School of Leadership

News from the School of Leadership     

A Note from the School of Leadership Head of School

On Thursday, 5th of February, we held an assembly to welcome all students to the School of Leadership for 2026. At this assembly, I shared my excitement and joy that I often experience at the start of a new year. I love coming back after the summer holidays to see how much students have grown (something I especially notice given how short I am), the new haircuts, the clean, polished shoes, and new uniforms. I love seeing new friendships form and the promise that comes from a new start. While this time can be very exciting, I also acknowledge that it can be nerve-wracking, given how much time was spent away from friends, perhaps the anxiety associated with starting at a new school, and having to make new connections.

The School of Leadership is more than a middle school; it is a very special part of the St. Luke’s community, where students are known, seen, and valued. It is a space where everyone belongs, exactly as they are, knowing that they are forming who they are going to be. It is an opportunity for students to discover their strengths, define their identity, and create memories. It is a safe space to make mistakes with the hope of learning from them, where effort and curiosity are encouraged, where we privilege resilience over “being the best”. We don’t want our students to get everything right; we want them to keep trying.

Many students in Year 5 recognise the newfound independence the School of Leadership affords them, a marked change from SOF. With this freedom comes responsibility, and some students in Year 5, especially at the start of the year, may come to learn the firm, fair, and consistent approach we apply to misbehaviour, something that we do not shy away from as a leadership team. We expect students to demonstrate respect for themselves, others, their environment, and teachers.

The School of Leadership offers students many opportunities to become involved in extracurricular activities such as debating, sports, dance, clubs, and leadership initiatives. Students are encouraged to make the most of these opportunities to enhance their wellbeing and friendships, but also to foster their curiosity and creativity.

Brekky Club

Every Thursday at 8 am, students from Years 5-12 are invited to Brekky Club housed in the College Cafe. Our first week of Brekky club was filled with smiles, great conversations, and warm toast as students gathered. It’s a fantastic opportunity for students to socialise with friends, meet new people, and enjoy some breakfast before the school day begins. It was wonderful to see the excited Year 5 students participating in this initiative.

Year 8 Student Portfolio Leaders

We are very excited to have our newly appointed student leaders in Year 8 for 2026. These students were elected by their peers and teachers at the end of 2025 and mark the first official SOL leaders at St.Luke’s. They spoke confidently as part of a Q and A Panel at the Years 5 and 7 Parent Discovery Evening. I cannot wait to see what they will achieve across their year within their respective portfolio area.

2026 is a year full of possibility and I can’t wait to see how the SOL students grow.

Should you wish to speak to the College regarding your child, please reach out. Our SOL Leadership team for 2026 includes:

Mrs Josephine Camilleri - Acting Head of School, School of Leadership

A Note from The SOL Assistant Principal 

What a great start to the year we have had. It has been a particular thrill for me to return to the School of Foundations for Term 1 after spending 2025 working in School of Foundations. I’ve loved seeing our Year 5 students step up after working with them in Year 4 last year. It’s also exciting to see so many familiar faces in Year 7 and Year 8, having taught many of them in Year 5 and 6. I am proud to see them growing as learners and leaders in their own right.

Thank you to all parents and carers for the work you have done with your children to ensure they arrive at school, well equipped with an arsenal of stationery supplies and full school uniform, ready for learning. We appreciate the time it takes to set up good routines after letting routines go over the holidays (and rightly so - we all need time to rest, reflect and reconnect!). Lateness in small amounts can really add up over time:

Our teachers have been working hard to prepare meaningful and purposeful learning sequences prior to students’ arrival. They will be checking to ensure that students are ready for learning as they enter the classroom and during the lesson. Students can show this in a range of ways:

• Arriving at school by 8.25 to be at their classroom by 8.30
• Phones off and away
• Lining up outside class at the appropriate time following breaks and transitions
• Having their equipment ready, notably:
  • Correct uniform, hairstyles etc
  • Diary
  • Fully charged device
  • Exercise book for that lesson
  • Pencil case - fully stocked (topped up throughout the year as required)
• Sitting according to the class teachers’ seating plan

Uniforms

As we move into the third week of school, we would expect to see that students all have their full school uniforms. Please let us know if there is an issue with this, and we will work with you to address any concerns. Please note, male students can elect to wear the shorts as part of their formal uniform. These are only permitted in Terms 1 and 4. In Terms 3 and 4, the trousers are to be worn (along with the neck-tie).

Riding to school

Riding to school is a great way to increase independence and build some physical activity into the day. Students who ride bikes or scooters are reminded to wear a helmet. Students will not be allowed to ride home without a helmet. E-bikes and E-scooters are not allowed. 

Mrs Camilleri shared the names and faces of the SOL leaders above. Please do not hesitate to contact any one of us if you have a question, clarification, concern, query, critique or quandary regarding your child’s experience at school. We can only fix problems that we know about and are more than happy to hear from you at any time. The better we understand your child’s experience, the better we can meet their needs as a learner.

Mr Scott Carroll - Acting Assistant Principal, School of Leadership

Stage 3 Stories… 

Welcome back to the new school year, and a very warm welcome to the families who have recently joined the St Luke’s community. It has been a wonderful start to the year across Stage 3, and it has been a joy to see our students settle in so positively.

