Principal's Report

Dear Parents and Carers,

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our wonderful Year 2 teachers – Mrs Presnell, Miss Crough, and Miss Mackey – for the care, preparation and faith-filled guidance they have provided as our students get ready to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Thursday, 29th October. Their commitment and thoughtful teaching have helped nurture the children’s understanding of this important milestone in their faith journey.

We also thank our families for their participation in the family faith evening held on Tuesday, 20th October. It was a beautiful opportunity for parents, carers, and children to share prayer, reflection, and conversation together in preparation for the sacrament.

Finally, I wish to acknowledge Mrs Kathryn Ady for her outstanding leadership and organisation as our Religious Education Leader. Her coordination and attention to detail ensure that each part of this special event runs smoothly and meaningfully.

We are truly blessed to have such a devoted and faith-filled team supporting our students as they take this important step in their spiritual lives.

2027 School Fees Update

I will be sharing information in the coming weeks (early November) about updates to the school fee schedule for 2027. These changes have been directed by Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) as part of a broader review of school fee structures across the system. I have been in ongoing discussions with both MACS Finance Administration and our School Advisory Council, and I will communicate the outcomes and details of these changes to families towards the end of this term.   We are envisioning a modest 6% increase to the school fees for next year.

Please be assured that we are committed to keeping any fee increases to an absolute minimum, and to ensuring that a St. Patrick’s education remains accessible and affordable for all families. Support will continue to be available for any family experiencing financial difficulty.

Staffing Updates

It is my duty to inform our community that Miss Nikahla Short will be leaving us at the end of this year. We thank Miss Short for her dedication to St. Patrick's School and wish her all the best in her new role at Bialik College in Hawthorn.  Miss Short teaches Prep and is our current Social Media Leader.

I would also like to thank Ms Courtney Day for her work with us this year as she will also be leaving us at the end of this year. Ms Day teaches in the Year 5 area.

I am pleased to share that Miss Mille Harris will take on the Social Media leadership portfolio in 2027. Millie's enthusiasm for this important leadership area will continue to strengthen our focus on high-quality communication to the wider public.

We also warmly welcome back from parental leave in 2027 - Mrs Ellie Connell, Miss Isabelle Douglas, Mrs Stephanie Hulse and Mrs Bridget Troup who will be returning in part-time teaching roles next year. It is wonderful to have them rejoining our team and bringing their experience and expertise to support our students.

As always, I am incredibly proud of the strength, professionalism, and care shown by all our staff. The full staffing list for 2027 will be published in our final newsletter of the year.

Prep 2027 Orientation

The orientation process for our 2027 Prep classes will begin next month. I am pleased to announce that our 2027 Prep teachers will be Mrs Charlotte Spence, Miss Kristi Lenton, and Miss Laura Smith. 

Our Prep teachers do an outstanding job each year in preparing and supporting our newest students as they begin their school journey. The orientation process is an important and exciting time for children and families, helping everyone to feel comfortable, confident and connected to our school community. Charlotte, Kristi and Laura put great care into planning engaging, welcoming and developmentally appropriate experiences that ensure our new Preps are ready for a smooth transition into school life.

I am very excited about the Prep team we have for next year and look forward to meeting our 2027 students and families during the upcoming orientation sessions:

• Wednesday 11th November – Parent Information Evening - (6:30pm-7:30pm)
• Tuesday 17th November – Prep 2027 Orientation Session #1 (9am-11am)
• Tuesday 24th November – Prep 2027 Orientation Session #2 (9am-11am)

2027 Planning for Enrolments

As we begin planning for the 2027 school year, we would like to remind families that if your child/children will not be returning to St Patrick’s School in 2027, please notify me by email no later than Friday, 30 October at pberlingeri@spmentone.catholic.edu.au.

Current Year 6 students and families do not need to provide notification, as these students will be completing their primary schooling at the end of 2026.

We are currently planning for approximately 495+ students to commence the 2027 school year. We are pleased to be maintaining three straight classes at each year level, with several year levels already at, or nearing, capacity.

Our governing body, Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS), has indicated that minimum class sizes moving forward should be 25 students per class or more, and we are steadily working towards this number. At the beginning of next year, our 21 classes (3 classes per year level x 7 year levels) will have a collective average of approximately 23.5 students per class.

Importantly, we will not exceed 26 students in any individual class at any year level. This means that while we are working towards the MACS expectation of 25 students per class, we will also maintain a clear upper limit of 26 students per class.

Your early notification is greatly appreciated, as it allows our staff to plan carefully for the year ahead, including the allocation of students to their new classes. It also assists us in responding appropriately to families who are seeking enrolment at St Patrick’s for 2027.

We understand that family circumstances can change, and we appreciate your support in keeping the school informed as early as possible. This information is invaluable in helping us prepare for a smooth and successful start to the 2027 school year.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support and cooperation.

P&F Casual Clothes Day

This Monday 26th October is the final P&F Casual Clothes day for this year (Summer Vibes theme).  Please ensure all children are wearing enclosed shoes (ie runners) on this day. Children wearing sandals or thongs will not be allowed on the playground for OH & S reasons. Children will also be required to wear the school hat whilst outside. We also request that children do not have their shoulders or backs exposed, and we thank you for your support in ensuring that students are dressed appropriately.

A gold coin donation of $2 is appreciated, with all funds going towards our P&F fundraising efforts.

School Calendar

Please use the following google link to add the school calendar to your own calendar for ease of information exchange. School Google Calendar HERE.

God Bless,

Pat Berlingeri

Principal