Principal

Dear School Community,

It is with profound sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our much‑loved student and friend, Verity. Verity was a cherished member of our school community, and her presence enriched the lives of students and staff alike. At this time of deep sorrow, we hold Verity and her parents close in our hearts and prayers. We give thanks for the gift of her life and for the joy, love and dignity she brought to our community. As a faith community, we remain united in compassion, hope and prayer as we support one another through this loss.

This week, I also had the opportunity to attend a meeting with State Ministers focused on matters relating to schooling. We were fortunate to be able to raise questions and advocate around the funding and provision of student transport to and from school, an issue of significant importance for many of our families. These conversations are critical in ensuring that the needs of students with disability are understood and prioritised at a systemic level. Advocacy in this area remains ongoing, and we will continue to represent the needs of our students and families through appropriate channels.

Looking ahead, I warmly invite parents and carers to attend the School Advisory Board Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday 24 March 2026 at 6:00pm, to be held at Our Lady of La Vang School. This meeting provides an important opportunity to reflect on the 2025 school year, review our progress, and engage in discussion about our shared vision and strategic direction for the future. Parent participation is highly valued, and I encourage those who are able to attend to do so. If you would like to attend the AGM, please contact me directly at scorrell@stpats.catholic.edu.au.

As we enter the sacred season of Lent, a time of reflection, fasting and almsgiving, our staff and students have begun this spiritual journey together. Our community marked the beginning of Lent through Ash Wednesday liturgies and activities, which were celebrated with reverence and respect. These moments offer students meaningful opportunities to engage with their faith and to reflect on how they are called to live out the Gospel in their daily lives.

Throughout Lent, we will continue to connect with Caritas Australia, our Catholic charity, through acts of almsgiving and social justice. This engagement supports our students to develop an understanding of compassion, generosity and solidarity with those who experience poverty and injustice. The theme of Project Compassion 2026, Unite Against Poverty, is both a call to action and a reminder that lasting change occurs when we work together. Serving those in need is how this call comes alive within our school community, as we seek to form young people who are attentive to the dignity of every person.

If you would like more information about Caritas and their work, please visit www.projectcompassion.org.au

Please note that we have a pupil free day on FRIDAY 6th of MARCH this is an opportunity for all staff to engage in professional learning. 

Kind regards

Shannon Correll

Principal