School of Leadership

A Note from the School of Leadership Head of School

As we arrive at the end of another school year, it’s impossible not to feel both the fullness and the fleeting nature of our days together. School years have a way of holding an unmistakable kind of magic — the hum of classrooms, the growth we witness in real time, the shared moments that shape both learning and community. And yet, they pass so quickly. One moment we are welcoming new faces at the start of the journey, and the next, we find ourselves preparing to farewell another cohort as they take their next steps.

This year, I’ve been particularly struck by our Year 8 students, who finish next week. I can still remember meeting them as wide-eyed Year 5s — excited, curious, a little unsure, and so ready to belong. To see them now, confident and capable young people, is a profound reminder of the privilege we hold in a K–12 setting. We don’t just teach students; we grow with them. We get to witness their unfolding across years, not just stages — their friendships, their character, their courage, their joys. This continuity is one of the true gifts of a K–12 school, and it is never lost on us.

As we all prepare for a well-earned break, I hope the weeks ahead offer opportunities to rest, recharge, and discover new experiences that lift the spirit. May the slower pace help us breathe a little more deeply and savour the simple things — family, friends, sunlight, stories, and stillness.

On behalf of our whole team, I wish you a happy and holy Christmas. May it be a season of peace, hope, and joy, and may the New Year bring renewed strength for the journey ahead.

Celebrating 2025 - A Year in Review

Last week, the School of Leadership hosted a special event designed to shine a light on the contributions, experiences, participation and leadership of students across Years 5.8. We were also thrilled to award the inaugural recipients of the The School of Leadership Lucan Awards. 

St. Luke was known for his dedication to spreading the Gospel and his compassionate care for others, using his gifts to proclaim the Good News. The Lucan Award recognises a student in Years 5, 6, 7 and 8 who consistently demonstrates outstanding commitment to our school and the wider community. The Lucan Award is presented to a student who embodies the values of St. Luke's Catholic College including faith, hope and love.  The recipients have used their gifts to Live the Good News – in areas such as liturgy, leadership, service and example.

By implementing The Lucan Award, we not only recognise and uplift outstanding students, but we also aim to inspire the entire St. Luke's community to grow in excellence, integrity, and a shared commitment to sustaining a positive culture.

Criteria for selection of The Lucan Award:

• Embodies the values of faith, hope and love
• Contributes to the faith life of the School of Leadership through social outreach, prayer and service
• Demonstrated leadership capacity 
• Engagement in a wide range of extra-curricular activities and initiatives
• Demonstrated ability to show kindness, compassion, and respect for all staff,  students, and the wider community

The recipients of the School of Leadership Lucan Awards are:

Congratulations to the School of Leadership  2026 Inaugural Portfolio Leaders  

We are delighted to announce the six inaugural Portfolio Leaders for 2026 in our School of Leadership. These students have been selected for their character, commitment, and capacity to lead with purpose. Each brings a unique voice and vision to their portfolio, and together they represent the very best of what it means to serve our community with integrity and heart.

Our 2026 Portfolio Leaders will play a vital role in shaping student opportunities, strengthening our culture, and modelling leadership that is collaborative, courageous, and future-focused.

Please join us in congratulating:

2026 Class Placements - Years 5 and 6

This week, students in Kindergarten to Year 5 participated in a 2025 Roll Up where they were able to go and see their learning space, meet their new classmates and in their new class teachers. To this end, I share the teaching team for 2025 Years 5 and 6:

2025 Years 7-12 Wellbeing Coordinators and Stage 3 Instructional Leader:

Please note, teachers and leaders spent considerable time discerning class placements for the 1900 students across the College. Several factors were considered including but not limited to student need, physical space, patterns of behaviour, student achievement, classroom dynamic, resourcing, staffing

We understand that children may feel comfortable with particular teachers and peers, however, the new school year offers an opportunity to expand social networks and adjust to different classroom atmospheres.  As such, requests for changes to students' classes will not be accommodated. 

2026 Equipment Lists

Please see THIS document for the stationery and equipment requirements for Years 5-8 in 2026. 

2026 Return to School Dates

Years 5 and 7 Return - Monday 2nd February 2026 

Years 6 and 8 Return to School - Tuesday 3rd February 2026

2026 Other Important Dates

Year 5 and 7 Discovery Evening (5.00-6.00pm) - Wednesday, 3rd February 2026

 Mrs Kate Kelly - Head of School, School of Leadership

A Note from The SOL Assistant Principal 

What a year 2025 has been!As we wrap up another busy and rewarding school year, I want to wish all of our families and students a peaceful and refreshing Christmas break. May this holiday season bring rest, joy, and time spent with loved ones.

Thank you for your ongoing support throughout the year. It truly makes a difference in our school community. I look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2026, ready for new learning, new challenges, and new achievements. I’m sure our students will return a little taller, a little more confident, and eager to take on all that the new year has to offer.

