Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Carers,

Last Sunday was the first Sunday of Advent for Catholics. Advent is a time of preparation that extends over four Sundays before Christmas. The word advent comes from the Latin advenio, “to come to”. It refers to the coming of Christ, which we celebrate at Christmas. Each week of Advent is often associated with themes like hope, peace, joy, and love, and is symbolized by the lighting of candles on an Advent wreath. Traditionally, the candles are three purple (or blue, depending on the denomination) and one pink, with an optional white "Christ candle" lit on Christmas Eve or Day. This Advent Season we encourage you to visit a church and spend some time praying and reflecting on how you can prepare for the birth of Jesus. 

At this time of year, the staff spend countless hours organising classes for 2025.  

It is important for all of us to be mindful that whilst many of us don’t like change, it is a part of growing and developing into resilient individuals ready to take on new challenges. Therefore, it is important to support the school and your child with positive conversations during the transition period as they become familiar with their new teachers. 

Staff News

As you would have seen we warmly welcome back Mrs Maria Rose for 2025. We are fortunate that we were all able to get to know her this year and are sure it will be a great year.

It is now time to also say some farewells. These remarkable educators have shaped our school with dedication, wisdom, and care and as they move onto new horizons we hope they know that their impact here will always be remembered.

Mrs Anne-Marie McAdams will be leaving our school to spend some quality time with her family. Mrs McAdams has been a part of our school for the last 11 years and we are so very appreciative of all her hard work here at OLSS, in particular with the Choir. Please note that despite how much she will be missed the choir will continue.

Miss Meg Stores will say farewell and journey to Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School in Matraville. Miss Stores has been instumental in leading the way with social media here at OLSS and assisted our school in so many ways in her 8 years with us and we wish her all the very best for her future.

Mr Campbell Slattery (CJ) will be leaving us after 2 years here at our school. Mr Slattery will be missed by all, especially by our dance students who have learnt so much from him. We wish him good luck in all he sets his mind to for the future.

Mrs Nicole Sheridan has accepted a permanent position at Holy Family at Menai and Mrs Nicole Hunt has accepted a permanent position at St John Bosco at Engadine. 

We wish them all the success in the world for their future endeavours and hope they know how much their energy, enthusiasm and joy will be missed. Both of these wonderful educators played many crucial roles in their time here at OLSS and we can't thank them enough.

Mrs Caroline Willet, School Counsellor, will be leaving us at the end of this year. Mrs Willet has been with us for the past 2 years and we thank her for all of her support to our students and families.

The completed 2025 staff list will be announced in Week 10 and students will visit their 2025 classrooms on Tuesday afternoon, 17 December. 

Mrs Michelle Bourne

School Principal  

'Never see a need without doing something about it'. Mary MacKillop