Principal's Report
Dear Parents,
I am very much looking forward to the PFA Trivia Night this evening, as it is set to be a fantastic event! I would like to take this opportunity to thank the PFA for organising such a great event for our parent and school community. As with all our community events, there is so much that goes on behind the scenes to make events come to life, the extra hours that have been put into Trivia is huge and we thank the committee members that have led the way. There have also been countless donations made by families within our community and businesses in our local area. All these donations are so greatly appreciated and will play a vital role in the Trivia Night fundraising.
On a different note can I please ask that all parents speak with their children about mobile phones and smart watches at school. We have had a discussion as a school this week to highlight the importance of keeping phones and smartwatches deactivated / off bluetooth while at school. It is in the best interest of the privacy and safety of all students at St Leonard’s.
As the term looks to be heating up, a friendly reminder that hats are to be worn outside, can all hats please be brought back to school.
Have a great weekend!
Alyce Lowther
FREE Parent & Carer Information Session
KidsROAR are holding a FREE Information session for Parents and Carer's who were unable to attend our previously scheduled parent session earlier on in the year!
KidsROAR believes that educating children, teachers, educators and families in Protective Behaviours is the most effective way to help prevent abuse on children.
Session Date & Time: Monday 24th November @ 8pm
Click this Link to register
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/1709314087449?aff=oddtdtcreator
2026 Classroom Arrangements
In 2026 there will be 2 classes of Prep and 3 multi-age classes in each of Year 1/2, 3/4 and 5/6. We will have 11 classes in total.
As you are aware, teachers change schools and change teaching levels from time to time, so any of our current staff or new staff members may teach your child in 2026.
Planning for the 2026 school year will be commencing soon. Staff undertake a long and detailed process of organising which class each child will be allocated to, based on many factors.
Our professional staff make considered decisions in light of what is the best for each child with our available resources, in the context of the other children, not just in the context of an individual child. Such factors include the academic and social/emotional needs of each child, working relationships and friendships.
We would prefer it if you left these decisions to staff, but if you have anyurgent information regarding the placement of your child, please put your reasons in writing, addressed to me strictly before Friday, October 24th. You may receive a phone call to discuss the issues.
Information received after this date cannot be considered as it will impact on decisions that will have already been made. Information about the placement of your child should be written in the context of your child’s needs, not your preference for a teacher, so please do not use teacher’s names. Requests for 2026 cannot be guaranteed due to the complicated nature of our processes.
The process of class placements includes an opportunity for each child to nominate three children they work well with and three different children they play well with. We guarantee that each child will be placed with one of these nominated children.
If your child is not returning to St. Leonard’s in 2026, I would appreciate you letting me know, by letter, before Friday, October 24th.
Aleister Loo – U13 National Squash Champion!
We are incredibly proud to share that our very own Aleister Loo has been crowned the Under 13 Boys National Champion at the 2025 Australian Junior Squash Championships, held in Ballarat over the school holidays.
In a gripping final, Aleister defeated top seed Benjamin Boardman (NSW), taking a 2-0 lead, narrowly dropping the third, and holding his nerve in the fourth to claim the title - bringing home a national win for Victoria.
This is not just a proud moment for Aleister, his family and coaches, but a celebration for our entire school community. His hard work, determination and sportsmanship are truly inspiring. Congratulations, Aleister - you’ve made us all incredibly proud!
Monash Waverley Division Track & Field Championships 2025
Eight Year 5 students represented our school at last week’s Division Championships in Burwood. Congratulations to Dallas Fernando, Ollie Prack, Anthony Paone, Alexander Lombardi, Natalie Ramirez, Milana Fernando, Jessie Li and Calinda Botha. Special thanks to Michaela Damanakis for her earlier contributions to the relay team.
A big congratulations to Natalie (80m hurdles) and Dallas (discus), who both placed 1st and have now qualified for Regionals - an amazing achievement!
Well done to all our athletes for showing determination and sportsmanship. Best of luck to Natalie & Dallas at the Regionals!
Thanks also to Michelle Fernando for her support with training.