St Brendan's School

Newsletter #3 - Thursday 9 February 2023

Dear Parents and Carers,


Last Tuesday saw the Australia’s central bank increased interest rates, extending the record run of increases to nine meetings in a row as it tries to cut inflation. The prediction that there are more to come is of great concern to all, especially as some are indicating that there are “further increases” to come. This increase will see some households facing greater financial stress, especially those with large mortgages and those who are vulnerable low income earners.


A little further afield, rescuers continue to race to save people from beneath the rubble of crumpled buildings, working in freezing temperatures. Monday’s 7.8 magnitude quake has resulted in 15,865 deaths with Turkey’s toll rising to 12,873 while Syria’s stands at 2,992.


Sadly, the number of fatalities will continue to rise as the likelihood of finding survivors diminishes.


In response, and in discussion with our senior students, next Friday 17 February will be a House Colours Day. Students are encouraged to wear their house colours and bring along a gold coin or note donation to help support the providing relief and aid to the victims to meet their survival needs of food, warm clothing, blankets and hygiene kits.


For our new families, we will confirm your child’s house and colour early next week. Our colours are Blue, Green, Red and Yellow. There is NO need or expectation to go out and purchase clothing. Your child may wear clothing that has some or all of their house colour present.

3-Way Conferences

Next Wednesday, 15 February, 3-Way Conferences will take place at school. The conference will be between:

  1. child
  2. parent/s or carers
  3. class teacher/s.


The conference will help build a relationship between yourself and the class teacher and an opportunity for you to discuss any goals you have for your child for 2023.


The Conferences will commence at:

11.30 am

  • Year 3/4 (Platypuses)
  • Year 5/6 (Koalas)

2:00 pm

  • Year 2 (Wombats)
  • Prep/One (Echidnas).

and conclude with the 6:45 pm interview.


Parents and Carers have the opportunity to book their conference through the School Interviews Booking system that was emailed earlier today through on Smore.

School Fees 2023

Big picture

Staffing 2023

Big picture

On a personal note, I thank you for your expressions of condolences with the passing of my father. I have shared these messages with my mother and family. They also appreciate your thoughts and prayers through this difficult time.


Best wishes,

Peter

COVIDSafe Measures

COVIDSafe Measures

Schools are required to continue to implement important practices to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

St Brendan’s will continue to ensure:

  • air purifiers are used,

  • external ventilation is maximised,

  • good personal hygiene is encouraged,

  • make available face masks for staff, students and visitors who wish to wear them.


Actions Required

For the safety and wellbeing of yourself, family and our school community It is recommended that rapid antigen tests (RATs) are used by students and staff if they:


  • have symptoms of COVID-19 infection, no matter how mild
  • are a household or close contact of someone who has COVID-19
  • are a social contact of someone who has COVID-19.


The Department of Health recommends that all Victorians report their positive RAT result via the online form or by calling 1800 675 398.


RATs are available for all Victorians from council sites. Individuals can obtain two free packs (10 tests) for themselves and two free packs (10 tests) for each of their household members.


Further information can be found on the Coronavirus Victoria website. https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/about-rapid-antigen-tests

COVIDSafe Measures

New Enterprise Bargaining Agreement

Last Tuesday afternoon’s briefing was very informative and was followed by many questions seeking clarification from individual contexts. While it has yet to be finalised, we left with the understanding that both parties are near to in-principle deal enabling the EBA to go before the Fair Work Commission for ratification.


The new agreement will see a number of changes to the way Catholic Schools operate. The introduction of the 38-hour week, in response to the growth in teacher workloads, will see the introduction of time in lieu for the additional time worked by teachers.


Time In lieu will accrue for activities and events including:

  • 3-Way Conferences
  • School Camp
  • Weekend Sacraments e.g. Communion & Confirmation
  • After hour meetings


Where a teacher works overtime, additional hours, they will be given those hours as time in lieu, i.e. 2 additional hours worked = 2 hours as time off. In the teacher’s absence, a replacement teacher will take their place and deliver the planned lessons.


Our staff at St Brendan’s have always been very generous with this time and the new agreement will ensure that they are fairly supported and compensated in their work.

Sausage Sizzle

We have been extremely fortunate to have been added to the Bunnings sausage sizzle roster. Planning for our allocated day, Saturday 4 March, is well underway. The next step is to fill the roster with volunteers to cook and serve the sausages and drinks. There are a number of operational procedures to be aware of however two of the more significant ones are:

  • No persons under the age of 18 are permitted to cook or operate any equipment.
  • A minimum of three people are required each shift to conduct a BBQ. Each shift is required to have a Cook, Order and Collect person.
  • No children under the age of 15 are permitted at the BBQ.


FYI.

St Brendan’s has been provided with a $1.4 million grant to refurbish the:

  • Art Room
  • Internal toilet facility
  • Drainage infrastructure upgrades.


The refurbishment will see the closing of the lower yard, junior playground, for 6 - 8 months. The works are expected to commence in Term 3 and the funds raised will go towards the purchase of additional playground resources for our students.

Bunnings Sausage Sizzle

Click to access volunteer form.

Parent Calendar

Here is a link to our Parent Calendar. You will also find this on our website.

IMPORTANT DATES

2023


Term 1

Week 2

10 February

- Prayer Assembly

Platypuses (Yr 3/4)

2:20 pm in the Gym.


Week 3

Wednesday 15 February

- 3-Way Conferences


17 February

- Prayer Assembly

House Captains

2:20 pm in the Gym.


Week 4

Wednesday 22 February

- Ash Wednesday

- Year 4/5 & 6 Camp


Thursday 23 February

- Year 4/5 & 6 Camp


Friday 24 February

- Year 4/5 & 6 Camp


- Prayer Assembly

Wombats (Year 2)

2:20 pm in the Gym.


Week 5

Monday 27 February

- District Swimming Sports

School Squad


Wednesday 1 March

- School Athletics Sports

Aberfeldie Athletics Track


Thursday 2 March

- Welcome Mass

Student Leaders Commissioning


Friday 3 March

- Prayer Assembly

Social Justice Leaders

2:20 pm in the Gym.

Prayer to St Brendan

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.’

Keep in contact with us

Keep in contact with us

I ask that you continue to regularly visit our Facebook page for updates. If you have any queries or concerns, please contact me directly.


I may be contacted on principal@sbflemington.catholic.edu.au


Best wishes,

Peter

Keep in contact with us
St Brendan's Parish

St Brendan's Parish

CONTACT DETAILS

Administration Office

103 Wellington Street

Flemington 3031

03 9412 8495

https://flemkencatholic.com/


Parish Bulletin

https://flemkencatholic.com/bulletin

St Brendan's Parish
St Brendan's School

St Brendan's School

St Brendan's School

103 Wellington St, Flemington VIC, Australia principal@sbflemington.catholic.edu.au 9376 0249 sbflemington.catholic.edu.au

The Whole school will be attending the Christmas Melodies at Hamer Hall on Monday 12 December. Host Gorgi Coghlan and friends will lead us in a warm festive sing-a-long with a big band and choir.