Dear Families

Winter has arrived, and though we welcome as much rain as our Victorian farmers can cope with, the chilly days can keep away.  On these cold days I am reminded of how privileged we are to have such a functional building to educate our students in.  The building program, that put the majority of the school under one roof, allows us to keep warm and dry as we go about our day.

Last week we celebrated one of the school's most important events of the year, Confirmation.  We thank Bishop Greg for leading our celebration and congratulate our Year 6 candidates.  Can I take this opportunity to thank Mr. Greenslade for the many hours of work that need to be committed to the organisation of our Sacrament Program, as well as thank the parents and school staff for their support and attendance.

Across this last part of this term, I have attended various meetings for principals across our system.  There are a few projects and considerations at the moment that will affect our industry, system, and school.  Locally we have a few opportunities ahead of us, so it was encouraging to have a few parents reach out to express their interest in becoming part of the School Advisory Board.  Areas I would like to address include our Master Plans, Uniform Review, Family Engagement and Community Wellbeing.

This week we will be circulating some information about PEACEFUL KIDS.  This program is a 'value-add' to what we offer and is an optional opportunity we are investigating for our students.  Attached to this newsletter is a flyer with details of an Information Session that will be held at our school.  We encourage you to come along or reach out to the program organisers via the details on the flyer. Mrs. Burke has also developed a short video clip to further explain this program.

Quietly behind the scenes we have been working through potential improvements to our on-line communication systems, namely PAM and Schoolzine.  Schoolzine powers our newsletter and website, and I plan to use the upcoming holiday period as an opportunity to refresh our newsletter/communication products.  In regards to PAM, we are anticipating a system-wide upgrade which has the potential to provide leaders, teachers, admin teams, parents and students with some huge improvements.

Wishing everyone a strong finish to the term.

Dave

Congratulations 

Ryder Azzopardi

Lucas Blair

Dawson Dunn

Cooper Harris

Jedd Kirkup

Asiah Maddaluno

Talia Minnelli

Lani Norder

Jason Pierisge Fernando

Savannah Webb

District soccer was played in Traralgon last Monday.

A great effort was made from both teams and we would like to say a big thank you to Destiny for preparing and coaching the teams.

As we hit some cooler weather we will likely find an increase in illnesses in the community.  Some common ones to be aware of are influenza, gastroenteritis, slap cheek and head lice.  

Please find attached a link to the Department of Health website that provides parents with useful information about different infectious diseases and school exclusion.  We ask for your support in keeping children home that are unwell.  Apart from reducing the risks of spreading germs, it is sad to see little bodies trying to cope with school when they are not feeling 100%.

Across this term we have already had the opportunity to showcase our wonderful school to prospective families for 2026.  

We look forward to engaging with our 2026 Foundation students and their families across the year as they make the exciting transition to Primary School.  If you have a child joining us next year or know of a family or friend attending St. Vincent's please reach out.

Further information can be found on our website