School of Leadership
News from the School of Leadership
A Note from the School of Leadership Head of School
Dear Parents and Families,
I sat in Mass on Saturday night with my family and heard the Gospel reading about the story of Lazarus, who had died. Days before his passing, Lazarus’ sisters Martha and Mary sent word for Jesus to attend to their ill brother. Jesus, unfortunately, arrived four days after Lazarus had died. Martha accepted her brother’s fate but said to Jesus, “I know that even now, whatever you ask of God, he will grant you”. Her faith in God, even at a time of intense grief, remained steadfast. She believed that whatever God had planned for her, she would be faithful and believe. This Gospel taught me to understand that faith is a journey, faith is an act of trust in God’s power, even beyond death, times of uncertainty, and when the answers you seek are not immediate. Martha’s faith demonstrates that true belief is not just trusting in what God can do, but trusting in who God is, no matter the circumstances.
As we prepare for the joy and new life that Easter brings through the resurrection of Jesus, I hope you and your families can take time to pause and reflect, to appreciate the gift of life, the strength found in faith, and the hope that comes from trusting in God’s presence in our lives, even in our most challenging moments, even when the unexpected may happen.
Thank you to the wonderful teaching and support staff for the work they do every day in serving our St. Luke’s community in the School of Leadership. I know they will enjoy the rest that the holidays will afford them. I wish every family a very Blessed Easter and a restful and well-deserved break, ahead of more learning in Team 2.
The importance of reading at home with your children
I found some handy infographics (on Scholastic’s facebook page) that I am sharing with you below as a reminder about the importance of reading with your children at home. At home, reading is sometimes still a challenge with my own children (aged 4.5 and 7.5 years), and I make a conscious effort to keep it fun and engaging (even putting on the funny voices for characters). Reading with your children is a wonderful conversation starter, supports their overall literacy development, and helps to develop vocabulary. Setting aside 20 minutes a day to read with your children will make such a difference in their education and prospects. It’s a small investment of time that brings lifelong rewards. Why not give it a try and see the difference it makes?
Uniform in Terms 2 and 3
A reminder that students in SOL return to school in Winter Uniform (navy tights for girls wearing the dress option, a neck-tie, and pants for boys and girls who choose to wear 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.
Some dates to be mindful of:
Last day of Term 1 - Thursday 2nd April
Good Friday - Friday 3rd April (public holiday - no school on this day)
First Day of Term 2 for students - Tuesday 21st March (Monday 20th is a Staff Development Day)
Anzac Day: Saturday, 25 April 2026 (Public Holiday).
Additional Holiday for Anzac Day: Monday, 27 April 2026 (Public Holiday - no school on this day).
Kind regards,
Mrs Josephine Camilleri - Acting Head of School, School of Leadership
A Note from the Instructional Leader
It has been a successful and productive term for our Year 5 students as they have transitioned into SOL and completed NAPLAN. Students have approached these experiences with a positive attitude, and it has been wonderful to see how well they have settled into new routines. It has been a term full of engaging and enjoyable learning.
Our Year 6 students have also had a strong start to the year and have already begun receiving their consolidation tasks this term. Moving forward, Year 5 students will begin receiving their consolidation tasks fortnightly via Canvas in Term 2. We encourage parents and carers to support students in completing and submitting these tasks, and to communicate any concerns with the school, as this is an important expectation within SOL and helps prepare students for the transition to high school.
We continue to encourage families to monitor their child’s device use at home, as issues arising outside of school can sometimes impact student well-being and interactions at school. Open conversations at home are highly valuable in supporting students. Simple questions such as “What did you learn today?” or “What was the most interesting thing you learnt today?” can help prompt meaningful discussions about their learning and experiences.
It has been an eventful term for all Stage 3 students, and we sincerely appreciate the ongoing support from families as we have transitioned into the 2026 school year. We look forward to another exciting term ahead with excursions, incursions, assessments, and continued engaging learning experiences.
We wish all families a happy, restful, and safe Easter, and hope this special time allows for rest, reflection, and meaningful moments with loved ones.
