Carmel's News
Welcome to Term 4
Welcome back to Term 4. We finished off Term 3 with the St Catherine's Got Talent finals and an Interschool Chess Tournament for 22 schools (120 participants) hosted in our school hall. We started our term with a whole school mass last Wednesday led by Father Jacob, where we prayed for a term of learning, friendships and finally farewells at the end of the term for our Year 6 graduating students. We are all looking forward to the ART Show this week. We look forward to seeing you at school on Monday evening, next Sunday after parish mass or throughout the week. Thank you to Jo Boers for leading the planning and staging of the Art Show. A huge thank you to all our students whose creative talents will be on show over the next week.
St Catherine’s Substantive Principal Advertised
Please see communication from MACS (Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools). This was sent to all families via Operoo on 1-10-2025.
Last week Jennifer Hawkins (Senior Manager School Excellence- MACS Southern Office) met with the staff and later with the SAC members (School Advisory Council). At these meetings, Jennifer led a process to get community feedback regarding the principal appointment. Applications for the position close on the 20th October.
PRINCIPAL APPOINTMENT PROGRESS: (Notice from MACS)
Dear Parents,
The Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) advertising for a new Principal has begun this week. The Principal Selection Process panel will work through a MACS specially designed selection process to provide advice for the MACS Regional General Manager as to who is the best applicant to lead your school into the future.
The panel will consist of Parish Priest, MACS Executive Director's Nominee (EDN) Senior Manager School Leadership, an experienced, current Primary Principal and the School Advisory Council Chairperson
School Advisory members and staff will meet with the EDN to provide their insights into the knowledge, skills and expertise of a new principal. It's a highly confidential and thorough process that will see a new principal being appointed to our school. The position will be advertised widely. The Principal Selection Panel will work its way through the various steps of the process.
We pray for the panel in all their deliberations and may the Holy Spirit guide their discernment and enrich their discussions. We do ask that you and your family pray for the panel and for the right applicants to apply.
St Catherine, pray for us.
Staffing News
Staffing and class structures for 2026 are currently being worked through. We are not in a position to announce class structures or which staff will teach which classes at this point in time. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
Congratulations to Erin McClounan who has successfully interviewed for a Graduate Classroom Teaching position starting in 2026. We’re excited to welcome our new graduate teacher! She will bring fresh ideas, up-to-date skills, and lots of energy to our school. Though new to teaching, she is passionate and eager to grow with our school community. I asked Erin to introduce herself to you.
Hi! My name is Erin McClounan and I’m thrilled to announce that I am joining St Catherine’s teaching team in 2026.
I am graduating from Monash University with a Masters of Teaching. I'm very excited to learn all there is to know about this school, as well as meeting all the lovely students and families. I have heard so much about it. I am very passionate about teaching and providing a warm, fun and engaging classroom for students to be able to enjoy their learning.
Please feel free to approach me and say hello if you see me around the school. I look forward to joining you all next year. Erin McClounan
St Catherine’s Got Talent Show!
Thank you to Sam Hudson, the Year 6 Learning Leaders, Miss Hall and Miss Burnet for assisting with the judging. Thank you to all our talented students that auditioned. This is a great opportunity for our students to showcase their hidden talents.
Congratulations to all the finalists.
Category Achievements
Overall - Vanessa, Leona, Isla, Sofia & Emma
Instrumental - Oliver
Dance & Movement - Kmara & Kihayl
Vocal - Georgia Entwisle
Congratulations to our other finalists
Joanna, Zia, Isabella T, Nina, Jayde, Alexis, June, Liana, Kensie, Maggie
Playground- Spring is in the air
Once again we have more signs of spring in our playground. These baby native myna birds hatched over the school holidays- they are located near the four square courts. The students watched the mamma bird make her nest and lay her eggs before the holidays. We are blessed to have such natural, beautiful grounds.
Student Drop off and Pick Up
NO STANDING ZONE- Fletcher Street Double gates.
School Uniform- Reminders
Term 4- Hats must be worn ‘No hat, no play’
There are also a number of students not wearing the correct uniform. Runners are ONLY to be women when students have Physical Education or sport sessions. We are very proud of our uniform and expect students to adhere to the correct uniform at all times.
Interschool Chess Competition- Wednesday 17th September
Congratulations to the St Catherine’s Chess Team that competed against 22 other schools on Wednesday, 17th September. They played 7 timed games against students they have never met. I was so proud of their efforts on the day. Well done Xavier, Vincent, Aidan, Hannah, Oliver, Francesca, Joanna, Ben and Henry.
Term 4 Afterschool Chess Club (Commencing this week)
I have engaged an outside provider to run an after school Chess Club on Tuesday afternoons during Term 4. The Chess Club will run from Week 2 until Week 10 (8 sessions). The price is $118 for the term. Classes will run in the Learning Hub from 3.25-4.25pm. Beginners and experienced players are welcome. Please see the PDF for more information. Payments are to be made directly to Felix. I will supervise the students before the class begins (send an extra snack to school). MACSEYE will collect any students for After School Care if required after the class. Please contact me if you need extra information.
