Dear Families

As we are about to move into Winter isn't it great to be able to enjoy these lovely warm Autumn days.  Although the mornings are still a tad too chilly it has been great watching the students enjoy some lovely weather out in the yard at recess and lunch.  Having blue skies and no mud certainly makes for a more joyful time for everyone!

The past weeks have been rather busy with plenty of internal and external events, topped off with the Power Outage.  Can I offer my thanks to the administration and leadership teams that had extra workload to manage this interruption, but importantly to you our families that had to be adaptable to deal with the school being closed.  The frustration from my end only eased when I had feedback from the teaching staff about how much work they were able to complete on essentially what was a planned bonus day for them, unlike previous random closures for things like the storm.  I'm relieved to know that this bonus time for teachers means there will be direct benefits to student learning.

Last Thursday (apart from the power outage!) was the night we celebrated the Confirmation of Celeste, Eva, Stella and Shigoah.  We congratulate them on this milestone in their Catholic faith journey, and thank their families and our parish for the support they offered these children.

Other events and milestones that have taken place over the past fortnight are listed in more detail in this newsletter.  One particular event that I would like to personally acknowledge is the Service Award presented to Helen Watson.  Over my professional journey I have come across many wonderful teachers who see their professional more as a vocation.  Catholic Education Week celebrates not only our current successes but recognises our rich history.  Individuals like Helen have demonstrated over many decades a commitment to Catholic Education, adapting to many different waves of change and challenge ..... although surely COVID-19 takes the cake!

Have a great week. 

Dave

During last week the Diocese, from Narre Warren to Orbost, celebrated Catholic Education Week.  It is a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge our long, rich history of providing quality education throughout Gippsland but also to optimistic look at all we are doing to support future generations.  At this year's Mass and Awards Ceremony held in Sale we were thrilled to accompany Mrs.Helen Watson who was one of two teachers recognised with a Service Award.  Helen's list of teaching roles is extensive and as a school community we congratulate, but more importantly thank, her for her decades of dedication to her professional nd children across the state.

Below is a photo receiving her award from Bishop of Sale, Greg Bennet and DOSCEL chair Mr.Garry McLean OAM.

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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 member or friend attending St. Vincent's, please reach out.

We have finalised our 2025 Transition Program, which begins in Term 3.  Our transition program is a wonderful opportunity and offers our incoming students an extensive introduction to school.  We encourage all families to take advantage of these opportunities while also inviting new families to feel welcome to come along to see all we have to offer.

Further information can be found on our website

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