News from our Principal
Dear Parents,
Today we celebrated our Grandparents and gave thanks for the gift they are in our lives. It was delightful to see and feel so much joy and love as we prayed together, sang, danced, played chess, delivered speeches, showcased STEM and science, displayed some outstanding artwork and shared learning across the grades. Thank you to the entire community for your efforts in being able to join us and to those who worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the morning! What a vibrant thriving community we belong to at Our Lady of Fatima!
Staff News
After much discernment Mrs Cheryl Ross, who currently is the REC and teaches Year 6, has decided to finish up at the end of the year and retire. Mrs Ross is a deeply respected educator whose unwavering commitment to Catholic education has spanned more than four decades. Throughout her 40+ years of service, she has shaped the lives of countless students, families, and colleagues with her wisdom, compassion, and faith-filled leadership.
Beginning her journey as a dedicated classroom teacher, Mrs Ross brought learning to life with creativity, patience, and a deep understanding of each child’s unique gifts. Her classrooms were places of joy, growth, and belonging—where Gospel values were not just taught, but lived.
Beyond the classroom, she has embraced many leadership roles with grace and vision. Whether mentoring young teachers, leading curriculum innovation, or guiding school communities through change, she consistently led with integrity and humility. Mrs Ross’ spiritual guidance in her role as the REC in a number of schools has also made a difference in the faith journey of many little people.
As she retires, we give thanks for her remarkable contribution to Catholic education and pray that the next chapter of her life brings her the same joy and fulfillment she has so generously given to others. We will get the chance to say goodbye to Mrs Ross at the End of Year Thanksgiving Mass.
Mentor Mentee Program
This year I have been involved in a number of formal Mentoring Programs with SCS and CSNSW as well as a pilot program that I introduced here at OLF. Mentoring is a partnership between two employees, where someone with valuable skills, knowledge and experience shares their expertise to assist someone in enhancing their professional and personal growth. It can assist and support those involved to:
enhance their skills and capabilities
prepare for taking on new challenges
identify learning opportunities that improves their teaching practice
support them in the everyday understanding of the demands of their role
builds collaborative working relationships and
develop ongoing support networks.
Mentoring is a mutually trusting and respectful relationship, where both Mentor and Mentee are supportive, patient, open and honest, willing to discuss failures and successes and learn from these experiences. It has been such a rewarding experience and the connections that have been made and the growth I have seen in those involved has shown such depth.
I will continue to share some insights from the program with you over the next few weeks to keep you informed of the amazing things that happen at OLF that impacts on everyone!.
Mrs Sue Clay | Principal
“May we always seek what is good, true and beautiful”.