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Welcome to the 2025 school year. It was great to come back and see everyone looking refreshed and ready to take on the new school year.
2025 School Theme ‘We are Pilgrims of Hope’
Pope Francis’ invitation this year is to participate in the Jubilee Year as ‘Pilgrims of Hope’. Since 1300 AD , the Catholic Church has celebrated the Jubilee Year every 25 years.
Our school theme for 2025 ‘We are Pilgrims of Hope’ calls us to sow seeds of beauty and kindness wherever we find ourselves. We are invited to sing of hope and awaken in every heart the joy and courage to embrace life - life to the full.
The word ‘Jubilee’ is associated with excitement. Its origins are found in two different causes for celebration. In Latin, jubilation was the shout of joy accompanying the birth of a king or the victory of a famous gladiator. In Hebrew, the word referred to the trumpet sounded to announce the 50th year in which the Law of Moses ordered people to be released from their debt, the land was rested, people could travel over borders and slaves were freed.
Today, forgiveness and renewal remain key themes of a Jubilee year. It is a year of prayer and pilgrimage during which we are called to seek forgiveness and strengthen our relationship with God, with one another, and with all of creation.
Watch PILGRIMS of HOPE
Mural & Playground Refresh
The school grounds are looking fresh with our new mural and newly painted lines, hopscotch game, compass and alphabet snake. Thank you to the P & F for their fundraising initiatives and support to assist with these upgrades. A big thank you to Suzanne Currie for leading and coordinating the Mural Project over the last 2 years. The mural was completed during the week before school began. Here are some photos of the progress from the initial projection of the design onto the wall on Tuesday night to the completion of the mural on Friday. Thank you to our amazing artist Kyle Brightside for completing the design. Thank you also to Jo Szczepanska and Candice Peart who donated their time to workshop concepts and designs with the students and families.
2025 Staffing
We welcome four new staff members to St Catherine’s this year.
Please see a short introduction from each of them below.
Andrea Harvey- Year 5/6 Teacher
Dear families,
My name is Andrea Harvey and I am thrilled to be teaching 5/6 this year. It was a pleasure meeting your gorgeous children and I already love my class. I'm looking forward to the year ahead, where we can all grow in knowledge, understanding and in our love of learning. I have had many years of experience as a teacher and in leadership during my career, and it is a job I love doing. In my personal life I love travelling, exercising, laughing, painting, shopping and socialising with friends and family. I look forward to meeting you all, so please say ‘hi’ if you get the chance.
Joanne Boers- Visual Arts Teacher
I’ve had a deep passion for art from a young age, starting with oil painting lessons that sparked my passion for Visual Arts. This love has only grown over the years, as I’ve continued to explore watercolour painting workshops and continue to paint for pleasure. After teaching Visual Arts for many years, I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of the artistic journeys of students at St Catherine's Primary School. Outside of art, I’m a proud mother of two young men and enjoy my daily walks along the beach.
Samantha Hudson- Performing Arts Teacher
Terri Wilson
Terri is going to be helping in 1/2HB to help us with our learning.Terri is mum to June, George and Charlie. She has two dogs and one cat. Her favourite food is chocolate and hot chips. She is very happy, kind and helpful. Terri likes to read her book and relax on the weekends.
2025 Wellbeing Leader
Congratulations to Jenny Burnet who has been appointed Wellbeing Leader. She will be a valuable asset to the Leadership Team. Jenny is passionate about student and staff wellbeing and will bring this into her new role.
2025 Staff Roles & Responsibilities
Carmel Donlon- Acting Principal/Religious Education Leader/Student Diversity Leader
Megan Moore- Assistant Principal/Student Diversity Leader Leader/Learning & Teaching
Laura Bailey- Administration
Jaimee Hall- Foundation Classroom Teacher
Holly Burke- 1/2 Classroom Teacher
Jenny Burnet- 3/4 Classroom Teacher/Wellbeing Leader
Andrea Harvey- 5/6 Classroom Teacher
Joyce Dunne- 5/6 Classroom Teacher
Helene Lionakis- Japanese Teacher (Tuesday & Wednesday)
Joanne Boers- Visual Arts Teacher (Monday & Tuesday)
Samantha Hudson- Performing Arts Teacher (Monday & Tuesday)
Susan Pattinson- Physical Education & Sport (Thursday & Friday)
Antonella Chiodo- Education Support
Catherine Dudley- Education Support
Kath Barca- Education Support/Library/ICT Administration/Playgroup Leader
Paula Hamilton- Education Support & Administration
Terri Wilson- Education Support & Administration
Paul Harding- Gardening & Maintenance
Olga Russell- IT Support
2025 School Hours/Morning & Afternoon Routines
8.40-8.55am Playground supervision (Asphalt & Courtyard- No Adventure Playground))
8.55am Music plays- Classrooms open
9.00am Bell rings
9.00-10.55am Class time
10.55-11.00am Eating- snack
11.00-11.30am Recess
11.30-1.35pm Class time
1.35-1.45 Eating- lunch
1.45-2.15pm Lunch time
2.15-3.15pm Class time
3.15-3.20pm Pack up time
3.20pm Dismissal bell
3.20-3.30pm Playground supervision (Playing on Adventure Playground after school only permitted if parents are actively supervising alongside the playground equipment)
2025 School Photos
These will take place on Thursday 13th February (morning). Students are required to wear full summer uniforms. A reminder that students need to wear navy blue socks with their summer uniform. If your child has PE on Photo day, they can bring their runners in their school bags to change into before their PE lesson.
