Principal's Message
A Message from the Principal
Together We Learn, Together We Flourish
Dear Parents and Carers,
We have settled into 2026 with a strong focus on learning and it has been wonderful to see so many of our students meeting with their teachers and parents/carers to talk about their goals for the year ahead. These conversations are an important part of setting a positive tone for 2026 and helping our students take ownership of their learning, growth and wellbeing.
As a Catholic school, our primary purpose is to educate children in mind, heart and spirit. We believe every child is created in the image and likeness of God and is called to grow in wisdom, compassion and truth. This means students will be challenged in their learning and encouraged to really think, not just complete tasks. Learning to persevere, to reflect and to keep trying when things are difficult helps form strong learners and strong character.
Through the goal-setting meetings, students have been encouraged to set clear, achievable goals that focus not only on academic progress but also on personal growth. These may include improving reading, writing or Mathematics skills, building confidence, developing positive learning habits, strengthening friendships, managing emotions more effectively, and showing greater responsibility and independence at school. In a Catholic context, these goals also invite students to grow in kindness, respect and service to others, living out our call to “Love the Truth” in their daily actions.
This is an exciting chapter for our school as we continue to build students’ capacity to learn independently and take responsibility for their learning. One important way families can support this at home is through focusing on building consistent habits, effort and resilience rather than perfection. Thank you to all the families that made appointments and attended the meetings. If you did not attend the goals meeting, please contact the school office to arrange a meeting with you child’s teachers.
Thank you to the many parents who continue to work in genuine partnership with us. The best outcomes for children are always achieved when home and school work together with a shared focus on what is best for each child. In our Catholic community, we know that education is a shared mission — one that is strengthened through trust, prayer, open communication and a commitment to the dignity of every person.
It is also important to remember that when children share experiences from school, we are not always hearing the story first-hand and we were not present for the full context of what occurred. In most situations, there are multiple perspectives. Our students are still learning how to navigate friendships, manage emotions and respond when things do not go their way. This is part of growing up — and part of learning.
What helps most is giving children strategies to deal with challenges in constructive ways. Being unkind with words or actions is never a solution. Instead, we want to keep guiding students to pause, reflect, seek help when needed and choose responses that build relationships rather than damage them — living out the Gospel call to treat others with compassion and respect.
Yesterday, we were pleased to welcome Constable Dean, who spoke with our Year 4–6 students about respectful relationships. A key message for our students is the importance of building each other up, not pulling each other down. He left our students with a powerful question to reflect on: What could you change or do better in your relationships to help the other? This aligns closely with our Christian call to encourage one another and to be people who bring hope and kindness to those around us. As is written in the bible kindness is 'to love one another.'
Some positive questions you might like to ask your child at the end of the day include:
● “What is one goal you are working towards at the moment?”
● “What went well for you today?”
● “Was something tricky today, and how did you handle it?”
● “What are you proud of today?”
● “How did you show kindness or respect today?”
Finally, I would like to remind families that schools operate under strict privacy laws. This means we are unable to share information about other children or families, just as you would not want us to disclose information about your own child. Please be assured that we take all matters seriously and follow up appropriately, even when we are unable to share specific details.
Thank you again for your continued trust, support and partnership.
Together, we learn. Together, we flourish.
Kind regards,
Grace
Grace Carlo-Stella
Principal