Term 1 Week 2 of 10
Friday, 6th February 2026
Message from the Principal
Dear parents/carers,
Welcome to the 2026 school year. A new school year brings so much excitement. We have our new
2026 Preps starting their first week of school, new students beginning their journey in other Year levels
and every one of our students going to a new Year level, new classrooms and often new buildings. Lots of change and growth.
Some things remain the same.
Our school has a passion for being a place of welcome
Where our students feel safe, cared for and supported
That focuses on teaching our students the Literacy (English) and Numeracy (Maths) skills they need to flourish
That provides exciting learning opportunities in Sport, Visual Arts, Science, Technology, Performing Arts and Japanese
That focuses on Student Wellbeing. Helping our students to be Responsible, Respectful and Resilient members of our community
Support for our families
A few things have changed
Our Year 1/2 buildings are now fully refurbished with the area now having 6 individuals’ classrooms and a shared area. It’s working well. Fr Gerard blessed the newly refurbished area last week with our students.
Our Year 1 and 2 and Year 3-6 students are lining up in a different spot in the mornings and after breaks. Our Year 3-6 students have been focussing on a good line up and being ready for learning. This is working well.
Students are eating after they play instead of before. This is based on research around choosing the best eating time for children. It’s off to a good start but we will continue to monitor this.
This results in children eating a little later so the snack time healthy food break at 9.45am becomes important.
We also officially welcome some new staff as well. I am very excited about these new staff and the positive contribution they will make to our school.
Effie Malamatinas - Year Prep C teacher
Amy Curmi- Year 1 C teacher
Jester Buslon- Year 2 A teacher
Isabella Pisano- Year 4 B teacher
Vanessa Axiak- Year 4 C teacher
Katrina Griffiths- Teacher coach in supporting students with additional needs
Olivia Daquino- Speech Pathologist
2026 Key Dates
Term One
Activity
Wednesday 11 February
Prep Testing Day - No preps at school
Thursday 12 February
Parent Teacher Interviews (12.30pm - 8.00pm) - Dismissed at 12:00pm
Wednesday 18 February
Prep Testing Days - No preps at school
Monday 23 February
School Closure Day (Staff Professional Learning)
Wednesday 25 February
Prep Testing Days - No preps at school
Wednesday 4 March
Prep Testing Days - No preps at school
Thursday 2 April
Last Day of Term 1 - Dismissed at 3:15pm
Term Two
Activity
Monday 20th April
School Closure Day
Tuesday 21st April
First Day of Term 2 for students
Monday 18th May
School Closure Day (Staff Professional Learning)
Friday 26th June
Last Day of Term 2 - Dismissed at 3:15pm
Term Three
Activity
Monday 13th July
School Closure Day
Tuesday 14th July
First Day of Term 3 for students
Thursday 30th July
Parent Teacher Interviews (12.30pm - 8.00pm) - Dismissed at 12:00pm
Monday 17th August
School Closure Day (Staff Professional Learning)
Friday 18th September
Last Day of Term 3 - Dismissed at 3:15pm
Term Four
Activity
Monday 5th October
School Closure Day
Tuesday 6th October
First Day of Term 4 for students
Monday 2nd November
School Closure Day (Day before Melbourne Cup Holiday)
Tuesday 15th December
Student’s Last Day of Term 4 - Dismissed at 12:00pm
Best wishes
Deputy Principal
A very warm welcome to our new prep families and a welcome back to our returning families for the 2026 school year. I speak on behalf of our staff when I say it truly was such joy to see so many happy, smiling faces walk through our gates last week. 2026 represents not only a new year, but also a new beginning. A chance for students to connect with friends and continue to grow and learn new things. Our staff are extremely excited to walk this learning journey with you.
Staff Professional Development
Before school officially began for our students, our staff were involved in 2 days of professional development.
