We are pleased to share that your children have settled into the new school year, beautifully. There is a wonderful sense of calm in the classrooms and on the yard, as students engage in their learning and re-establish routines. It’s been wonderful to see their enthusiasm and positive energy as they reconnect with teachers and friends.

We warmly welcome our new students, and their families; Elijah (1/2 White) and Amelie (3/4 Sky), and Leo and Hiro who have returned to Holy Rosary after living in Canada over the past year.

We also welcome new staff; Sophie Duddington (3/4 White), Maree Nanos (1/2 White), Gemma Tyrrell (1/2 Navy) and Sheridan Jarvis (STEM). We are delighted that they have joined us, bringing with them a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion for education. We look forward to learning from one another, growing together, and creating an environment where all children can thrive.

We are excited to announce that Megan Tootill (3/4 Sky) and Vicky Smith (3/4 Navy) are both expecting babies in June, a few days apart from one another. We wish them every happiness as they welcome new additions to their families.

Good Today, Better Tomorrow

Our theme for 2025 is ‘Good Today, Better Tomorrow,’ inspired by the words of Catherine McAuley, founder of the Mercy Sisters. Catherine’s vision of compassion and service continues to resonate with us and this year’s theme builds on 2024’s ‘Love in Action’ which emphasised active service to others—at home, at school, and in our broader community. Last year we saw our students, staff and families contribute generously through a variety of school activities to Project Compassion, Kensington Neighbourhood House, St Vincent de Paul, Mercy Hospital Neonatal Ward and to Breast Cancer Network Australia.

Our theme, ‘Good Today, Better Tomorrow’ calls all in our school community to reflect on our journey of growth and improvement, both as individuals and as a school community dedicated to making a positive impact in our world. In the words of Catherine McAuley, “the proof of love is deed,” and we believe that every action, no matter how small, brings hope and plants a seed for a better future.

‘Good today, better tomorrow’ challenges students and staff to focus on academic improvement, to grow in independence, and to build personal resilience. It encourages self reflection and goal setting in both personal and academic areas, and asks us all to take active steps to refine our skills and talents. Whether it's striving for better grades, building stronger relationships, or developing the courage to face life’s challenges, ‘Good Today, Better Tomorrow’ reminds us that every small step forward is important and makes a difference.

One of the key elements of our theme will continue to be outreach—reaching beyond ourselves and extending kindness to others. Just as Catherine McAuley’s ministry was based on service to the poor and marginalised, we are called to serve our families, our school community, the Kensington community and the wider world. Our Year 6 leaders and our Student Representative Council will be challenged to lead our school community to consider how our unique gifts and talents can contribute to making the world a better place, and in doing this, bring hope to others.

At Holy Rosary School, we believe that by striving to be ‘better tomorrow,’ we honour the Mercy Sisters' legacy of compassion and service, and we contribute to building a hopeful and just world for the generations to come.

Arrival at School

Please ensure your children arrive at school between 8:30-8:50am for an 8:50am start. The yard is unsupervised before 8:30am so children are unsupervised and at risk if they arrive before this time. You will be notified via email if your child arrives before 8:30am as we endeavour to keep all children safe.

Building and Maintenance

Our lower corridor from Prep through to the 3/4 White classroom was painted over the school holidays.

We also closed in the wall between 5/6 White and 3/4 Navy, allowing a quieter working space for both classes.

I have been in conversation with MACS regarding our building project and finally, we have been assigned a MACS representative to help with our roofing and maintenance project.

Big news! The long awaited first stage of our lower playground refurbishment has been approved and will be ready for works to commence over the first term holidays. This will include the addition of soft fall underneath the existing playground, a new sandpit with shade-cloth cover, a seated area and new retaining wall alongside the back lane. If you wish to check out the plans they are on display in the display cabinet infront of the office.

Student Free Day

As announced in late 2024, our first Student Free Day will be on 25 February. On this day, staff will continue their work on our Optimising Learning for All initiative, which started in 2024. Our educators will focus on enhancing their skills in using assessments and teaching strategies to better support student learning. This professional development ensures that we provide the best possible strategies for every child. We appreciate your support as our staff engage in this important work to improve learning outcomes for all students. Staff will be working at the MACS Northern Office. Team Kids will operate on this day should parents require this service.

Stay Updated with our Newsletter

Our school newsletter, emailed on Monday mornings, is our primary source of communication. It contains essential updates, important dates, and official information regarding school events, policies, and activities. To stay informed we strongly encourage you to read it.

We also share updates on our official Facebook and Instagram pages. These platforms provide supplementary reminders and highlights but should not be relied on as the sole source of school-related information.

We are aware that some parents participate in external social media groups, including WhatsApp, to discuss school-related matters. Please note that these groups are not monitored or endorsed by the school, and the information shared does not necessarily reflect the school’s position. Furthermore, we urge parents to be mindful that discussions within these groups are not always confidential, and at times, inappropriate conversations have been reported.

There is an expectation that all parents adhere strictly to the school's policies and procedures when posting and when engaging in discussions about school matters. If you have any questions or require clarification on school matters, please contact staff directly and we will do our best to provide the information you require.

We appreciate your cooperation and ongoing support in ensuring effective and accurate communication within our school community.

Enjoy the promise of sunny days this week,

Christine

Chess Club