Term 4: Week 6
As we continue through Term 4, there is much to be grateful for and celebrate in the life of our school community.
This week, we paused to honour Remembrance Day, taking time to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of those who have served our country. Our students gathered in prayer and silence to show gratitude for the peace and freedom we are privileged to enjoy in our country today.
Our Prep Transition Program continues, and it has been wonderful to see our 2026 families in our school and our future preps growing in confidence as they become familiar with their new school environment. Their excitement and joy remind us of the bright future ahead.
After the success of our last open morning, we are pleased to be offering another opportunity to join us and see our learning in action. A reminder to those who have responded that our open morning will be held next Tuesday. We are looking forward to showing you the inspiring learning happening across our classrooms and to sharing our knowledge-rich approach to curriculum.
We take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks to staff members who are leaving at the end of the year:
Michella Pradel has been a leader and instructional coach in our community for the past 5 years and is exploring other opportunities for her future.
Shannon Dyer has been a much-loved senior teacher for the past two years. She is exploring other career options while taking a break from teaching to focus on her health and family.
Vanessa Pantalone has been our Performing Arts teacher for several years. Her passion for dance and the performing arts inspired her to open her own dance school at the beginning of 2024. As this business has grown, her time for teaching has reduced, and she is taking a step back to concentrate on the growth of her dance school.
Rachel Ortisi has taught Phys Ed to our Prep students for the past few years. Her passion for the early years and the health and well-being of students has led her to undertake a psychology degree. Rachel will be seen around our school in a casual relief teacher capacity as she takes the time to complete her studies.
Alice Pham has been a learning support officer at SFA for the past year. She is continuing her final year of studies to become a qualified teacher.
We are deeply grateful for the service and contribution of these staff members to our school, and we wish them every success in their next chapter. They will be very missed!
Thank you for your continued support and involvement in the life of our school as we approach the final weeks of what has been a productive and faith-filled year.
Michelle
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17 NOV 2025 - 9 - 11 am 2026 Prep Transition Morning #2
18 NOV 2025 - 9 am Open Morning: Knowledge Rich
5 DEC 2025 - 9:30 - 10:30 am End of Year Mass
10 DEC 2025 - Year 6 Graduation
16 DEC 2025 - 12 pm Term 4 Ends
Open Morning: Knowledge Rich
Tuesday Morning: 9am to 10:15am
We are looking forward to welcoming many families to the school on Tuesday to find out more about the ways that we are helping our students to build rich, connected knowledge about our world. If you haven’t already, you may like to take a look at this page on our website.
Family Holidays
Thank you to all the families who have supported their children to achieve their best by ensuring strong attendance throughout the school year. As we approach the end of the year, we want to remind everyone how important the first and last weeks of school are. Attending the final week of classes allows students to celebrate their learning and enjoy important end-of-year activities with their peers.
The first weeks of the school year are also crucial. This is when children build relationships with their new teachers and classmates, and establish the routines and expectations that set them up for success. Please plan ahead to ensure your child returns for the first day of learning in 2026.
If your family needs to travel during the school term, please remember to contact the office to check whether approval is required for your child(ren)’s absence.
Safe and Efficient Dismissal
A big thank you to all the families who have placed their name cards on their passenger visors. This simple step makes a big difference—it helps us dismiss students safely, quickly, and smoothly each afternoon.
Traffic Safety Reminder
When entering the pick-up and drop-off area, please remember the speed limit is 10 km/h. Your care helps keep all our students, families, and staff safe.
Social Media Delay
The eSafety Commissioner’s deadline for social media platforms to restrict access for people under the age of 16 will take effect on 10 December.
Some news outlets have reported that Roblox may be affected by this ban. It is not currently on the list. You can read more about the platforms affected on the eSafety Commissioner website, or you may find this list compiled by SBS to be a helpful overview.
Tokens and Rewards
Please encourage your children to return all their PBL tokens to school. Tokens are school property and an important part of our rewards system. We want every student to have the opportunity to cash in their tokens and celebrate their positive choices!