Leadership Communication

Celebrating a great first term

Dear Families, 

As we come to the end of a busy and rewarding Term 1, we take a moment to reflect on all the wonderful learning and experiences that have shaped our school community over the past ten weeks. From the classrooms to the sporting fields, from moments of faith to joyful celebrations, it has been a term filled with growth, achievement, and connection.

Our students have embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm, whether it was competing in Athletics Day and Cross Country, taking on the challenge of Interschool Sports, or participating in Ride to School Day. Our Year 4 students dived into their swimming program, while our Year 6 students created lifelong memories on camp.

In the spirit of faith and service, we gathered for Masses, reflected during Ash Wednesday, and supported Caritas through our Lenten fundraising efforts. A special highlight was the Sacrament of Reconciliation, where our students experienced God’s love and forgiveness in a profound way.

This term also welcomed the start of transition for our 2025 Foundation students, an exciting step as we prepare to welcome new members into our school family. Meanwhile, our Year 3 and 5 students took on the challenge of NAPLAN with confidence and resilience.

We also celebrated the joy of learning beyond the classroom—our weekly Chess Club saw students sharpening their strategic thinking, while our Coffee and Connect sessions provided a wonderful space for parents to gather and strengthen our school community. Events like Harmony Day, our Open Afternoon, and the Family Catch-Up reinforced the importance of coming together to celebrate diversity and connection.

With so much happening, it’s no wonder we all feel a little tired! But that just proves how much we have achieved together. 

As we enter the Easter season, we are reminded of the hope and renewal that comes with Christ’s resurrection. May this time bring peace, rest, and joy to your families.

Wishing you all a blessed and restful holiday. We look forward to another wonderful term ahead!

Peta Overbury

Acting Principal

Am I harming my child’s English development if I speak another language at home? 

Absolutely not! Dr Valerie Rigobon and Prof. Rauno Parrila wrote an article about parents supporting their multilingual children and the following are some key points:

Research shows:

• that children can learn multiple languages at the same time, starting from infancy.
• don’t abandon your home language. Regular interactions with your home language are important. For example, everyday talk with parents, visits or phone calls with grandparents.
• build a community filled with native speakers of English and your home language. For example, after school activities, sports teams, cultural and religious events.
• stay consistently connected to this community of people who value each language,  as this will support a child’s motivation to keep growing in each language.

If you want to read the whole article click this link.

Kind Regards

Jodie Bawden

EAL Leader