Wishing you all a safe, happy, and hope-filled New Year!

Mrs Josephine Camilleri - Assistant Principal, School of Leadership

Stage 3 Stories… 

Stage 3 Instructional Leader

As we reach the end of another remarkable school year, I want to take a moment to celebrate what has truly been a year filled with growth, wonder and countless moments of pride for our Stage 3 community.

Our Year 5 students successfully stepped into the School of Leadership this year, embracing new responsibilities and challenges with enthusiasm and maturity. Our Year 6 students have continued their own journey of leadership and growth as they now prepare to transition into Year 7. Watching all of our students flourish academically, socially and emotionally has been one of the greatest privileges of my role.

This year has been packed with unforgettable experiences. From the excitement of camp, to our surf life saving excursion, to engaging incursions and inspiring dance and drama workshops, students have been immersed in rich learning opportunities beyond the classroom. Each experience has strengthened friendships, built confidence and resilience, and created memories we know they will carry with them for years to come.

Success has been seen in many ways across Stage 3: growth in learning, strengthened friendship groups, improved maturity, new achievements and those small day-to-day moments where students tried something new, persevered or supported a peer. These everyday wins are just as important as the big milestones, and together they tell the beautiful story of a year well lived.

A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful and hard-working Stage 3 teaching team. Their dedication, creativity and tireless commitment have shaped a year of deep learning and joy. We are incredibly fortunate to have such passionate educators leading our students each day.

To our parent community, thank you for your ongoing support, encouragement and partnership. You play an essential role in everything we achieve, and your trust truly means the world to us.

And finally, to our amazing students, thank you for your energy, enthusiasm and the incredible spirit you bring to our school. It has been a fun, fast-paced and joy-filled year, and I feel honoured to have been part of this wonderful team.

As we look ahead to 2026, I am excited for another fantastic year of learning, leadership and opportunities.

Wishing every family a joyful Christmas and a safe, restful holiday break.

Warm regards,

Shaz McAllister

Instructional Leader

Connect 7

As Connect 7 comes to an end, our Year 6 students can proudly reflect on how much they have grown throughout the program, Connect 7. Moving between classes, meeting high school teachers and experiencing new learning environments has helped them develop confidence, organisation and independence. They have gained valuable skills they will carry into their future schooling experiences, and they now have a clearer understanding of what learning in high school will look like. Connect 7 has truly helped prepare them for the exciting journey ahead.

Year in Review

This year has been an outstanding one for our School of Leadership, with students across all stages demonstrating growth, resilience and a strong commitment to their learning. Our Year 6 cohort, in particular, has shone brightly. They have shown impressive leadership within the school, embraced new challenges and excelled across a range of areas. Many students achieved significant success in sport, representing the school with pride and determination, while others earned academic awards that recognise their hard work, curiosity and dedication to their studies. As we look back on the year, we celebrate not only these achievements but the consistent effort, teamwork and positive spirit that Year 6 has brought to our community.

Year 6 Thanksgiving Liturgy

As Connect 7 comes to an end, our Year 6 students can proudly reflect on how much they have grown throughout the program. Moving between classes, meeting high school teachers and experiencing new learning environments has helped them develop confidence, organisation and independence. They have gained valuable skills they will carry into their future schooling experiences, and they now have a clearer understanding of what learning in high school will look like. Connect 7 has truly helped prepare them for the exciting journey ahead.

Learning Showcase

Science

This term, Year 7 took on a hands on science challenge: designing and testing their own parachutes. As part of their assessment task, students explored how size, shape and mass affect the rate of descent.

Working in teams, they designed parachutes using different materials and canopy styles, then tested how quickly each model fell. Students compared results, looked for patterns, and used their data to explain why some parachutes descended slowly while others dropped much faster.

They wrapped up the project by writing a scientific report, discussing their method, results and conclusions. It was a great opportunity for students to apply their understanding of forces and motion, think like young scientists, and see how design choices influence performance.

Sport

Year 3-6 Basketball Gala Day

On Wednesday 19th November, four enthusiastic St Luke’s teams represented our school at the Parramatta Primary Diocese Basketball Gala Day. We were proud to field a Years 3/4 Boys team, Years 3/4 Girls team, Years 5/6 Boys team, and Years 5/6 Girls team, each showcasing great teamwork, school spirit, and determination.

The focus of the day was participation, enjoyment, and giving every student the opportunity to experience competitive basketball in a supportive environment. Across all four teams, our students demonstrated excellent effort, sportsmanship, and resilience.

Our players were competitive throughout their matches, achieving mixed results but consistently showing improvement, enthusiasm, and a willingness to challenge themselves. It was wonderful to see students encouraging one another, celebrating both big and small moments, and proudly representing St Luke’s.

