School of Leadership

A Note from the School of Leadership Head of School

Dear families,

Communication matters.

Long after students have forgotten a particular lesson, formula or assessment task, they will still need to communicate clearly, thoughtfully and confidently. Whether they are explaining their thinking, making an argument, solving a problem, collaborating with others or sharing their ideas, strong communication skills open doors in every area of life.

One of the most powerful ways students develop these skills is through writing.

If reading is breathing in, writing is breathing out.

Writing is much more than putting words on a page. It requires students to organise their thinking, make connections between ideas, reflect on what they know and communicate that understanding to others. In many ways, writing is visible thinking.

In the School of Leadership this year, we are placing a particular focus on helping students strengthen their writing across all learning areas. This means students will have regular opportunities to write, receive feedback and refine their work in a range of different contexts. They will learn how to unpack questions and better understand what is being asked of them in order to communicate their knowledge with increasing precision and confidence.

While writing may look different in different subject areas, the ability to communicate clearly is a skill that connects them all.

As parents and carers, you play an important role in supporting this growth. One of the simplest and most effective ways to do this is by having regular conversations about learning at home. Rather than focusing only on grades or completed tasks, consider asking questions that encourage reflection and ownership of learning:

What are you learning about?
What are you trying to get better at?
How do you think you are going with this learning so far?
What do you need to do to improve?
How will you know if you have been successful?
Where can you go if you need help?

These conversations help students develop the habits of reflection, persistence and self-awareness that support success not only in school, but throughout life.

We look forward to continuing our partnership with you as we help our young people find their voice in a range of contexts, communicate with confidence and grow as learners.

Mr Scott Carroll - Head of School, School of Leadership

A Note from The SOL Assistant Principal

Riding Bicycles to School

In NSW, bicycle riders must wear an approved helmet securely fitted and fastened. Research shows helmets can reduce serious head injuries by about 70% and reduce fatal head injuries by 65%. If your child rides a bike or scooter to school, please ensure they have a helmet that is firmly fitted.

E-scooters and e-bikes

Escooters and e-bikes are not permitted on school premises as they pose a risk of explosion and fire. Riding e-scooters and e-bikes that exceed the speed limit of 10 km/h is illegal for all users under 16 years of age. Escooters and e-bikes are highly dangerous to riders, pedestrians, and other vehicles and can attract significant fines, including the following offences:

Use unregistered vehicle on road or road-related area - $844.00
Use uninsured motor vehicle on road - $844.00
Ride bicycle on footpath (person 16 years or older) - $140
Owner use vehicle on road/road-related area with tax unpaid - $844.00

If your child has an e-scooter or e-bike, please consider where they are permitted to ride it for their safety. These bikes are only permitted on private property, not on roads or footpaths.

The Bus Bay on Northbourne Ave

When I have been at the gate in the mornings or afternoons, I have observed a number of parents stopping in the bus bay to drop their children off at school. Please do not stop in this area as it is unsafe and interrupts the flow of traffic, including our school buses. In NSW, the fine for stopping in a bus zone ranges between $330–$344 and can also attract 4 demerit points in some circumstances. In NSW, stopping in a bus zone within a school zone carries higher penalties than a normal bus zone offence, with fines up to $423 and 2 demerit points. School zones attract increased penalties because of the higher risk to children and traffic congestion around schools.

Key rules:

You cannot stop or park in a signed bus zone unless you are driving a bus.
This includes “just for a minute” pick-ups/drop-offs.

Using the Pedestrian Crossing

To maintain student safety, we ask that you encourage your children to use the pedestrian crossings located on Northbourne Ave or Frontier Ave. We have witnessed a number of children and students crossing the road at various points on Northbourne Ave, rather than at the safe locations of the pedestrian crossings, sometimes with their parents or with the encouragement of their parents. To prevent serious injury, please use the pedestrian crossings. Being a little late is better than getting hit by a passing vehicle.

Winter Uniform

Over the next two weeks, we will be doing a Uniform Blitz to ensure that students are wearing their correct winter uniform, including:

Neck-ties (for all male students and female students who choose to wear the shirt and pants combination)
Navy stockings for all female students
Formal College trousers for boys (no shorts are permitted in Terms 2 and 3)
Correct College Bag
Black School Leather shoes

We appreciate your support in ensuring that these little things are correct and maintain the wonderful image of our St.Luke’s community that we seek to portray. If you require any items, please purchase them online through our uniform website.

Parent and Carer Support

As a Catholic community, we acknowledge that parents are the first teachers of their children — the first to teach love, kindness, faith, and compassion. The partnership between home and school is a sacred one, and we are deeply grateful for the trust, support, and example our families provide each day.

When challenges arise, as they sometimes do, please know that, like you, we are deeply invested in the wellbeing, growth, and care of every student entrusted to us, including your children. We also understand that, as parents, it is natural to respond emotionally when situations involve those we love most. However, we ask that all interactions within our community remain respectful and grounded in the dignity of each person. Our staff and College leaders are committed to supporting students with care and professionalism and deserve to be treated with the same respect, courtesy and compassion that we seek to model for our young people each day. We appreciate the support we receive from our families and work hard to provide the service that we do here at St.Luke’s Catholic College.

As we continue through this season of Pentecost, we are reminded that the Holy Spirit calls each of us to live as disciples of the Lord, spreading God’s love through our words, actions, and relationships. Pentecost reminds us that we are one community, united in faith and called to work together with humility, understanding, and grace. In our homes, classrooms, and conversations, may we continue to be witnesses to Christ by building a community shaped by respect, kindness, and hope.

