Dear Families,

As we come to the close of Term 3, I want to take a moment to reflect on the many wonderful experiences we have shared as a community over the past nine weeks weeks.

Last week Mrs Dear, Mrs Graham and four students; Marian, Michael, Evan and Chloe, were selected to be the first FIRE Carriers of St Lawrence Primary School. A FIRE Carrier is a student or staff member within a Victorian Catholic school who participates in the FIRE Carrier Program, an initiative that stands for Friends Igniting Reconciliation through Education. FIRE Carriers are leaders committed to promoting reconciliation, fostering respect and understanding for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures, and histories, and keeping the "flame of reconciliation" alive within their schools and communities. We look forward to hearing more from our Fire Carriers as they help educate us and promote reconciliation.

This term has been filled with joy, learning, and togetherness. A highlight was our Shrek Junior musical, where our students shone brightly on stage, sharing their talents with confidence, energy, and enthusiasm. It was a true celebration of creativity, teamwork, and courage – and one we will remember for years to come. I am extremely grateful to Thomas Carr College who so generously allowed us to use their auditorium for the two nights. They do not usually let other schools use their auditorium and we are very thankful that they chose to support us, as a fellow Catholic school in our predicament due to Quin Auditorium's unfortunate circumstances. 

Our community spirit has also been alive and well in so many other ways. We gathered for a heartwarming Father’s Day breakfast, where students and families came together to celebrate the special men in their lives. The Neon Disco, organised in partnership with our dedicated parent group, lit up the hall and Innovation centre with music, colour and laughter – such a fantastic way for our children to have fun together. Thank you  to the Parents in Partnership group who rolled up their sleeves for the Bunnings sausage sizzle, helping raise funds to support our school to offer special events like Mother's Day and Father's Day breakfast, free of charge, as well as subsidising buses and taxis for some of the sport competitions.

Bookweek which is always a calendar highlight began with an amazing array of costumes at our annual parade. We were especially impressed with our grade 6 students for getting into the spirit of the parade by dressing up and being great role models for our younger students.

Spiritually, our class liturgies have given us the gift of pausing together in prayer and reflection, grounding us in faith and community. These moments remind us of the heart of who we are as a Catholic school – walking together with Christ at the centre.

I am so grateful for the hard work of our staff, the commitment of our families, and the energy and joy of our students. Together, we have made this term a rich and rewarding one.

I wish you all a restful and safe holiday break. We look forward to welcoming you back for Term 4, ready for the final chapter of another wonderful school year.

God bless,

Trish Mulhern

Dear God:

Spring is a metaphor for change. Some changes we eagerly await, and some we abhor.

Some changes we plan and others arrive uninvited.

To all these changes we ask the gift of your perspective beckoning us to expectation, hope, and rebirth.

May the sunlight and the rain be reminders that you are at work renewing the earth.

As a God of renewal, you are ever at work in our lives, too.

Open our eyes and lives to the needed changes in our lives this Spring.

Awaken us to new life and perspective, for we pray in Jesus' name.

Amen.

Please add the following dates to your family calendar:

September

Saturday 20th September - Sunday 5th October - School holidays

October

Monday 6th October - First Day of Term 4

Tuesday 7th October - Prep 2026 Information Night (7.00-8.00pm)

Thursday 9th October - Review Day 1

Friday 10 October - Review Day 2

Saturday 11th October - Grade 6 Confirmation Masses (1.00pm & 3.30pm)

Wednesday 15th October - Grade 4 Class Liturgies

Friday 17th October - Prep - Grade 3 Swimming Program (every Friday)

Friday 24th October - G6 Transition Day (with SPC) at St Peter Chanel

Monday 27th October - G5 Excursion to Sports Museum

Thursday 30th October - Day for Daniel - Wear Red

Friday 31st October - All Saints Mass 9.00-10.00am (families welcome)

Friday 31st October - Whole School Assembly 2.45pm (families welcome)

November

Monday 3rd November - Professional Practise Day - SCHOOL CLOSED

Tuesday 4th November - Melbourne Cup Public Holiday - SCHOOL CLOSED

Thursday 6th November - G3 Incursion: Cosmo Dome

Tuesday 11th, Friday 14th, Tuesday 18th November - Teeth on Wheels visiting

Tuesday 11th November - School Advisory Council AGM (6.30-7.30pm)

