Monday 26th January - Australia Day

Tuesday 27th January - Staff Only

Wednesday 28th January - Staff Only

Thursday 29th January - Testing day by appointment only - duration 30min (booking information will be sent out later this term)

Friday 30th January - Testing day by appointment only - duration 30min (booking information will be sent out later this term)

Monday 02nd February - All students commence school on this day in their summer uniform

• Testing is only required for one of the days, either Thursday 29th or Friday 30th January 2026

• 2026 Preps have Wednesdays off in the month of February

• 2026 Preps will be required to book an additional testing day/time on a Wednesday in February (booking information will be sent out later this term)

School Photos are scheduled for Tuesday 17th March 2026

Dear Families,

We are now halfway through Term 4, and with the recent chilly days, it feels as though we’ve been taken back to the winter months! As we approach the end of the year, we enter an exciting and busy period.

Prayers for Father Giang
It was with great sadness that we shared the news of the passing of Father Giang’s father this week. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Father Giang and his family during this very difficult time. We ask that you keep them in your prayers and hold them in your thoughts as they navigate their loss.

School Fees and Levies Update
Next week, families will receive a letter via email outlining the school fees and levies for the upcoming academic year. The letter will include detailed information about payment options and plans, along with contact details should you have any questions or require assistance. We aim to provide clarity and transparency around all financial matters to ensure families are well informed.

Swimming  Prep - Year 2
We are looking forward to our upcoming Swimming Program at Broadmeadows Aquatic and Leisure Centre. The program will run daily from Monday, November 17 to Friday, November 21, for Prep to Year 2 students. Information has been shared with families by classroom teachers. Please take the time to read this carefully, and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher.

Annual Christmas Carols – Monday, 15 December
Our annual Christmas Carols will be held on Monday, 15 December, beginning at 5:00pm. We will gather on the senior green (weather permitting) to celebrate this festive occasion together. Families are encouraged to bring outdoor chairs or a picnic rug to make yourselves comfortable during the performances. Students will be seated in their class groups. It promises to be a beautiful evening, and we look forward to seeing you there!

Class Placement Requests for 2026
Our dedicated teachers are in the final stages of creating class lists for 2026. While we carefully review every piece of information provided, please understand that not all requests can or will be accommodated. The formation of class groups is a thorough and considered process that aims to achieve the best outcomes for all students. Our foremost priority is the wellbeing and educational success of every child. In determining class placements, we take into account a range of important factors including but not limited to,  academic progress and social dynamics to ensure each student is placed in a balanced and supportive learning environment where they can thrive. Once class lists have been finalised, they are final, and no further changes will be made.

2026 Start Dates and Testing Days
As we prepare for the new school year, we look forward to welcoming all students back to STM. The year will commence with two Testing Days on Thursday, 29 January and Friday, 30 January, which will operate by appointment only. Booking links for these sessions will be shared with families later this term.  All students will commence school on Monday 02nd February  2026.

Warm regards,
David Hurn
Principal

As the end of the year approaches, we are proud to highlight the impressive learning taking place in English across the school! Our students have immersed themselves in creative writing, exploring a wide range of genres. They have engaged deeply with rich picture books and participated thoughtfully in novel studies, making meaningful connections to characters, analysing themes, and experimenting with the author’s craft and techniques. Additionally, students have explored poetry, narrative, and persuasive writing. These learning opportunities have encouraged our young writers to express their creativity and develop their skills.

Author’s Corner

In this week’s newsletter, we are delighted to share a small snapshot of our learning. We are excited to showcase a narrative, a persuasive piece, and two poems created by our talented students. We hope you enjoy reading and celebrating their wonderful work!

Year 1 - Narrative writing 

Year 4 - Persuasive writing 

Should students be given homework?

I strongly believe that students shouldn’t be given homework because it is stressful, annoying, and not very helpful. If you have other things to do, like a sport class or a music lesson, homework can be even harder to complete because you are already busy.

Firstly, having homework can be really stressful. For example, when you try to answer questions, you might worry that you’re getting them wrong. If your answers look the same every time, you might think you’ve done it all incorrectly, which can make you feel even more stressed.

Secondly, you usually learn the same things at school that you learn in your homework. This means there is no real point in doing homework if it’s not teaching you anything new.

Lastly, after a long day of doing school work, don’t you just want to come home and relax instead of doing more? Sometimes you just want to play, and you might even have other classes or activities to go to.

In conclusion, I hope I have helped you see that not having homework allows students to rest their minds, take a break, and enjoy their activities. It gives them time to play, attend their classes, and do something fun after a busy day at school.

~ Mason ~

Jessica Eyar and Michelle Rinaldi

Literacy Leaders

SECOND HAND UNIFORMS: Our second-hand uniforms are available for purchase throughout the year!

Every item is $5. You'll find a full list of what's currently available here.

To place an order, email Lisa: lsalemme@stmhadfield.catholic.edu.au with the items you would like to purchase

We also gratefully accept donations of any clean, good-condition uniforms that your children have outgrown.

Drama - Sebastian G - for offering support in Drama to a classmate, by teaching him how to manage big emotions.

Pysical Education - Isla C - For demonstrating her incredible bat tennis skills and always having a positive attitude. Well done, Isla!