Dear Parents and Carers,

The Year of Jubilee presents many opportunities to celebrate our Catholic faith. A highlight of our school year, Catholic Education Week, begins on Sunday 16 March. Catholic Education Week is an opportunity for all Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Melbourne to celebrate their Catholic identity, the pivotal role they play within their local community and the strength of the sector. The theme for 2025 is ‘Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you’ (Isa 60: 1). Our school will celebrate the week within hubs and as a whole school we are holding a Family Maths night during this week. See details below. 

On March 19th, 2025, our Year 6 leaders with our Geelong Catholic school communities will unite in a historic pilgrimage that weaves our rich Catholic heritage, deep connection to the country, and shared commitment to service. This remarkable journey will trace the footsteps of those who built our faith community, from the earliest days of Catholicism in Australia to our vibrant present. 

Year 4/5 iPad Survey Results

Thank you to the Year 4 and 5 families who participated in the iPad survey. We received 106 responses and the results show strong parental support (87.7%) for keeping iPads at school due to concerns about excessive screen time, device management at home, and enforcing boundaries. Many believe this change will create a healthier home environment, reduce family conflicts  and encourage social interaction and outdoor activities. While some parents recognise the educational benefits of iPads, they prefer limited use and we are further considering ways to show the learning in the Year 4-6 area of the school,  via See Saw.

77% of students feel they should be allowed to take iPads home for homework and communication, with some seeing it as an opportunity for independence. However, many also acknowledge the risks of distractions, misuse, and screen addiction. Notably, students who regularly take iPads home often view them more as entertainment devices than learning tools.

As part of our ongoing iPad journey, we have already taken the step in consultation of  implementing a Home Learning policy that removes the need for iPads to be taken home. We will soon install iPad charging trolleys for Year 4 and 5 and notify families when they are ready in the next week or 2. We will also build in Ipads being sent with students on extended leave in order to continue staying connected to learning during this time. iPad chargers will also need to be returned to school.

Additionally, based on feedback, we have purchased wireless keyboards for each hub to support typing skills, digital literacy, writing, and accessibility. This will enhance student engagement, prepare them for future careers, and make learning more efficient.

Click HERE to see how iPads are used across school levels and aligned with the curriculum.

Please click HERE for a copy of our CyberSafety Policy and Yr 3-5 iPad and Internet User Agreement and Yr 6 iPad and Internet User Agreement.

Thank you for your input and support.

Clean Up Australia: What a wonderful whole school event on Friday led so beautifully by Marianne Caddy, Kellie Clark and our sustainability leaders.

Many thanks to all our wonderful students in supporting this community action.

Cross Country: Another brilliant Cross Country event was held on Friday and led so magnificently by  Sam Scott. Many thanks to all staff for their care and efforts and particularly to our persistent, resilient students for their amazing participation.Thank you also to parents and carers for your involvement and preparation of your students. The community vibe at this event was amazing and definitely what we value within our learning community.  Here are the very close results. Congratulations to Malady House for taking out the shield.

Malady 202 pts

Wathaurong 199 pts

Boyd 192 pts

Mercy 185 pts