Term 1 Week 2
Term 1 Week 2 – 8th February 2024
GROWING THROUGH SERVICE
What a wonderful start to the year! It has been a privilege for me to begin to get to know the children, parents and staff. You have all been so welcoming and supportive, and for this I thank you. I have given myself the term to know everyone’s name so please bear with me as I put my memory to the test. I’d also like to extend a heartfelt welcome to our new staff, students and families.
As we begin this year, I would like to share with you the school mantra that we have decided to use in 2024. It is derived from John’s Gospel that tells the story of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples - an act of love, humility and service. In this Gospel story we are reminded that we are all called to serve in this way. ‘Growing through Service’ will be reflected in all aspects of our learning and approach to what we do in our school; the call to service will drive our approach to curriculum, professional learning, ties to our parish community and improving our facilities in our playground upgrade, increasing enrolments, community connections, fundraising and links to local kindergartens.
We ask that as a simple act of service you remember to tell all of your friends and family about what an amazing school and community St Brendan’s is, and how happy your children are here. This is critical to promoting our school in the broader community.
Our incredible new instrumental music program with Mr Bill began today. All fundraising efforts this year will go toward the purchase of instruments to support the program to its fullest.
Today we celebrated our beginning of the year mass so thank you to all family members who were able to attend. Tomorrow night we are very excited to be hosting our ‘Welcome Back to School Tabloid Sports and Dinner’ which will run from 5-8pm. Tabloids will commence at 5.15pm sharp! Please come along to share in the fun.
This coming Monday 12th February we will have the Essendon Hockey Club coming to the school. All students to wear their sports uniform so they can participate in the fun.
A reminder that we are a Sunsmart school and that children must wear their hats outside during Terms 1 and 4.
To clarify, the dates advertised last year for Parent Teacher Interviews are no longer applicable. You will receive a letter on Operoo in the next few days asking you to provide background information about your child and the process for making an appointment to speak to your child’s teacher as required.
To all of our families celebrating Lunar New Year this weekend, we wish you a very Happy New Year!
I look forward to having fun with you all at the tabloid sports and dinner tomorrow night.
With warm regards,
Kellie Noonan
Principal
Each year, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. In 2024, Ash Wednesday will be on February 14th. On Ash Wednesday we, as Christians, focus the heart on repentance and prayer. The children will be attending mass on Ash Wednesday at 9.15am. We welcome all families to join us.
TERM 1 Dates
Friday 9th Feb
● Tabloids 5.15pm and Dinner 6.30pm
Monday 12th Feb
● Essendon Hockey Club for all year levels
Tuesday 13th Feb
● Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Tuesday)
Wednesday 14th Feb
● Ash Wednesday
Friday 16th Feb
Assembly 2.40pm in Library
Saturday 17th Feb
● Lego Club 10.00am-12.00pm
Friday 23rd Feb
● District Swimming
Saturday 2nd March
● Lego Club 10.00am-12.00pm
Friday 1st March
● Assembly 2.40pm in Library
Friday 15th March
● Assembly 2.40pm in Library
Saturday 16th March
● Lego Club 10.00am-12.00pm
Thursday 28th March
● Last Day of Term – School finishes at 1.00pm
Friday 29th March
● Good Friday
Sunday 31st March
● Easter Sunday
TERM 2
Monday 15th April
● School starts for Term 2
Do you know of any families that are seeking a school to enrol their child in now or for the 2025 school year? St Brendan’s offers a uniquely personalised learning environment. It has an extraordinary staff to student ratio that ensures that every child is provided with high levels of attention, care and a learning program tailored to their needs.
For all enquiries, please contact the school office on 9376 0249.
2024 STAFF
Principal: Kellie Noonan
CCC Leader: Lisa Duray
CL & CD Leader: Sonya Bambrick
Maths Leader: Michelle Hewitt
Wellbeing, MHIPS Gabi Terry
Year P/1: Jess Brigandi
Year 2/3: Jane Elliot
Year 4/5: Carol Raffoul & Michelle Hewitt
Year 5/6: Will Madden
Physical Ed: Justine Sales
Music: Bill Gribben
Visual Arts: Rachael Morris
S.T.E.M. Melissa Ferrina
Learning Support Officers:
Olivia Plazzer
Antoinette Scerri
Jae Choi
Sally Crevatin
Ngoc Dang
Administration:
Diana McConville
Annalisa Druda
School Fees & Levies for 2024
Dear Parents & Carers
I wish to write to you regarding the 2024 Proposed School Fees & Levies Schedule.
The proposed School Family Fee for 2024 is: $915.00. This fee is billed to each family regardless of the number of children enrolled and provides funds for the purchase and development of learning resources as well as the maintenance of school facilities and grounds
The School Family Fee will be payable in three instalments over the first three terms of the school year. This billing process aims to remove expenses from Term 4 where people have other priorities including Christmas.
However, the school is more than happy to arrange a fee payment plan that suits the needs of the family.
The Student Levy that is applied to each child reflects the individual costs associated in engaging each child in their learning experiences and activities. Because of this, the Student Levy will vary according to the year level that your child is enrolled.
The following table provides a breakdown of where the levy funds are allocated to according to each year level. (Proposed Levies)
Please note that there will be no further request for funds throughout the year for additional costs related to curriculum programs.
It is important to understand that the levies collected are pooled so as to ensure the best value for dollar is achieved.
We take pride in the fact that we are able to achieve excellent educational outcomes for our students whilst providing an affordable Catholic education. In keeping our costs low and affordable, it is essential that families contribute to their child’s education by ensuring that payment of the fees and levies are made each year.
Families seeking a fee concession must meet the following criteria:
Concessional school fees are available to any family that meets the below eligibility criteria:
● of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage
● holding an HCC and eligible for CSEF
● experiencing severe financial hardship
● holding a DVA Gold Card
● identified as refugees and holding an ImmiCard is strongly encouraged to apply for concessional school fees.
If you meet any of the above criteria please come to the school office and you will be provided with the necessary paperwork to complete. You must also bring proof of your concession ie Health Care Card etc.
With kindest regards,
Kellie Noonan
Principal