Ms Shaz McAllister
Instructional Leader
Stage 3 Stories…
Math Year 5
It has been a high-energy term in Year 5 Math! This term, our students have been working in math groups, allowing them to dive deeper into concepts while learning from their peers.
This week, students stepped out of the classroom to explore measurement in a practical way. By using trundle wheels, they’ve been estimating and measuring large distances, helping them understand the relationship between millimeters, centimeters, meters, and kilometers.
Students have also explored number, place value, addition, subtraction and fractions. It has been a big term and we are proud of all the learning our students have shown.
Science Labs
Our students have been diving into the wonders of science through hands-on and engaging experiences across a range of fascinating topics.
Adaptations Under the Lens
Students explored the natural world at a microscopic level, using high-powered microscopes to observe the unique structures that help plants and insects survive in challenging environments. This close-up investigation sparked curiosity about how living things adapt to thrive.
The Solar System
From the tiniest details, students expanded their thinking to the vastness of space. They learned about the solar system and created their own nebulas during their science experiments to expand their understanding and learning about space.
History in the Making
Stepping back in time, our students investigated how fossils came to be and created their own fossils in a hands-on activity. This experience helped them understand how rare fossil formation is and how scientists use fossils to uncover clues about Earth’s ancient past.
Caritas Water Walk
DaVinci Decathlon
In week 5, students in Stage 3 attended the Da Vinci Decathlon. The da Vinci Decathlon is a prestigious academic competition designed to challenge and stimulate the minds of school students across 10 different disciplines. Students collaborate to complete papers and solve complex problems across learning areas such as science, art, drama, english, math, engineering, history and geography. We are so proud of our students who achieved incredible results against many teams in our debut year!
Year 5:
- 3rd in Art and Poetry
- 3rd in Engineering
- 3rd in English
Year 6:
- 1st in Legacy
- 3rd in Art and Poetry
- 3rd in English
- 4th Overall
Year 5 Leadership Day with Gen Bryant
Our Year 5 students recently participated in an inspiring Leadership Day led by Gen Bryant. Throughout the day, students were encouraged to step outside their comfort zones, build confidence, and develop important leadership skills in a fun and supportive environment.
The day was filled with energy and enthusiasm as students engaged in singing and dancing activities. These sessions helped break the ice, build teamwork, and create a positive atmosphere where everyone felt included and ready to participate.
Students also took part in meaningful leadership and morality talks, where they explored what it means to be a positive role model. They discussed values such as respect, responsibility, and kindness, and how these qualities can be demonstrated both in school and in the wider community.
A variety of group activities gave students the opportunity to collaborate, communicate, and problem-solve together. These hands-on experiences reinforced the importance of teamwork and allowed students to practise their emerging leadership skills in real-life situations.
Overall, the day was a valuable and enjoyable experience, leaving students feeling motivated and empowered to take on leadership roles within our school.
Stage 4 Stories…
Focus on Year 7As we head into Week 9, it has been great to see many students continuing to settle into routines and demonstrate positive learning behaviours in class. Students have been working hard across their subjects and showing increasing confidence in managing their learning and organisation.
This week we encourage students to stay focused and continue putting in their best effort as we approach the final weeks of the term. Completing classwork, submitting assessment tasks on time, and asking for help when needed will help ensure everyone finishes the term strongly.
A reminder for students to check Compass regularly for any updates, upcoming tasks, or important notices. Keeping track of homework, assessments, and materials will support a smooth and productive end to the term.
We would also like to acknowledge the many students who are consistently demonstrating respect, responsibility, and a positive attitude toward their learning. These behaviours make a big difference in creating a supportive classroom environment for everyone.
Finally, as we approach the end of the term, we would like to wish all of our Year 7 families a blessed and joyful Easter. May this special time be one of peace, hope, and renewal as we reflect on the meaning of Easter and celebrate with family and loved ones.
I would also wish all students and families a safe, restful, and wonderful school holiday. I hope this break provides an opportunity to relax, spend time together, and return next term refreshed and ready for more learning.
