Principal's News

Today's Book Week parade was wonderful. Reading is Magic. Reading opens up so many avenues. 

Enjoy the photos.

Sacramental Weekend

We keep all the young people in our prayers over the weekend. Some will be baptised, and receive the sacraments of the Eucharist and Confirmation. 

We welcome Bishop Shane Mackinlay. He will celebrate each of the three Sacramental Masses. Friday 6:30 pm, Saturday 6:00 pm and Sunday 11:00 am. 

On Wednesday 14th August our Executive Director, Kate Fogarty visited our school. She had visited as a teacher way back before any new buildings and before I started as Principal. She was very impressed with the results we are seeing from the students. This means our annual action plan is hitting the mark in so many ways. We are developing a platform for ongoing improvement and a quality environment for staff to be quality educators. This year for the first time we have two DP's. Our leadership structure is a strength in moving forward and aligning our goals with the strategic plan of CESL (Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd). 

Last Friday staff were treated to a special spirituality day at Winton Wetlands. Our team from Catholic Education Sandhurst (Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander Education) facilitated our program. Chris Summers (Deputy Principal- Religious Education, Behaviour, Compliance) Coordinated the day and did a wonderful job. Aboriginal Spirituality linked to our Catholic Identity was the theme for the day. Our environment was the perfect back drop for this day. I encourage those who may be looking for a day trip with options at the Cafe and outdoors to think about Winton Wetlands.  

Sharing Best Practice

On Saturday 17th August 170 educators came together at GoTafe. A huge thanks to LaTrobe university for creating this opportunity. The day featured a diverse and dynamic group of highly respected and qualified educators, researchers, academics, practitioners and authors. TEN staff from St Luke's attended which was amazing! 

A parent from our school, Kath D'Elia was the MC for the day. She did a superb job. Some speakers for the day: Pamela Snow, Sue Knight, John Sweller, Greg Clement, James Dobson, Kyli Murphy, Kath D'Elia, Ashley Pasqualotto, Lauren Jeffrey, Arti Shah, Susan Knight and staff from a couple of schools. Arti Shah is St Luke's Speechy provided via Catholic Education Sandhurst. 

Principal Briefing

Next Thursday I will attend our Term Principal and CESL briefing. Every term we come together and address the system strategic plan. Jen McKillop (DP- Learning Enhancement) will accompany me as the main theme for the day is system approaches to explicit and quality teaching. We are very excited because many of the approaches are what St Luke's staff have been working towards in 2024. A system approach will support our schools approach. More information in the next newsletter.

Calendar and start of 2025

Please keep looking at this as we may add or edit previous dates. We will endeavour to give at least 4 weeks notice of any change

Parent & Teacher Meetings

The online booking link is available in PAM. These take place Thursday evening 5th September until 5:40pm and Friday 6th September 8:40am until 3:00pm.

2025 Enrolments

At this stage we have a good number of Foundation students for 2025. We have met with 2/3s of the group this week and the remaining families next Wednesday. It is a lovely experience for all involved.

A google form will be emailed next week. This form will be for current families regarding enrolment for 2025.

Staff Watch

Mrs Liddell features this newsletter. Sport was second only to family and if Mrs Liddell wasn't on the netball court playing a game, she was practicing somewhere with or without a netball ring. 

A large portion of friendships to this day began from the netball court. Teammate or opposition,  we eventually tracked the state together and crossed into Adelaide for the very first Marist schools carnival - an unexpected highlight being named in the carnivals All-stars side. Come Uni years and I was still invested, playing for several clubs & training with Force. I've been particularly fortunate to celebrate several premierships, personal achievements, selections and team milestones, and while the thrill was incredible, the true treasure has always been the lasting friendships formed along the way. 

Love the headband Eloise and the Adidas shoes are never out of fashion!

Wishing everyone a lovely weekend.                                                                         

David Keenan