Message from Gemma

Dear families and friends,

We had a wonderful 1/2 dinner experience full of laughter and dancing. This night certainly goes a long way for children to feel excited and ready for camp experiences in the future. I thank the staff that attended, as this certainly is not in the work day hours. I am always thankful of how much extra is put into these events out of paid hours, the generosity and commitment to our children and school is seen and valued.

Last week we had our final School Advisory Council (SAC) meeting for the year. I'd like to formally thank all SAC members. Your support and care for our school community is so very appreciated. Silia Barrese has completed her 2 year tenure and we thank Silia for her contribution. We hope to formally recognise the commitment to the Board at our final Mass on the 14th December at St Stephen’s. (See below details) 

If you are interested in joining our School Advisory Council please email me by December 5th 2022. School Advisory Council members' primary role is to provide assistance and advice on school matters to support the principal in the context of the MACS governance arrangements. School Advisory Councils do not have a legal identity and do not become involved in the day-to-day management of the school. The School Advisory Council must act within the parameters of this Terms of Reference.

Parent and Friends moving to Family and community engagement 

In 2023 we are excited to launch Family engagement led by Haley O’Meara. Family and community engagement will encourage all new members and meet once a month in 2023 on a Friday. All times and dates of these meetings will be available at the beginning of the year. Haley will also lead Playgroup on Fridays.  All existing and new members are VERY welcome. You do not need to commit to the year or weekly - you might like to join the working party of one event or just come for a cuppa once a month. Watch this space for lots of Family engagement news coming - including events / Learning walks and new initiatives. It is an exciting time. 

December 14th 2022

One Heart Community will gather at St Stephen’s for our Christmas celebration. We will share in Mass/Liturgy (Parents welcome to attend)  where our school leaders will be announced and thank you’s/goodbye’s for 2022, all families invited to share in this. Following Mass/Liturgy, our children will have fun activities. Drop off and pick up is at St Stephens - all details will be shared. Before and After school care will run from St Stephen’s.  (Please call or email Gemma if you are unable to drop children at St Stephen’s)

2023 improvements 

We are full steam ahead to continue improvements for all children across both schools, next year we will see our St Stephen’s toilets refurbished and an outdoor learning room completed. At St Gabriel’s our farm area will continue to grow - our art room will become a central piazza for learning art. Both schools with one Heart Community will see greater yard games to ensure we focus on student voice and engagement. 

And I'm sure more will be added to the list over time.

In 2023 St Stephen's will be launching our  dining room. Each day we will meet for lunch together to create our strong sense of family and our community. This will be a time that we eat and share stories. 

St Stephen’s Getting Ready to Learn

We will meet as a school group to build our Ways of being and our connection. 

Classes 2023 

2023 looks very settled as mentioned previously, at this stage all educators will remain in their current class areas. We are continuing to ‘staff’ our class areas (hubs) with qualified educators to ensure children's needs are met in small groups. Our achievement data is showing strong evidence of growth and achievement- this is very exciting. Our hub spaces will remain in the same areas: P-2 hub and 3-6 hub. Our focus is ALWAYS to meet needs in an explicit way through targeted learning. 

Educators are listed below for 2023.

St Stephen's 

Office: 

Laura V

Hub Educators:

Prep - 2 Hub 

Lisa and Natalie 

3-6 Hub 

Michelle, Angelique and Linda 

St Gabriel's 

Office: 

Enza and Louise 

Hub Educators:

Prep - 2 Hub 

Elaine, Sammy, Cait and Teresa 

3/4 

Jackie G and Esmeralda/Mariam 

5/6 

Nick and Laura D 

Leadership Team

Principal: Gemma

Deputy Principals: Jarryd and Laura Jane 

Learning Diversity: Ashlee 

Wellbeing: Laura Merrick 

Projects: Gemma / Jarryd 

Faith:  Gemma / Jarryd /Laura 

Numeracy: Michelle 

Literacy: Mariam 

Family engagement: Haley 

Digital Technology: Laura D 

Intervention

Literacy Intervention: Mel

Numeracy Intervention: Jackie M

Specialist 

SS Italian: Angela

SG Italian: Fiona

EWP: Haley and Rose 

Music: Rose 

Sport: Maddy 

Enjoy the weekend,

Gemma