Dear Parents and Friends,

Welcome to Week Four of Term One. It has been wonderful to see the energy and enthusiasm around the school as students continue to settle into routines, build friendships, and engage so positively with their learning. Our classrooms and playgrounds are full of happy faces, and it has been a joy to see students growing in confidence each day.

This week’s newsletter shares a number of important updates and celebrations from across our school community. As always, thank you for your ongoing support and partnership as we work together to nurture the learning, wellbeing and faith of every child at St Carlo’s.

We hope you enjoy reading about the many wonderful things happening at our school.

Opening of the School Year Mass

Last Wednesday, we celebrated our Opening of the School Year Mass. Father Samuel prayed for our students and school community, that we remain faithful and always strive to reach our full potential.

Special thanks to Mrs Kuric and all who were involved in preparing such a beautiful and prayerful celebration. Congratulations to our students for their reverent participation during the Mass, and to our readers who read so confidently. Our school choir sang beautifully and helped create a truly prayerful atmosphere.

A special congratulations to our Year Six Student Leaders (pictured above), who were proudly presented with their leadership badges. We congratulate each of our school leaders and encourage them to look to the example of Saint Carlo Borromeo as they carry out their responsibilities and serve our school and parish community this year.

Cross Country

Our Cross Country Carnival was held last Friday and it was a terrific day and enjoyable whole school event. Special thanks to Mr Cummins for organising the day and preparing the students so well. Thank you to all staff who assisted and ensured events ran smoothly and safely. It was great to see so many parents and families attend to enjoy this special day. Congratulations to Gold House Team who were our overall winners on the day.

Parent Teacher Conversation

Teachers have asked me to pass on their sincere thanks and appreciation to parents for attending our Parent–Teacher Conversations today. It is so important that you know your child’s teacher and that they know you! When parents work in partnership with the school, student learning is enhanced. The information and insights you provide assist teachers in meeting your child’s needs and supporting them both as learners and as individuals.

At St Carlo’s, we value parents and families as the first, most important and continuing educators of their children. It is a privilege to work alongside you to provide a positive learning environment and the best opportunities in both knowledge and faith, supporting each child’s learning journey.

School Photos

A reminder that school photos will be taken tomorrow, February 17. Children are to wear their full summer school uniform. School jumpers and hats are not required for photos. Girls may have their hair out for the photo, but it should be tied back afterwards.

If your child has Physical Education tomorrow (Year 1 and Year 4), they will participate in their school uniform. Please ensure runners are packed in their bag so they can change prior to the lesson.

Curriculum Overviews

This week, families will receive a curriculum overview from their child’s teacher via the Audiri app. We believe it is important that you are informed about what your child is learning across all curriculum areas so you can support their learning at home. Our wonderful teachers and staff do an outstanding job providing engaging and meaningful learning experiences for our students.

Homework Policy

Last year, we surveyed parents, students and staff to gather feedback on our homework policy. We received many thoughtful insights and valuable suggestions about what is working well and what families and teachers value most.

In response, we trialled a range of new approaches across selected year levels and sought further parent feedback to help refine our practices. Drawing on this feedback, we have now developed an updated Homework Policy and approach that reflects our community’s input.

These revised approaches will be implemented and trialled during Terms 1 and 2. Following this period, we will undertake further evaluation and make any necessary adjustments. Our updated Homework Policy is attached below for your reference.

School Hours

Our school routines are working well, particularly during the morning drop-off period. To ensure a calm and successful start to the day, it is important that students arrive at school on time.

Gates open and supervision begins at 8:30 a.m.
Students are expected to be in their classrooms by 8:50 a.m., ready to begin learning.
All gates are locked at 8:50 a.m. as formal learning commences immediately.

While we understand that exceptional circumstances may occasionally cause lateness, arriving on time each day is essential for a smooth transition into learning and helps children settle confidently into their day.

We have noticed that some students are arriving at school before 8:30 a.m. Please be reminded that gates and classrooms do not open, and supervision does not begin, until 8:30 a.m. For families who need to drop their child off earlier, our Before School Care program is available. We kindly ask that children are not dropped off at school before 8:30 a.m. unless they are attending Before School Care.

Thank you for your continued support in helping us maintain a safe and well-organised start to each school day.

Road Safety

Please continue to follow road rules around the school. Council has received complaints from residents regarding illegal parking and double parking. Police and traffic infringement officers regularly patrol the area and issue fines and will continue to patrol the area regularly.

For the safety of all, please do not park illegally, near school crossings, or double park. Your cooperation helps ensure a safe environment for everyone in our community.

Better Buddies Meet and Greet Picnic

We look forward to welcoming Prep and Year 6 families to our annual Better Buddies Picnic on Wednesday, March 11, from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. More information can be found in today's newsletter.

2027 Prep Enrolments

We have already received strong interest for Prep 2027 enrolments. Families with a child eligible for Prep next year are encouraged to submit an enrolment application as soon as possible.

Existing families are guaranteed a place; however, an enrolment form must still be submitted. Forms can be downloaded from our website or collected from the school office.

Year Six Camp

Our Year 6 Camp will take place next week, from Monday 23 February to Wednesday 25 February, at Mt Evelyn Discovery Camp. School camps are an important part of school life, providing valuable opportunities for students to strengthen friendships and further develop skills such as self-esteem, independence, leadership, judgement, tolerance and cooperation.

A sincere thank you to Mr Cummins and our Year 6 teachers for their excellent organisation and for preparing the students so well for this exciting adventure. Thank you also to the parents who attended the information session last week. All camp information has been shared via Audiri.

We wish our Year 6 students a wonderful and memorable camp experience!

School Closure Days

Students do not attend school on school closure days, which allow staff to engage in professional learning and student assessment and reporting.

Our school closure day this term is Friday, March 6 (the Friday before the long weekend).

Today’s newsletter is full of information about the many wonderful things happening at our great school. Please take the time to read through each page.

We ask St Carlo Borromeo to continue to bless our Parish and School community. Have a great week.

Kevin Gleeson.

Prayer for the new school year prayed at our opening mass

As we begin a new school year, we all have many hopes for the year ahead. Let us invite God to be with us now and in the coming months, giving thanks for the blessings we received during our summer holidays and to ask the Lord’s continuing blessing on this new school year. With open hearts we pray;

For the Church, that the Leaders continue to spread the good news and encourage us all to praise the words of Christ.
That our school will always be a place of welcome, where all students, staff and parents feel valued and included.
For all students, that they will fulfil their potential and become a witness to the message of Jesus.
For our families, and the friends of St Carlo’s community, that we are strengthened through your love and work together.
For those who are less fortunate than ourselves may they find peace, love and support.
For all those who are sick. We also remember their family and friends and we ask God to give them strength and comfort at this time of need.
For all those in our school community who have lost loved ones. We pray that the Lord will comfort them in their loss.

Middle School Courtyard Redevelopment