Friday 21st November - Whole School Assembly 2.45pm (families welcome)

December

Tuesday 2nd December - School Advisory Council Meeting (6.30-7.30pm)

Friday 5th December - Advent Liturgy (9.00-10.00am)

Monday 8th December - 2026 Planning Day - SCHOOL CLOSED

Tuesday 9th December - Orientation morning (9.30-10.30am)

Thursday 11th December - Jingle Mingle 

Friday 12th December - Advent Liturgy (9.00-10.00am)

Friday 12th December - Grade 6 Graduation Celebration Excursion

Friday 12th December - Whole School Assembly 2.45pm (families welcome)

Monday 15th December - G6 Graduation Mass (6.30-8.30pm)

Tuesday 16th December - Last day for students (3.15pm finish)

The journey of Shrek The Musical Jr. at St Lawrence has come to an end, and what a great success it was. Both Cast Green and Cast Blue brought the swamp to life in two magical performances. I am one super proud Performing Arts teacher as I’m sure you are very proud parents and family members. 

“My highlight was when I got out on stage at the start of What’s Up Duloc & Morning Person, it was super fun because I saw my Mum, Dad and Grandma”  Marcus Yr 4

As your children’s Performing Arts teacher and director of this performance, I am beyond proud of the commitment, dedication and level of enthusiasm from both casts. It is this enthusiasm and willingness to give things a go, turning up to every rehearsal, learning lines, giving up lunch breaks and leading by example, that has been my main drive throughout this whole process. As I mentioned at the conclusion of the performances, we all come with a story. My passion for teaching Performing Arts stems from my own personal story as a young teenager, when I almost missed the opportunity to audition for a role I really wanted to be, and didn’t sign up in fear of what my friends would think. It was my Performing Arts teacher who inspired me to follow my heart and gave me the courage to have belief in myself. This story also resonates with the journey of Shrek and one that our students really took on board. Students found belief, strength and hidden talents they didn’t know they had.  We are very fortunate to have some very young talented and gifted performers, actors, singers and dancers across our school, who had the opportunity to perform and shine together.

It is a highlight to witness the transformations from term one to performance night,  the growth in confidence, belief, teamwork at its best, stepping out of comfort zones and connections being made, or even the simplest of things, like having the courage to stand in front of an audience and enjoy every bit of it.  

So for that alone - for the support for your child's growth, witnessing  their personal achievements and celebrating that with them -  we sincerely say - Thank You!  

“I learnt that I can step out of my comfort zone to gain more confidence” Clare Yr 5

A performance is not the same without a great audience. Thank you for being so supportive and such a lively and engaging crowd, it is something many students mentioned in their reflections. 

 “I felt excited backstage but whenever I was waiting in the wings I felt really nervous. My favorite part was after I finished my scene, the audience were clapping for us and I felt more confident and proud of myself” Lauren yr 5

“My favourite part was Curtain Call, the audience were clapping and we got to sing I’m a Believer as a whole cast” Addison Yr 3

My Favourite moment was when I sang my song “I Know It’s Today” and half way through I held a high note for a long time, the audience started clapping and my heart felt calm” Maya Yr 5

We would like to extend our gratitude to all the families who helped in any way shape or form, in particular the Vanasas family for transporting all our props and sets to and from Thomas Carr College - your support was very much appreciated. Thank you to everyone who supported and assisted Mrs Mel Pedulla with costumes, whether making them or donating. Any contribution, big or small was greatly appreciated.  

“I just loved being a bird, it was one of the best costumes”  Ava yr 3

“We love how Mrs Mel assigned us all a special costume for Freak Flag” - Year 5s

Friendships were made, challenges were faced and lessons were learnt. 

“A highlight was meeting the main characters and making new friends” Dhruv Yr 4

“I learnt that it’s okay to make mistakes, you just smile and keep going”  Scarlet Yr 5

Many students are sad it’s over,  and whilst it may be the end of another production year at St. Lawrence, for many students, it’s only the beginning….

“ …because I loved this experience and performance so much I have applied to go to Acting classes” Leahni yr 6

This will be an experience that will be remembered for years to come. Thank you once again to our whole school community for playing a part to make this whole school production the great success that it was.  

Congratulations St Lawrence. May you all continue to share your many talents and gifts and be proud of who you are. 

