From our Principal

St Roch’s School theme 2026:

"United in Faith, Sharing the Light"

Dear Families,

Welcome to Issue 13 for 2026 of our iNewsletter! We hope this newsletter continues to keep you up to date with all the news, events and learning that happens at St Roch's.

St Roch's Feast Day

Saint Roch, the beloved patron saint of our school, lived an extraordinary life defined by selfless devotion, radical humility, and profound compassion. Born into wealth as the son of the governor of Montpellier, France, Roch chose to relinquish his earthly nobility and riches upon his parents' death, distributing his fortune to the poor to follow Christ as a humble pilgrim. 

Travelling across Italy during the devastating outbreak of the Black Death, he tirelessly ministered to the sick and dying, working miraculous healings simply through prayer and the Sign of the Cross. When he eventually contracted the plague himself, Roch quietly withdrew to a secluded forest to avoid being a burden to others. There, divine providence sustained him through a faithful hunting dog who brought him daily loaves of bread from a nobleman's table and gently licked his sores to aid his recovery. Even after his health was restored and he returned home, he remained steadfast in his humility refusing to reveal his noble identity when falsely accused as a spy, choosing instead to endure five quiet years in prison where he eventually passed away. 

Today, as the patron saint of the sick, plague victims and dogs, Saint Roch’s quiet self-sacrifice perfectly embodies our school motto, ‘virtue alone is noble’—reminding us that true nobility is not found in status or wealth, but in a life of humble service, unwavering faith and selfless love for others.

A wonderful day was had yesterday beginning with the Blessing of the Dogs, a Liturgy in the Church and fun activities provided for all students and staff by Kaboom. A special icypole treat was also shared!!

Thank you to Father Gallacher, Anthony and Patrick and to Louise Bolton for all the organisation that went into such a fantastic day! Thank you also to all the staff who ensured our students had a wonderful day celebrating St Roch!

Celebrating Our Grandparents and Special Friends!

SINCERE THANKS to all of the incredibly generous Grandparents and Special Friends of St Roch's who donated a book or three to our beautiful Library. 

More than $1500.00 of books were donated!! THANK YOU!!

Staff News

It is with great joy that we share the news that Cassie Jensen and her husband Troy are expecting a second child at the end of this year. A sibling for Payton.

Congratulations to the Jensen family.

We have a local matters jar at Grill’d Chadstone shopping centre, so if anyone is hungry or looking for something for lunch/dinner, Grill’d is the way to go, with each token towards our jar will win us $300 (if we win) or $100 if come second/third!

Father's Day

Student Free Days 2026

Term 3:    Monday 14 September 2026 

Term 4:    Monday, 2 November 2026

                    Monday 30 November 2026  

School Term Dates 2026 

Term 1: Friday, 30 January – Thursday, 2 April 2026 at 2.30pm

Term 2: Monday 20 April – Friday 26 June 2026 at 1.00pm

Term 3: Monday 13 July – Friday 18 September 2026 at 1.00pm

Term 4: Monday 5 October – Tuesday, 15 December 2026 at 1.00pm

Little Roch Stars Pre-Prep Sessions

Please note the Annual Footy & Netball day with many alumni parents and students involved!!

We are absolutely buzzing with excitement as we look forward to this year’s upcoming Art Show hosted and carefully curated by Mrs Anne Pullen! Centred around the magical theme of "Light and Illuminating," our school community is set to be dazzled by the sheer creativity on display. Our talented students have been incredibly busy creating breathtaking artwork that captures the essence of brilliance, explores how light interacts with the world around us, and shines a bright spotlight on their unique artistic voices. From vibrant uses of color to brilliant, glowing masterpieces, their hard work truly embodies the theme. We cannot wait to welcome you all to this spectacular showcase and let our students' creativity truly shine!

Warmest regards,

Angie Mastoras 

Principal

All students attending St Roch's Parish Primary School have the right to feel safe.  The care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people is a fundamental responsibility of all within our school.

 

We acknowledge the Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri people, the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet today, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

St Roch’s Parish Primary School

Glenvale Road, Glen Iris 3146

Telephone: 9885 7704

Email: principal@srgleniris.catholic.edu.au

Website: www.srgleniris.catholic.edu.au