Principals Message

Good afternoon everyone.  

It is with great sadness that I write to share the news of Zeb Brierley’s passing.   Zeb was a beloved counsellor in our community for many years, and her impact has been profound and far-reaching. Through her deep compassion, wisdom, and unwavering support, she helped countless individuals navigate life’s most difficult challenges, always offering a safe space filled with honesty, kindness and understanding.  Zeb faced her battle with cancer with remarkable grace, courage, and humour - traits that defined her not only in her final chapter, but throughout her life. Even in the midst of personal struggle, she continued to inspire those around her with her strength of spirit and the warmth of her heart.  She was not only a colleague and a mentor, but a dear friend to many. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the love she so freely gave. Zeb’s presence will be deeply missed, but her memory will remain a guiding light in our hearts and in the community she helped build.  Farewell, Zeb. Thank you for everything.

Change and loss are issues that affect all of us at some stage in ourlives. At St Laurence’s we recognise that when changes occur in families through death, separation, divorce or related circumstances, young people may benefit from learning how to manage these changes effectively. Therefore we will be offering Seasons for Growth in terms 3 and 4. This is an evidence based peer support program which uses the four seasons as an analogy to help children manage and understand change, loss and grief. Seasons for Growth aims to strengthen the social and emotional wellbeing of children and young people who are dealing with significant life changes by exploring the impact of the change and loss on everyday life and learning new ways to respond to these changes. Emily Sherriff will be facilitating this program as a trained companion over 8 weeks on a Monday with a group of 4-7 students. If you think your son/daughter would benefit from Seasons for Growth, we would encourage you to talk to him/her about this. Please keep in mind that we suggest that anyone affected by bereavement wait 6-12months before participating in a Seasons for Growth program. Please read the Mental Health and Wellbeing page of this newsletter for further information.

On Wednesday 21st May a special Mass was held at Beaconsfield to celebrate Catholic Education week.  At the end of Mass, selected Catholic school recipients in our Diocese received the Sr Mildred & Sr Marcella Catholic Education Week Award.   7 awards were given throughout catholic primary schools in the Diocese of Sale.  Congratulations to Casey for recieving one of these prestegious awards.  This award was given to a student who exemplified the virtue of Hope in the school community.

Yesterday (Thursday) was the Division Cross Country held at Stony Creek.  Another lovely day for an event.  Well done to our team who had a great day overall with 7 students qualifying to compete at the next level of Regional Cross Country held at Drouin in June.

Unfortunately Round 4 winter sport against Mirboo North was cancelled today due to the wet weather.  Hopefully the weather will be better for R5 next week against Leongatha Primary School.

A Parent and Child Workshop will be held at St Joseph’s Primary School for families who have a child preparing to make their First Eucharist (otherwise known as First Communion). One or more parents are most welcome! This workshop will take place on Thursday, May 29 at 5:30pm in the St Joseph's school library and is a commitment required by families to support their child in taking the next step of their sacramental journey. Please access the library from Bridge Street. Parents are asked to choose one of the three Masses listed below where their child will make their First Eucharist.  Please email the office your Mass choice tooffice@stlleongatha.catholic.edu.au 

● 5:30pm on Saturday, July 26 at St Laurence’s Church, Leongatha

● 9:30am on Sunday, July 27 at St Joseph’s Church, Korumburra

● 11:00am on Sunday, July 27 at St Laurence’s Church, Leongatha

If you have any questions please email Catherine Riseley on crisely@stlleongahta.catholic.edu.au

As you know, we were unable to secure enough helpers to run hot lunches.  This was a huge blow for the P & F fundraising efforts.  We are trialling outsourcing canteen Friday's to Kelly's Bakery to see if this is viable.  After a couple of small hitches, today was the first day of service.  Thank you to the P & F for giving the school another option for hot lunches.  Information was sent out via email on the 21st May if you need more information.  Alternatively, you can read about it on the daily mesages.

The juniors have had a busy and fun week with their excursion to Coal Creek on Wednesday and had a special friends day on Thursday.

Our open morning went well with a few families coming through.  The grade 6's were the tour guides and we are very proud of the way they all conducted themselves during the tours.  All of the guides recieved fantastic feedback on their tours.