School of Leadership
News from the School of Leadership
A Note from the School of Leadership Head of School
In my house, there are moments when my wife and I look at each other and wonder why everyone seems so cranky. Even when we've checked the obvious things like making sure everyone is fed and well rested, we can find ourselves wondering why the wheels seem to be falling off. With two students and one teacher in our house, we often find this happens around Week 8. Week 8 is that time in a ten-week term where it feels like we have been working away for weeks and weeks, yet there are still three weeks left! How will we ever make it through?!
Your family may or may not be feeling that at the moment, but we can certainly see it in our community. A break feels so far away. This is Week 9 of an 11-week term, so it feels even longer than usual!
When things start to feel harder than they should, it can be worth pausing to check in on the basics. Sometimes behaviour is communicating a need that has gone unnoticed. Are we getting enough sleep? Have routines started to drift as the term has worn on? Are devices creeping later into the evening than we intended? Have we been moving, resting and connecting with others in the ways that help us feel our best?
The good news is that these things are often easier to adjust than the challenges they create. A small reset to a bedtime routine, a little less screen time, or a little more downtime can sometimes make a surprisingly big difference.
As we head into the final weeks of term, let's continue to show ourselves and our young people a little patience and grace. We are all carrying a lot by this point in the term, and sometimes simply recognising that can be enough to help us be ready to show up for learning with a sense of confidence and pride in ourselves.
Mr Scott Carroll - Head of School, School of Leadership
A Note from The SOL Assistant Principal
I want to share this social media post from His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, ahead of the FIFA World Cup commencing…
Pope Leo XIV recently reflected that "anyone who does not know how to pass the ball, even if they have talent, has not yet understood the game." This wisdom extends beyond sport and speaks powerfully to our school community. Raising and educating young people is not the responsibility of families or schools alone. Rather, it is a shared mission requiring trust, collaboration, and mutual support. Even when difficulties arise or disagreements occur, we are called to remain focused on what unites us—the wellbeing, growth, and flourishing of each child entrusted to our care. By working together with patience, respect, and goodwill, we model for our students the very values we hope to instil in them.
In last Sunday's Gospel, Jesus reminds us that a shepherd leaves the ninety-nine sheep to search for the one who is lost. This powerful image highlights God's deep love for each person and reminds us that every individual matters. As educators in a Catholic school, we are called to reflect the care of the Good Shepherd in our daily work. While we celebrate the achievements of the many, we also seek to notice the student who may be struggling, feeling disconnected, or in need of encouragement. Just as the shepherd goes out of his way to find the lost sheep, we strive to ensure that every student feels seen, valued, supported, and known within our school community. Our leadership team within the SOL are always here to support you and your child. I want to thank our SOL leadership team for the care, patience, and support they provide to your children.
Our SOL Leadership team:
Chelsea Wick - SOL Diversity Coordinator
Lauren O’Halloran - Stage 3 Instructional Leader (Acting)
Ashley Pepper - Year 7 Wellbeing CoordinatorGrace Villarosa - Year 8 Wellbeing Coordinator
Winter Uniform
A reminder that students in SOL must be in the College Winter Uniform (navy tights for girls wearing the dress option, a necktie, and pants for boys and girls who choose this combination). The shorts that our boys have enjoyed wearing are not permitted in Terms 2 and 3. Students must also wear the formal jacket over the wool jumper (not the sports jacket) on formal uniform school days. Students must also use a College backpack.
By taking pride in the little things, our students are better equipped to succeed in the bigger things.
Should you need to make purchases, please visit:
www.stlukes.uniforms4u.com.au using the password: sl2765
Thank you for your support over Term 2 and I look forward to continuing to work with you and your children in Term 3. Have a restful and safe holiday break.
Mrs Josephine Camilleri - Assistant Principal, School of Leadership
Stage 3 Stories…
Stage 3 Instructional Leader
As we come to the end of Term 2 we have much to celebrate about the learning that has taken place in Stage 3. Our Year 5 students are almost a quarter of their way through Stage 3 and our Year 6 students are close to having only a quarter left!