CLASS DETAILS: Tuesday 3.25-4.20pm
DATES: 14th October- 9th December
Membership Fee: $118
ENQUIRIES: Felix Chandler Felix@chessfanatics.com.au
Holy Trinity Parish St Vincent De Paul Campaign
Every year we think about how we can assist others during the Christmas Season.
The Parish has asked us to collect the following items for the Appeal. We will accept items up to Thursday, 27th November. The Parish will collect the items from the school office on Friday, 28th November. We thank you in advance for your generosity during the Christmas season. Please only send the requested items (no soft packaging has been requested).
REQUESTED ITEMS
- Tinned biscuits
- Tinned cakes
- Tinned chocolates/sweets
- SPAM/Tinned Ham
- Tea bags
- Coffee sachets
- $20 Coles/Woolies/KMart Vouchers
Term 4 Dates
School Closure Days
Monday 3rd November- School Closure Day- Staff Professional Practice Day
Tuesday 4th November- School Closure Day- Melbourne Cup Day Holiday
Friday 21st November- School Closure Day- 2026 Planning
Playgroup each Tuesday & Thursday 9:00-11:00 unless advised
Term 4 Week 2
Monday 13th October
- Newsletter published
- Walking Club & Anthem @ 8:40 a.m.
- Private Music Lessons - Srebrenka
- Bruthen Street Kinder Visit - Koala Group @ 9:15-10:45 a.m. Art Show & Playground
- Choir @ 1:45 p.m.
- Student Voice @ 3:00pm
- Art Show @ 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Tuesday 14th October
- Term 4 PSG’s
- Excellent Education & Care Kinder Visit @ 10:00-11:00 a.m. Art Show & Playground
- P & F Meeting @ 7:30 p.m.
- Term 4 Chess Fanatics with Felix 3:25-4:20pm
Wednesday 15th October
- Term 4 PSG’s
- Private Music Lessons - Rachel
- Guardian Kinder Moorabbin Visit Group 1- 9:15-10:45 a.m. Art Show & Playground
Thursday 16th October
- NO RUNNING CLUB TODAY
- Guardian Kinder Moorabbin Visit Group 2- 9:15-10:45 a.m. Art Show & Playground
- PE for all classes F-6 (Volleyball clinic)
Friday 17th October
- 10:00 Police visit for 5/6s
Term 4 Week 3
Monday 20th October
- Walking Club & Anthem @ 8:40 a.m.
- Private Music Lessons - Srebrenka
- Choir @ 1:45 p.m
Tuesday 21st October
- Term 4 Chess Fanatics with Felix 3:25-4:20pm
Wednesday 22nd October
- Private Music Lessons - Rachel
- Guardian Kinder Moorabbin Visit Group 1- 9:15-10:45 a.m. Playground & activity
- Year 3/4 Parish Mass @10:00 a.m.
Thursday 23rd October
- NO RUNNING CLUB TODAY
- Guardian Kinder Moorabbin Visit Group 2- 9:15-10:45 a.m. Playground & activity
- PE for all classes F-6 (Volleyball clinic)
Term 4 Week 4
Monday 27th October
- Newsletter published
- Walking Club & Anthem @ 8:40 a.m.
- Private Music Lessons - Srebrenka
- Bruthen Street Kinder visit @ 9:15-10:45 a.m. Playground & activity
- Choir @ 1:45 p.m.
- Student Voice @ 3:00pm
Tuesday 28th October
- Term 4 Chess Fanatics with Felix 3:25-4:20pm
Wednesday 29th October
- Guardian Kinder Moorabbin Visit Group 1- 9:15-10:45 a.m. Playground
- Year 1/2 & 5 Parish Mass @ 10:00 a.m.
- Kingston Council Yr 7 Transition Session 1 @ 10:00-1:00 a.m.
- Private Music Lessons - Rachel
Thursday 30th October
- NO RUNNING CLUB TODAY
- Guardian Kinder Moorabbin Visit Group 2- 9:15-10:45 a.m. Playground
- PE for all classes F-6 (Volleyball clinic)
Term 4 Week 5
Monday 3rd November- School Closure Day- Staff Professional Practice Day
Tuesday 4th November- School Closure Day- Melbourne Cup Day Holiday
Wednesday 5th November
- Private Music Lessons - Rachel
- Guardian Kinder Moorabbin Visit Group 1- 9:15-10:45 a.m. Playground & activity
- Kingston Council Yr 7 Transition Session 2 @ 2:15-3:15 p.m.
Thursday 6th November
- Running Club @ 8:15 a.m.
- Guardian Kinder Moorabbin Visit Group 2- 9:15-10:45 a.m. Playground & activity
Term 4 Week 6
Monday 10th November
- Newsletter published
- Walking Club & Anthem @ 8:40 a.m.
- Private Music Lessons - Srebrenka
- Bruthen Street Kinder visit @ 9:15-10:45 a.m. Playground & activity
- Choir @ 1:45 p.m.
