Principal's Message
Dear Families,
Welcome to another action-packed edition of our newsletter! We have many exciting things happening in our school over the next few weeks as we wrap up the end of the year. As always, our students are working hard in class and providing the best role models to each other.
Staffing Announcement
Classroom Structure for 2026
We are pleased to share our proposed 2026 classroom structure with you all. As anticipated due to numbers, we will be downsizing to 5 classes next year. This will mean however that all classes will be in the main building, and we can return to using our Hall as an additional space, as required.
We know that our students like a lot of pre-warning when it comes to change, so please feel free to discuss this with your child at home.
Foundation - Kate Hutchinson
Grade 1/2 - Liz Grant
Grade 3 - Rebekka Sinclair
Grade 4 - Lynda Griffin
Grade 5/6 - Josh Naish
Exciting News for Foundation 2026!
We’re thrilled to share that we already have a number of Foundation students enrolled for 2026! Tours are still ongoing, so stay tuned for more updates.
At this stage, we’re delighted to confirm that we have enough enrolments to proceed with a straight Foundation class - a wonderful milestone for our school community!
We look forward to welcoming our 11 new students on Wednesday for the very first transition day. Our school community has been busy trying to remember names in preparation for this exciting event.
Advisory School Council - PLEASE HELP
Our Lady's is seeking to re-establish our Advisory School Council. The Advisory Council serves as a consultative and advisory group for the Principal in order to inform and gain feedback from the broader school community. Members of the Advisory Council;
- actively support, in collaboration with the local parish, the Vison and Catholic Identity of our school
- provide parental and local community input into strategic planning, school improvement, child safeguarding practices and school review
- support the Principal in meeting their accountabilities for educational outcomes, effective stewardship of resources and annual reporting
- actively support the Principal in the encouragement of parent/carer engagement
- provide a means by which the CESL Executive (and thereby the CESL Board) can dialogue with and hear from school community members
Nominations are currently being invited from the community. Nominations (which can be self-nominations) should be in writing and delivered to myself directly. This can be done via email.
So far, I have had one amazing nomination and we are keen to get started. If you have some time on your hands (one meeting a month I promise) then come and see me.
First Holy Communion
Please continue to pray for Shailla, Miles, Matilda B, Olive, Indie & Ella as they are preparing to receive communion for the first time. This lovely group of students have been working with Christine McMahon preparing for this important step in their faith journey. All families are welcome to join in the Mass on Saturday the 29th of November, 2025 at the Our Lady's Church at 4pm.
Sandhurst School Awards
I am delighted to announce that two of our students, Carl & Olive, have been nominated for a Sandhurst School Award.
Inspirational Student Learner Award - Carl
Carl transferred to Our Lady’s at the start of 2024, and since then, he has truly inspired everyone around him with his unwavering love of learning. From the very beginning, Carl demonstrated a remarkable level of dedication and perseverance. He approaches every task with enthusiasm and a strong desire to achieve his personal best, consistently pushing himself beyond expectations.
Carl has embraced all the changes introduced through Magnify Sandhurst, viewing them not as challenges but as opportunities for growth. His positive attitude and adaptability have made him a role model for his peers and a valued member of our learning community.
One of Carl’s greatest passions is Ochre Learning. He is a strong advocate for its structured approach, appreciating the clarity, challenge, and depth it brings to his learning experience. Ochre Learning has provided the perfect platform for him to excel. Carl’s commitment to learning and his ability to embrace change with confidence and optimism make him an outstanding student and an inspiration to all.
Inspirational Student Leader Award - Olive
Olive is a dedicated Our Lady’s student who began her journey with us in Foundation in 2021. She is widely recognised as one of the kindest and most thoughtful members of our school community. Olive has an extraordinary ability to notice when someone is in need and, just like Mary MacKillop, she acts without hesitation to make a difference. Her empathy shines through in every interaction - she listens deeply, understands others’ feelings, and responds with genuine care.
Olive’s actions don’t stop at helping; she inspires those around her to do the same. Her quiet leadership encourages classmates to think beyond themselves and work together for the benefit of all. Whether it’s supporting a friend, contributing to a group project, or volunteering for school initiatives, Olive demonstrates a strong commitment to the Common Good. She believes that when we act with kindness and purpose, we create a community where everyone feels valued and included. Her empathy, initiative, and dedication to helping others make her a true role model for our school.
Both Carl & Olive have been invited along to the official awards ceremony in Bendigo. Please wish both Carl & Olive the very best of luck for this ceremony.
Blessings,
Cassie