Day 1 - Consisted of unpacking our 2026 learning vision. We have a shared commitment to continue to act upon MACS’ Vision for instruction to improve the literacy and numeracy rates of the students in our care. The day concluded with our staff updating their CPR certifications.
Day 2 - Was our first introduction to Berry Street. Berry Street is an evidence-based, trauma-informed framework, designed to help teachers support students with individual learning needs. It provides educators with over 100 practical, strengths-based strategies to improve student self-regulation, relationships, wellbeing, and academic growth by fostering safe, calm classrooms. The model focuses on four key domains—Body, Relationship, Stamina, and Engagement—to build a consistent, whole-school approach.
Parent Teacher Interviews
A reminder that our first meet and greet Parent Teacher Interviews will take place on Thursday 12th February. On this day, students will finish their school day at 12pm. Interviews will take place between 12:45pm and 8pm.
These interviews are a perfect opportunity for you to meet your child’s classroom teacher and to share some important information about your child that may be helpful for the teacher to know. Due to the time of year, it is not possible for teachers to comment or discuss academic progress, testing results or levels as such. Rather, they may ask you about your child’s interests, likes, dislikes and how they can support your child each day in the learning space.
Bookings are now open! Head to the link: https://www.schoolinterviews.com.au/code/ffu94
Scan This QR Code to book a time to see your Child’s teacher
Please note: All students will finish at 12pm on Thursday 12th February.
God Bless,
Wellbeing, Community & Child Safety Leader
Welcome back to school
2026 is going to be a GREAT year
The wellbeing of our students is a priority for optimum learning.
Here are some parent tips that can help start the year successfully.
SLEEP: Everyone needs a good night's sleep. They say 5- to 12-year-olds need 10 to 11 hours. Have a night routine where your child gets ready for bed.
NUTRITION: Start the day with a healthy breakfast and pack a healthy snack and lunch. Remember to pack FRUIT for the fruit breaks scheduled during learning times.
Limit SCREEN TIME: Set a time and stick to it. Ensure your child is off a device at least 2 hours before bed.
Routines: set a routine for before school (mornings) and afterschool. Follow the routine. Kids need predictability and structure.
Punctuality: Arriving to school on time
Work with the school: Reach out if your child is struggling. The staff at Resurrection are always ready to support or assist in any situation.
Talk to your child daily: Start with something positive. “What was your favourite part of the day? ”Tell me 3 things that made you feel happy” IF IT WASN’T A GOOD DAY - Listen with empathy = Avoid rushing in to “fix” the problem too quickly. Instead, give your child space to share. Stay calm and say “That sounds like you had a hard day - Let’s work out a plan to make things better - (or - let us know and we can intervene and rectify the problem)
Seek Professional Support When Needed: If you are worried about your child’s mental health or general wellbeing, please make time to speak to the Student Wellbeing Leader (ME) and we can come up with a plan together.
Learning Diversity
This year, we are pleased to welcome Olivia Daquino, our new Speech Pathologist, who will be working with us two days a week in the same capacity as Imogen did previously. Olivia brings a strong background in both teaching and speech pathology, which will be a valuable asset to our school community. She has already settled in well and is currently busy conducting speech and language screenings with our prep students to help identify and support early learning needs.
We also extend a warm welcome to Katrina Giffaths, who has been doing fantastic work supporting our neurodiverse students. Katrina is working closely with both students and LSOs to help us better understand and address individual learning and support needs, strengthening inclusive practices across the school.
Parent Support Group (PSG) meetings will be held in Week 8 this term for students who require Substantial and Extensive levels of support through our NCCD funding. I look forward to meeting with families and staff at these meetings to review student progress and work together on goals for the year ahead.
A gentle reminder that if you have any speech, occupational therapy, psychology, ASD, specific learning disorder, or educational assessments, please provide a copy to the school office. This helps ensure we have the most up-to-date information to continue effectively supporting each child’s needs.
Term 1 - Summer Uniform & Hats Required!
