Principal's message

Sandhurst Awards 2025 

It was a privilege to celebrate the outstanding achievements of students across our CESL school community at the inaugural Sandhurst Awards yesterday with CESL staff, students and families.

We are proud of our St Monica’s students who were nominated for their academic rigour and leadership qualities. Congratulations to Aniket, awarded Inspirational Student Learner (Primary), and Stella, awarded Inspirational Student Leader (Primary).

Their dedication and example inspire us all. Well done to these exceptional students and thank you to our staff for supporting their growth.

Concert – It’s a Wrap!

What an incredible night at the Bendigo Capital Theatre! Our school concert was a huge success, showcasing the creativity, confidence, and talent of our students.

A big thank you to our amazing students for their outstanding performances, to our dedicated staff for preparing and supporting them, and to our families for joining us and cheering them on.

Special thanks to Jess Mangan, the creative force behind the choreography and the voice on the mic, and to Anthony Chalkley, whose organisation and planning made the event run seamlessly.

It was a wonderful celebration of the Arts and our school community—thank you to everyone who made it possible!

Colour Run – What a Day!

Our Colour Run was a huge success, raising over $8,500 for our school! A massive thank you to our families and community for your incredible support.

The highlight of the day?  Seeing the Principal and Ethan get slimed —much to the delight of our students! It was a fun-filled event with lots of laughter, colour, and community spirit.

Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this day so memorable!

Thanks to the P&F for their work and ensuring everything ran smoothly.

(Please see the P&F page for more thank you's)

Mercy Wing Refurbishment

Works on the Mercy Wing (Grade 1 & 2 classrooms) start 1 December 2025. Classrooms will be enclosed for a quieter learning space, with completion expected by Term 2, 2026.

Temporary locations (last two weeks 2025):

• 1M – Art Room
• 1CW – Prep Space
• 2F – Library
• 2S – STEM Room

Information regarding 2026 classroom allocations will be communicated on Tuesday, 9 December 2025, in line with the State wide Orientation Day.

A section of the yard will be fenced off, and the Station Street gate will be closed during school hours. Toilets remain accessible, though internal Mercy Wing access may be limited.

Thank you for your support! 

Please contact the office with any questions.

School Arrival and Departure Times

• Gates Open: 8:30 AM

• Pick-Up: 3:15 PM

   

Over the past month, we’ve noticed students arriving earlier and earlier—some as early as 8:10 AM!  We understand that many families have work commitments, and we appreciate the effort you make to support your children’s education. 

However, please remember that our school is also a workplace, and we have set times for supervision to ensure student safety. 

• There is no yard supervision before 8:30 AM.
• Students should not be dropped off before 8:30 AM unless they are enrolled in YMCA Before School Care.

The YMCA offers before and after school care for families who need early drop-off or late pick-up. Please make arrangements with them if your schedule requires this.

Our priority is the safety and wellbeing of all students—thank you for helping us maintain a safe environment.

Social Media Age Restrictions & Your Family

From December 10, 2025, many social media platforms won’t be allowed to let Australians under the age of 16 create or keep an account. The changes aim to protect under-16s from pressures and risks they can be exposed to while logged in to social media accounts. 

As Christmas and the end of the year approach, we’d like to remind families of the City of Greater Bendigo’s Staff Gift Policy, which does not allow staff to accept gifts or money. If you’d like to share some festive cheer, a card or a drawing from your child or family is always treasured and brings a big smile to our School Crossing Supervisors!

Wishing you a safe and happy holiday period.

Many thanks

Dionne Lynch

Community & Environmental Health Team Leader

Uniforms

We are pleased to announce that a Soft Shell Jacket has been added as an optional item to the school uniform.  Students may continue wearing either the old light blue polos or the new uniform until 2027, when all students will be required to transition to the new uniform.  All new items are available from Hip Pocket Golden Square.

After extensive investigation, there is currently no summer dress option for 2026. We have been unable to source a design that is both practical and reasonably priced. We will continue to review options and keep families informed if this changes.

Uniform Donations:  Any old school uniforms can be dropped off at the office. These will be collected and donated to charity for responsible reuse and disposal. Thank you for supporting this initiative!