There will be many opportunities over the next few weeks for our Stage 3 students to demonstrate how they show up as leaders of their own learning in a range of different situations. Our excursions for both Year 5 and 6 to the Art Gallery will allow students to see a wide range of artworks up close and examine a number of different styles and techniques to support their learning in Visual Arts.
Canberra is right around the corner for Year 6. Thank you to everyone who has already returned their consent forms. This information is due by 26 June. Please see communication on Compass for more information and remember to return the consent forms if you have not already done so.
Congratulations to Malala on sharing an incredible summary of their learning so far this year during their Celebration of Learning. Click here for the highlights package!
Mrs Lauren O’Halloran - Stage 3 Instructional Leader
English
As you would be aware, students have been developing their persuasive writing skills in preparation for the Diocesan Voice of Youth public speaking competition that will take place next term. We were very lucky to have a member of the Captivate Team work with our Year 6 students during Week 6.
We spent time in the hall learning about each aspect of ‘The Presentation Pyramid’ and put some of the advice into practice. In particular, learning how to control our nerves by breathing deeply and to speak confidently in front of a group of people.
Science
We have been busy learning about electricity and the way circuits work. We have learned about the components that make up a circuit and how to draw circuits in a scientific diagram. We also learned about the materials that can be used as conductors of electricity. In the images below, students formed a human electrical circuit and discovered that we as humans can act as conductors. In this experiment, we added devices that emitted light and sound when placed in a completed circuit. Students learned that with the addition of more people there was an increase in the amount of resistance in the circuit meaning the devices worked less and less efficiently. Year 6 enjoyed the experiment and it helped to visualise the concepts of current electricity and electrical resistance.
PDHPE
In Stage 3 PE, students are approaching the end of their new unit ‘Fit Kids.’ The unit initially had an athletics focus to help students prepare for the athletics carnival. Currently, students are using their skills in circuits and challenges to practice and improve a range of components of fitness such as endurance, strength, power, agility and coordination. Below, Amelia F from Riley is performing the Illinois Agility Test.
It is important for our students to understand that there are a range of ways to develop their fitness and this unit has presented a range of options for them. A fun family idea may be to participate in the Elara Riparians Parkrun on a Saturday morning. This would be a great way to incorporate fitness into your family schedule and role model lifelong health behaviours.
In Stage 3 PDH, students are currently designing a food truck that serves a range of healthy and balanced menu items. We can’t wait to see their final products in the next couple of weeks! Here is a reminder of the Australian Dietary Guidelines specifically for children and adolescents. We have worked with this document in the last few lessons to help students reflect on their intake and brainstorm areas for improvement. It may be helpful to review this document to ensure your growing child is eating a variety of the five food groups, especially as they transition into a period of rapid growth and development. Antoinette Roach
Stage 4 Stories…
Focus on Year 7
As we reach the halfway point of the school year, it is a valuable opportunity to pause and reflect on the journey our Year 7 students have made so far. The transition into high school is a significant milestone, and it is important to acknowledge both the challenges and achievements experienced during this time.
Let’s also take a moment to celebrate what students have accomplished. In a short period of time, Year 7 students have successfully navigated a major transition; moving from primary school into a large secondary setting, meeting new peers, engaging with new teachers, and adapting to different learning environments and expectations. They have shown resilience and courage in stepping into a new stage of their schooling.
Throughout the first half of the year, students have also participated in a range of important school experiences, including athletics carnivals, school photos, excursions and incursions, and other whole school events. These opportunities have helped students build friendships, develop confidence, and feel more connected to the school community. The change into winter uniform is another visible reminder of their progression through the school year and their growing sense of belonging.