Mrs Ashley Pepper - Year 7 Wellbeing Coordinator
Focus on Year 8
Term 1 has seen a positive and welcoming start to the year from our Year 8 cohort. Earlier in the term, I challenged and encouraged students to embrace their role within the School of Leadership by stepping into opportunities to lead where possible and appropriate. This was the particular focus of our recent Student Wellbeing Day combined with Life Design Pitches.
Many students have taken on the role of Peer Companions, supporting their Year 5 peers as they settle into the school. It has been wonderful to see these relationships develop, with Year 5 students feeling supported as they learn more about the school, their place within it, and the people around them.
More recently, a number of students, alongside our House Portfolio Leaders, assisted at Open Night. They represented the school with pride, helping to showcase our facilities, resources, and curriculum offerings. Thank you to all students who contributed to the success of the evening as your efforts were greatly appreciated. This was also recently seen with the mass participation of Year 8 during the Athletics Carnival.
A reminder to all students to remain consistent in using their student diary as their ‘passport’ and central point of reference. The diary should be used when planning Flipped and Consolidation work, recording entries in the Student Movement Log, or when borrowing a device from the IT HUB. It is also an important tool for communication. If a message needs to be shared with teachers (e.g. uniform, shoes, or planned travel), this should be written and dated in the diary. Alternatively, parents and carers are welcome to contact me directly at gvillarosa@parra.catholic.edu.au
As we move towards the end of the term, I would like to congratulate Year 8 on their efforts so far. I encourage all students to continue to persevere in their studies, organisation and the development of healthy habits.
Wishing all families a safe and peaceful Easter break as we conclude the term and take time to rest and recharge.
Ms Grace Villarosa - Year 8 Wellbeing Coordinator
Learning Showcase
Mathematics
Math Space
Parents may have received an invitation to create a Math Space parent log-in. Math Space is an online platform that students use both in and out of the classroom. The platform provides a range of methods for students to complete activities, practice their skills, learn new content and receive support. All the learning data is collected for students, parents and teachers to map a clear picture of how a student is progressing through the Mathematics curriculum. The parent portal will provide access to student progress, and to see what activities have been completed by their child set by their teachers.
Math Space are processing the invites to parent emails and should be sent to the primary parent email by the end of term
Enrichment and Support Programs
By term 2, students and parents may receive an expression of interest form for a Mathematics Enrichment or Mathematics Support program. The purpose of theses programs are:
Enrichment:
- Challenging problem solving
- Extend Mathematical Concepts
Support:
- Practice fundamental number skills
- Revise concepts to support learning in class
These programs will most likely be conducted from 8:00am-8:30am and on a specific day for each year group. Information will be sent out via Canvas and/or Compass for those that are interested soon.Science
Year 7 Science – Being a Scientist
Year 7 students have settled in well to their science laboratory environment and are enjoying their first unit, Being a Scientist. They have been learning about observation, inference and the scientific method, which are key skills scientists use to investigate the world around them.
Students have been applying their scientific thinking through a range of hands-on experiments, learning how to make careful observations, record results and draw conclusions from their investigations. They have also been learning how to safely light and use a Bunsen burner, an important laboratory skill.
It has been great to see students developing curiosity and confidence as they begin their journey in science
Year 8 Science – The Human Body
Year 8 Science students have been learning about the human body, focusing on the circulatory system and how the heart pumps blood around the body. As part of this unit, students conducted a heart dissection, allowing them to observe the structure of the heart and identify its main parts.
This hands-on investigation helped students connect what they have been learning in class with a real biological specimen and develop a deeper understanding of how the heart functions.
Art/Music
Year 8 Visual Arts students have been getting hands-on with clay as part of their latest assessment task, where they are designing and creating their own hybrid creature sculptures. During this unit, students have been learning a range of clay hand-building techniques including coils, slabs, scoring and slipping to help them build and attach different parts of their creatures. In this lesson, students were practicing how to make a pinch pot, which is a simple but important clay technique. By gently pinching and shaping the clay with their fingers, students create a hollow form that can be used as the base of their creature or added to other clay pieces.