Principal's Update

Good afternoon families ... 

There's nothing better than a long weekend to recharge the batteries, I hope you had a chance to spend some quality family time together.  The wintery weather has hit hard yet our students continue to turn up each day with a smile on their face ready to learn and play.  A reminder if your child is not feeling well, best to keep them at home to fast-track recovery. 

Thank you for the effort and attention that has been given to the school uniform and for wearing the right uniform on the right day.  I know this can be a battle, but the results have been fantastic. 

What is the Science of Learning?

In Week 1 of Term 2, all staff across our Diocese took part in three days of rich professional learning with Dr Jared Cooney Horvath, focusing on the Science of Learning. Throughout 2025, we will be sharing regular insights and reflections for families to consider, with the hope that these shared understandings can strengthen the partnership between school and home in support of each child’s learning journey.

To begin, it’s important we clarify what we mean when we say the Science of Learning. The Science of Learning is a growing field of research that helps us – as educators and parents – understand how human beings learn most effectively. Drawing on evidence from neuroscience, psychology, linguistics, education, artificial intelligence and philosophy, it offers us practical, research-informed strategies that support learning, build memory, and develop expertise. These “best bets” can be applied not only in classrooms, but in homes and everyday life – supporting children and adults alike to keep learning, growing and thriving.

In the meantime, if you would like to learn a little more about the science of learning, please see the following link - Science of learning basics in 3 minutes - Science of Learning.

CESL Magnify Podcasts

If you haven't already listened to any CESL podcasts, I encourage you to take the time to listen to the following podcast... 

This particular podcast explains in depth the thinking Magnify, how it originated and how we can do better for every student, in every classroom, every day. 

Sacraments of Confirmation & Eucharist

The Sacraments of Confirmation & Eucharist will be held on Saturday June 21 at 6pm at St Joseph’s Church.  Bishop Shane will be celebrating the Sacraments for us this year and all staff are invited to attend.  We have nine Year 4 students participating in these Sacraments this year. 

2026 Enrolments

Our enrolment period for children entering Foundation for the 2026 school year has concluded and letters of offer were distributed this week.  I would like to thank our Year 6 students for being fantastic tour guides for a large number of new families.  We are incredibly proud of your efforts with some excellent feedback reinforcing their great work. 

F.I.R.E Carriers

Last week, we commissioned six new F.I.R.E. Carriers as part of Reconciliation Week.

After an extensive application process six Year 5 students were inducted into this life-long commitment to be Friends Igniting Reconciliation (through) Education.  Our special gathering that supported us reflect on Reconciliation Week and our nation's journey toward Reconciliation with our First Nations people.  A big thanks to Mr Nathan Walsh for his coordination of the event and our celebrations throughout the week.  We have such a rich indigenous cultural heritage to learn from, engage with and protect together as we move ever closer 'Bridging from the NOW to the NEXT'.

Supervision Hours (Repeat)

Please note - the school yard is unsupervised before 8:30am.  There are still many, many children on the grounds prior to this time.  For the safety of your children, I am asking that they are not dropped off at school before 8:30am.

Winter Wellness Reminder

Just a gentle reminder that we’ve reached that time of term when winter illnesses tend to take hold.  Both students and staff are more susceptible to colds, flu, and other seasonal bugs during this period.  We kindly ask families to remain vigilant and to keep children at home if they are showing clear signs of being unwell.  This helps us maintain a healthy environment for everyone and supports the wellbeing of our entire school community. Thank you for your continued care and cooperation.

National Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD)

. 

School Photos

National Photography have now provided individual and sibling codes to students so school photos can viewed and ordered.   Orders close soon.  If you have misplaced your code, please contact the office.

The first round of deliveries will be printed tomorrow so will be delivered next week. Families will have until Friday June 20 to order photos for the second delivery free of charge.  After that, families are still able to photos but will be required to pay shipping for delivery direct to their home. 

Kind regards,

Peter Teggelove, Principal