From The Principal

Dear Families,

It is with a great sense of pride, gratitude and nervous excitement that I write my first newsletter as the newly appointed Principal of St Anne’s Catholic Primary School. At the panel interview back in August, the first question asked was “Why do you want to be Principal of St Anne’s?”. My response, in summary, was that I am so very proud of what we do at this school - the amazing staff, the delightful, hardworking students and the friendly, supportive families. Why would I want to leave that to work somewhere else?

As a Year 6 student attending St Anne’s in the late 1980s (back when skivvies were the height of fashion), not once did I imagine that my career pathway might one day bring me back here. But perhaps, as the saying goes, it was in the genes? My Grandpa Lex (a WW2 Changi veteran who lived to 101 and had 13 children!) was a primary school principal in various state schools across Victoria, while my Dad John was a Catholic Secondary School Principal in both Keilor and Kyneton. We know that family is the first and most important teacher, and I am grateful that I can call on my memories of these two humble, generous and faith-filled people as I embark on the next stage of my career. And I can’t mention the centrality of family to education without acknowledging my Mum, herself a “St Anne’s Nanna” who is a regular at drop off and pick up times. As all parents do, she believed in her children and encouraged them to be their best and follow their dreams. I am honoured to be part of a school where our shared sense of purpose is so clearly focused on this goal for each and every one of our students.

Finally, it would be remiss of me at this time not to acknowledge once again the contributions that Noelene made to the St Anne’s community as Principal over the past 14 years. While her vision and strategic planning are clearly evident as you walk through the school buildings and around its grounds, I would suggest that Noelene’s most important contribution to St Anne’s is the culture she so carefully nurtured and shaped. As a staff, we are committed to building upon this culture as we work with our families, and in conjunction with the wider parish community, to help each of our students be the very best they can be.

Share your Thoughts

At the end of last term, families were invited to complete the annual MACSIS surveys. These surveys are designed to provide a numerical summary of how we are tracking as a school in a range of key areas. To complement this data with some more anecdotal evidence, in the next week or so you will be sent a Google Form link inviting you to respond to 2 key questions (which are deliberately big, broad and open-ended).

At St Anne’s, what are we doing well?

At St Anne’s, what might we do differently?

To provide a balanced perspective of how we are travelling, these same questions have been asked of staff, and will also be presented to students later in the term. While the opportunity to respond is optional, and the contents of responses will be treated with confidentiality, please note that names and email addresses will be collected in case follow up questions or points of clarifications arise.

Term Four

To conclude, we are looking forward to another busy final term here at St Anne’s, with highlights including

• Y3 Reconciliation (Thurs W2)
• Junior Sports Day (Fri W2)
• Prep 2025 Orientations commencing (W3)
• Y4 Camp, Arts Showcase and Grandparents Morning (W4)

• P/1/2 Camp Experiences (various weeks)
• Y2/3 Swimming Program (W8)
• Step Up 2025 (W9)
• Christmas Carols and Y6 Big Day Out (W10)

Warm regards and God’s Blessings,

Stephen

sarthurson@sasunbury.catholic.edu.au