A friendly reminder that all children must be wearing their summer uniform during Term 1. It has been extremely warm of late so keeping cool is important. All children must be wearing their school hat during break times and outdoor activities. Children will be asked to remain in shaded areas if they do not have their hat to keep out of the sun.
Religious Education
We welcome back our students and families to a brand-new year and especially extend a warm welcome to our new families with Prep children.
Sacramental Launch - Next 2 Weekends
Families of children who intend to make either their Sacrament of First Eucharist or Sacrament of Confirmation, are required to attend ONE of the following Sacramental Launch Masses:
Saturday February 7th, 2026: 6:00pm
Sunday February 8th, 2026: 10:30am
Saturday February 14th, 2026: 6:00pm
Sunday February 15th, 2026: 10:30am
Sacrament of First Reconciliation - March 6
“Confession is an act of honesty and courage – an act of entrusting ourselves, beyond sin, to the mercy of a loving and forgiving God.” - St. John Paul the Great
The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance/Confession) is one of healing. It reminds the individual of God’s love and mercy and is a personal, private and reflective Sacrament. The outcome of this is the reparation of the spiritual wound caused by sin.
To support our Year 4 students in preparation for their Sacrament of First Reconciliation, a pack will be sent via email to all families next Monday and we encourage all families to read and share in the activities provided.
(Image: Pope Francis receiving Reconciliation from a priest)
In Faith
SUNDAY GOSPEL
The Holy Gospel According to St. Matthew
Jesus said to his disciples:
"You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned?
It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.
Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand,
where it gives light to all in the house.
Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds
and glorify your heavenly Father."
The Gospel of the Lord
All: Glory to You Lord Jesus Christ
Gospel Reflection by Pope Francis
(Part taken from 5 February 2017 homily)
Jesus invites us to be a reflection of his light, by witnessing with good works. He says: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven”. These words emphasize that we are recognizable as true disciples of the One who is the Light of the World, not in words, but by our works. Indeed, it is above all our behaviour that — good or bad — leaves a mark on others. Therefore, we have a duty and a responsibility towards the gift received: the light of the faith, which is in us through Christ and the action of the Holy Spirit; and we must not withhold it as if it were our property. Instead we are called to make it shine throughout the world, to offer it to others through good works. How much the world needs the light of the Gospel which transforms, heals and guarantees salvation to those who receive it! We must convey this light through our good works.
Each one of us is called to be light and salt, in the environment of our daily life, persevering in the task of regenerating the human reality in the spirit of the Gospel and in the perspective of the Kingdom of God.
Parish News
Ash Wednesday
As we prepare for Ash Wednesday, parishioners are invited to return last year’s palms, which will be burnt and used for this year’s ashes.
Ash Wednesday falls on Wednesday, 18 February, marking the beginning of Lent a sacred season of prayer, fasting, and spiritual renewal.
There will be two masses on this day:
Whole School Mass at 10.00am
Evening Mass at 7.00pm
Sacramental Program
If your child will be receiving a sacrament this year, you are invited to attend one Sacramental Information Session:
7th & 8th February, after the 6pm & 10.30am Mass
14th & 15th February, after the 6pm 10.30am Mass
Parish 50th Anniversary Dinner Dance
Join us as we celebrate our parish’s 50th anniversary with a special Dinner Dance at Luxor on 16th May at 6.00pm. Tickets are $90 for adults and $50 for children and are on sale now.
We look forward to celebrating this milestone together as a parish community.
