School of Leadership

A Note from the School of Leadership Head of School

Many parents will have memories of their own experience of school from Years 5 to 8. Some might be about friendships, teachers or particular events. Others might actually be about the curriculum covered in class and the acquisition of concepts and skills.

I can remember a specific lesson in which my Year 7 English teacher, Mrs Jacques, taught me about subject/verb agreement. Sure, it's a nerdy thing to remember, but reflecting on it now, I don't think the grammar is really the reason the memory stuck.

Mrs Jacques told me that this wasn't something she would usually explain to a Year 7 student, but she thought I would probably get it. I remember the immense pride I felt at being let in on this secret little bit of English codebreaking. I had been seen. Someone thought I was capable of understanding something difficult and trusted me enough to have a go.

I can't remember the specifics of many other learning moments from those years. As the old adage goes, people won't always remember what you say to them, but they will remember how you make them feel. In this case, the two became intertwined.

There is something important in that because learning requires vulnerability.

To learn, we first have to accept that there is something we don't know. We have to attempt things we might get wrong, ask questions that might expose our misunderstanding, accept correction and share ideas that aren't yet fully formed. For young people in Years 5–8, at an age when they are becoming increasingly conscious of how they appear to others, that can be particularly difficult.

Sometimes protecting ourselves is easier. I don't care. This is boring. I'm just bad at maths. I wasn't trying anyway. Each offers a convenient escape from the much more uncomfortable possibility: I tried, and I couldn't do it yet. It can be why we get monosyllabic responses when we ask our kids about their day. If I'm not seen or I don't care, no one will know that I don't get it so I won't get hurt.

Our challenge as teachers and parents is not to remove that discomfort. Some struggle is necessary for learning. Instead, we can help our young people feel safe enough to take the risk.

A few small changes to our conversations can help:

• Instead of “What mark did you get?”, try “What did you find difficult?” The important word is difficult. It communicates that encountering difficulty is expected rather than evidence that something has gone wrong.
• Instead of “Do you understand it?”, try “What part are you still figuring out?” Still matters. It assumes that understanding develops rather than dividing children into those who “get it” and those who don't.
• When they make a mistake, try “What do you know now that you didn't know before?” The important word is now. It shifts attention from the error itself to what changed because of it.
• When they are reluctant to attempt something, try “Have a go and show me where you get stuck.” Where matters. It assumes they can begin and that getting stuck is simply a point in the learning process, not the end of it.

Perhaps Mrs Jacques understood something that I didn't have words for at twelve years old. Before students will risk being seen not knowing, they need some confidence in how they will be seen when they get it wrong.

Sometimes the most powerful message we can give a young person is simply: I think you're capable of understanding this. Have a go.

Mr Scott Carroll - Head of School, School of Leadership

A Note from The SOL Assistant Principal 

Warmer Weather

As the weather heats up and we prepare for summer, it is important that your children have the required uniform items heading into Term 4. Hats are compulsory during Recess and Lunch in outdoor play spaces and during PE. There are three styles of hats available for purchase for $22.05. Hats can be purchased directly from the front office (and picked up from there) or from:

https://stlukes.uniforms4u.com.au/

Password: sl2765

The College bag is a COMPULSORY aspect of the uniform as well. I have observed many students using non-college bags. These can also be purchased from the online uniform store. If your child’s bag is broken, a new one will need to be purchased.

Neckties for the boys (and girls who choose to wear the pants and shirt combination), as well as stockings for the girls, do not need to be worn from next week due to the weather heating up. Terms 4 and 1 summer uniform is requested.

Black leather shoes are also an expectation as part of the full summer uniform. If shoes have broken or been outgrown throughout the year, new shoes will need to be purchased. Thank you for your support of this.

Mrs Josephine Camilleri - Assistant Principal, School of Leadership

A message from the wellbeing team

As part of our regular fortnightly student wellbeing check-ins, we continue to identify sleep as an area that a number of our students are finding difficult to manage.

Healthy sleep plays an important role in concentration, learning, mood, emotional regulation and overall wellbeing. As a guide, children aged 6–12 generally need around 9–11 hours of sleep each night, while teenagers need approximately 8–10 hours.

Families can support healthy sleep by encouraging consistent bed and wake times, reducing screen use before bed, keeping devices out of bedrooms where possible, developing a calm bedtime routine and limiting caffeine and energy drinks later in the day.

We encourage families to have a simple conversation at home about sleep and consider one small change that may help improve their child's routine.

For further information and practical strategies, parents and carers may find the following resources helpful:

SchoolTV – St Luke's Catholic CollegeExplore the Healthy Body Series, including information and expert advice about sleep.St Luke's SchoolTV

Healthdirect Australia – Sleep Tips for ChildrenPractical information about healthy sleep routines and recommended sleep times.Sleep tips for children

Chris BettiolLeader of Wellbeing, Growth and Development

Stage 3 Stories… 

What a month it has been for Stage 3. Firstly a massive congratulations to Sienna Lamb in Year 6 Freeman who has progressed to the Grand Final of the 2026 Voice of Youth. This is the annual public speaking competition for Year 6 students across Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese. 

Teacher Reflection:

The Voice of Youth public speaking competition challenges students to research, prepare and confidently present on issues that matter to them, and it's always a pleasure to see our students rise to that challenge. On the 15th of September, we had the privilege of attending the Semi-Final to cheer on our school's representative. Every speech on the day was wonderful, with each speaker demonstrating genuine commitment and dedication, particularly given how thought-provoking many of the chosen topics were. We were proudly represented by Sienna, and we couldn't be happier for her as she progresses to represent St Luke's in the Grand Final — congratulations, Sienna, we're all cheering you on!

Student Reflection - Hiya

On Tuesday, some Year 6 students and I went to the VOY Semi-Final at Our Lady of Lourdes in Seven Hills. All the speeches showed a lot of thought and preparation, and I personally found the whole experience really fun and interesting. It was inspiring to see students our age speak so confidently about topics that really matter. I'm really proud of Sienna for representing our school so well, and I can't wait to see her compete in the Grand Final.

We also had some of our lovely Stage 3 students participate in the Socktober Launch here in Western Sydney in partnership with Catholic Mission and the A-League club Western Sydney Wanderers FC. It was wonderful to see the spirit of St Luke’s alive and well in our students!

Finally, to our wonderful Tournament of the Minds (ToM) students in Stage 3 great job representing St Luke’s at our major creative problem-solving competition. The tournament is designed to challenge teams to collaborate, think divergently, and communicate under strict criteria. We thank all the lovely staff who gave up their time to support our students and to judge the competition. 

A major congratulations to team Jelly Pops who received honours on the tournament day. While this was a secondary team, 2 of our stage 3 students competed in the high school division. Well done!

Stage 3 Instructional Leader

As we come to the end of another busy and rewarding term, I wanted to take a moment to celebrate some of the wonderful things that have happened across our Stage 3 community. It has been fantastic to see our students embracing new opportunities, challenging themselves, building their confidence and continuing to grow both in and out of the classroom.

A very special congratulations to Sienna, who recently won the Voice of Youth Western Division Final on Tuesday and will now progress to the Voice of Youth Grand Final next week. What a fantastic accomplishment and one that our whole Stage 3 community can celebrate. We wish her the very best of luck! Another congratulations to Freeman for the excellent and engaging Celebration of Learning on Wednesday this week. It highlighted just how many fabulous learning opportunities students have been immersed in this term. There is plenty to look forward to when we return, with lots of exciting learning opportunities, events and experiences already planned for Term 4. We are looking forward to finishing the year strong and making the most of our final term together.

As always, thank you to our wonderful parents and carers for your ongoing support throughout the term. Your encouragement, partnership and involvement make such a difference to our students and to our school community, and we are so grateful for everything you do behind the scenes.I hope you all have a wonderful and well deserved break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back next term for another exciting chapter of learning, growth and plenty of wonderful moments together!

Have a safe and happy holiday, everyone.

Mrs Lauren O’Halloran - Stage 3 Instructional Leader

Stage 4 Stories…

Focus on Year 7

As we welcome the warmer months, it is wonderful to reflect on the growth and development of our Year 7 students. What a journey it has been so far!

Over Weeks 8 and 9, we have been privileged to have Miss Gabrielle Norton step into the role of Acting Year 7 Wellbeing Coordinator. This has been a wonderful opportunity for Miss Norton to spend time with our Year 7 students, witness their growth and celebrate the many positive qualities they bring to our community.

One of the highlights of these two weeks was the opportunity for Miss Norton and I to witness our Year 7 students take charge of their Passion Project Expo. This afternoon was a wonderful reminder of just how far our students have come since the beginning of the year. Seeing students confidently share their interests, ideas and talents with an audience was truly special.

The confidence our Year 7 students demonstrated in presenting to their peers, staff, and families is something we should be incredibly proud of. This is one of the things that makes our students' experience at St Luke’s so unique. Our students are encouraged from a young age to find their voice, share their ideas and have the confidence to stand before an audience and showcase who they are.

At St Luke’s we place a strong emphasis on the respectful and responsible use of ICT. Technology is an important part of our students’ learning and everyday lives, and with this comes the responsibility to use devices thoughtfully, safely and respectfully. Students are reminded that the way we communicate online should reflect the same values we demonstrate face-to-face kindness, respect, responsibility and integrity.

We encourage families to continue conversations at home about appropriate technology use, including respectful communication, protecting personal information, making positive choices online and knowing when to step away from a device. These conversations play an important role in helping our young people develop into responsible and respectful digital citizens.

With a full term still ahead of us, there are many more opportunities for our Year 7 students to learn, grow, connect and challenge themselves. We look forward to continuing to see their confidence develop and celebrating the many achievements that are still to come.

Year 7, keep finding your voice, embracing opportunities and representing our St Luke’s community with pride.

Mrs Ashley Pepper - Year 7 Wellbeing Coordinator

Focus on Year 8

The past few weeks have certainly been busy for our Year 8 students as they have navigated a demanding period of back-to-back assessments and in-class tasks. Well done to Year 8 for continuing to develop their ability to manage their workload, stay organised and remain focused on achieving the goals they have set for themselves.

As we approach the end of another term, students should be proud of what they have accomplished. However, a gentle reminder that the term is not quite finished yet! With a few assessments and tasks still due towards the end of the week, I encourage all students to maintain their high expectations, stay focused and continue striving to be their best selves right through to the end of term.

Earlier this term, Year 8 participated in a whole-day Student Development Day focused on developing students’ understanding and awareness of bullying. Students approached the day with enthusiasm and engaged in important discussions around recognising bullying, supporting others and understanding the different channels, supports and agencies available if they or someone they know is experiencing bullying.

It was particularly wonderful to see students working collaboratively throughout the day, strengthening relationships with their peers and continuing to build a supportive and connected Year 8 community.

Last week, Year 8 HSIE students also had the opportunity to bring their History learning to life through an engaging incursion exploring Medieval Europe and Medieval Japan. Students enjoyed the hands-on experience of dressing in medieval armour and clothing, while also examining a range of fascinating artefacts and learning about weaponry, daily life, and some of the cures and remedies used during the time of the Black Death.

As we enter the final stretch of the term, I encourage all Year 8 students to finish as strongly as they started. The high expectations we set for ourselves do not change simply because the holidays are approaching. Often, it is the ‘little things’ that demonstrate our commitment to being our best selves: arriving at school and class on time, maintaining excellent attendance, wearing our uniform correctly and with pride, being prepared for learning, completing outstanding work, and continuing to treat one another and our staff with respect.

These everyday choices matter. They reflect the standards we have worked hard to establish as a year group and the growing maturity and responsibility we expect from our Year 8 students. With only a short time remaining, let’s continue to show up, stay focused and finish Term 3 on a positive and successful note.

I wish all of our Year 8 students and their families a safe, restful and well-deserved break, and I look forward to seeing everyone refreshed and ready for our final term together.

Ms Grace Villarosa - Year 8 Wellbeing Coordinator

Learning Showcase

Science

Year 7 students have been exploring Living Things in Science, with a particular focus on cells and how they form the building blocks of living organisms.

Students first created their own model cells, identifying the key structures and considering the role each structure plays in helping a cell function. This provided a great opportunity for students to take what they had learnt in class and represent their understanding in a creative and practical way.

Students then headed into the laboratory to put their scientific skills into practice. They prepared their own onion cell slides and used microscopes to observe the cells at different magnifications. For many students, this was their first opportunity to prepare a slide themselves and observe real cells under a microscope.

The practical allowed students to make connections between the diagrams and models they had been learning about and what cells actually look like. They also developed important practical skills, including preparing slides, using a microscope correctly, making careful observations and recording what they could see.

It was great to see students engaged in the practical and excited when they were able to clearly see the onion cells through the microscope.

SOL Science Week

This year, our SOL students celebrated Science Week by getting involved in a range of fun, class and lunchtime activities linked to the theme “Seeds of Science.”

Students explored how small beginnings can lead to growth, change and discovery. They created crystal snowflakes, starting with a seed crystal and observing how crystals form and grow. Students also made their own cress heads, planting cress seeds and learning about what seeds need to germinate and grow.

The Seeds of Science theme also continued into the classroom for Year 7 with their “Grow Towards the Light” investigation. Students planted cress seeds and observed how the seedlings responded to the direction of light over the course of the week. By changing the direction of the light, students were able to observe the seedlings gradually bend and grow towards it, demonstrating that plants respond to changes in their environment.