Principal's News
Dear Parents, Carers and Members of our School Community,
As we reach the midpoint of the term, it has already been a rich and faith-filled time in the life of our school. I thank you for your continued support and partnership as we nurture the growth, learning and wellbeing of our students.
Catholic Education Week
Catholic Education Week has been a special opportunity to celebrate the gift of Catholic schooling and the unique way we come together as a faith community. This week reminds us of our shared mission—to educate the whole child in faith, hope and love.
Last Sunday, I had the opportunity to speak to the parish at Sunday's Mass about what makes our school truly distinctive. I shared that our Catholic identity is at the heart of everything we do — it is seen in our prayer life, our symbols, and our sacred spaces, but more importantly, it is lived out in the everyday moments. It is in how our students and staff treat one another — with respect, forgiveness, and love. While we teach Religious Education through the To Live in Christ Jesus curriculum, it is through daily interactions, relationships, and experiences of dialogue that faith becomes real. I also spoke about the richness of our diverse community, where students from different faith backgrounds bring curiosity and openness, and how, in those moments, we encounter Jesus in very real and meaningful ways.
I encourage families to take a moment to view the inspiring video about the purpose and impact of Catholic education in our diocese.
As part of this week, we will celebrate our Whole School Catholic Education Mass this Friday at 12:30pm. In a wonderful expression of our growing partnership:
- Our Year 5 and 6 students will attend Mass at St Therese’s
- Year 3 and 4 students from St Therese’s will join us at our school
This shared celebration strengthens the bonds between our school communities and reflects our commitment to working together in faith.
We are delighted to recognise three outstanding staff members who will be receiving awards for 25 years of service to Catholic Education at the Mass this Friday at 12:30pm:
- Janine Scrivener
- Mel Lindsay
- Elizabeth Yandell
We thank them sincerely for their dedication, commitment, and the significant contribution they have made to generations of students and families.
Fire Carrier Ceremony
One of the most moving moments this Catholic Education Week was our Fire Carrier Ceremony. We are incredibly proud of our Fire Carrier Team, who were formally commissioned by students from St Peter’s Secondary College.
This ceremony is a powerful reminder of our commitment to reconciliation and walking respectfully alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The leadership shown by our students in embracing this role is commendable, and we look forward to the initiatives they will lead across the school.
We also acknowledge that Father Antony was commissioned during this ceremony, further strengthening the spiritual and cultural significance of the occasion within our community.
Reconciliation Week (May 27 – June 3)
Reconciliation Week is fast approaching and provides an important opportunity for our school community to reflect, learn and grow.
During this time, students will engage in learning experiences focused on:
- Understanding Indigenous histories and cultures
- Promoting respect and inclusion
- Reflecting on how we can contribute to reconciliation in meaningful ways
As a Fire Carrier school, this week holds particular importance, and we are committed to embedding these values in our daily practice.
Upcoming Professional Learning Day
Please note that Monday, June 1 is a Pupil Free Day.
On this day, staff from St Thomas the Apostle and St Therese’s will join colleagues from St Agatha’s for a shared professional learning experience. We are fortunate to have Glen Pearsall leading our learning, focusing on effective evidence-based teaching practices that promote student engagement.
This collaboration continues to strengthen teaching practice across our schools for the benefit of all students.
As always, thank you for your ongoing support of our school. Together, we continue to build a community grounded in faith, learning and connection.
Warm regards,
Michelle Bruitzman