TERM ONE DATES 2026
Week 4
Monday 16th February
Year 3 - 6 Assembly at 2:30pm
Tuesday 17th February
Student Engagement Team meeting all day in the parish
Leadership meeting at 3:30pm
Wednesday 18th February
Ash Wednesday - School Mass 10am & Mass 7pm
Prep testing (Day 4 of 6)
Thursday 19th February
Year 5 Interrelate session 1
Staff Meeting at 3:30pm
Principal Network
Friday 20th February
Principal Network
Saturday 21st February
Sunday 22nd February
Commissioning mass for staff at 10:30am
First Sunday of Lent
Week 6
Monday 2nd March
Years P-2 Assembly at 2:30pm
Tuesday 3rd March
Leadership meeting at 3:30pm
Wednesday 4th March
Prep testing (Day 6 of 6)
Thursday 5th March
Year 5 Interrelate session 3
Staff Meeting at 3:30pm
School Advisory Council (SAC) - 7pm
Friday 6th March
Middle School Year Level Mass 9am
Year 4 Sacrament of Reconciliation
Saturday 7th March
Sunday 8th March
Third Sunday of Lent
Week 8
Monday 16th March
Year P - 2 Assembly at 2:30pm
NAPLAN Window
Tuesday 17th March
PSGs
Leadership meeting at 3:30pm
NAPLAN Window
Wednesday 18th March
Junior Year Level Mass 9am
PSGs
NAPLAN Window
Thursday 19th March
PSGs
NAPLAN Window
Staff Meeting at 3:30pm
Friday 20th March
PSGs
NAPLAN Window
Saturday 21st March
Sunday 22nd March
Fifth Sunday of Lent
Week 10
Monday 30th March
Years 3 - 6 Athletics Day
Years P-2 Assembly at 2:30pm
Tuesday 31st March
Year 5 Camp - Cave Hill Creek
Leadership meeting at 3:30pm
Wednesday 1st April
Year 5 Camp - Cave Hill Creek
Thursday 2nd April
Year 5 Camp - Cave Hill Creek
Last day of Term 1 - 3:15pm dismissal
No staff meeting today
Friday 3rd April
School Closure: Public Holiday - Good Friday
Saturday 4th April
Sunday 5th April
Easter Sunday
Week 3
Monday 9th February
Year P-2 Assembly at 2:30pm (no parents attending)
Tuesday 10th February
Curriculum team meeting all day in the parish
Wednesday 11th February
Prep testing (Day 3 of 6)
Thursday 12th February
Parent Teacher Interviews (12.30pm - 8.00pm) - Students dismissed at 12:00pm
Friday 13th February
Saturday 14th February
Sacramental Launch 6pm Mass
Sunday 15th February
Sacramental Launch 10:30am Mass
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Week 5
Monday 23rd February
School Closure: Staff Professional Learning - TRW
Tuesday 24th February
Open Day for prospective families (9:30am)
Wednesday 25th February
Prep testing (Day 5 of 6)
Open Night for prospective families (7pm)
Thursday 26th February
Senior School Year Level Mass 9am
Year 5 Interrelate session 2
Staff Meeting at 3:30pm
Friday 27th February
Saturday 28th February
Sunday 1st March
Second Sunday of Lent
Week 7
Monday 9th March
Preps begin full time this week
Year 3 - 6 Assembly at 2:30pm
Tuesday 10th March
Curriculum team meeting all day in the parish
Wednesday 11th March
Year 6 Camp to Campaspe Downs
NAPLAN Window Opens Today
Thursday 12th March
Year 6 Camp to Campaspe Downs
Staff Meeting at 3:30pm
North-western zone - Leadership Dinner
NAPLAN Window
Friday 13th March
Year 6 Camp to Campaspe Downs
NAPLAN Window
Saturday 14th March
Sunday 15th March
Fourth Sunday of Lent
Week 9
Monday 23rd March
Year 3 - 6 Assembly at 2:30pm
NAPLAN Window Closes Today
Tuesday 24th March
Student Engagement Team Meeting all day in the parish
Wednesday 25th March
Principal Conference (VAPSP)
Thursday 26th March
Prep & Buddies Year Level Mass 9am
Staff Meeting at 3:30pm
Principal Conference (VAPSP)
Friday 27th March
Principal Conference (VAPSP)
Saturday 28th March
Sunday 29th March
Palm Sunday
Welcome to our 2026 Prep Students