My favourite song was the Finale song, because it shows that “This is our Story and what makes us different makes us special and what makes us special makes us strong.” Oliver Yr 5

“We are different and United, We are Us and We are You

This is our story….

In the words of Gingy, 

God Bless Us and Everyone…

With pride and gratitude,

Mrs Natalie Penza

Look out for your chance to purchase the USB recording of the performances or a commemorative programme in Term 4.  There will also be photos displayed around the school but here are just a few:

On the 25 August, some members of our Environment team and grade 6 students worked hard to plant the 50 seedlings we had received from the 2025 Trees for Schools initiative. They planted the seedlings along the fence line between the school property and the vacant land adjacent to it. We are grateful to the students for their efforts and we look forward to watching these seedlings grow and offer us shade and privacy. We would like to acknowledge the following organisations for their support of the Trees in Schools Program:

• Greater Western Water (GWW) 
• DEECA - Greater Melbourne 
• Brimbank Council.

              

On Friday the 15th of August eight of our Grade 5 students went to Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School, in Essendon, to compete in a Maths Competition.

The students participated in team problem solving events, individual strategy games and a fun, but challenging, Maths relay. 

They competed against other schools from all across Melbourne and represented St. Lawrence wonderfully well! 

Thank you for representing St. Lawrence and congratulations to Liam, Jake, Oliver, Scarlett, Oliver, Rhiley and Maxwell!

Thank you to all the fathers who were able to join us for our Fathers' Day breakfast and mass.  It was lovely to hear the buzz and see the smiling faces of lots of dads, uncles, grandfathers and other men special to our students.

Here are just a few photos but look out for the display at school.

Parents in Partnership have been very busy with a fantastic neon disco where the students danced the evening away and a fundraising BBQ at Bunnings Caroline Springs.  Thank you to all the families who gave of their time for planning, supervision, money handling and sausage cooking.  It takes an enormous amount of time and organisation for these events to take place and we are very grateful for the spirit of generosity shown.  We would also like to thank all the families who donated sausages, drinks, bread, serviettes and sauce for the BBQ.  

The school advisory council met on Tuesday 26th August 2025.

We discussed the following; school enrolment interviews for Prep 2026 have concluded successfully, and we are in the process of sending out offers following visits to kindergartens. Our school grounds have also seen a refreshing update (since having to remove some older trees) with the planting of new wattle trees, enhancing the beauty and environment of our grounds.

We have a series of engaging events lined up, including a Grade 6 transition day with St Peter Chanel, a school disco, a confirmation formation evening, and a special Father's Day breakfast, mass, and gift stall. Additionally, we are very excited about the Father’s Day Bunnings sausage sizzle. 

Rehearsals for Shrek the Musical are in full swing. Ticket sales have been brisk, with half of the 400 tickets for each night sold within an hour. Families can purchase up to four tickets per family or per night, and there is a waiting list for additional tickets. We are also discussing ticket requirements for toddlers, based on past experiences.

We spent time reviewing the School Community sphere of the school improvement rubric and listing evidence of how we are engaging and partnering with the school community and wider community. Looking ahead, our school reviewer is scheduled to meet with our Leadership team, students and families on 9 & 10 October to get greater insight into our school.

In a significant development, after a few meetings with Caroline Chisholm Catholic College exploring bus options for St Lawrence students who will be startiing high school at CCCC, we are delighted to report that Caroline Chisholm Catholic College are prioritising students in years 7-9 for their bus services starting in 2026. They have been able to accomodate all year 7 students from St. Lawrence who requested the bus service and have plans in place to ensure they can accomoadate students from years 7-9 on their bus service moving forwards. This will be a great support to our families as their students begin their high school journeys.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community.

Chantelle Yates, on behalf of the St Lawrence School Advisory Council.

Music Bus lessons at St Lawrence Catholic School, Derrimut

The Music Bus has opened their term 4 enrolments and are inviting new students to apply.

Classes offered are: · Keyboard (Prep-y6) · Ukulele (Prep-y6) · Drums (y1-y6) · Guitar (Y2-y6)

Lessons are:

* 30 minute duration - once per week

* held in the hi tech music classroom on wheels on our site

* cost $22 per week ($24 drums) payable by the term on commencement

If you wish to take part please complete this expression of interest form.

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/ee4627a5204c46158e1ab17e7c8069c6

Stage School Australia are currently auditioning for Matilda The Musical Jr.  For information please follow this link.