Principal's Report
Dear St A’s Community,
Last week we celebrated our mums! A mum is a special figure and presence in our lives, someone who loves us like no other. We are blessed with many great role models at St Augustine’s and our mother figures are varied and unique, just as every family is different and unique. Last Thursday, we celebrated our mother figures to show our appreciation for all that they do. For some of us our mother figure may be our mum, a grandmother, an aunty, a dad or other significant person. We celebrate and thank all of these special people in our lives who love and care for us every day. A big thank you to Jacinta Martin for all of her hard work organising this special time.
Government Announces $400 School Saving Bonus
Last week the Allan Labor Government announced in the 2024-25 State budget that there will be a $400 School Saving Bonus for all government school students. However, only Health Care Card holders will be eligible for the payment in Catholic schools. As you know all families are feeling the cost of living pressures and for Catholic school families to be discriminated against in this manner is deeply unfair. There should be equality for all school children in Victoria.
The MACS media release on this can be viewed here. We feel that either the payment should apply to all students, or it should be means tested for all families, as has been the case with programs like the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund.
They are putting the views of the Catholic school education sector forward to the government in the strongest possible terms, and we ask for your help to communicate to our local MPs.
Cross Country
Congratulations to all the students that participated in the District Cross Country today. We had a number of students from Grade 3-6 represent St Augustine’s in some challenging conditions. We had a number of our students progress to the next level!!! Well done to all involved!
First Eucharist
On Wednesday night families of students receiving the Sacrament of First Eucharist attended a Family Information session where they engaged in learning about the Sacrament and mass. Please pray for the students who are undertaking this sacrament and they continue on in their faith journey.
Focus on Attendance
In accordance with the Education and Training Reform Act 2006, schooling is compulsory for children and young people from 6 - 17 years unless an exemption has been granted. Parents/guardians must ensure their child attends school at all times when the school is open for instruction. St Augustine's aims to ensure all students have access to a full and rewarding education. Regular attendance at school provides students with the opportunity to gain maximum benefit from their learning.
Parents/guardians/carers of our school community are expected to meet the requirements of the St Augustine’s School Attendance Policy and work to the best of their ability to reinforce the importance of regular attendance and the value of learning.
Attendance is:
- Being at school unless an exemption from attendance has been granted
- Being at school on time
- Being at school until dismissal time
At St Augustine’s we believe attendance is important because:
- It ensures achievements in learning and appropriate participation in educational programmes.
- It enables students to reach their full potential and supports success in students learning
- It enables students and families to develop and maintain positive relationships with peers and staff.
Show Grace, Be the joy for others and God Bless.
Carrie Rodda
Principal