A Note from the School of Leadership Head of School

Pope Leo’s Message to Young People: “Study, Work, and Love According to the Example of Jesus"

Pope Leo XIV addressed the largest crowd of his pontificate in Rome’s outskirts on Saturday, 2 August 2025, telling an estimated 1 million young adults to “study, work, and love according to the example of Jesus” and to pray: “Stay with us, Lord.”

In his address, he went on to say:

“….the fullness of our existence does not depend on what we store up or, as we heard in the Gospel, on what we possess (cf. Lk 12:13-21). Rather, fullness has to do with what we joyfully welcome and share (cf. Mt 10:8-10; Jn 6:1-13). Buying, hoarding and consuming are not enough. We need to lift our eyes, to look upwards, to the “things that are above” (Col 3:2), to realize that everything in the world has meaning only insofar as it serves to unite us to God and to our brothers and sisters in charity, helping us to grow in “compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience” (Col 3:12), forgiveness (cf. ibid., v. 13) and peace (cf. Jn 14:27), all in imitation of Christ (cf. Phil 2:5). And in this way, we will grow in an ever deeper understanding of what it means that hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us (cf. Rom 5:5).

These words inspired me over the weekend and during the week, and in the School of Leadership we will work hard to ensure that this clear message for the youth of the world is included in our way of being.

In the meantime, our young people are encouraged to use this special prayer written by the late Pope Francis.

The Jubilee Prayer

Father in heaven,

may the faith you have given us

in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother,

and the flame of charity enkindled

in our hearts by the Holy Spirit,

reawaken in us the blessed hope

for the coming of your Kingdom.

May your grace transform us

into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.

May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos

in the sure expectation

of a new heaven and a new earth,

when, with the powers of Evil vanquished,

your glory will shine eternally.

May the grace of the Jubilee

reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope,

a yearning for the treasures of heaven.

May that same grace spread

the joy and peace of our Redeemer

throughout the earth.

To you our God, eternally blessed,

be glory and praise for ever.

Amen

At St Luke’s, we believe learning should be deeply connected to the real world, beyond computer screens and classrooms, into experiences that shape not only what our students know, but who they are becoming. Our recent Year 6 Tour to Canberra was a powerful example of this in action.

Over three days, our students engaged with the living history, civic structures and national identity of our country in ways that deepened their understanding and sparked meaningful curiosity. Visiting Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, Questacon and other key institutions provided authentic insight into the systems that shape our society. More importantly, the tour was a time of personal growth. Students demonstrated remarkable independence, curiosity, and resilience, navigating new environments, managing their own belongings, and rising to the challenges of a busy schedule away from home.

This rich experience is just one of many that the School of Leadership makes possible for our Stage 3 learners. Uniquely positioned in the middle school, Year 5 and 6 students at St Luke’s are anchored within a space that intentionally bridges primary and secondary learning. They have access to facilities, technologies, and teachers not typically available to students their age, building confidence, independence, and strong academic foundations.

This term, that bridging is especially evident. As our School of Leadership students step into new experiences, they do so within sight of the oldest students in our school. Throughout Term 3, they’ll witness the end-of-school milestones of our Year 12 cohort, the farewell rituals, final assessments, and graduation moments. This visibility of the next phase of the journey creates a powerful sense of aspiration. Our young learners are not just imagining what’s ahead—they’re seeing it unfold in real time.

Wishing our Year 12 students the very best of luck as they continue their Trial HSC exams. Your hard work, resilience and determination have brought you to this point—keep going strong through the rest of the term. We’re behind you all the way as you prepare for the HSC in October and November!

Save the Date – ThinkUKnow Cyber Safety Program

We are excited to announce that in Term 4, we will be hosting the ThinkUKnow Cyber Safety Program for parents of Years 5-12 Students. This is an engaging and practical session designed by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and delivered Australia-wide. This session will be facilitated by Senior Constable Robert McFarlane (Youth Engagement Officer) on the night. The session supports parents and carers in understanding and responding to online issues including:

Device security
Social media profiles and online identity
Fraud and scams
Online bullying and harassment
Sharing images and personal information
Online predators and more

The session also emphasises the vital role parents play in being proactively involved with their children’s online lives.

