From the Primary School

From the Primary School

It is an opportune time to thank parents, grandparents and families for supporting the Primary School again this term. The boys have been busy with work and play and have conducted themselves in a mature and responsible manner. They deserve their break, as do the staff.

We thank Vittoria Maiorana for her work as an ESO for us. She is quiet but proactive and willing to support in any way. We return her to the ELC with our gratitude.

Mr Niedzwiecki is taking a hard-earned Long Service Leave break, catching up with his daughter in Europe among other things. We wish him well and look forward to hearing of his travels next year. His place will be taken by Mr Beau Leonard, who has some interesting and relevant experiences to enrich our school.

Mr Cheary equally has earned a break after a busy few years. He will take Long Service Leave for Term 4 and will be replaced by Mr Mitch Brealey, who is known to many as he has filled in quite a few times across the school.

Mrs Claire Holland is taking some leave too in Term 4 (the first 3 weeks) and Mrs Elaine Stiliano, a regular reliever, will take her class.

Just a reminder to parents of children entering Year 5 or 6 next year, in particular, of our Class Placement Policy. If you have any extenuating circumstances please let me know.

Wherever possible we try to place boys with one of their friends but cannot guarantee which teacher they will be with. If your son is disappointed with the choice of class, please understand that much consideration has gone into the choice by the teachers. So please support them in accepting the decision by being positive with them. Look at the opportunities rather than the negatives (building resilience is one of the best things we, as parents, can teach our children). Changing one child can have a huge domino effect that can affect many.

Thank you for your support and understanding in this. Orientation is on 29 November at 9.00 am to 11.00 am.

Over the last couple of weeks we had our Primary Disco and Grandparents’ Day.

The Disco was a huge success with around 130 children attending and enjoying the dancing and singing. Thanks to the St Dominic’s girls who attend in great numbers to supplement our male attendance. The P&F initiative of having drinks and nibbles for parents wishing to stay was also hugely successful and may become a regular feature. Thank you to Eleni Choimes and the Primary staff who assisted on the night.

Our Grandparents’ Day held last Friday saw the Neill Gymnasium nearly full with over 300 family members attending. The Year 1R class organised the beautiful Liturgy and each class presented an item – songs, dances, poems, jokes and stories made for a wonderful event followed by morning tea in Frassati Hall. Thanks to our very special Grandparents, who play such a crucial role in the lives of our children. And well done to all who contributed.

Let’s hope the children remember the four rules of holidays (say your prayers, eat your veggies, be good to your mothers and fathers and stay off electronic devices as much as possible – enjoy the beautiful weather!). I hope everyone has a relaxing and safe holiday break.

Mr Frank Ali

HEAD OF PRIMARY

Dates to Remember

27 September: End of Term 3 (3:05 pm dismissal)

14 October: Term 4 (Advent Term) Students commence (Summer uniform)

5 – 8 November – Year 5 Ballarat Camp

21-23 November – Year 6 Father/Son Camp Wellington (on Murray)

29 November – Orientation Morning (9.00 am)

4 December – Awards and Carols Night (including Year 6 Graduation)