Dear Parents and Carers,

This week, we were thrilled to welcome the children and educators from the Yarram Early Learning Centre to our school. Their visit was filled with smiles, laughter, and a wonderful sense of curiosity. The children had the opportunity to explore our classrooms, join in story time, participate in some fun hands-on activities, and meet our teachers and current students.

These transition experiences are such an important part of helping our youngest learners feel comfortable and excited about starting school. It was heartwarming to see the confidence and joy on their faces as they explored their future learning environment. A big thank you to our staff and students who helped make the visit so welcoming and special — your kindness and enthusiasm make a lasting impression on our future Preps and their families.

 Our Grade 6 students have now begun their transition programs to Yarram Secondary College and the Catholic College. These visits play a crucial role in supporting our students as they prepare to take the next big step into secondary school life.

During these sessions, students have the chance to tour their new schools, meet their future teachers, and take part in a variety of learning activities designed to help them feel confident and ready for Year 7. Transition can bring a mix of excitement and nerves, but our students have shown great maturity, curiosity, and positivity throughout the process. We are incredibly proud of the way they represent our school and approach this next stage of their educational journey.

We thank both secondary schools for their warm hospitality and ongoing partnership in ensuring a smooth and supportive transition for our students.

We’re also very excited to welcome our 2026 Prep students, who will begin their transition sessions next Thursday, November 6th. These visits are designed to help our newest learners become familiar with the school setting, meet teachers, and begin forming friendships with their fellow classmates.

Families are encouraged to attend and share in this important time of beginning. Starting school is a big milestone — not only for children, but for parents and carers too — and we look forward to building a strong connection with each new family joining our community.

 On Saturday, 29th November, our school and parish community will come together to celebrate the Jubilee Outreach to the Poor Mass with Bishop Greg Bennet and Fr. Confidence. This special occasion reminds us of the importance of compassion, service, and giving to those in need — values that lie at the heart of our faith and our school’s mission.

As part of this outreach, we are asking families to contribute non-perishable items to help create hampers for distribution to local families and individuals who may be struggling at this time of year. These hampers provide not just food and essential goods, but also hope and comfort to those who need it most.

Suggested donation items include:

• Canned foods (soups, vegetables, fruit, beans, and tuna – within expiry date)
  
  
• Pasta, rice, and breakfast cereals
  
  
• Long-life milk and pantry staples
  
  
• Cleaning products (detergents, sponges, disinfectant wipes)
  
  
• Paper towels, tissues, and toilet paper
  
  
• Toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, and deodorant
  
  

Donations can be dropped off at the school office or parish foyer by Friday, 22nd November. Every small contribution helps make a big difference. Thank you for your ongoing generosity and commitment to supporting those in need. Together, we can bring hope, dignity, and joy to others this season.

As we head into the long weekend, we’d like to take this opportunity to wish all our students, staff, and families a safe and enjoyable break. Long weekends offer the perfect chance to slow down, rest, and spend quality time with loved ones — something we all value during our busy school terms.

Whether you’re travelling, spending time at home, or enjoying the beautiful local surroundings, please take care on the roads and look out for one another. We hope the weekend brings plenty of laughter, relaxation, and connection.

We look forward to seeing everyone back at school next week, refreshed and ready for more wonderful learning experiences.

Have a fantastic long weekend — stay safe, rest well, and enjoy time together!

Maria

Share a message of thanks to a staff member within your school through the Padlet digital gratitude wall

https://padlet.com/DOSCEL/world-teachers-day-2025-t2c1vx9hzpiw2vpa

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

We hope you had a wonderful day. 

Mental Health and Wellbeing News

Finding Calm in Busy Times

As we move through the middle of Term 4, school life is buzzing with activity — learning goals to complete, special events, and preparations for the year ahead. For many students, this time also brings important changes. Our Year 6 students are preparing for secondary school, and our Kindergarten children are getting ready to take their first steps into Foundation. These transitions often bring a mix of excitement, curiosity, and sometimes a little nervousness — all very normal emotions at this stage of the year. 

Through The Resilience Project, our students have been learning strategies to help manage these feelings by practising gratitude, empathy, and mindfulness. These simple habits encourage children to pause, reflect on the positives, and stay present in the moment — skills that are especially helpful during times of change. Finding calm doesn’t mean avoiding big feelings but learning how to notice them and respond with care and understanding.

Parents and carers can play a big part in helping children feel confident and supported through transition. Here are a few small ways to help at home:

• Talk openly about what’s ahead — both the exciting parts and the things that might feel a bit scary.
• Acknowledge feelings and reassure your child that it’s okay to feel nervous; everyone does when starting something new.
• Keep routines steady where possible — familiar routines help children feel safe and grounded.
• Encourage gratitude and reflection — talk about what they’ve enjoyed or learned this year, and what they’re looking forward to next.
• Model calm — children take cues from adults, so showing patience and optimism helps them feel secure.
  

As we move through this busy and exciting time, let’s continue to make space for rest, reflection, and calm — celebrating growth, embracing change, and looking forward to new beginnings with confidence and care.

If you would like further information on how to support your child through transition, do not hesitate to contact me.

Deb Owens

Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader

REMEMBRANCE DAY

Remembrance Day is on Saturday, 11th November, and we have received some poppy badges, pins and other items to help raise funds for the Remembrance Day Appeal. They are available to buy from the school office if you are interested. 

Your contribution to the Poppy Appeal changes the lives of our veterans and their families when they need it the most.