As we advised last week, on THURSDAY 23rd MAY the school site will be impacted by a Planned Power Outage.  AusNet have currently advised that the maintenance will go ahead as scheduled.

On Wednesday 22nd May we will again seek clarity from AusNet and if the outage is cancelled we will notify families that we change our plans and the school will be open.

At this stage we advise families to plan for the school to be closed.

Note: We are currently investigating the possibility of bringing generators onsite to deal with planned outages like this as well as respond during an emergency like the 14th February Storm.

Dear Families

Firstly let me acknowledge all the Mothers from the St.Vincent's school community.  I hope that across the past week you have had the opportunity to be recognised and celebrated in many different ways.  I know that one of the local preschool was hosting a Mothers Day morning this week so I'm for transitioning Mother's Day into Mother's Week.  I often say being a human is hard work and when you starting adding in relationships life gets really complicated.  Motherhood is arguably the most demanding yet rewarding role in civilisation so to every mother in whatever form they take.  Mr.Greenslade's Mother's Day tribute video just showing how deeply our St.Vincent's Mums are appreciated.

Related to this is the obvious thanks that must go to the generous and talented volunteers who coordinated and assisted at this year's Mother's Day stall.  It was  a great morning watching the eager shoppers attend the stall and even more entertaining watching them trying to hide their presents at the end of the day.  The event highlighted the generosity within the school community and I was buoyed by the growing sense of willingness of parents to step forward to potentially drive the Parents & Friends in a more coordinated manner.  The skills and generosity within th school community are strong but we need families to drive the group.  I would love to hear from anyone keen to be involved.

In the past few week we have seen both the State and Federal Governments make budget announcements.  Both involved major decision impacting school families.  Across my time at St.Vincent's I hope you have noticed my deliberate decisions to be rather politically neutral - especially when you consider we had to juggle many weird and wonderful scenarios these past few years.  I see my role as an educator and leaders to inform rather than persuade.  I would presume that school families could be provided with information about the budgets and I ask you to digest and consider the information provided.  I would really value the opportunity to hear from families.  Along these lines is an upcoming petition that will give families the opportunity to participate in an action concerning Victorian's Justice system.  The petition details important community safety considerations that have impacted our state, and in one particular case created horrific heartbreak to a local family.  Your consideration and input will be highly regarded and appreciated.

This term has been highly successful for a variety of reasons.  We have had many sporting events, with individuals and teams tasting success, as well as many extra-curricular highlights.  There is always an interesting debate about what is more crucial Curriculum or Well-being, but in a simple sense the two are so interrelated that they cannot successfully without the other.  Our recent Year 1/2 Camp Day to Rumbug a brilliant example of strategic decision aimed to support our children. On a curriculum note across this term we have been trialling a Year 3 to 6 literacy program called SpellEx.  It comes from the same suite of programs as Init-Lit and will go towards strengthening our whole school literacy programs.  In the Well-being space we have made significant investments in both our physical and human resources.  I would be interested in any feedback your child has given you that relates to this work.  As the year progresses we will continue to add to this space and celebrate how as a school community we are enacting our Strategic Intent:

"At St. Vincent’s we know our students which enables us to support and provide them with a consistent, safe and faith-filled community equipping them to be engaged and successful learners."

We have a rather full newsletter with both celebrations and information so please enjoy the read.

Have a great day and enjoy the pleasant Autumn weather.

Yours, Dave

We would like to offer our best wishes to our Confirmation candidates for Thursday night when they will celebrate this important sacramental milestone.  We congratulate them on their active participation in the preparation for this special event and thank their parents and our staff for supporting these children.

We extend an invitation to all families across to the school to attend the Confirmation Mass on Thursday 5.30pm at the Sacred Heart Church.

May these children welcome the Holy Spirit and have their lives enriched by the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit.

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Wisdom, Courage, Right Judgement, Understanding, Reverence, Knowledge and Wonder & Awe. (1 Corinthians 12:4-11)

The Fruits of the Holy Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Goodness, Faithfulness and Self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)

‘Spread the Good News’

Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Sale will celebrate Catholic Education Week from May 27 to June 3, 2022

Catholic Education Week is an opportunity to celebrate the ethos of Catholic schools and highlight the inspiring life of Catholic schools today.

The Diocese of Sale covers 38 Catholic primary schools and seven Catholic secondary schools in south east Victoria from Narre Warren and Cranbourne in the west, Wonthaggi and Philip Island in the south, to Orbost in the east.

Ms Maria Kirkwood, Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale said Catholic Schools were flourishing as more families looked for an affordable, quality, faith-based education for their children:

“After two years of COVID disruptions punctuated by lockdowns, remote learning and social distancing, our schools are looking forward to celebrating their achievements through activities, events, and open days following COVID-safe guidelines.”

“This year’s theme for Catholic Education Week, is the Gospel of Mark 16:15, and our schools are currently living this call in many ways.” 

“The Good News theme is a call for all members of a school community to enact a vision for a better world, one where people can live in harmony with each other and with, in response to the call of Pope Francis, the environment.”

“The theme also reflects the core purpose of Catholic education which is to nurture the potential of each child, and develop their knowledge and skills to become compassionate and contributing members of society.”

“I hope that staff, students, families and parishes enjoy this special time and that our schools continue to be places where children are able to reach their full potential.

“Catholic Education Week is a highlight of the year for the Diocese of Sale, as the broader Catholic education community comes together to celebrate our Catholic identity and unique mission,” Ms Kirkwood said.

Across this term we already had the opportunity to showcase our wonderful school to prospective families for 2025.  Next Tuesday we will be running tours on our Open Day at 9.15am and at 5pm.

We look forward to engaging with our 2025 Foundation students and their families across the year as they make the exciting transition to Primary School.  If you have a child joining us next year or know of a family or friend attending St.Vincent's please reach out.  It would be great to see our new recruits and their families to our Open Day next week - why not consider inviting a new family to our school.

Further information can be found on our website

A few pictures from the students who participated in the Football, Netball and the second round of Cross Country.

A reminder that our great school Beanies are available for purchase for $20 via CDFPay.

Some pictures from the Grade 1/2 Rumbug excursion.