DETAILS:

Date: Wednesday, 22 October 2025

Time: 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Venue: College Hub

We encourage all parents and carers to mark this important event in your calendars. It’s a valuable opportunity to strengthen your understanding of online safety and better support your children in navigating the digital world.

Some key topics that will be discussed during this session may be explored beforehand via the eSafety website if you are interested. To RSVP for this event please complete this Google Form by October 17 October 2025.

Mrs Kate Kelly - Head of School, School of Leadership

A Note from The SOL Assistant Principal

Book Week 2025 - Book an Adventure

Book week is getting closer and there are a number of exciting competitions and initiatives for SOL students to get involved in. Book Week is a national celebration of reading and all things books. Children's Book Week in 2025 will be held from August 16th to 23rd. It marks the 80th anniversary of the event, which is organised by The Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA). To celebrate Book Week we are:

Hosting Write a Book in a Day (for students in Years 5-10 who have nominated to participate in this)
Blind date with a book where students can borrow a book without knowing what the title is and have to judge whether they would like to read it based on some clues.
Scavenger Hunt where students will need to correctly match the country a book is set in.
Colouring competition for Years 5 and 6.
Book Week Parade which will be on Tuesday the 19th of August at 9am for students in K-6. Parents are welcome to attend this event in our Performance Hall.
Year 5 Author/Illustrator event on Tuesday, August 12th with Marc McBride
Year 6 Author event on Thursday, August 21st with Mark Greenwood
Year 7 Bookweek author workshops (one session per class) on Tuesday, 2nd September with authors Will Kostasis and Lisa Niccol
Book Fair where students can purchase books (Monday 18 to Friday 22nd August)

Check out our awesome Library display in the Hub (pic below).

Winter Uniform

Thank you to the families who ensure that their children attend school in the correct uniform. Boys (and girls who choose to wear the shirt and pants combination) must wear a college neck-tie in Terms 2 and 3 and girls need to wear black or navy tights with the dress. It is an expectation that the correct jacket be worn with the full school uniform and the sports jacket only be worn on Fridays or when students have their PE/Sports class. If you have any issues with this please reach out to your class teacher (Stage 3) or the Wellbeing Coordinator (Stage 4).

Mrs Josephine Camilleri - Assistant Principal, School of Leadership

Stage 3 Stories…

Stage 3 Instructional Leader

What a fantastic start to Term 3 we've had! Our recent Stage 3 camp set the tone for a term full of learning, growth, and connection. It was truly heartening to witness students stepping out of their comfort zones, encouraging one another, and embracing challenges with enthusiasm. A heartfelt thank you to all our staff for their commitment and care, and to our students for their positivity, resilience, and teamwork throughout the week.

As we settle back into classroom routines, our focus remains on deepening learning. Parents and carers are encouraged to engage with their child’s learning journey by reviewing the consolidation tasks students bring home. These tasks are an important part of reinforcing classroom content and supporting progress across all learning areas.

Term 3 is shaping up to be an exciting one, with Book Week, Science Week, and other rich learning experiences on the horizon. It’s a busy term, and we look forward to seeing our students continue to shine both inside and outside the classroom.

We’ve also seen a noticeable improvement in student comradeship, with a decline in friendship-related concerns. It’s been encouraging to see our students working together more collaboratively, showing kindness, and supporting one another, both on the playground and in the classroom.

We’re proud of how our students are growing as learners and as people, and we thank our families for their ongoing support.

Ms Shaz McAllister

Instructional Leader - Stage 3

Year 6 Canberra Camp

Last week, our Year 6 students had an unforgettable time on their school camp in Canberra! They explored iconic sites such as Parliament House, where they had the exciting opportunity to sit in on live speeches and learn about how our government works. The students also visited Questacon, sparking their curiosity through hands-on science exhibits, and explored several other important cultural and historical landmarks. Beyond the excursions, the camp was a valuable experience in independence, as students embraced the challenge of being away from home, building stronger friendships, and creating lasting memories together.

Gen Bryant - Hope is Alive

In Week 1, Year 5 students attended an inspiring session with Gen Bryant and the GB Team. Through music, storytelling, and reflection, students were encouraged to explore how they can use their unique gifts to shine their light and make a difference in the world. Gen’s message of faith, joy, and hope resonated with students and set a positive tone for the term ahead.

