Principal's Report
Dear Families,
As we head into the final week of Term 3, I want to thank our whole community for the positivity, energy, and commitment that has made this such a productive term. A highlight awaits us this Wednesday evening with our School Concert, a wonderful reminder of the importance St. Cecilia’s places on The Arts and performance.
Opportunities like these invite our students to step outside their comfort zones, build confidence, and come together in a shared initiative that strengthens our culture and unites us as a community. Although the concert is only held every two years, we value it enormously and are deeply grateful to all staff for their dedication and creativity, and especially to Mrs. Stefania Miller for her outstanding leadership, guidance, and support in bringing this event to life. We simply can't wait...
Call for Expressions of Interest – Parents Association Coordinators 2026
As you may be aware, our current Parents Association (PA) Coordinator, Georgie Carman, will be completing her tenure at the end of this year. We are so grateful for Georgie’s dedication and the leadership she has provided in supporting our school community through countless events, celebrations, and fundraising opportunities.
Looking ahead, we are now seeking two new Coordinators (ideally working together as a team) to step into this important role from 2026. The tenure is for two years, and our strong preference is for the successful parents to begin in Term 4 this year, allowing for an efficient and thorough handover with Georgie.
The Parents Association plays a vital role in the life of St Cecilia’s. It provides the structure to bring parents together, supports major school events, fundraising and community-building opportunities, and ensures parents have a voice in school life.
The Co-Coordinators are particularly important in:
- Leading and promoting the work of the PA
- Organising and supporting teams of parents who facilitate key events such as the School Fair, Graduation, and Parent Social Functions
- Helping foster a strong sense of community spirit
- Meeting with me (School Principal) regularly to ensure close partnership between parents and school
- Coordinating and encouraging parent involvement across the school year.
We know everyone’s lives are busy, but this is a role that makes a real difference to our school community. Educational research consistently shows that children thrive when parents and schools work in partnership—and our PA is a shining example of this in action.
We are keen to begin discussions soon so that the new Coordinators are well supported and prepared for 2026. If you are interested, please don’t hesitate to reach out to either myself or Georgie to talk more about what the role involves.
Current Coordinator - Georgie Carman: georgiecarman00@gmail.com
If you are interested wish to express interest in this role, please fill out this short google form.
On behalf of the staff and families, whilst we still have Term 4 to come with her in this role, I sincerely thank Georgie for her energy and commitment, and I encourage families to consider whether you might be able to contribute to this important role in the life of our school.
Important Changes to Our Medication Administration Policy
From the beginning of next term, new requirements from Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) will apply across all schools, including St Cecilia’s, regarding how medication is managed at school and during school activities. These changes are designed to ensure the safety, care, and wellbeing of all students.
Key Points of the Updated Policy:
- Parents/guardians must notify the school if their child requires medication at school.
- This applies to all medication – including cough medicine, Panadol, prescription medicine, or any other medication that might be required.
- All medication now requires a completed Medication Authority Form (MAF), signed by a parent/guardian and in some cases, a medical practitioner.
- We can no longer rely on parent permission alone to administer medication.
- Medication must be provided in its original packaging, clearly labelled with the student’s name, dosage, storage instructions, and administration times.
- Staff will record each administration in a medication log.
- Students may self-administer certain medications (e.g. asthma puffers, anaphylaxis medication) with approval.
- Parents are responsible for ensuring medication is current (within expiry) and promptly replaced when needed.
In the case of an error or emergency, staff will act according to first aid and medical advice and inform parents immediately.
Asthma and Anaphylaxis Plans:
- Students with Ventolin or Epipens do not require a MAF.
- However, they must have an updated Asthma or Anaphylaxis Action Plan, signed by a medical practitioner.
- These plans are required to be renewed annually, and we remind parents to provide the school with the most up-to-date version.
We will also provide families with a copy of the St Cecilia’s Medication Authority Form to assist with this process.
What Parents Need to Do:
✅ Complete a Medication Authority Form (MAF) for any medication your child requires at school (available via the link below or a hard copy from the office).
✅ Provide medication in its original packaging with clear labels.
✅ Ensure medication is current and replace it when expired.
✅ Inform the school of any changes to your child’s medical needs.
Remember: Asthma and Anaphylaxis medications (Ventolin and Epipens) do not require a MAF, but must have an up-to-date annual action plan.
Here is a copy of the updated St Cecilia’s Medication Authority Form to assist with this process.
Reminder: Student Arrival Time
A reminder that students should not arrive at school before 8:30am, as this is the time when staff are on duty to supervise the yard. For safety reasons, students who need supervision before 8:30am must be booked into Before School Care or remain supervised by a parent/carer in the car until staff are on duty. Students should not walk into the yard and begin playing before this time.
On arrival after 8:30am, all students are required to drop their bags off in their class line and then head around to the SCG until the bell rings.
Thank you for your support in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all students.
You Are Always Welcome at Sunday Mass
As a Catholic school community, the heart of who we are is deeply connected to the Eucharist and the prayer life of our local parish. Gathering together at Sunday Mass is a special and meaningful way we live out our faith and strengthen the bonds between school, parish, and family.
We warmly invite all families - whether you come every week, haven’t been for a while, or are simply curious - to join us. Everyone is welcome!
Let’s continue to grow together in faith, hope and love.
We’d love to see you there!
St Cecilia's MASS SCHEDULE
Monday 9:15AM
Wednesday 9:15AM
Friday 9:15AM
Sunday 10:00AM, 5:30PM
Have a great weekend everyone!
Matthew Mooney
Deputy Principal
St Cecilia’s Primary School