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- Principal News
- Deputy News!
- Along the Track - Nothing Special!
- Simon Calendar Important Dates
- Stem in the Spotlight
- Fundraising News!!!
- Inform and Empower
- City Campers - year 6
- Berwick Show this weekend!
- Student Celebrations
- CDFPay
- Mental Health in Primary Schools
- Lunch time Club
- Uniform
- Lost Property
Dear Parents,
Our Prep students have settled into the routines of school.
Our Grade 6 students have returned from 4 days at Urban Camp in the city where they were very busy visiting different sites and undertaking many activities. I thank all the staff who attended for supporting this with time away from their own families.
Our grade 3 and 5 students have started preparations for NAPLAN. Victoria Donlan ran an information session on Thursday last week and the Slides from this were sent out to all families that have students undertaking these assessments. I thank Victoria for all her work in this space. Please be reassured that the students are more than prepared for these through all the work and the current assessments they take on a regular basis and the tasks they undertake in their classrooms.
The students really just need to attend and do their best. This data predominately informs the school and of strengths and any gaps we need to address.
As part of a 4 year process, all school’s undertake School Review and VRQA. Both of these look at our Strategic Implementation Plan, what we have achieved and where we need to go.
These are rigorous processes that involve thorough audits of all that school’s do to ensure they are meeting all requirements of the appropriate regulatory bodies. St Catherine’s is undertaking this in 2025. There will be more information filtering out regarding this as we move through the year.
Our School Review takes place in August. This assesses us against the School Improvement tool. This looks deeply at our school’s culture , Learning and Teaching and the various elements involved within the structures of our school. The recommendations and findings from this process assist us in forming our Strategic Implementation Plan for the school’s next 4 year cycle.
In November we go through the VRQA process that assesses our policies and process to ensure we meet the standards set by The Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority.
Lastly, I would like to reassure all of our parents that we watch all weather conditions closely and monitor all weather warnings. In the event of extreme weather we will call an indoor play. This is called at the beginning of break times rather than the forecast temperature as these can often change or occur after our break times. Getting out and playing is important but we will not allow it should there be extreme temperatures or wind etc.
Regards Anna
Family Learning Conversations.
Information regarding Family Learning Conversations will be sent out this week . You will be able to book these via Simon. These will take place in week 6.
Some families will receive notification for an extended meeting time running on the Monday. This is to eliminate the doubling up of FLC’s and PSG’s, it will become just one meeting which will be extended. More information will follow regarding this.
Specialist class bookings will need to be made seperately if needed through the school office by calling 97021466 or alternatively info@stcberick.catholic.edu.au
Prep Gate
In the past few weeks Preps have been entering from the Prep gate. As of next week the Prep gate will be closed, so Preps will need to enter as normal with all other students through the front gate or with parents via the Kiss and Go.
2026 Enrolments
We are currently taking 2026 Enrolments. If you are an existing family please get your forms in asap to guarantee you a spot. If you know of anyone considering St Catherine’s for their child please ask them to contact the Office on 9702 1466.
School fees
School Fee Statements will be emailed to families today, Wednesday 19 February.
Families who have not yet commenced a direct debit for 2025 and wish to do so, will need to complete a direct debit form as soon as possible. (Please note if you had a 2024 Direct Debit this has been carried over to 2025). The form can be accessed via the website or the link below. Alternatively, a hard copy can be collected from the office. Once completed, please email to accounts@stcberwick.catholic.edu.au
Payment can also be made by BPay, EFTPOS, or cash. Term 1 fees (or if paying annually) are due for settlement by Monday 17 March 2025, unless alternative payment arrangements (e.g. direct debit) have been made.
CAMP, SPORTS & EXCURSION FUNDS (CSEF)
Families who hold an eligible Health Care Concession Card, may be eligible for Camp, Sports and Excursion Funding (CSEF).
The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund provides payments for eligible students to attend school camps, excursions, and sports and outdoor education programs.
Please follow the link below to get more information and download the application form. If eligible, this would also entitle families to make an application for a fee remission, which effectively would see a significant reduction of fees to be paid for the year.
2025 SCHOOL SAVINGS BONUS (SSB)
The School Savings Bonus is a State Government initiative designed to assist families with cost-of-living pressures. Under this funding, each eligible student is entitled to a $400 bonus for application towards activity levies and uniform purchases from approved supplier. Within our school, all CSEF applicants are eligible to receive this funding. All families who have a Centrelink Health Care Card and have not applied for CSEF in the past are encouraged to contact the school office and initiate an application this year.
Please refer to the below link for more information:
https://www.vic.gov.au/receiving-school-saving-bonus#non-government-school-information
Further information will be available in the coming week for eligible families.
If you have any questions, wish to commence a direct debit, implement a plan and/or wish to have a confidential discussion regarding your account please contact Margaret Lonergan via email: accounts@stcberwick.catholic.edu.au or phone 9702 1466
2025 Student Residential Address Collection
Please see the attached link below from the Australian Government advising that all schools are being requested to provide a statement of addresses for students enrolled in 2025. This process informs Federal education policy and reassessment of non-government schools funding.
Family Details on SIMON/PAM platform - please update your address if its changed.
We ask that all families please ensure that their details are correct on our SIMON platform. This includes all student medical data. If you have changed your contact details, emergency contact's or contact numbers, please email reception on info@stcberwick.catholic.edu.au with updated information.
Out of School Hours Care Program
CAMP AUSTRALIA
Please follow the link to find out about our before and after school care program! Bookings are now Open!
Our Easter Raffle will be open next week! Raffle book of 10 will go home Monday or Tuesday to the eldest child. Purchases will need to go through CDFPay for the total amount received from your book.
More information will come out Monday.
CDFpay
St Catherine’s school uses CDFpay for online canteen ordering, events, fundraising, our school.
How to register for a CDFpay account
- Download the CDFpay mobile app on the Apple or Google store, then click ‘Sign up now’.
No app? Register here - Enter and confirm your email address, then click ‘Sign up’.
- Check your email inbox and follow the prompts to complete your account registration (check junk/spam if lost).
After you have registered and entered your child’s details, you can:
- Top up your parent wallet and set daily spend limits for your child.
- To avoid card surcharges, top up $50 or more using a debit card or bank transfer any value.
- Order and pay in seconds!
Have questions? View CDFpay powered by Flexischools Help & Support for detailed FAQs or chat to the Flexischools Digital Assistant. If you cannot find what you are looking for, please complete the online Contact Form and Flexischools will get back to you directly.