To end the day on a high note, students were treated to an energetic concert in the final session—an uplifting celebration of faith and community that had everyone dancing and singing together.

We thank Gen and her team for a joyful and memorable experience!

STEMania

This term, Stage 3 students were lucky enough to be able to have STEMania come and visit the school for National Science Week 2025. STEMania is a 45 minute, live-in-school, fact-filled interactive science sketch comedy presented by professional actor/educators that engages, inspires and educates students with the wonders of STEM. Students went through a series of sketches that included:

Quantum Cricket: Students following a cricket player trying to improve his batting by using the scientific method. The sketch introduced the idea of forming hypotheses, conducting experiments, and asking questions.

COSMO.S: Students participated in a game show called COSMO.S (Cognitive Operative System for Multitasking and Observation in Space), where they demonstrated how technology can solve everyday problems and explore the universe.

One Launch At A Time: Our students became Techpreneurs where they were designing and building a futuristic flying car. They walked the audience through their creative process, highlighting the engineering principles involved in designing, testing, and refining their idea to create functioning solutions.

Reality Renovation: Students used maths to solve practical problems, calculating the amount of paint needed for a galaxy inspired home renovation reality tv show!

Year 5 Novel Study

This term, Year 5 students have been thoroughly engaged in their novel study, working each week through vocabulary, comprehension, and literacy activities tailored to their specific book. The variety of texts has sparked rich discussion and deep thinking across the cohort.

A particular highlight has been our guided reading sessions, where students deeply explore the themes, characters, and ideas in their novels. These sessions have encouraged students to make meaningful connections to the world around them and to their own lives, fostering both critical thinking and empathy.

We encourage families to chat with their children about what they’re reading—these conversations at home can be a great way to deepen understanding and strengthen connections between school learning and everyday life.

It’s been wonderful to see students so invested in their reading and growing in confidence as they explore literature in a thoughtful and personal way.

From Year 7

Ms Grace Villarosa - Year 7 Wellbeing Coordinator

Welcome back to Year 7 for another great start to the term! Already we have taken part in a few exciting excursions and incursions to kick start the term.

In Week 2, students attended the Sydney Zoo to confirm their knowledge and understanding of different genus types and how to classify different species. Students were engaged throughout the day as they were able to roam through the African and Asian sections and have a thorough exploration of the Australiasian section. It was a great day and the weather held up for our students for them to take in the grounds.

This week in Week 3, half of our Year 7 cohort who are studying Visual Arts attended the Year 7 Archibald Excursion in the city. Students attended the Art Gallery of NSW to garner a stronger understanding of the artistic features and components they have been studying. An appreciation for different art forms and modes was had and the students were able to engage in a wonderful cultural day.

A reminder that students are expected to start the term strong with a reminder of the 3R’s of St Luke’s:

Respect for Self

Respect for Others

Respect for the Environment

A few new challenges will be held throughout the term and Year 7 has already been informed. Please watch this space as we keep you updated on how the term goes.

From Year 8

Year 8 News – Goals, Growth and Grit!

Year 8 has made a fantastic start to Term 3, kicking off with enthusiasm and a focus on growth. As part of their reflection on Term 2 reports, students created motivational posters outlining new personal and academic goals for the term ahead. These should now be proudly displayed at home as daily reminders of what they’re working towards. Students are encouraged to refer back to their goals regularly and reflect on whether they’re on track. Consistent check-ins can make all the difference!

We were also incredibly proud of the way many of our students participated in the Youth Leadership Academy Day at the end of Week 1. It was inspiring to see their creative thinking, problem-solving skills, and willingness to collaborate in new teams. Many stepped out of their comfort zones, challenged themselves, and embraced being in the “learning pit,” a powerful mindset for growth and leadership.

With assessments now beginning to roll in, this is the perfect time to get organised. We strongly encourage students to create a Term 3 planner with all key due dates and to place it somewhere visible – even on the fridge! This allows families to support and keep students accountable throughout the busy weeks ahead.

Let’s continue to strive for excellence together – because in Year 8, Together We S.O.A.R.