Mrs Josephine Camilleri - Assistant Principal, School of Leadership

Stage 3 Stories…

On Tuesday 19th May 2026, our Year 5 and Year 6 students participated in an engaging and interactive incursion at St Luke’s Catholic College called Frankenstories.

Frankenstories is a fast-paced collaborative storytelling game where students worked together creatively using image and text prompts. At the beginning of each round, all students received the same prompt and then independently created their own responses within a timed challenge. Students then voted on their favourite submissions, with the winning responses combined together to create unique and often hilarious short stories.

The activity encouraged:

Creativity and imagination
Quick thinking and problem solving
Collaboration and peer feedback
Confidence with writing and storytelling
Engagement through fun and interactive learning experiences

Students thoroughly enjoyed the experience and demonstrated excellent participation, teamwork, and enthusiasm throughout the incursion. It was wonderful to see students building on each other’s ideas and developing their storytelling skills in such a positive and energetic environment.

As we move into the second half of the term, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the acting Stage 3 Instructional Leader. I am very excited to be returning to Stage 3 in this role. While I briefly stepped away from the team, I have recently returned after spending a number of years teaching in Stage 3 at St Luke’s. It is an area of the school I have always thoroughly enjoyed, not only because of the energy, curiosity about learning and personalities of the students, but also because of the strong sense of teamwork and community that exists across the stage.

There are already so many wonderful things happening across the Stage 3 spaces and plenty for our students to look forward to throughout the remainder of the year. Our students will continue to have opportunities to challenge themselves, build connections and engage in rich learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom. It is important to acknowledge that these experiences would not be possible without the incredible Stage 3 teaching team who care for and support your children, working tirelessly to create positive, engaging and supportive learning environments each day. I feel very fortunate to be working alongside such a dedicated group of educators.

One exciting event coming up for our Year 6 students is our annual Canberra Tour. We know for a lot of our students and families, this will be a big milestone and we want to make sure you have all of the information possible to prepare well. To that end, we warmly invite you to attend our Year 6 Parent Information Evening on Wednesday 10th June at 6pm. It will be a valuable opportunity to hear details pertinent to camp, expectations and answers to questions families may have about our upcoming Canberra tour. We look forward to sharing more information with you at this event.

I am looking forward to getting to know our students and families further and working in partnership with you throughout the year to support every child to feel known, supported, and successful.

Stage 3 Instructional Leader

Mrs Lauren O’Halloran - Stage 3 Instructional Leader

Stage 4 Stories…

Focus on Year 7

At St Luke’s, we believe that maintaining high expectations for all students is essential to helping young people succeed. High expectations mean encouraging students to consistently do their best academically, behave respectfully, take responsibility for their actions, and approach challenges with resilience and determination. These standards are not about creating pressure; they are about helping students recognise their potential and develop the skills needed for future success.

At St Luke’s we are committed to fostering a culture where effort, responsibility, and perseverance are valued every day. We encourage students to take pride in their learning, be organised, communicate respectfully, and contribute positively to the school community.

Importantly, the routines and expectations students experience at school mirror the skills that will be essential in adulthood. In the workforce, successful employees are expected to be punctual, respectful, organised, and willing to persevere when tasks become challenging. Strong relationships; whether personal or professional are built on communication, accountability, empathy, and respect for others. These qualities do not appear overnight; they are developed gradually through consistent practice and guidance.

As educators, we know that young people rise to the expectations set for them when they feel supported and encouraged. By maintaining high standards while also providing care and understanding, we are helping students build confidence, independence, and a sense of pride in their achievements.

We also value the important partnership between school and home. When students receive consistent messages about effort, responsibility, and positive behaviour from both parents and teachers, they are more likely to develop the confidence and resilience needed to succeed.

Year 7 is a significant transition period, and with that comes opportunities for growth. Together, we can help our students establish the strong foundations that will lead to success not only during their schooling years, but also in future careers, relationships, and life experiences.

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to encourage every student to aim high and achieve their best.

Mrs Ashley Pepper - Year 7 Wellbeing Coordinator

Focus on Year 8

It is always a welcome sight to see the Year 8 cohort step into their roles as leaders within SOL (School of Leadership) and lead by example. More recently, Year 8 students were able to showcase their many talents and strengths during the Careers Expo evening held last week.

What is most striking about St Luke’s, and what encourages our students to plan strategically for their futures, is the strong emphasis placed on Life Design. Through these opportunities, students are encouraged to share ideas, engage in meaningful discussions, and explore a wide range of occupations, pathways, and shared interests.

It was terrific to see so many students, parents, and guardians come together to support our Year 8 cohort as they begin navigating their future aspirations and opportunities. This experience will soon complement our upcoming Subject Selections discussions and the “Choose Your Own Adventure” information evening. (More details to come)

A reminder that leadership is often demonstrated through the ‘small things’ across all facets of school life. Students are regularly encouraged to reflect on qualities such as:

Organisation – how effectively they manage assessments, responsibilities, and tasks
Uniform – how they present themselves within the school community
Advocacy – how they speak up in class and support themselves and others when needed

Thank you for your continued effort and support as we work together to ensure that these ‘small things’ are consistently upheld so that quality learning can continue to take place.

Ms Grace Villarosa - Year 8 Wellbeing Coordinator