Principal's Update - 16th September

Welcome

Dear Families,

As Term 3 draws to a close, we take this opportunity to thank our families and staff for their continued commitment and support of our students and our school community. The year continues to fly by, and before we know it, we will be talking about Christmas and graduation. 

Commemoration of Queen Elizabeth II

The world was saddened by the recent passing of Queen Elizabeth II after an amazing 70 years as our reigning monarch. Our school community gathered together on Friday morning as a sign of respect to mark the sad occasion, with our flag lowered to half-mast along with a rendition of the National Anthem. Our students were extremely respectful in their participation and continued to pay their respect throughout the day during class time. 

Father's Day Celebration

Thank you to those Dad’s, Grandparents and Father figures who were able to attend our Liturgy and Family Group Celebration. The weather was fortunately kind to us as we moved to and from our Liturgy into family groups. The Liturgy and activities were enjoyed by all, as were the doughnuts!

First Eucharist Celebrations

It has been wonderful to see our First Communicants receive their sacraments over the past two weekends, with our final celebration set for next Sunday. Thank you to our families who have supported the preparation of their children over past months as they have continued on their journey of faith and received the sacraments of initiation. Our thanks goes to Torie & Lucy for their organisation, along with Fr Marcello & Lia our Parish Coordinator.

Student-Led Conferences

Thanks to all who attended the Student Led Conferences last week. It was a wonderful opportunity for students to discuss their learning goals, efforts towards these, and achievements over this past Semester.

Posi Socks

A reminder for families to please log in to the Quick Cliq app to complete payment of  $10 per student for the program's cost, their socks, and the socks to be donated. This program will start at the beginning of Term 4, but to cover the production of the socks, we are asking for payment ASAP.

Socktober Gold Coin Fundraiser

Today all students were invited to wear footy colours as the AFL Grandfinal is just around the corner. We have combined our love of sport with the opportunity to take part in Socktober. All children participated in a small liturgy in their classrooms, bringing their attention back to the Gospel, to help us understand why we are raising money and awareness for Catholic Mission.

2023 classes

We will also begin the process of staff appointments and class lists in the coming weeks. If you have any information you feel may impact placement for your child, please contact us at principal@scballarat.catholic.edu.au. This relates to academic, family and social-emotional considerations. Please be aware we do not accept requests for specific teachers or social groups, nor can we promise, given the complexity of 330 students to place that we can accommodate every consideration. 

The final date for requests will be the end of the Week 1, Term 4, 2022, close of business Friday 7th October.

School Closure Day - Staff Professional Learning - Monday 3rd October

A reminder to all families that the first day back for Term 4 will be a School Closure Day for Staff Professional Learning with Corwin Australia. Staff will attend sessions to understand the importance of teacher clarity and participate in workshops regarding writing effective learning intentions and success criteria.

Important Dates for Term Three

Important Dates for Term Four

Foundation Transition Sessions

Foundation 2023 Storytime

Have a wonderful break and we look forward to seeing everyone back rested and recharged ready for all that Term Four brings.

Kind regards,

Bambi Afford & Shaun Mohr
Co-Principals