Mrs Zorzo - Year 8 Wellbeing Coordinator

Learning Showcase

Religious Education:

Year 7:

This term in Religious Education, students will explore the guiding question: “How do I find God through what I think, feel, and do?” Grounded in the message of 1 John 4:7–12, the unit begins by unpacking what it truly means to love others. Students will then reflect on how love is expressed through their thoughts, emotions, and actions—and how these expressions reveal God's presence in everyday life.

Through Scripture, class discussions, creative thinking, and real-world connections, students are invited to live out their faith by making God’s love visible in the world around them. This unit nurtures empathy, critical thinking, and active service, encouraging students to grow in both self-awareness and spiritual understanding.

This learning directly supports our vision of nurturing faith-filled, curious students who become creative contributors and innovative problem solvers in a changing world. By exploring the connection between faith and everyday life, students are empowered to act with compassion, think deeply, and engage meaningfully with the world around them.

Year 8:

Religious Education

In Term 3, students will explore how science and faith can work together to help us understand the world and care for the Earth. They will examine different views on creation, reflect on Scripture and Catholic teaching, and investigate how scientific discoveries can deepen our sense of awe and responsibility. Through creative tasks, students will show how both faith and facts inspire action to protect our common home.

This unit supports our vision of nurturing faith-filled, curious students by encouraging them to question, wonder, and seek understanding through both religious and scientific lenses. As they engage in reflection and creative expression, they grow as creative contributors, and by applying their learning to care for creation, they become innovative problem solvers equipped to make a meaningful difference in a changing world.

Learning Map:

Class Activity: A Planet in Crisis As creation groans under the weight of climate change and ecological degradation, our students have been exploring the urgent message of Laudato Si’ through the lens of Romans 8:22: “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.”

Through the Laudato Si’ Animated Summary and class reflections, students examined the role of prophetic voices—both biblical and modern—in calling us to care for our common home. Here are a few creative student responses showcasing how our young people are answering Pope Francis’ call to ecological conversion.

Stage 4 CAPA: Year 7 Art

On Monday 4 August, Year 7 Visual Arts students attended the Archibald and Sulman Prize exhibitions at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Students explored a range of artworks selected for the exhibitions and applied their understanding of artistic theory while engaging with a variety of styles and techniques. They also viewed the Young Archie exhibition, which showcases works by young artists aged 5 to 18, selected through a national competition. In addition, students explored several other exhibitions on display at the gallery, providing inspiration for their future artistic endeavours.

Year 7 PDHPE

This term, students will explore the impact of health-related behaviours on individual and community wellbeing, with a focus on one key area. Through guided discussions, research, and practical activities, students will develop an understanding of the short- and long-term effects of their selected behaviour, while critically examining influences such as media, peer pressure, and societal trends. The unit will also build students’ digital literacy, equipping them with the skills to evaluate online information and make informed, healthy decisions. By the end of the unit, students will be able to apply their learning to real-world scenarios, promoting healthier choices within their own lives and communities.

HSIE:

Year 7:

This term, Year 7 students have transitioned from studying Geography to exploring History. They are investigating the Driving Question question: ‘To what extent is the Ancient Past a mystery?’ As part of their exploration, students will delve into the fascinating world of Ancient China, examining how historians use evidence to uncover the past. Later in the term, they will visit the Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University of Sydney, where they’ll have the chance to engage with genuine artefacts—bringing their inquiry to life as they consider how much we can truly know about the ancient world.

Year 8:

This term, Year 8 students have shifted their focus from Geography to History as they explore the Driving Question: “Did kings or the Church have a greater impact on everyday life in Medieval Europe?” Later in the term, they will take part in an exciting incursion, where they’ll deepen their understanding of Medieval Europe, the Black Death, and Shogunate Japan through hands-on learning experiences. We’re looking forward to a great semester of History!

Year 8 Life Design

Last week, our Year 8 students took part in a full-day leadership workshop facilitated by the Youth Leadership Academy Australia. The program focused on the theme “Leading Without a Badge”, empowering students to understand that leadership is about actions, not titles.

Through interactive activities and team challenges, students explored how to lead through empathy, initiative, and collaboration. It was inspiring to see them step up, support each other, and realise the impact they can have—both in and beyond the classroom.

We’re excited to see these emerging leaders continue to grow and make a difference in our school community.

Notices

Messages and dates for the calendar

2025 Term Dates

Staff Development Days

Parent ‘Need to Knows’ Archives

Term 1