See attached flyer for ordering. Family photos are available but must be ordered.
MACSEYE
Before and After School Care- Our new provider has been working hard over the break to begin their service on Wednesday, 29th January. There will be 2 staff members running the service each day. Jemie (Yio Je Mie) is the service Coordinator and Laura Chedra is the Educator. They are looking forward to meeting St Catherine's students and families. See attached flyer for information on how to register and book.
Jemie (Yio Je Mie) Coordinator
Hi we are Jemie and Laura from MACSEYE and we can’t wait to start running the before and after school programs at St Catherine. We’re passionate about creating a fun and engaging program as well as creating a warm, inviting environment.
Hello my name is Laura I’m an educator from MACSEYE running the OSHC program. My hobbies are cooking/baking, reading, music and playing video games. I love animals and am passionate about the environment and creating sustainable experiences. I’ve always loved working with children creating experiences and spaces for them to learn, grow and play. I’ve got four years of experience in working in childcare centres and working at OSHC programs. I’m so excited to meet everyone at St Catherine’s and can’t wait to build meaningful, respectful relationships with all the teachers, families, children and the community. Please don’t hesitate to reach out ask questions or to have a chat
Hi my name is Jemie. I am the new coordinator at the OSHC service, proudly working with MACSEYE. My journey in working with children began during my teenage years as a Sunday school teacher and I’ve been passionate about childhood education ever since. Over the past four years, I’ve gained valuable experience in early childhood education, and I’m excited to bring my skills and enthusiasm to this wonderful community. I look forward to getting to know everyone here at St Catherine and creating a positive, supportive environment for all. Please don’t hesitate to reach out anytime.
TK Snack & Lunch Orders
In 2025 we will be changing our lunch order provider to TK Tuckshop.The new provider will commence service on Wed 29th Jan 2025. To set up TK Tuckshop ordering for 2025 please download the Spriggy Schools App. TK Tuckshop Lunch Orders will be available- Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri (not Tue). Orders will be delivered at 10.45am so students can have their snack at recess. Our school canteen will be open as usual on Thursdays at recess for snack purchases and icy poles. See attached flyer for information.
STUDENT ABSENCES- LATE ARRIVALS
Parents/Guardians are required to notify the school of their child’s absence before 8:45 AM, providing the reason for the absence. This notification must be made through the Schoolzine app. Parents/guardians may contact the school directly or email the class teacher; however, this should be in addition to using the Schoolzine app. Please note that teachers are unable to check emails after 9:00 AM as they are engaged in teaching.
Parents are required to sign students in, providing the reason for the late arrival, either in person at the office or via the app, before the student proceeds to class. If you arrive after 9:00 AM, please drop your child at the school office, and staff will escort them to their class. We kindly ask that parents avoid entering classrooms or corridors after 9:00 AM, as this can be disruptive to the start of the school day.
In accordance with legislative and child safety requirements, schools are obligated to record student attendance twice daily, including the reason for any absence or lateness. At St. Catherine’s, class teachers mark the roll at approximately 9:00 AM and 1:35 PM each day. If the school has not received notification of a student's absence by the start of the school day, families will be sent a text message in the morning prompting them to contact the school and provide the reason for their child's absence. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact myself or the office staff.
School Advisory Council Members
2025 Meeting Dates
Term 1 Week 5 - 6pm-7:30pm - Monday, 24th February
Term 2 Week 5 - 6pm-7:30pm -Monday 19th May
Term 3 Week 5 - 6pm-7:30pm - Monday, 18th August
Term 4 Week 6 - 6pm-7:30pm - Monday, 10th November
The SAC members will meet with the school Leadership Team once a term.
