2025 Newsletter Term 4 Week 3
Art Spectacular
From the Principal
Dear Families
What a few busy weeks!
We could feel overwhelmed by all the action, but as a wise woman (my grandmother) would say - Don’t complain because being busy means you're loved and lucky!
The start of the term has been loaded with plenty of action both inside and outside the school gates. The big ticket item was certainly the Year 5 & 6 Camp, while sport, science and the Prep Breakfast have kept the school a vibrant place to be. A significant highlight was the performance of our Region Athletics competitors and a huge special shout out to Halle Cheney for qualifying for the State Athletics Carnival. As I produce this newsletter, I can also hear the footsteps of deliveries to the Gym of Artwork from around the school, in preparation of the Art Expo which opens next week. On top of all this action are the many meetings and documents that go into planning the upcoming year - 2026 already looks like it is going to be a great year.
But for now, let’s make sure we take the time to enjoy every moment of 2025. In our fast paced, technology driven lifestyles, it is so important to make sure we are enjoying our life … not simply taking photos to post about it.
On the topic of technology, I have included some information circulated to school leaders about the upcoming changes to legislation concerning Social Media Age Restrictions. For those blessed with teenagers and tweenagers this is important information, but I encourage every parent to take note of the developments. The eSafety commissioner website has some great tips for us as consumers, as well as parents and educators.
I hope everyone enjoys reading through this newsletter and catching a glimpse of what has been happening at St. Vincent’s. Can I also take the opportunity to acknowledge the terrific work our staff do in supporting opportunities for our students. I am blessed to lead such a dedicated and diverse group of staff who really have stepped above and beyond to deliver so many experiences for our children. The recent Camp was a terrific success, while the cultural, science, sport and social experiences shared by students from Foundation to Year 6 have been of the highest quality. This only happens when the staff contribute their talents and time so generously. So, as we head towards Australia’s World Teachers Day next Friday 31st October, let me pay tribute to all the adults at St. Vincent's, across so many different roles.
Have a great weekend, Dave
Region Athletics Report
Congratulations to Sunday, Halle, Levi, Chloe, Cooper, Asiah and Emmett who qualified to compete at the Gippsland Primary Track and Field Region Championships. This event was held on Wednesday the 15th of October and Halle came away with a 1st for 200m and a 3rd for 100m. She will now go on to compete at the State Championships. A huge well done to all competitors making it this far. You should be extremely proud of your achievement.
Transition Schedule for 2026 Foundation
Year 5/6 Camp
Happy Snaps from the City
From the Classrooms
Science in 5/6JM
Junior School Science Incursion with Labcoat Sam
Prep Breakfast
Update: End of Year Fun Day - Colour Run Disco
Get excited .... this day is going to be huge!!
FRIDAY 28TH NOVEMBER
This year Destiny Kirkup has created the most magnificent concept to celebrate the end of the year and to farewell the Year 6 students with a (colourful) BANG! Music, Colour, Laughs and Sausages - A recipe for a successful day.
Many hands do make light work plus your kids would love to see you involved. We will need help leading into the day, on the day and after the fun. Check your work roster and request this day off!
Please reach out to Destiny or Mr. Cooper to get involved.
Thanks to the generosity and support of different families and business we have been in the position of regularly reducing what will be the final costs for families which is such positive news.
Can we already offer our early thanks to:
Maria & Chris Dunn
Peta Roberts
Lauren & Ben Marks
Valley Tyrepower Morwell
Chamika & Gyan Fernando
Jason Norder (JLJ Services)
Justin Presley (Woolworths)
Rod & Bec Alexander and Safe Edge Training
.... plus the huge volunteer list that is growing!!
eSafety Commissioner: Social Media Restrictions
From 10 December 2025, many social media platforms won’t be allowed to let Australians under 16 create or keep an account. The information on this page will help you understand why, and how you can help your under-16 through the change.
The changes aim to protect under-16s from pressures and risks they can be exposed to while logged in to social media accounts. These come from design features in the platforms that:
- encourage them to spend too much time on screens – for example, by prompting them with streams of notifications and alerts, and pressuring them to view disappearing content
- increase the likelihood of exposure to negative, upsetting or manipulative content served up in their feeds by algorithms.
These features have been linked to harms to health and wellbeing – including increased stress levels, and reduced sleep and concentration.
Of course, they are not the only risks on social media. Young people can also be exposed to harmful conduct such as cyberbullying, being asked for nudes and being sent pornography or violent material.
The age restrictions are a delay, not a ban. You won’t have to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to social media accounts, instead you can say ‘not yet’, knowing other under-16s are also being prevented from creating or keeping accounts so your child won’t be missing out.
The delay gives you extra time to talk about online safety and wellbeing with your child, to help them prepare for the risks and pressures of social media when they turn 16. It’s breathing space for them to build digital, social and emotional skills, and to understand the importance of reaching out for help if things go wrong.
Morwell Fire Brigade OPEN DAY
Morwell Bocce Club
Morwell Tennis Club
