Dear Families,

For many of you, this may feel like Week 4 of Term 3, but for me, it’s Week 1! After a three-week sabbatical, I’ve returned feeling deeply refreshed, renewed, and incredibly grateful. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the wonderful team who led our school in my absence: Mrs Kerry Wode, who stepped into the role of Principal with professionalism and dedication; Matthew Maloney, who served as Acting Assistant Principal and Janica Morella, who took on the role of Acting Coordinator.

Their leadership ensured that everything ran smoothly, and I’m so appreciative of their commitment to our school community and allowing me the time to get away.

My time away was a blend of rest and spiritual enrichment. I had the privilege of joining a Catholic group pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi, a journey that was both deeply spiritual and historically rich.

As you may be aware, this year marks a Jubilee Year in the Catholic Church (every 25 years), a time of grace, renewal, and pilgrimage. One of the most moving experiences was crossing the Four Holy Doors in Rome, at St Peter’s Basilica, St John Lateran, St Mary Major, and St Paul Outside the Walls. These doors are only opened every 25 years. Each door represents a passage into deeper communion with God, and walking through them was a powerful reminder of the mercy and love at the heart of our faith. Two of the highlights for me was processing the pilgrimage cross across St Peter’s Square and attending the Papal audience.

In Assisi, I walked in the footsteps of St Francis and St Clare, whose lives of humility, service, and joy continue to inspire. The town itself radiates peace, and visiting the Basilica of St Francis, where his tomb lies, was a moment of huge reflection.

I also went to the tomb of Carlo Acutis, a young man who passed away at age 15 and whose life and witness speak powerfully to our students today. He will be canonised a saint next month. I’ll share more about him in next week’s newsletter, his story deserves its own spotlight!

From the grandeur of the Vatican to the quiet beauty of Assisi, I was struck by the artistry, devotion, and centuries of prayer embedded in these sacred spaces. Standing beneath Michelangelo’s dome in St Peter’s, standing in the Sistine Chapel, praying in the crypts of saints, and witnessing the living faith of pilgrims from around the world (including half a million young people who were in Rome at the same time for World Youth Day!), it reminded me of the deep heritage we share as a Catholic school.

As a Principal in a Catholic school, this pilgrimage wasn’t just a personal journey, it was a professional and spiritual renewal. It reminded me of the sacred responsibility I have to nurture faith, learning, and community. I return with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to continue building a school where every child is known, loved, and inspired and where we nurture hearts, minds and spirits.

Thank you for your ongoing support and prayers. I’m excited for the term ahead and all the opportunities it holds.

Feast of the Assumption – Whole School Mass

This Friday, we will celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of Mary with a whole school Mass at 9:30am. This is a significant feast in the Catholic calendar, honouring Mary’s assumption into heaven, a moment of hope and promise for all. Year 1 are hosting.

We warmly invite all parents, carers, and family members to join us for this special Mass.

Claim the Date – Father’s Day Breakfast

Our Father’s Day Breakfast will be held on Friday 5 September. Come and enjoy a delicious breakfast of bacon and egg roll and a hot drink. It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the dads, granddads, and father figures in our community. Year 2 will host the Fathers’ Day Mass at 9:30.

More details will follow soon, but for now, please mark your calendars!

Bullying! No Way! Week

This week, our classes have been engaging in important conversations as part of Bullying! No Way! Week. We’ve explored what bullying looks like, how to stand up against it, and how to foster kindness and respect in our school.

We take bullying extremely seriously. Every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and supported. These discussions are vital in building a culture where everyone belongs and where empathy and courage are celebrated.

Book Week

Next week is Book Week, and we’re all looking forward to celebrating the joy of reading and the magic of storytelling. It’s a wonderful opportunity to highlight the importance of books in our lives, both in learning and in sparking imagination.

To kick things off, we’re thrilled to welcome ‘Treasure Hunt’, an interactive musical adventure, to our school tomorrow. It promises to be a fun and engaging experience that brings stories to life in a whole new way!

On Wednesday 20 August, we invite all students to come dressed as their favourite Book Week character. Whether it’s a classic hero, a mischievous villain, or a beloved animal friend - let creativity shine!

We’ll be holding a Book Parade during morning assembly, and we warmly welcome parents, grandparents, and carers to come along and enjoy the celebration. It’s always a highlight of the week, and we can’t wait to see the costumes and characters come to life!

National Catholic Education Conference

Next week, I’ll be away from Tuesday to Friday attending the National Catholic Education Commission Conference. This is a valuable opportunity to connect with leaders from across the country, share insights, and bring back fresh ideas to enrich our school. I will be joining Principals from our Archdiocesan Catholic Schools.

I promise I’ll be back on deck full-time after this!

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. It’s a joy to be back!

In faith and partnership,

David Austin

Principal