A huge thank you to the staff who attended, the parents who supported from the sidelines, and most importantly, to our students for giving their best and embracing the spirit of the day.

Cruz Monzon Year 7 

St Luke’s Catholic College is incredibly proud to celebrate the outstanding achievement of Cruz Monzon (13 years), who on the weekend of 29th - 30th November, produced a remarkable performance at the NSW All Schools Athletics Carnival, breaking the 13 Years Boys 400m record.

Cruz’s success is the result of years of quiet dedication and steady persistence. Those who know him understand that his talent is matched only by his humility. He trains with purpose and consistently puts in the work—never seeking applause and always grateful for the support around him. What stands out most, however, is the way Cruz carries himself: respectful, grounded and focused, no matter the stage.

On Thursday 4th December, Cruz will travel to Melbourne to compete on the national stage at the Australian All Schools Championships, where he will contest the 200m and  400m track events. It is a testament to his exceptional ability and his commitment to continuous improvement.

The entire St Luke’s community wishes Cruz every success as he represents New South Wales and our school with pride. We have no doubt he will continue to run with the same heart, discipline and humility that have brought him this far

Cruz as he crossed the finish line, breaking the 400m record (left) and Cruz with his official new record (right)

Rep sport - Junior Boys Touch Football

St Luke’s Junior Boys Touch Football team wrapped up Season 3 of the Parramatta Catholic Schools Representative Sport competition with a spirit of determination, teamwork and growth that truly reflected the heart of our community. While the final scoreboard didn’t fall our way this season, the team showed tremendous progress, resilience and sportsmanship from the first whistle to the last.

Across all rounds, our students faced strong opposition, yet continued to step up, learn and push themselves each week. Several games were closer than the scores reflected, and this showcased just how far our players had come. There was an  improvement in skills, communication and confidence—an achievement that deserves to be celebrated.

We extend our warmest congratulations and thanks to the students  who represented St Luke’s in Touch Football this season. Your effort, positive attitude and support for one another exemplify what it means to be part of our school community. 

Rep sport - Basketball

Junior Girls

The junior school girls basketball team has shown remarkable improvement this season in both skills and teamwork. This report highlights their performance, key successes, and areas for improvement.

The junior team had a pretty rough start to the season struggling to find consistency in both offence and defence. However, despite some of the losses from earlier in the season the girls stayed resilient and bounced back from obstacles. Even if they lost the previous game they would still show up the next week set on being better. Although not all of them specifically played basketball they still demonstrated determination and willingness to learn which became evident as the season progressed. This determination was especially noticeable during their warm ups, where the girls would put in extra effort and focus on improving their skills. They found it difficult at first to work together as a team but overtime they built strong team chemistry which helped them thrive throughout the remainder of the season. For example, at first they struggled with play making as they were unfamiliar with each other's playing styles but after a couple of games they began to anticipate each other's movements, coordinate passes effectively, and support one another on the court. Additionally, the team consistently showed excellent sportsmanship, encouraging teammates to show respect to the opponent through every game.

One of the key successes of this season for the team was their first win after 5 consecutive losses. This victory boosted the teams confidence and demonstrated their ability to apply the skills and teamwork they had been developing. This win also served as a reminder to them that consistent hard work, dedication, and effort pays off. Following this win the team carried their momentum into the next 2 games and achieved back to back victories showcasing their growth and resilience not just as an individual, but as a team. 

However, there are still areas for further improvement for the junior team. The team could continue to work on fast transition between offence and defence, maintaining a constant shooting accuracy, and strengthening communication during games. By focusing on these areas the junior girls have potential to be even better and perform stronger next season. 

Overall, the Junior Girls Basketball Team has demonstrated remarkable growth in both skills and teamwork. Their resilience, determination, and commitment to improvement have been impressive, and the season has laid a solid foundation for continued success in the future.

Inter Girls Basketball

Over the course of the season, the Years 9–10 Inters Basketball Team demonstrated remarkable growth, both as individual players and as a united group. What began as a team of students with a range of abilities and experiences developed into a cohesive, trusting, and supportive unit. Through shared challenges, victories, and countless hours of training, the players learned to rely on one another and recognise the unique strengths each teammate brought to the court.

One of the greatest successes of the season was the team’s chemistry. Early on, communication could be hesitant, and trust was still forming. As the weeks progressed, however, the group learned to anticipate each other’s movements, give constructive feedback, and work together defensively and offensively. This shift was not sudden, but rather the result of consistent effort, patience, and a willingness to learn alongside each other. The improvement was evident not only in game performance but in the supportive environment the players created.

Each player contributed something valuable to the team. Celine quickly became known as the most reliable three-point shooter, often providing crucial long-range baskets when the team needed them most. Starsha proved herself to be the team’s strongest defender, shutting down opposing players with determination and composure. Savannah excelled as the all-round player, consistently stepping up wherever she was needed—whether distributing the ball, defending, or scoring.

