for help and guidance and it comes in many surprising ways
I love my family more than I can say
I can do hard things
Time spent with colleagues is so beneficial and such a privilege
I love my role at St Brendan’s and I am ready to lead our school into 2024
I am open to and grateful for the many blessings and opportunities that come my way
Life is for living - Grab it with both hands!

Class Placements 2024

It is quite a strange feeling to know that teachers are assessing student learning and preparing to write reports. We are also planning for the 2024 school year. We begin the challenging task of placing children into class groups. As always, we are called to make the very best decisions and judgements based on the information we have at hand. We ask, at this time, that parents are respectful of the knowledge we have of collective student groups. We will use this information to place students into classes for 2024.

All parents need to understand that we base the placement of students into classrooms on the following criteria:

As close to an equal balance of genders as possible
A mix of learning abilities
A spread of students with additional learning needs

I want to make it very clear to all parents that the following things MUST not happen:

Parents making requests for certain teachers for their children
Parents making requests that their children are placed with their friends

I think it is timely to remind parents that classrooms are simply smaller versions of the world. They are not simply full of best friends, favourite/desired teachers and no challenges to face. Please be assured that we will do our best to place children in learning environments that support them and encourage their academic and personal growth.

If you have a concern about your child and their placement for 2024, please put it in writing to me by Friday 20th October. Do not send it to your child’s classroom teacher or any other member of staff. Please be aware that your concern will be considered in our deliberations although your suggestion/request may not necessarily be met. If I feel the need after receiving your letter, I will call you for a discussion. Please note that letters/emails received after Friday 20th October will not be considered.

My email address is scarr@sbsomerville.catholic.edu.au

Finally, please be aware that class placements are extremely challenging for teaching staff and school leaders. We know our students and how they operate within the classroom and playground environment. Please trust and respect our professional knowledge and judgment as we make these important decisions.

It is pleasing to mention that we have two Foundation classes again next year. Next year, we will welcome 40 Foundation students in 2024. This will give us eleven classes again next year.

Please be aware that next year, our class structure will be as follows:

2 x Foundation

3 x Year 1/2

3 x Year 3/4

3 x Year 5/6

Hats

As mentioned this term, in line with our Sunsmart policy, all students and staff require hats when outside next term. Please ensure your child is wearing their school hat. If you need to purchase one, they are available at school for $10.00.

Have a great week.

Sue Carr