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Dear Families,

Yesterday was a special day at St Anne’s as we took time to acknowledge All Saints Day, which takes place each year on November 1st (this Sunday). With our 2026 theme being “Called to be Saints”, it was pertinent that we spent the day acknowledging some of these significant religious figures from throughout history. Our students know that a saint is someone who lived a holy life and set an example for us that we can try to emulate through our own lives. Earlier in the year, many of our Year Six students took the name of a saint when they participated in the Sacrament of Confirmation. Prior to choosing a saint, they undertook research to decide which individual’s life, words, actions and legacy most resonated with them. Their selections were very mature and personalised. No matter our stage of life, we can all look to the saints for examples of how to live our own lives. In the words of Sarah Notaro, our RE Leader, the saints are indeed God’s superheroes!  Thanks Sarah for your amazing work coordinating the day - you too are a superhero! 

On the subject of saints, I was fortunate to spend the past 2 ½ weeks travelling with 16 other Principals from the Northern region to areas of Greece and Turkey visited by St Paul, one of the Christian Church’s most influential early missionaries. Paul converted to Christianity on the road to Damascus, and spent the rest of his life spreading the word of Jesus through parts of the Roman Empire. The New Testament contains Paul’s letters to communities in places such as Ephesus, Philippi, Corinth and Thessaloniki, letters that are full of encouragement and advice for these newly established churches. The pilgrimage was an amazing opportunity to learn more about the history of our Church, and the difficulties faced by the communities. However, it was the opportunity to share in the faith of my colleagues that was an unexpected gift arising from the pilgrimage. I feel blessed to have gone, but far more blessed to be safely back home.

Below is an icon of St Anne that came from a Monastery in Meteora, Greece, which now sits on the prayer table in the school’s entrance foyer. 

2027 Organisation

• This is the last call for any families who will not be returning to St Anne’s in 2027 - please let Emma know as a matter of urgency as we have families on our waitlist.
• A 2027 “At a Glance” calendar with key dates for each term, including closure days, will be shared with families by the end of the month. School closure days will be discussed with the SAC at the meeting next week.
• On Wednesday we welcome our 2027 Prep cohort for the first of three Orientation sessions.
• In December, students in Years P-5 will have two Step Up sessions where they meet their 2027 teacher and classmates - the first on Fri Dec 4 and the second on Tues Dec 8. It is hoped that the addition of a second session will help students feel more at ease throughout the process. 

School Advisory Council (SAC) Update

• The final SAC meeting for 2027 will be held next Thursday evening at 6:30pm
• You can email the SAC with questions or feedback on sac@sasunbury.catholic.edu.au

Rupertswood Harvest

Michael Grose Article - The Unflappable Parent

• This article from Michael Grose is a quick and interesting read.

Please reach out via email or phone with any questions, compliments or concerns,

Warm Regards and God’s Blessings,

Stephen

principal@sasunbury.catholic.edu.au

Ph 8746 6800