Dear St A’s Community,

I trust that you have all had a great shorter work/school week. I hope that the long weekend was an opportunity for your family to take some time in nature or outdoors and to absorb yourselves in the wonder and awe.

At the start of the term, I was very fortunate enough to participate in a professional learning program with principals and educational leader from across Australia. The first week was at Glasgow University and the second week was at the Rome Campus of the Australian Catholic University. I am very grateful for the support of my Deputy Principal, Emma, who stepped up as Acting Principal in my absence, with great enthusiasm and integrity.

Glasgow

In Glasgow we spent alot of our time at the University of Glasgow studying. We studied and learnt about the history of Catholic Education in Scotland and how Catholic schools came about. Scottish schools have a strong Catholic Identity, and the faith and spirituality of the staff and students was very evident. We met with the Archbishop of Edinburgh who shared the history of Catholicism in Scotland and also told us the story of the Venerable Margaret Sinclair. (A saint in the making!) We toured Parliament House with a local politician and discovered the rich history of their government and the support that catholic schools receive. I was aslo lucky enough to visit the largest catholic primary school in Glasgow - supporting over 1000 students! The students displayed such strong faith and this was evident in their words and actions! We also go to see some of the many sites on offer including Edinburgh castle, the Kings Palace and the Royal Mile.

Rome

In Rome we studied at the ACU Campus and visited the four main Basilicas - St Peter's, St John Lateran, St Mary Major and St Paul's behind the walls. We learnt about the rich history and storytelling of the basilicas, unpacked the messages from Pope Francis' letters and encyclicals, and their impact on Catholic Education. The Pope preaches messages of inclusion, sustainability and hope - meesages to be inspired by. Next year will be a Jubilee year for Rome, so many sites and were heaviliy under repair. We went to mass in all different settings and experienced Catholicism through an Italian lens! I even stayed in a convent, run by the nuns! Rome was a very interesting place with such rich history.

I have been greatly inspired by the many guest speakers and experiences of the past two weeks and look forward to enacting this new learning throughout our school.

ART SHOW

A big congratulations to Mrs K and the most amazing ART SHOW that opened on Wednesday night. The St A's students have been working tirelessly all year to create their art works with an 'Italian theme'. Well done to all involved for making the ART SHOW a big success. The displays will be up for the next 2 weeks, so if you missed out on coming last night please pop in after school.

Prep 2025 Transition

The transition process for our 2025 Prep classes began this week! It was so exciting to see our new students joining in our school community and beginning their school journey. The new preps were so brave and it was great to see their smiling faces as they left knowing their new House Colour!

Next year our Prep teachers will be Miss Shenel V, Miss Bella Chaundy and Miss Monique Kay. ( returning from overseas) We are currently have a third classroom converted for ou3 third Prep class!!

Confirmation

This Sunday we will be celebrating the sacrament of Confirmation. with some of our Grade 6 students. We continue to pray for all these students as the become full members of the catholic church. The sacrament of Confirmation continues, strengthens, confirms and celebrates the gifts of the Holy Spirit received at their Baptism. We are blessed to have such a dedicated and faith-filled team leading our children during this special time.

Class Groupings for 2025

This week the staff and I commenced the process of grouping students into their 2025 classes. This is a challenging process which takes into consideration many social, academic and personal needs of every student. Any requests that I have received, to support students in their social/emotional developmental needs, have been taken into consideration. All students have been given the opportunity to request 2-4 friends to be in their class next year. Final class groupings and teachers will be shared in December.

Together, we can achieve great things. Thank you for your continued support and dedication.

Show Grace, Be the joy for others and God Bless.

Carrie Rodda

Principal

Month at a Glance