Principals Report

Dear Parents, Carers and Friends ofSt Brendan’s,

As we move ever closer to the conclusion of Term Three, it is wonderful to reflect on the vibrant energy, connection and learning that defines our school as a place where every child is known, encouraged, challenged and supported. Please enjoy reading about a few highlights from Weeks 7 and 8.

Father’s Day 

Heavenly Father,

We thank you for the gift of fatherhood, which mirrors your own unconditional love for us.

On this Father’s Day, we pray for all the fathers, grandfathers, godfathers and father figures within our St Brendan’s community. May these special men lead their families with love, wisdom and patience.

Bless them with the strength to be patient guides, the wisdom to give gentle advice, and the grace to help make their homes places of  peace and love. 

We also hold in our hearts those fathers who have passed away, we trust that they are in your eternal care, and we pray also for those who miss them dearly.

May your Holy Spirit bless, protect and strengthen all fathers today and always.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

We warmly invite all dads, grandads and special men in the lives of our students to attend our Father’s Day Breakfast and/or Prayer Service on Friday 4th September.

• Breakfast from 7.30am
• Prayers Service at 2.30pm in the church 

Celebrating Book Week

This year, Book Week was a spectacular celebration at St Brendan’s.  Our school came alive with a colourful and joyous Book Day parade. We are extremely grateful to parents who helped their children enter into the spirit of the parade by providing some creative and very cute costumes. We were thrilled to welcome local author, Jodie Fitzsimons, who inspired our young readers to also give their creative energy to their writing. The students thoroughly enjoyed the workshops and I believe Jodie enjoyed her time engaging with our students. Some other special highlights included the delightful Foundation/Year 6 Buddies Teddy Bears Picnic, a learning showcase of talent at our English Learning Expo, and a cozy Storytime session for one special little reader in the library with Mrs Carr. A heartfelt thank you goes to our Literacy Leader, Erica Hudson, and our entire staff for their incredible work in making this week such a special, highly engaging success for our students. My special thanks go to our parents and wider community who attended the parade and the expo where students were able to showcase their favourite books and their writing from Term 3.

Welcoming Our Future Students

Over the past two weeks, Bernie Turner and I have conducted 62 Foundation Interviews for new students who will attend St Brendan’s in 2027. It has been a joy getting to know our future students, and we eagerly look forward to officially welcoming these children and their families into the St Brendan’s community. We look forward to  welcoming them again at our upcoming Parent Information Night on Wednesday 21st October at 7.00pm and across the three subsequent orientation sessions to be held on: 

• Thursday 12th November from 9.00 -10.00 am

• Thursday 19th November from 9.00 - 10.30 am

• Thursday 26th November from 9.00 am - 11.30 am

Isea, icare Assembly

We were treated to a highly engaging assembly yesterday lead by Isea, icare ambassadors. It was a joy to watch these confident senior students showcase their growing confidence and share the amazing learning they have completed throughout the year to date. Congratulations to these student and Belinda Coggin on a fantastic presentation at our assembly.

Vale Brian Stahl

On a sadder note, we acknowledge the passing of Mr Brian Stahl, the beloved father of Gab Espenchied (Principal of St Joseph’s Crib Point). Brian was a prominent and cherished figure who will be greatly missed by many people across the Hastings and wider Westernport community. He was a special friend to our school community here at St Brendan’s, as well as a wise and highly respected friend to me personally. Our thoughts and prayers are with Gab and her family during this time. Rest peacefully, Brian.

Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership in making St Brendan's such a wonderful place to learn and grow.

Warm regards,

Sue Carr