We are now two weeks into the season of Lent, an important time in our liturgical calendar. Starting with Ash Wednesday, Lent spans the 40 days leading up to Easter, a period dedicated to reflection, repentance, prayer, and fasting.

In the past, we may have encouraged children to give up something for Lent, such as chocolates or lollies. These days, our message is a little different. We invite the children to focus on being the best versions of themselves

As adults, we can also use the Lenten season to focus on spiritual growth through prayer and self-discipline in preparation for Easter, the celebration of Jesus' resurrection.

Staff Congratulations

We've had a couple of reasons to celebrate at St Finbar's this week. Congratulations to Niamh Lennon, who is now one of Australia's newest citizens.

Bianca Antonio is getting married tomorrow, and we wish her and her future husband, Nick lots of happiness and love on their big day. We can't wait to see some photos

Staff Conference

Last week we enjoyed our annual staff conference at Waurn Ponds. This is always a great opportunity to connect away from the busy school environment.

Glenn Pearsall was as engaging as ever and got us thinking about the strategies we use as teachers to ensure that children have understood the concepts that have been taught before moving on to the next.

Friday’s sessions were equally valuable. We spent time as a staff exploring and discussing all the things we do that identify us as a Catholic school. This was the first step in our preparation for our school review later this year. We also used our new PBL Behaviour Matrix to work on lessons and social stories that will be used to teach children our expectations.

Our Social Team ran with a Survivor theme this year, which encouraged a bit of healthy competition between groups and provided a lot of fun and entertainment.

NAPLAN

On Wednesday, March 11th, our Year 3 and 5 students will commence NAPLAN testing. Further information for parents and carers can be found by clicking here

We wish all of our Year 3 and Year 5 students well for next week. You can find some tips on the Deputy page on how to set your children up for success.

The schedule for the testing period can be found below if you know that your child will be absent for any of the sessions, please contact your child’s classroom teacher immediately. Catch-up tests can be completed up until the end of the testing window, which is Monday March 23rd, except for Year 3 Writing which must be completed by March 16th in accordance with VCAA protocols.

	Time	Year 3	Year 5
Wednesday 11th March	10:05 AM	Writing (paper)
Wednesday 11th March	12:05 PM		Writing
Thursday 12th March	12:05 PM	Reading	Reading
Friday 13th March	12:05 PM	Conventions of Language	Conventions of Language
Monday 16th March	9:15 AM	Writing (Catch Up)	Mathematics
Monday 16th March	12:05 PM	Mathematics

If you have any questions or queries, please feel free to contact our Learning & Teaching Leader, Callum Mills via cmills@sfbrightoneast.catholic.edu.au

Sibling Enrolments

It's hard to believe, but we are now starting the 2027 enrolment process, starting with sibling enrolments. If you have a child due to start school in 2027, and haven't submitted their enrolment forms yet, we ask that you do so soon please, using the following link: St Finbar's Enrolment Information

Sibling enrolment interviews will happen this term via appointment.

PACER

From 9–13 February, our Year 6 students participated in an educational tour of Australia’s national capital, Canberra. Throughout the week, students engaged in a range of educational programs focused on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy.

The Australian Government recognises the importance of providing all young Australians with the opportunity to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To support families with the cost of the excursion, the Australian Government contributed $45 per student to our school under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate Program.

This rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the Canberra camp and is used to assist with excursion expenses.

Team Kids

As the holidays are fast approaching, it will soon be time to book in for our holiday program. Even if you are not a regular user of Team Kids in the mornings or afternoons, you may want to take advantage of their holiday program. We suggest that you register for Team Kids, and then you will begin to receive the emails letting you know when holiday bookings are opening.

Around the Classrooms

Our Prep children have just started their InitialLit program, and will soon begin blending known sounds to read words. Here they are sorting pictures that begin with the m, sound.

Our Year 3 students were fortunate to have coaches from Melbourne United basketball club run a clinic with them today as part of their Phys Ed program. It was definitely a high-energy, jam-packed session.

Take care and God bless,

Michelle Hill

Principal

Story Dogs