- Student Voice @ 3:00pm
- SAC- School Advisory Board @ 6:00-7:30pm
Tuesday 11th November
- Playgroup @ 9:00-11:00 a.m
- Excellent Education Kinder & Childcare visit @ 9:15-10:45 a.m. Playground & activity
- Remembrance Day Commemoration @10:40-11:00 a.m.
- Foundation 2026 Foundation Information @ 7:00pm
- Term 4 Chess Fanatics with Felix 3:25-4:20pm
Wednesday 12th October
- Private Music Lessons - Rachel
- Guardian Kinder Moorabbin Visit Group 1- 9:15-10:45 a.m. Playground & activity
- Kingston Council Yr 7 Transition Session 3 @ 2:15-3:15 p.m.
Thursday 13th November
- Running Club @ 8:15 a.m.
- Guardian Kinder Moorabbin Visit Group 2- 9:15-10:45 a.m. Playground & activity
Term 4 Week 7
Monday 17th November
- Walking Club & Anthem @ 8:40 a.m.
- Private Music Lessons - Srebrenka
- Foundation 2026 Transition Session 1 @ 9:19-10:45 a.m (Morning Tea for families & Second Hand Uniform Shop)
- Choir @ 1:45 p.m..
Tuesday 18th November
- OLSH Year 7 Orientation
- Term 4 Chess Fanatics with Felix 3:25-4:20pm
Wednesday 19th November
- Private Music Lessons - Rachel
- Parish Mass Year 6 & Foundation @ 10:00 a.m.
Thursday 20th November
- School Athletics- Rowan’s Road @ 9:00am-11:30 a.m
Friday 21st November- School Closure Day
Term 4 Week 8
Monday 24th November
- Walking Club & Anthem @ 8:40 a.m.
- F-4 Aquastar Swimming Program @ 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
- Newsletter published
- Private Music Lessons - Srebrenka
- Choir @ 1:45 p.m.
- Student Voice @ 3:00pm
Tuesday 25th November
- F-4 Aquastar Swimming Program @ 12:00 - 2:000 p.m.
- Foundation 2026 Transition Session 2 @ 9:19-10:45 a.m
- Bruthen Street Kinder visit @ 9:15-10:45 a.m. Playground
- Term 4 Chess Fanatics with Felix 3:25-4:20pm
Wednesday 26th November
- Private Music Lessons - Rachel
- Parish Mass Years F-6 @ 10:00 a.m. (St Catherine Laboure Feast Day 28th N0vember)
- F-4 Aquastar Swimming Program @ 12:00 - 2:000 p.m.
Thursday 27th November
- Running Club @ 8:15 a.m.
- F-4 Aquastar Swimming Program @ 12:00 - 2:000 p.m.
Friday 28th November
- St Catherine Laboure Feast Day
- STOMP Dance Company F-2 @ 9:30 - 10:00 a.m.
- STOMP Dance Company 3-6 @ 10:00 -10:30 a.m.
- F-4 Aquastar Swimming Program @ 12:00 - 2:000 p.m.
Term 4 Week 9
Monday 1st December
- Walking Club & Anthem & Term 4 Class Awards @ 8:40 a.m.
- Private Music Lessons - Srebrenka
- Choir @ 1:45 p.m.
Tuesday 2nd December
- Term 4 Chess Fanatics with Felix 3:25-4:20pm
Wednesday 3rd December
- Foundation 2026 Transition Session 3 @ 9:15-10:45 a.m
- Private Music Lessons - Rachel
Thursday 4th December
- Running Club @ 8:15 a.m.
- Christmas Carols & Twilight Market Carnival @ 5:00-8:00 p.m (gates open at 4.40pm)
Term 4 Week 10
Monday 8th December
- Newsletter published
- Walking Club & Anthem @ 8:40 a.m.
- Private Music Lessons - Srebrenka
- Choir @ 1:45 p.m.
Tuesday 9th December
- Term 4 Chess Fanatics with Felix 3:25-4:20pm
Wednesday 10th December
- Semester 2 Reports sent home to families
- Private Music Lessons - Rachel
- End of Year Mass & Foundation Nativity @ 10:00 a.m.
- 2026 Class & Teacher Meet & Greet @ 11:3001:30 a.m.
Thursday 11th December
- Running Club @ 8:15 a.m.
- Playgroup @ 9:00-11:00 a.m
Friday 12th December
- Year 6 Luna Park end of year celebration - TBC
Term 4 Week 11
Monday 15th December
- Last day of school for Year 6 students
- Walking Club & Anthem @ 8:40 a.m.
- Year 6 Guard of Honour @ 3:15 p.m.
- 5:45 p.m. Year 6 Graduation
Tuesday 15th December
- Last day of school for Year F-6 students
Wednesday 17th December
- St Catherine’s Christmas Eve Mass & Parish Nativity 1 @ 5:00pm
Tuesday 23rd December
- St Catherine’s Christmas Eve Mass & Parish Nativity 2 @ 5:00pm
Thursday 24th December
- St Catherine’s Christmas Eve Mass & Parish Nativity @ 6:00pm