Our classrooms are already filled with smiling faces as students reconnect with friends, meet their teachers, and adjust to new routines. There is a strong sense of enthusiasm and readiness for learning as we begin the year together.

Year 5 students have started developing their leadership skills through our School of Leadership, learning how to contribute positively to our school community. Year 6 students are preparing for an exciting and meaningful year ahead as they embrace their final year of primary school, filled with opportunities for growth, responsibility, and memorable experiences.

As the term progresses, we kindly remind families of the importance of maintaining strong routines at home. Adequate sleep, balanced device use, and support with any consolidation or home learning tasks sent home all play a vital role in helping students stay focused, confident, and ready to learn each day.

Parents and carers would have received a welcome email from classroom teachers outlining class expectations and the best ways to communicate with the school. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher if you have any questions, concerns, or information to share.

My role this year as the Stage 3 Instructional Leader is to support our classroom teachers and work in close partnership with families. Together, we aim to provide every child with the best possible learning experience, supporting both their academic growth and wellbeing.

Thank you for your ongoing support. We are looking forward to a fantastic year ahead.

Warm regards,

Ms Shaz McAllister - Stage 3 Instructional Leader

Stage 4 Stories…

Focus on Year 7

The first two weeks of Year 7 have been carefully designed to support students as they transition into high school, with a strong focus on wellbeing, connection, and confidence building. During this time, students became familiar with the school environment, daily routines, expectations, and key staff. They were supported in navigating their timetables, locating classrooms, and developing organisational habits that will assist them throughout the year.

A key highlight of the first fortnight was our Year 7 Leadership Day. This day provided students with valuable opportunities to develop and refine important skills such as communication, teamwork, problem solving, resilience, and leadership. Through a range of structured activities, students were encouraged to step outside their comfort zones, collaborate with peers, and reflect on the qualities of positive leadership.

Across our time together so far, many new friendships have been formed as students participated in opportunities in class, as well as during recess and lunch designed to foster inclusion and a strong sense of belonging. 

Overall, these first weeks have provided a strong foundation for our Year 7's, ensuring students felt settled, supported, and ready to engage with the academic and social opportunities ahead. We are proud of how positively students approached this transition and look forward to a successful year together.

Mrs Ashley Pepper - Year 7 Wellbeing Coordinator

Focus on Year 8

Year 8 has had a positive start to the year, with many students eager to familiarise themselves with their new teachers, classmates, and learning spaces. It has been a delight to see both new and familiar faces return to St Luke’s, embracing a fresh start and focusing on getting the “small things” right to set themselves up for success.

Our emphasis on getting the “small things” right early in the year supports the development of strong routines around school, classroom, and personal expectations.

Year 8 students have settled in quickly to the new routine of five sessions per day, as well as new class procedures, including assembling before lessons and structured dismissal at the end of each session. A key reminder for families is to ensure all devices are fully charged and ready for learning each day, and that students have their school diary with them at all times to record Flipped and Consolidation work. Establishing positive sleep hygiene and consistent routines is particularly important at this time, as it supports punctuality and engagement in learning.

Each student has also been emailed a short survey to indicate areas in which they may like to lead this year. There are a wide range of leadership opportunities available within the School of Leadership, and we encourage students to put their hand up and get involved. Well done to our House Portfolios for their work in supporting the Year 5 and 7 Discovery evening last week. 

We look forward to working closely with our Year 8 cohort throughout another vibrant and energetic year, and to building strong partnerships with families to support each student in achieving their full potential.

Ms Grace Villarosa - Year 8 Wellbeing Coordinator

Learning Showcase

Religious Education

Year 7 RE

Discovering Our Story at St Luke’s

As part of our focus on building inclusive faith communities, students explored the religious imagery that shapes our identity at St Luke’s Catholic College. We reflected on the meaning of the St Luke’s Cross and Crest, recognising how these symbols express our Catholic identity, shared values, and commitment to belonging and unity.

Students then participated in a 30-minute discovery walk around the school, using a reflection booklet to sketch, photograph and record meaningful symbols and spaces. Back in class, they discussed what they found significant and what makes St Luke’s unique. Through this experience, students deepened their understanding that our school story is not only seen in our symbols, but lived out in our relationships and actions each day.

Year 8 RE

Where Do I Stand? Reflecting on Human Dignity

As part of our inquiry into how we can be advocates for human dignity in a changing world, students participated in a powerful reflection activity titled “Where Do I Stand?” The classroom became a continuum - from Strongly Agree to Strongly Disagree - as students physically positioned themselves in response to thought-provoking statements about dignity in everyday life, personal experience, and society.

Students considered questions such as whether people who commit serious crimes still possess dignity, whether dignity depends on behaviour, and whether they have ever stayed silent when someone else’s dignity was diminished. There were no right or wrong answers; only space for honest reflection.

This activity encouraged students to recognise that human dignity is not simply about politeness, but about respect, justice, belonging and courage. Through listening to diverse perspectives and reflecting on their own experiences, students began to deepen their understanding that dignity is inherent, universal, and central to who we are as people of faith.