Dear Parents and Carers,

I share two reflections I received later today from a couple of families present.

'I just wanted to pass on my thanks to yourself and the teaching team for a heartfelt Opening School Year Mass. It is always a lovely way to commence the school year and come together as a community. I realise that this time of year is crucial in forming positive connections with families and students and this event on the calendar is certainly a measure of the dedication and commitment of the St Brendan’s teaching team. The service was lovely and the students very reverent and you should be congratulated for allowing the students to build the skills it takes to understand the importance of the space/occasion.

Looking forward to a great year ahead at St Brendan’s.’

The celebration Thursday went beautifully and it was a fantastic community event. Well done.’

On behalf of our students and staff, I say thank you. Thank you for these kind words, words that acknowledge a good experience and help to build strong relationship, great foundations to build the 2023 year upon.

As we enter the Prep Enrolment 2024 time period, you may have noticed the billboard in front of our school and in various neighbouring streets. Similar images and messages appear on our social media platforms.

Early next week, our staff are visiting our local kindergartens and childcare centres providing invitations to our Open Day on March 16 as well opportunities to undertake a personalised tour led by student leaders.

It has been fantastic to hear of how our families speak so highly of the school in regard to its learning and teaching program, the care and support provided to families and wellbeing shown to our students in helping to achieve their best.

As a result, new families apply to attend our school.

2024 Enrolment Referral Incentive

This year, we would like to acknowledge those parents that recommend our school to a new family that results in an enrolment, to receive a fee credit for their efforts.

How the referral incentive works:

If you have referred a new family to the school and as a result, that family enrols their child/ren and they remain at the school for the 2024 school year, your eldest child’s Curriculum Levy will be credited back to you for the 2025 school year.

For every family you have referred, which results in an enrolment for the 2024 school year, a further credit of the same value of your eldest child will credited.

Staff professional learning in TCL continues this Tuesday with 3 of us participating in a full day workshop. The day will includes:

• observe TCL classes in action
• engage in TCL workshop sessions
• collaborate in small group networking sessions.

We will join a number of schools from across Victoria to share effective practice.

THERE IS NO PRAYER ASSEMBLY THIS WEEK OWING TO THE OPENING OF THE SCHOOL YEAR MASS HELD TODAY.

2023

Term 1

Week 5

Saturday 4 March

- Bunnings' Sausage Sizzle

All day

Week 6

Monday 6 March

- Tennis

Tuesday 7 March

Teachers as Co-Learners

Staff representatives

Early Years

9:15 - 10:30 am

School Advisory Council

7:00 - 8:30 pm

Friday 10 March

- Prayer Assembly

Year 5/6 (Koalas)

2:20 pm in the Gym.

Week 7

Monday 13 March

- Labour Day Public Holiday

Tuesday 14 March

Early Years

9:15 - 10:30 am

Wednesday 15 March

NAPLAN Testing - Writing

Years 3 & 5

Thursday 16 March

Open Day

Tours 9:30 am & 2:30 pm

Friday, 17 March

Prayer Assembly

School Captains

2:20 in the Gym

Help me to journey beyond the familiar

and into the unknown.

Give me the faith to leave old ways

and break fresh ground with You.

Christ of the mysteries, I trust You

to be stronger than each storm within me.

I will trust in the darkness and know

that my times, even now, are in Your hand.

Tune my spirit to the music of heaven,

and somehow, make my obedience count for You.

AMEN.’