Principal's Report
Dear Members of the St. Cecilia’s School Community,
Each year we dedicate a space in Term One for Open Day. Last week we were fortunate to take through well over 30 new families for a school tour. This is a fantastic response so early in the year.
As a Catholic primary school Principal, I understand the importance of choosing the right school for your child. Our Open Day provides an excellent opportunity for prospective parents to explore our school, meet our staff and students, and gain a better understanding of the values and teaching philosophy that we promote.
Choosing the right school is an important decision for every family, and we want to ensure that parents have all the information they need to make an informed choice for their child. Parents can observe how our school operates and experience the school’s culture and environment. This experience can help parents determine if our school is the right fit for their child.
Secondly, Open Day is an opportunity for parents to meet our staff and students and ask questions about the curriculum, extracurricular activities, and overall school life. Our staff is passionate about education and can provide valuable insights into how our school can support the needs of each student.
Open Day is also a chance for parents to learn about our Catholic faith and how it is integrated into our curriculum. As a Catholic school, we are committed to providing a faith-filled environment where students can learn, grow, and develop spiritually.
If you are aware of any other prospective families that may wish to visit our school for a school tour, please ask them to call our office and make an appointment.
I also urge all families that have siblings commencing next year to please put in an enrolment form as soon as possible, so that we are fully aware of how many places we are able to provide for our interested prospective families.
2024 Enrolment Process
Numbers are building rapidly for Foundation 2024
We have provided many school tours for prospective parents already this year for Foundation 2024. The level of enthusiasm and interest is enormously encouraging.
This note is simply a check in to see that we have accurate numbers of siblings that are intending to commence Foundation next year at St. Cecilia's. Several families have indicated that a sibling will be commencing but have not yet submitted an enrolement form. Please ask for one at the front office or download one directly from our school website.
If you have a child starting school in 2024 please ensure you have submitted your application form asap! (available on our website). http://www.scgleniris.catholic.edu.au/
If you intend to enrol a child in Foundation at St. Cecilia's in 2024 at St. Cecilia's please complete this form (if you have not already done so)
Parents Association (Maintenance Committee)
We are excited to announce a new initiative at our school that will require your involvement and support. We are forming a maintenance committee that will be responsible for various tasks to improve the school grounds.
As a Catholic Primary School, we strive to create a welcoming environment for our students that reflects our values of community and service. We believe that by working together, we can make our school a better place for our children to learn and grow.
The maintenance committee will be responsible for tasks such as gardening, painting, and general upkeep of the school buildings and grounds. We are looking for enthusiastic and dedicated parents who are willing to lend their time and expertise to help us achieve our goals.
We believe that involving parents in the maintenance of our school will foster a sense of ownership and pride in our community. It is also an excellent opportunity to meet other parents and build relationships that will benefit our children.
We invite all interested parents to complete this brief google form that will enable us to take this initiative further. We look forward to working with as many parents as possible to create a beautiful and welcoming environment for our students.
Parking - Pick up and drop off
Dropping off and picking up students at most schools can be a tricky time to navigate, depending on the parking restrictions. As most of you will know, there are always a few minutes of heavy congestion most afternoons (particularly on the corner of Hillside and Van Ness), however it clears fairly quickly.
Thank you to all parents who continue to show patience and demonstrate safety during this time.
Over the past few days I have had numerous conversations with Boroondara Council and also the local infringement officer, who has been observing the situation very closely during drop off and pick up times.
They have made it very clear that they will issue fines for drivers doing the wrong thing.
This includes:
- U -turns on Hillside Parade
- Driving in residential driveways to turn the car around
- Parking on the opposite side of the road and walking over to collect your child (or calling them to cross themselves)
- Parking illegally
- Hovering on the corner of Hillside and Van Ness
The council has indicated that parents must complete a lap if there is no safe and legal space when you arrive.
I am negotiating with the council currently for more up to date and clear signage at the drop off and pick up point on Hillside Parade. They have emphasised that if there is an opportunity for parents to park further away and walk their child(ren) up to school, then they should.
We will continue to work with the council to ensure that a reasonable, safe and manageable solution is reached. I will keep you all informed.
Free Yoga Classes
We are very excited to offer some free lunchtime Yoga sessions for our students this term. If your child is interested they can sign up for a free session this term and then you might elect to book your child into paid sessions commencing next term.
These sessions will be faciliatated by Mel from Australian Yoga Academy.
Australian Yoga Acacdemy has been delivering programs since 2000.
For more information about their work, please click on the link below.
https://australianyogaacademy.com/yoga-aya/
We will be offering a free lunchtime session for:
- Grades 3-6 on Monday 27th March in the hall
- Grades F-2 on Monday 3rd April in the hall
We will send home a sign up form later this week. After the free sessions we will then send out more information to families who wish to proceed into Term 2.
We believe that yoga:
- Provides skills for students to use in everyday life
- Promotes self-esteem and positive self-image
- Improves individual and social awareness
- Calms and settles the mind
- Enhances physical strength, fitness, and flexibility
School Disco- a reminder to buy your tickets!
The St Cecilia’s Annual Disco will be held on Friday 31st March in the School Hall!
Get your dancing shoes on!!!
Times: 4:00pm to 5:00pm (Foundation to Year 2) 5:15pm to 6:30pm (Years 3 to 6)
Cost: $10 per child (includes Pizza and an Icy Pole. Please BYO filled water bottle)
Please pay via CDF by Monday 27th March.
Note: if your child requires gluten free pizza, lactose free or vegetarian pizza, please advise by this date.
Dress-code: Casual with a touch of FLUORO OR SPARKLE!
Contact: if you have any questions about the event please contact:
• Claire Clark (Amelia 2H, Grace FG) – vet_chick@hotmail.com 0402 852 960
• Bona D (Amber, 2H) – van.bonny@mail2me.com 0449 745 678
Click here to order and pay for tickets
Also, we still require some parents to help on clean up immediately after the event, so if you are available to help please fill out the following google doc.
Many thanks!
Enjoy the rest of the week,
Marty McKenna
Principal
St Cecilia’s School