St Denis School Newsletter
Term 1 Week 1
- Principal's Welcome
- Staff News
- Daisy Joins St Denis - Our New Furry Friend
- Holiday Reading
- Staff Professional Development
- Swimming Lessons
Loving God,
As we begin this new school year, we place our trust in You. Fill our hearts with hope, our minds with wisdom, and our hands with kindness. Bless our students with a love for learning, our teachers with patience and passion, and our families with strength and unity. May our school be a place of joy, growth, and faith, where we support and uplift one another each day.
Guide us in all we do, and may this year be filled with Your grace and blessings.
Amen
IMPORTANT DATES
Week 1 and 2:
Swimming Lessons: Wednesday 5-14 February
Week 3:
P&F Welcome Sundowner: Saturday 22 February
Week 4:
Parent Information Sessions: Tuesday 18 February
Welcome to the 2025 School Year
I am both honoured and delighted to return to St Denis as Principal of this vibrant school and welcoming community. Having previously served as a teacher and Assistant Principal here, it truly feels like coming home. Over the past six years, I have had the privilege of working in two wonderful Catholic school communities, and I am excited to bring those experiences back to St Denis.
I hope all families have enjoyed the Christmas break and summer holidays, finding time for relaxation and making cherished memories together. I, too, have appreciated the opportunity to spend quality time with my three busy boys, wonderful husband, family, and friends.
As I settle back into this familiar yet ever-growing community, I look forward to reconnecting with past acquaintances and building new relationships with our students, families, and staff. Together, I am confident we will continue to foster a nurturing environment where every member of our community can thrive.
Today, I had the opportunity to greet students as they walked through the gates—some nervous, some confident—as they embarked on their 2025 learning journey. I look forward to getting to know our students and families over the coming weeks and months.
Staff News
Congratulations to Barbara, who is teaching a variety of classes this term and was married during the holidays, and to Charlotte, our Social Worker, who got engaged over the break. May God bless them both with many joyful and fulfilling years ahead.
Daisy Joins St Denis – Our New Furry Friend
In other exciting news, our family welcomed a Cavoodle named Daisy last year! Daisy was purchased from PepperTree Farm with the intention of becoming a school wellbeing dog, and she quickly became a beloved part of the St Patrick’s community during my Principalship.
In the coming weeks, Daisy will be joining the St Denis community with a soft start to ensure she is the right fit for our school environment. If all goes well, she will visit once or twice a fortnight.
Research has shown that wellbeing dogs can provide numerous benefits in a school setting, including reducing stress and anxiety, fostering a sense of connection, and supporting students’ emotional regulation and social development. Daisy’s gentle nature and affectionate personality make her a wonderful candidate to bring comfort and joy to our students.
More information about Daisy’s visits and her role in our school community will be shared soon - stay tuned!
Holiday Reading
Over the holidays, reading Let Them by Mel Robbins offered thought-provoking insights into relationships, personal boundaries, and the importance of allowing others to be who they are without trying to control or change them. This mindset is particularly relevant in a school environment, where fostering positive relationships between students, staff, and families is essential.
By embracing the idea of "letting them"—allowing people to make their own choices and focusing on how we respond—we can cultivate a culture of respect, autonomy, and emotional resilience. Whether it’s supporting students as they navigate friendships, encouraging staff to take ownership of their professional growth, or working collaboratively with families, this approach reinforces the value of trust and understanding in building a strong, connected school community. If you haven’t yet read this book, I highly recommend adding it to your reading list!
Staff Professional Development
At the end of 2024, our staff engaged in two inspiring days of professional development focused on Talk 4 Writing. This evidence-based program equips educators with innovative strategies to support students in developing their writing skills through oral storytelling, active participation, and structured learning.
The sessions sparked enthusiasm and collaboration among our team, and we are eager to explore this approach further throughout the term. Together, we will refine how we implement Talk 4 Writing into our teaching and learning programs, ensuring it becomes a meaningful part of our students' learning journey.
We look forward to seeing the positive impact this program will have on our students' creativity and confidence as writers!
Swimming Lessons
Today, our students from Years 1 to 6 eagerly jumped into the first day of their swimming lessons! With excitement and enthusiasm, they practiced essential water safety skills and strengthened their swimming abilities under the guidance of experienced instructors.
It was wonderful to have the opportunity to watch some of the classes begin, seeing students’ confidence grow as they enjoyed their time in the pool. We look forward to seeing their progress over the coming sessions!
With regards and best wishes
Sarah Potts
Principal
Thank You, Vanessa, and Welcome, Lauren!
On behalf of our school community, we extend our thanks to Vanessa Lyon for her dedication and service as P&F Secretary. Vanessa has given her time and energy to support our school, and we are truly grateful for her contributions. As she steps down from her role this year, we acknowledge and appreciate all she has done to strengthen our P&F and foster a sense of community.
We also warmly welcome Lauren Peake, who has been co-opted by the P&F to take on the role of Secretary this year. We are grateful for her willingness to step in and look forward to working together to continue the wonderful work of the P&F.
Thank you, Vanessa and welcome aboard, Lauren!
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