In the classroom, students have been building foundational skills across all key learning areas. Teachers are noticing increased confidence in participation, improving organisational habits, and a growing understanding of expectations around homework, assessment, and independent learning. While there is still plenty of growth ahead, as expected at this stage, students are steadily developing the skills needed for success in high school.
Beyond academics, students are continuing to find their place within the broader school community. Whether through sport, extracurricular activities, friendship groups, or leadership opportunities, these experiences are helping them build identity and connection.
As we move into the second half of the year, our focus will continue to be on:
- strengthening organisational and study skills
- building resilience and positive learning habits
- encouraging responsibility for learning and time management
- supporting student wellbeing and positive peer relationships
We encourage parents and carers to continue engaging in conversations at home about school routines, organisation, and upcoming assessments. Regular check-ins around learning can make a significant difference in helping students build independence and confidence.
Wishing our families a safe and relaxing school holiday break.
Mrs Ashley Pepper - Year 7 Wellbeing Coordinator
Focus on Year 8
As we approach the end of Term 2 and the first half of the year, I would like to thank our Year 8 students and families for their continued support and commitment throughout the year. It has been wonderful to see students grow in confidence, engage positively with their learning and contribute to the life of the school.
Recently, students completed a range of assessment tasks across their subjects. I recognise that assessment periods can be stressful for many young people and would like to commend Year 8 for their perseverance and effort. If your child would benefit from additional support with organisation, study habits or assessment preparation, please do not hesitate to reach out. Students are also encouraged to utilise the Student Centre, which is available on Tuesdays.
I would also like to acknowledge the positive behaviours demonstrated by our students throughout the semester. Whether in the classroom, around the school grounds or within the wider community, many students have consistently shown respect, kindness and consideration towards others, contributing to a positive Year 8 culture.
With reports and Parent Teacher Interviews approaching, I encourage families to celebrate their child's achievements and discuss goals for continued growth in the second part of the year. .
Our Choose Your Own Adventure (CYOA) Subject Selection Evening has now taken place, and the Zoom recording remains available for families who were unable to attend. A QR code has also been included for students and parents to submit any questions regarding subject selections as they continue planning for 2027.
Thank you again for your ongoing partnership and support. We are proud of the progress our students have made throughout Term 2 and look forward to the opportunities, achievements and memories that the following Term will bring.
Ms Grace Villarosa - Year 8 Wellbeing Coordinator
Learning Showcase
Focus on Sport
Science
Year 7 Science – Investigating Forces with Straw Rockets
Year 7 Science students have been exploring the effects of forces and how they influence the motion of objects. As part of their studies, students designed and launched their own straw rockets, investigating how different factors affect the distance and flight of the rockets.
This activity was designed to help students develop an understanding of how forces such as thrust, gravity and air resistance act on moving objects. By testing and modifying their rocket designs, students were able to apply the scientific method, collect data and identify how changes to variables can influence an object's motion.
Year 7 Science - Designing a Playground
This term, Year 7 Science students have been investigating the driving question:
"How do different forces, contact, non-contact, and magnetic, shape the way objects move and help us solve everyday problems?"
Throughout the unit, students explored how forces affect motion and how simple machines make everyday tasks easier by changing the size or direction of a force. They investigated contact and non-contact forces, including gravity, friction, magnetic forces and applied forces, through a range of practical activities and demonstrations.
To showcase their learning, students have taken on an engineering design challenge where they will design, build and evaluate a small-scale playground. Their playground must incorporate at least three different simple machines, such as levers, pulleys, inclined planes, or wheels and axles.
Year 8 Science – Flame Tests and Chemical Reactions
Year 8 Science students have been investigating chemical reactions and how scientists can identify substances based on their unique properties. Students conducted flame tests on a range of metal compounds and observed the characteristic colours produced when the compounds were heated.
Students were introduced to one of the ways chemists identify elements and investigate the composition of unknown substances. By carefully observing and recording colour changes. Students gained a deeper understanding of how energy can be absorbed and released by atoms, producing the distinctive flame colours seen in the experiment.
