Principal's News

During the week I spoke with some students about the word RESPECT. I linked it to Jesus walking along the road with two people (The Road to Emmaus) and to an Australian Athlete. Values from home and school were my starting point and to be very grateful for what we have. A lot went on in the Athletes lives before they became successful and they still value manners and respect.  RESPECT and manners are not negotiable at St. Luke's and while we attempt to guide, nurture and give consistent examples some children do not believe it applies to them. No matter what the situation there is no excuse for not saying 'thank you, please or sorry'. For some there have been enough warnings and discussions.  We will continue to communicate with parents as required and I think we all appreciate that in a busy life this communication doesn't always occur at the right time. We understand that parents can't always communicate with the school when they want. With six weeks remaining I do not want to be placed in a situation where I take away some of the opportunities on offer, especially for Year 5/6. These decisions will be on an individual basis and not taken lightly. 

I hope the Year 5/6 children took something away from my words on Thursday. For those children who may have been absent, I will arrange to meet with them. Every event is an opportunity to learn and grow.

Staffing News

As communicated on PAM last Thursday 26th October, I am pleased to announce that in 2024 two Deputy Principals will join St Luke's. This is very exciting for St. Luke's. I will share more information as the year progresses.

Jennifer McKillop- DP/Learning Enhancement

Bachelor of Education, Master Degree in Curriculum Design

Currently with the Department of Education, Northeast Victoria Goulburn Region Leadership Partner- Differentiated Support for school Improvement. In the past she has either been a leader and/or teacher at Nathalia Primary School, Hillcrest Christian College, Hampton Park Secondary College. Roles have included- analysing student data to inform instructional practices and school improvement initiatives, guiding year level teams/whole school approach in numeracy and literacy, work with teachers to develop a viable curriculum and implement effective teaching strategies that improve student outcomes.

Chris Summers- DP/Religious Education Leader/Pastoral Wellbeing

Diploma of Education, Bachelor of Education, nearing completion Master in Educational Leadership

Current Principal at St. Mel's Primary, Shepparton. Past roles include, Principal at St. Francis Catholic Primary Nathalia, Deputy Principal St Luke's, Religious Education Leader and teacher at St Brendan's Shepparton, teaching roles and other leadership roles at St Mary's Rushworth and St Mary's Sale. Chris has worked in the area of using and analysing data, crucial conversations, transforming lives through learning, and the Country Diocese Leadership Program. Chris is a talented musician.

We welcome both Jennifer and Chris. We keep their communities in our thoughts and wish them all the best in their recruitment process. 

Car park

Safety is the reason for all rules in car parks. PLEASE DO NOT stop on the loop if there are no parks at the office end. Keep moving (see the photo), park near the stadium and walk to collect your child. Please do not stop, open the door and ask your child to quickly get in. At times, parents have used the staff car park and side service road as a pick-up point. This is NOT an option.  Every school has a period of about 15 minutes where it is busy. Please factor this into your day.

After School Care

Uniting is going really well. They are in the process of recruiting more educators to service St. Luke's and other schools. Please forward to anyone who may be interested.

At Uniting Early Learning, we’re about nurturing confident and creative learners. We’re currently looking for an Outside School Hours Care Coordinator at our service in Shepparton. View the full position description and submit your application by 11 November 2023 at the link provided. https://careers.unitingvictas.org.au/en/job/512987/outside-school-hours-care-coordinator

Uniform

We continue to monitor how we wear our uniform and sport/school uniform days. This should be easy for the children next week with only three days of school. 

REMINDER

There is NO school Monday or Tuesday next week. Monday is a Pupil Free Day. You may see cars from time to time.  Tuesday is a Public Holiday. The OFFICE will be closed both days.

End of Year Dates

Please keep an eye on the School Calendar Page. Our final mass which includes the Year 6 Graduation component is at 12:30pm on Thursday 14th December. 

Our first Foundation 2024 transition sessi is Friday 17th November at 9:00am.

Have a great weekend.

David Keenan  - Principal