The following are some ways the School Advisory Council supports the school and the principal:
- Articulating and enacting the school’s vision and mission
- Promoting the school’s Catholic ethos and culture
- Promoting faith formation and development
- Implementing school policies as required
- Advising the principal on issues such as enrolments/trends
- Engaging in discussion about the annual school budget and other financial matters
- Giving advice to the principal about the school Master Plan
- Capital resource planning and maintenance support to the principal
Please contact any of the SAC members if you would like more information or would like to apply to join the 2025 SAC.
|
NAME |
ROLE |
|
Darren Brady |
Member |
|
Denver Styles |
Chairperson |
|
Suzanne Currie |
Member |
|
Julia Runci |
Secretary |
|
Abbey Walters |
Member |
|
Carmel Donlon |
Acting Principal |
|
Megan Moore |
Leadership |
2025 Student Shout Outs!
Please email me if your child has achieved an amazing milestone either individually or with their team. We will showcase them in our newsletter. Please include a photo of your child showing off their award/trophy/certificate etc. Please note we cannot add team photos to the newsletter as we don't have photo permission for the team members.
School Fees
Term 1 2025 dates
Week 2
Monday 3rd February - PSGs for relevant families (families will be emailed)
Tuesday 4th February - PSGs for relevant families (families will be emailed)
Wednesday 5th February - No 2025 foundation students at school today
Wednesday 5th February, 10-11am - Beginning of school mass
Friday 7th February - 10:10am F-4, 11:40 5/6 incursion
Friday 7th February, 5:30-7:30pm - Welcome back picnic
Week 3
Monday 10th February - PSGs for relevant families (families will be emailed)
Tuesday 11th February - PSGs for relevant families (families will be emailed)
Tuesday 11th February - Safer Internet Day
Wednesday 12th February - No 2025 foundation students at school today
Thursday 13th February - 9:00-11:00am - School photos
Week 4
Wednesday 19th February - 6-7pm - Year 3 Reconciliation students - family evening
Wednesday 19th February - No 2025 foundation students at school today
Friday 21st February - HOLT swimming (select students - families will be emailed in advance)
Sunday 23rd February - 10:30-11:30am - Year 3 Reconciliation students - Presentation mass
Week 5
Monday 24th February - 9-9:30am - Year 6 leaders badge presentation
Monday 24th February 6.00-7.30pm SAC Meeting School Advisory Council
Tuesday 25th February - 9-3:00pm - Year ⅚ Beach program
Wednesday 26th February - 9-3:00pm - Year ⅚ Beach program
Wednesday 26th February - No 2025 foundation students at school today
Wednesday 26th February - 10-11am - Year ½ parish mass
Week 6
Tuesday 4th March - 8:30 am - Pancake breakfast (Shrove Tuesday)
Wednesday 5th March - 10-11am - Ash Wednesday whole school mass
Wednesday 5th March -3:45-7:00pm - Parent/Student/Teacher conference
Thursday 6th March -3:45-7:00pm - Parent/Student/Teacher conference
Friday 7th March- School Closure Day
Week 7
Monday 10th March - Labour Day public holiday
Wednesday 12th March - 24th March - NAPLAN Years 3 & 5
Week 8
Wednesday 12th March - 24th March - NAPLAN Years 3 & 5
Monday 17th March - Dental visit (classes TBC)
Wednesday 19th March - all day - Year 3 Reconciliation students - Reflection day
Wednesday 19th March - 10-11am - 3/4 class mass
Thursday 20th March - Open Day for 2026 families
Friday 21st March - Harmony Day
Saturday 22nd March - 10:30-11:30am - Year 3 Reconciliation students -Reconciliation day
Week 9
Wednesday 26th March - 10-11am - Year 5/ 6 and Foundation class mass
Week 10
Friday 4th April - 3:20pm - End of Term 1 (school resumes Tuesday 22nd April)
Foundation
WOW! What a fantastic start to the school year our newest little members have had! We are very excited to have officially welcomed our Foundation students and their families to St Catherine’s last week. We spent the week singing lots of songs, playing lots of fun learning games, spending time getting to know one another and learning lots and lots of things about being at school. Our Foundation students are loving school so far and cannot wait for the exciting learning journey ahead! We are very proud of them all!
1/2HB
The best thing about Year One and Two so far has been…
- Challenging ourselves to build a huge tower with blocks (Zach)
- Playing with my friends outside (Rian)
- Catching up with my friends (Aston)
- Making a craft me (Kihayl)
- Graphing everyone’s favourite food (Paidi)
- Craft (everyone)
What we are hoping to learn in Year 1 and Two this year is…
- Multiplication and Division
- Everything about the solar system
- Handwriting
3/4JB
Grade 3/4 students have had a great start to the term! In Maths, we’ve been exploring data, with a fun twist—creating bioglyphs to represent personal information.
Students loved playing ‘Guess Who?’, using their data skills to match each bioglyph to a classmate. It was a fantastic way to learn about data while getting to know each other. We’re excited for more hands-on learning ahead!
5/6AH
It was wonderful to see all the 5/6AH students arrive at school, eager to see their friends, to chat to the teachers and to settle into a routine conducive to learning. It was a great week of getting to know new classes and teachers. Here is what the students said:
