Principal message
Dear Students & Families,
Thank you all for an excellent term. It has been gratifying to see the progress of our students, as showcased during our recent Reporting and Student-Parent-Teacher Interviews. We appreciate the participation of our students and families and commend our staff for their dedication in preparing and leading these interviews.
The recent Whole School Closure Days focused on enhancing student learning through explicit planning and attention to individual student learning information. We were very well led by staff from Catholic Education Sandhurst. During the session with Andrea O’Connor, we explored specific whole school, class, and individual student learning information and were challenged to use this data to improve student outcomes. In the second session with Colleen Hampson, staff examined high-quality curriculum planning and documentation to enhance the teaching of Religious Education. We look forward to applying the insights from these sessions in Term 3 and beyond.
Significant works are underway to continue improving our School and Parish.
Landscape Design
Ian Kelly Landscaping will commence the first phase of work in the yard over the break. Building on earlier improvements this year, the area between the Jaara Centre, COLA, and the McAuley Building will see the development of a new retaining wall, enhanced play space, synthetic grass, and improved safety. Further work will continue in Term 3 and the September break around the maple tree near the McAuley Building, including new flag poles and garden design facing the Upper Area.
Building Works
In partnership with the Catholic Education Sandhurst Capital Planning Team, the school has engaged an architect and will go to tender next term to improve classroom spaces in the Grade 1/2 and 5/6 areas. This includes better separation of learning areas, the development of specific learning spaces for targeted teaching, and overall improvements in sound regulation.
St Monica's Church Development
The new parish hall and centre development is progressing well and is expected to be completed by August/September this year. The new hall will facilitate gatherings and social events for Parishioners and will be available for our school community as a meeting and learning space. The hall will be approximately the size of the current church and will accommodate 80 to 100 people for social events. Following the hall's completion, the Church itself will undergo basic interior renovations, including a new floor level, interior painting, and possibly new carpet. This new hall will foster ongoing collaboration between our parish and school communities.
On a personal note, thank you all for your generous welcome and continued partnership and support through Semester 1. It has been a privilege to learn more about this school community and serve the students, families, and staff. I look forward to maintaining contact with the school in the months and years ahead as I return to my work with Catholic Education Sandhurst Limited.
Kind Regards,
Tim
Tim Edwards
- Acting Principal