The Victorian Catholic Primary Principals Association Conference last week was very worthwhile, affirming and thought provoking. There were many references to teaching students about having a positive mindset and I am confident that many of our students are given strategies from staff in regards to this concept.  The need for allowing students to be creative with a range of technologies that are available to them was also a strong theme that was reinforced by several of the keynote speakers.

Dr Jordan Nguyen was the highlight for me as well as making me feel ‘old.’ This inspiring young man in his early 30’s has already done so much in his life and his creativity is helping many people living with disability. If you have time to watch this, I am sure you will find him fascinating. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxuWIXdYYyQ

The fast paced nature of change in our world urges us to constantly assess what do we want to achieve and why. Some interesting quotes that made a connection for me.

“Find your purpose, your why”

“Say to yourself I am enough- I am worthy”

“Human connection is fundamental”

“Perfection does not exist”

“Our greatest growth can come from our darkest moments”

“Transfer information with a story”

“You are in control of your mindset”

“Focus on the things you can control”

“Classroom assessment is the most powerful type of assessment that influences

student learning”

“Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change”

“Learn through stories”

“One Life- Persist to improve many”

“Keep dreams, allow imagination”

“Know thyself-understand yourself and set goals”

“Life use to be linear”

Attending such events is a wonderful opportunity to see and hear ‘big picture’ ideas and concepts.

News on Catherine:

I am happy to report that Catherine's surgery was a success and she is home recuperating. The doctors have already had her up on crutches and she now has the next 5 weeks working hard with physio. We have sent Catherine flowers and the best wishes of the school community  for a speedy recovery.

We ask that parents continue to wait to enter the junior building until 3:30pm each afternoon.

Reminder for 1st week back next term, the children return on Wednesday April 24th.

It is hard to believe we  are already at the end of 1st Term! On behalf of all the staff I wish families a very Happy and Holy Easter - Stay Safe!

Michael Juliff

Last year the School Boards in the three schools discussed  communication and much of the feedback indicated that the multiple electronic platforms for various forms of information was confusing. Board parents suggested that one platform that could store information and could be easily accessed would be more helpful.

I am pleased to announce after researching communication platforms of other schools we have engaged Schoolzine to support our school with a new Parent Engagement Platform, Website and School App. The benefit of Schoolzine products is that they integrate, providing easy access of information to parents.

The Parent Engagement Platform will allow parents to access the latest e-news, print a copy and locate archived newsletters. This platform also stores information such as school policies, uniform and canteen information, school calendar, and staff contacts. Other features include booking Parent Teacher Meetings, booking events, translating the newsletter into different languages and contacting the school regarding a student absence.

The school app called SZapp allows parents to access newsletters and calendar, report a student absence, call the school and place an order for the canteen.

The Parent Engagement Platform and the app is designed so current parents can easily access school information.

The school website, while still providing parents with general information about our school is designed more for new families wishing to find out information about programs the school offers and the enrolment process.

We are aiming to change over to the new Schoolzine products in Week 2 of Term 2. This will mean that parents will still receive a link to the newsletter via email. You will not need to subscribe as we will transfer all current parent emails over to schoolzine. Parents will need to install the Schoolzine app called SZapp on their phones. (Instructions will be in the first eNews in week 2.)

Michael Juliff for Catherine

Calling all children!       

The fate of AUSTRALIA is in your hands!

Have you ever wanted to meet someone famous? Have you ever even dreamed that you could give them a hand? Well a student in this school is on their way to stardom, but like all budding stars, they need a little help to get started. Who is it? Charlotte Fitzgerald! That’s right!

This special girl is about to do something amazing - something she never even dreamed of when she started at Academy of Sound Arts and Performance studios in 2016 (grade 2). But now, 3 years later, she is going to represent Australia (that’s us) at the Commonwealth Cup Dancing Championships in South Africa. To get to South Africa she needs a bit of support and you can help her get there by doing something simple - buying some cakes.

She is setting up a cake stall to raise money so she can cross the world and then compete for us. If you want Australia to do well, know that their fate is in your hands. All you need to do is turn up to the cake stall, buy a cake and enjoy eating it - knowing that this small act is making a big difference. You can help! GO AUSSIE!  

When : Thursday 4th April at 11am

Where : Outside School hall

Bring : Money for cakes/ slices/ milo balls   

St. Paul’s House Cross Country 2019

On Friday the 29th March the children in Grades 3 – 6 competed in the St Pauls House Cross Country. The runners did a terrific job completing the 1 and 2 kilometre courses and they should be very proud of their efforts and achievements. The results were as follows:

1st - Waratah (Red) - 669 pts

2nd -  Wattle (Gold) - 610 pts

3rd - Eucalyptus (Green) - 583 pts

4th – Jacaranda (Blue) - 562 pts

Congratulations Waratah House on a great result!

Grade 1 Mum’s Drinks
Wednesday 3rd April 2019 - 7.30pm onwards @ Sonder, 438 Centre Rd Bentleigh.

The 2nd hand uniform shop is looking for volunteers to help out with the selling and organising of stock. The second hand uniform will run on the last Monday of each month. If you can spare an hour once a month please email Anna on office@spbentleigh.catholic.edu.au or pop into the office to put your name on the roster.The 2nd Hand Uniform shop is a great way to recycle clothes, save money on uniform purchases and contribute to the school's fundrasing. Hoping to hear from you!

Please click on link below to see the OshClub upcoming holiday program information.

OSHC-St-Pauls-Bentleigh-VIC-R2-Bayside-Autumn-2019

Joseph Lloyd, De La Salle College St Leo’s House Vice-Captain, 2019

My name is Joe Lloyd. I joined De La Salle College in Year 7. In 2019 I am serving as St Leo’s House Vice-Captain.

Being chosen as a Student Leader makes me feel proud to lead my school and my mates, and excited for what’s to come in such a big year.

I came to De La Salle from St Paul’s in Bentleigh. I remember playing footy at lunchtime with all of my mates. St Paul’s definitely helped me develop my leadership skills - we did a public speaking course which provided me with the basics on approaching a speech.

I particularly remember Mr Maher for providing so many opportunities and being so enthusiastic, and Mrs Kitson for being a great Year 6 teacher and preparing me well for secondary school.

The Star of the Sea College application portal for Year 7, 2021 prospective students is now open.