Principal's Piece 

Term 1, Week 1

Dear Parents and Carers, 

Welcome back to all our students and families as we begin another school year together. We hope you enjoyed a restful summer break. Thank you to our families for supporting a smooth and positive start to the school year. It has been wonderful to see how quickly our Prep students have settled into the routines of school life.

As we begin the year together, we do so knowing that this year will feel different without our much loved and respected principal, Mr Paul McEntee. While his absence will be deeply felt, I am confident that we will continue to carry his legacy forward, in our actions, in the way we support one another and in the learning experiences we create for our students.  Paul was an inspirational leader whose commitment to faith, learning and community shaped our school in countless ways. He led with vision, courage and an unwavering belief in the people he served. His legacy lives on through the culture he nurtured, the relationships he built and the many lives he touched. A memorial service for Paul McEntee will take place on Friday 13th February at 11am at Our Lady’s Parish.  Past and present families and students are welcome to attend as we gather as a community to remember and celebrate Paul’s life and leadership. On this day we will be having a student free day, no students are required at school. 

We welcome our new staff to Our Lady’s Community who bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to their respective roles: Rebekah Caiafa - Prep, Owen Baldwinson - PE (2 days) Elisa Lando - LSO, we welcome back our staff returning back from maternity leave: Dionne Mancuso, Julia Pungiatire, Fiona Gianchino and Ale Garcia. 

I would like to congratulate our school leaders for 2026. We look forward to seeing your light and vision shine through your leadership and service.

School Captains: Liam Matthew, Mila Novechev, Carys Obedoza, Manraj Sandhu

Romero House Captains: Hayden Herath, Rita Faraj

Kolbe House Captains: Mia Sciva, Fabian Awdo

Samaritan House Captains: Lilly Barnes, Lauren Osayande

Teresa House Captains: Ryder Cardemone, Mariam Toma

Our Social Justice Leaders: Indigo Fernando, Eisho Simon, Paulo Baqtar, Calra Razqoo, Hendra Dinkha, Zaara Kaur, Olivia Denes

Sustainability Leaders: Mason Turco, Oneill Shamoon, Mande Shamooni, Elijah Simon, Celeste LaRocca - Scinto 

At the start of each school year, our focus is on creating a safe, supportive and orderly environment for all members of our school community. Our staff work closely with students to ensure they are familiar with the school expectations and routines that support positive learning and wellbeing.

Parents and carers play a vital role in the success of our school. Your support allows our staff to focus on building positive and strong relationships with students and delivering high-quality teaching and learning. Research consistently shows that positive partnerships between parents and teachers enhance students’ academic achievement, social skills and emotional wellbeing. When families and schools work together, children thrive both at school and at home.

Clear communication is key to a successful school year, so we encourage you to stay connected. Important information will be shared via COMPASS and our fortnightly school newsletter. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact your child’s teacher or myself. Further information can also be found in the school’s Complaints Handling Policy.

Here are some important reminders to ensure a smooth start to 2026:

• School gates open at 8.30 and students will be able to enter classrooms at 8.40 am.
• Classes commence at 8.50am.
• School finishes for students at 3.20 pm 
• The office is open from 8.30 am - 4.00 pm each day.

Uniform: Summer uniform is required in term one and don't forget your school hat. Could parents please ensure all uniform items are clearly labelled with your child’s name. 

School photos will be on Wednesday 4th February. Please scan the QR code on the flyer to order your child’s school photos and any sibling photos. 

Healthy eating plays an important role in supporting students’ learning, concentration and overall wellbeing at school. We encourage families to provide nutritious lunches and snacks that help children stay energised and ready to learn throughout the day. We kindly ask parents and carers to refrain from delivering fast food lunches to school. These items often need to be stored in the office until eating time, which can sometimes be over an hour. This can impact food quality and freshness. Thank you for your understanding and support in helping us promote healthy eating habits for all students.

School closure days this term: 

Friday 13th February

Wednesday 18th February

Monday 9th March (Labour Day) 

Last day of Term 1 will be Thursday 2nd April 

We look forward to the year ahead with hope, learning, growth, faith and community. Thank you for entrusting us with the education and wellbeing of your child.  

God Bless and take care

Cinzia Mancuso

Acting  Principal