The start of a new school year marks a period of excitement, anticipation, and perhaps a touch of nervousness for both students and parents alike. It has been wonderful to see so many happy smiling faces entering and leaving Barbreck each day.  

As your daughter steps into new classrooms, faces fresh challenges, and forges new friendships, it’s essential to equip her with the tools she needs to navigate these changes successfully.  

One of the most significant adjustments at the beginning of a school year is the establishment of new routines. The transition from the carefree days of summer to the structured environment of the classroom can be both thrilling and overwhelming.  

Establishing a consistent morning routine sets a positive tone for the day ahead. Similarly, a calm evening routine helps wind down, ensuring a good night’s sleep. Adequate rest is crucial for concentration and overall wellbeing.  

This week, saw the commencement of our Co-curricular Programs. Participation levels are high, and it is pleasing to see so many students attending our Clubs and participating in activities. While it is tempting to sign up for all the wonderful activities available, please be wary of overloading your daughter’s schedule at the commencement of the year.  

There are still some places available for Dance, Junior Engineers, VTA Tennis Lessons and Barbreck Club. For more information and enrolment links, please visit the Co-curricular page on mystcatherines.  

Nut Aware 

St Catherine’s School is a ‘Nut Aware’ school. We kindly request parents do not send, or bring food or products containing nuts, to School. These may include some obvious and some not-so-obvious ‘nut’ foods, such as mixed nuts, peanut butter, Nutella, or cakes/biscuits with nuts, just to name a few. 

We thank you for your diligence and assistance in helping us provide the safest possible environment for every girl.  

Late Arrivals 

Students who arrive at 8.30am or later must sign in at the Junior School Office, collect a late pass, and present it to their classroom teacher. 

Early Leavers 

If students are to be collected early, please inform Junior School Reception at juniorschool@stcatherines.net.au and your daughter’s classroom teacher via email prior to the collection time. Students must also be signed out at Junior School Reception before leaving our Campus. 

Dropping off and collecting students from school 

To ensure the safe and efficient arrival and departure from Barbreck for our girls, we ask parents to adhere to the following guidelines: 

• Use the drop off area in front of Barbreck only for quick one minute drop offs. 
• If you want to walk your daughter to class, please park in the surrounding nearby streets. This ensures the drop-off area is clearing quickly and provides ample parking spaces. This also stops the queuing of cars back over the pedestrian crossing area.  
• Model correct crossing routines by always using the pedestrian crossing. Crossing between cars teaches children dangerous habits. 
• Always fully park when dropping off or collecting girls. Stopping in the middle of the road and letting girls out or calling them to the car is not permitted. 
• Check for parking restrictions – save yourself from a hefty fine! Stonnington City Council is very vigilant and are often present both before and after school. 
• There is a teacher on duty until 3.35pm. Following this time, girls are escorted to Junior School Reception and parents contacted. If you are running late, please let us know so we can pass on the information to your daughter. Please contact Junior School Reception on 98283062.   

Junior School Information and Social Evening

Thursday 15 February 6.00pm 

Our Barbreck staff look forward to welcoming our Prep to Year 6 parent community to our upcoming information evening to be held on Thursday 15 February at 6.00pm in the Selena Yao Auditorium, Barbreck Junior School. 

The Parent Information Sessions will be followed by a social evening on the Village Green, hosted by the PFA. 

We highly encourage your attendance at this significant event, as it offers a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow parents and educators. Moreover, it provides valuable insights into the programs and activities that your child will be immersed in throughout the academic year. Your participation contributes to our collaborative and supportive School community.  

Booking for the Information Session and Social Evening can be made via this link.