Principal's Report

‘Building our Community in Faith, Wisdom and Knowledge’

‘You are part of a building that has Jesus for its main cornerstone’.

You, too in Him, are being built into a house where God lives in the Spirit’. 

Ephesians 2:19-22

Dear Parents, Guardians and friends of Nazareth

As we approach the end of the semester, it is an ideal opportunity to acknowledge our students, staff and families for their accomplishments throughout this semester. The return to school thus far has had its challenges, however, we are grateful for an uninterrupted semester of face-to-face teaching. Students have struggled to return to the day-to-day ritual of school, especially after running their own timetable and taking on their learning more independently. On a positive note, we can see and experience the positivity of being onsite with fellow students, socialisation and wellbeing seem to be on the improvement across all year levels, some greater than others.

Practical subjects, vocational training, sports and excursions have all returned, allowing our students to broaden their learning. Families have had access to school grounds and have reengaged in school activities. Finally, the staff have had the luxury of working collaboratively with each other, sharing ideas and strategies and putting them in place in their daily teaching.

All in all, the new normal is evolving. School activities are taking place with minimal risks, assemblies and liturgy have run successfully. Over the past fortnight, the Year 9, 10 and 11 exams have taken place, and it is obvious that after two years of cancelling them, the students are learning exam skills and protocols that will eventually assist them in their VCE exams in years to come.

I thank Rinku Arora, Ruth Sharp and Viorel Sandulache, together with the assistance of Vicky Lazaridis, for overseeing exam timetables, exam supervision rosters, the printing of exams and ensuring that exam conditions and protocols are adhered to. Tomorrow (17 June) is scheduled as a correction day for staff members to allow them to correct all work that is required to complete semester reporting requirements.

Next week, the Year 10 students will spend five days on work experience. This has also required extensive planning and programs that allow our students to work in workplaces safely. A team of people, led by Elena Flodstrom, have completed all the preliminary requirements to enable our students to participate safely in the work experience program. I thank Jackie Ousalkas, Tenille Kirk, Helene Diamantopoulos, Paige Woodyatt and Ilaria Del Tito for all their assistance with the work experience preparation.

Our school building works are near completion. The tennis courts actually resemble tennis courts. They are three weeks away from completion.

The toilets are in the final stages, receiving their final touches and should be open for the beginning of Term 3.  

The Science construction works are progressing slower than we had hoped. The expected completion date is now mid August.

I have had contact from Buxwear (uniform shop) advising of shortages of products. Due to the current worldwide pandemic, sourcing material has been a struggle with shipping issues and products sitting at the port. Buxwear is now sourcing materials elsewhere and is trying its best to ensure our families receive products. However, there are delays of up to a month. Please be mindful of this when placing orders. A reminder that we also have a second hand uniform shop, run by the NCCA, open alternative Wednesday mornings.

In concluding, I wish all our students and families a restful break, where you can revitalise and return for the challenges of Semester 2 on Monday 11 July 2022.

Keep safe and God bless

Mr Sam Cosentino

Principal