The season also highlighted impressive personal improvement. Sana and Darcy, named the most improved players, grew tremendously in both skill and confidence. Their development demonstrated how commitment and perseverance can elevate not only individual performance but the team as a whole. Kirat was the standout shooter from outside the key, offering steady mid-range scoring opportunities. Mikayla’s strength lay in her driving ability and lay-ups, frequently breaking through defences to finish strong at the rim.

Winona played a key role in strengthening the team’s ball movement and on-court communication. Her ability to stay composed under pressure and make smart passing decisions helped the team maintain structure and create scoring opportunities. Her steady presence added reliability to both ends of the court. Meanwhile, Moriah and Kendra helped maintain the team’s spirit throughout the season.

Their positivity, encouragement, and enthusiasm lifted the group during tough games or challenging training sessions. Their impact off the scoreboard was invaluable, reminding everyone that a successful team is defined just as much by its culture as by its results.

Together, these players formed a team whose success was rooted not in individual talent but in unity. Every strength—whether technical skill, defensive ability, leadership, or positivity—contributed to their overall growth. By the end of the season, the Inters team was not just a group of players but a connected, confident, and supportive basketball family.

Rep Sport - Soccer 5’s

Two teams from St Luke’s proudly represented the school at Wanderers 5-a-side soccer, held at the official Western Sydney Wanderers ground. Both the Year 7/8 and Year 9/10 squads showcased strong skill, teamwork, and school spirit throughout the day.

The Year 7/8 team delivered an impressive run, battling through the group stage and earning their place in the semi-finals. Despite a determined performance, they were edged out in a tight match, finishing just short of the final. MVP goes to Isaac Bernardo from year 8.

The Year 9/10 team also put in a valiant effort, displaying resilience and great chemistry on the pitch. MVP goes to Rufael from year 9.

Across both age groups, the students represented St Luke’s with pride and enthusiasm.

Rep Sport - Super 8’s Cricket

The Year 7 and 8 boys’ junior cricket team began the season with one simple goal: play hard, play fair, play for each other and redemption for losing to John Paul last year. From the very first ball, they showed something special. Their opening bowlers worked in perfect rhythm, their batters built smart partnerships, and their fielding was sharp enough to turn half-chances into wickets. Week after week, they stepped onto the pitch with confidence and came away victorious. six games. six wins. Undefeated in the round games.

Next up was St Andrew's in the semi final, which became one of the highlights of their season. Despite a bit of nervous energy in the warm-up, the boys started strong, putting together a competitive batting total scoring 74 through steady partnerships and clever running between the wickets. But it was their bowling and fielding that stole the show. With tight lines, smart field placements, and constant encouragement from every player, they applied pressure from the very first over. Wickets fell at key moments, and the team’s younger players stepped up with confidence and composure. By the end of the match, they had secured an impressive 38-run victory, one that showcased just how far they had come.

By the time they reached the grand final, the boys knew they were part of something special and memorable. Knowing we were coming up against a stacked St John Paul II team the boys knew they had to put in a great performance. After posting a strong total of 76 after the 7 overs, St John Paul II knew they needed something special to score 11 an over against a firing and energetic St Luke's team determined to win. St Luke’s bowled with great discipline. All of the boys were super energetic and worked hard to do all of the little 1 percent things that can change a game and keep the momentum of the game in our favour. With one final wicket remaining and St John Paul II needing to score 34 runs in the final over, St Luke's  bowled a beautiful over where they only scored 5 off the over securing the victory and completing the perfect undefeated season 7-0.

The intermediate boys also impressed throughout the season, making it all the way to the semi-finals. Their squad included several players who had never played cricket before, yet they approached every match with courage and determination. They quickly learned the rules, developed their skills, and grew in confidence. Their journey to the semis wasn’t just a sporting achievement, it was proof of their growth, determination, and willingness to step out of their comfort zones. They had a tough semi final against Xavier who were full of experienced representative players.

The open girls’ team had a similar story of resilience and improvement. With players of mixed experience levels, they built their season on teamwork, encouragement, and a love of the game. This was the first girls’ cricket team the school had fielded in four years, and the players embraced the challenge with pride and excitement. They steadily improved with each match they played. They were unlucky in a couple of close games against top teams. Their effort throughout the season shone through, and their ability to compete strongly against tough opponents demonstrated just how far they had come. For many, it was their first time playing cricket, yet they represented the school with pride and sportsmanship and played a great semi final against a very strong Catherine McAuley team who would go on to be champions.

Together, all three teams showcased the spirit of school sport, hard work, growth, teamwork, and passion. Each group created memories to be proud of, leaving the school community excited for what next season will bring.