PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

Hi everyone,

As we head into the second last week of Term 2, it is incredible to think how quickly this term has flown by. We are rapidly approaching the winter break, with the last day of Term 2 for students being next Thursday, 2 July.

Please note that Friday, 3 July is a pupil-free day, as is Monday, 20 July. Students will commence Term 3 on Tuesday, 21 July.

A Rare and Blessed Opportunity: Blessed Carlo Acutis Relic & Exhibition

This week, our school is blessed to host a truly extraordinary event. We are welcoming a visiting exhibition of the Eucharistic Miracles, which were meticulously documented by Blessed Carlo Acutis on his website before his passing.

Even more remarkable is that our school and town are among the very few in the region chosen to host an official relic of Blessed Carlo.

This relic has travelled the world—including recent stops in Ireland and New Zealand—and is only in Australia for a short time. We are incredibly fortunate to have it visit our community. On Friday, our students will have the unique opportunity to see and venerate the relic.

Why This Matters for Our Youth

As Catholics, we pray to saints to intercede for us and support us in our needs. Blessed Carlo has a fascinating, modern story; he was a tech-savvy gamer and web designer who loved the Eucharist. As the first millennial/teenage saint of our modern era, he provides a powerful, relatable example of holiness. Being able to pray in the presence of a relic of someone so young is a uniquely moving experience for our children and young adults, proving that sainthood is achievable in our modern world.

How to Participate: I encourage our families to be part of this rare spiritual event. Please check the Religious Education (RE) section of this newsletter for specific times and details on how you can join us.

Community Reflections & Leadership

On a personal note, I was very disappointed to miss our Year 2–11 Athletics Carnival and the K–2 Cross Country last Thursday and Friday. By all accounts, the days were a fantastic success filled with great sportsmanship and community spirit.

During this time, I was in Sydney completing the final modules of an intensive 8-month course with the Australian Catholic Leadership Foundation. This program has been a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with Catholic leaders from across Australia, gaining valuable insights, knowledge, and skills that I look forward to implementing to further enhance our school environment.

I am incredibly grateful to the HTS leadership team for their  work in ensuring the smooth and successful operation of our school. As we prepare for the final days of the term, let us hold Blessed Carlo’s example close to our hearts, seeking his intercession for our youth and our broader community.

Transitioning to Compass

In an effort to streamline communication and reduce our environmental footprint, we have made the change from printing hard-copy reports to releasing them digitally.

All K–10 reports will be published on Compass in Week 11. By housing these records digitally, families can easily locate, view, and look back on their children's academic progress in one secure, convenient spot whenever they are needed.

While the report provides an excellent summary of Semester 1, the conversation doesn't end there. There will be an opportunity in Term 3 for you to come in and formally discuss the report with your child's teachers.

Please reach out if I can help in anyway.

Jilly