Deputy Principal's Report
Hello!
As we move through Week 3, there has been a wonderful sense of joy and connection across our school community. We would like to wish a very happy Diwali to all families who have celebrated this special festival of light during the week. May the light of Diwali bring happiness, peace, and hope to your homes and hearts.
At St Finbar’s, we place a strong emphasis on student wellbeing and strive to create safe, supportive learning environments for all. We know that when students feel their best, they are able to learn and grow to their full potential. Supporting this at home can include ensuring a good night’s sleep, limiting device time during the week, and fostering reassurance and connection within families. This alongside with regular attendance at school, helps children feel settled and confident, and ensures they have the best opportunity to show learn.
As mentioned in previous newsletters, we will begin some assessments in the coming weeks. These assessments recognise student growth and help guide our teaching for the remainder of the year and into 2026. It’s important to remember they are only one small part of a much bigger picture. Tests don’t measure creativity, kindness, perseverance, or all the wonderful qualities your child brings to school each day. We encourage students to try their best, with a focus on effort rather than results. The most valuable thing your child can bring is a positive attitude and the confidence that we all believe in them. Together, we can ensure this testing period is calm, supportive, and encouraging for all learners.
We encourage you to take a moment tonight to share something you’re proud of with your child - it can make a real difference.
Summer Uniform Expectations - Social Story
Over the past fortnight, we have been focusing on the importance of wearing our school uniform correctly. As we transition into our summer uniform for the remainder of the year, we ask families to support us in ensuring students wear their uniform with care. A social story has been shared with all students from Prep to Year 6 to help remind everyone of what is expected. We greatly appreciate your support in helping our students represent St. Finbar’s positively and respectfully.
Celebration of Excellence
A big shoutout to some amazing learning happening this week! Emily from Prep proudly showed how she could write and ask her classmates a question, then collect and record their responses – what a great example of using data in real life!
Tilly also impressed us with her creative writing, crafting fantastic sentences filled with descriptive words and even developing a full page story complete with a problem.
Well done, Emily and Tilly – we’re so proud of your effort and creativity!
5/6 Cricket Blast
Last week I had the pleasure of attending the Year 5/6 Cricket Blast Tournament at Dendy Park for part of the day. A big thank you to Mrs Tania Thompson and Miss Shannon Bourke for attending along with Kellie Anderson and Simone De Niese.
A standout for me was the level of sportsmanship and maturity our students displayed. In each and every game the students competed to the best of their ability whilst maintaining fair and equitable access to the game for all. It is testament to the work we do as a school community to respect each and every individual regardless of gender or ability level.
To the students in the team that I coached (Kai, Sophie, Billie, Sam, Allegra, Olivia S, Jordan & Aliki) thank you for making the day such an enjoyable experience - I was very proud to be representing St Finbar's with you.
Scholastic Book Club - Final Orders
Don’t miss your chance to grab some great reads (and maybe a few early Christmas gifts 🎄) while supporting our school!
📚 How to order:
1️⃣ Visit scholastic.com.au
2️⃣ Click Book Club Parent Page
3️⃣ Browse Issue 7 for your favourites
4️⃣ Order online via the LOOP button
All orders will be delivered directly to classrooms so if any of these books are Santa gifts, please email Nonie below and she will organise these to be picked up from the office instead.
📦Email Nonie at nkay@sfbrightoneast.catholic.edu.au
Have a great week - May God Bless
Laura and Callum
Deputy Principals