From the Principal Leader

Dear staff, students, parents and carers,

Celebrating NAIDOC Week and Honouring Culture Through Art

At last week’s whole school assembly, we acknowledged the start of NAIDOC Week – a time for all Australians to reflect on our shared history, celebrate the richness of the world’s oldest living cultures, and honour the ongoing contributions of First Nations peoples. As we look to the future, we particularly recognise the strength and vision of our young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders who carry forward the legacy of their communities.

Each Wednesday, a group of our First Nations students – the Djuramin – come together in the Strong Sistas Yarning Circle, supported by Alicia and Taleishah from CSPD Jarara Cultural Centre. This is a deeply valued time for connection, learning and cultural practice. Through yarning, painting, weaving, dancing and other traditional activities, our students connect with Country, culture and each other.

This term, our Yarning Circle has been working on a special gift for the College to mark 50 years of NAIDOC. The artwork, titled “Voices like Mountains, Futures like Sky”, features 50 woven rings that form the shape of the Three Sisters – symbolising not only our connection to Dharug Country but also the bond we share as sisters who live, learn and care for these lands.

This artwork is more than just a visual piece – it is a cultural gift that holds deep meaning. The knowledge of traditional weaving, passed down through generations, is sacred women’s business in many communities. When they weave, they connect with their Old People, with Country, and with each other. It carries the wisdom of the past into the future.

As St Paul reminds us: “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ... The body is not made up of one part but of many.” — 1 Corinthians 12:12–14

This gift is a symbol of appreciation for our school’s commitment to honouring culture, elevating First Nations voices, and walking together in partnership. May it stand as a lasting reminder of the legacy we celebrate – 50 years of NAIDOC – and the future we continue to shape with pride and strength.

Before the artwork is displayed permanently at school, it will first be exhibited at Parramatta Westfield from 2–16 July as part of wider NAIDOC celebrations. If you’re in the area during the holidays, we warmly invite you to visit and view the piece in person in support of our young First Nations women and our shared journey of cultural learning and reconciliation.

Semester 1: Parent-Teacher Interviews – Strengthening Partnerships in Learning

It was wonderful to see so many parents and students attending the recent Parent-Teacher Interviews. These conversations play a vital role in fostering strong partnerships between home and school, allowing us to provide comprehensive support for both student wellbeing and academic growth.

We hope that the discussions held during these interviews have sparked meaningful conversations at home and encouraged students to reflect on their learning. Through this reflection, we aim for each student to set clear, purposeful goals as they continue their Semester 2 journey. If you were unable to attend the Semester 1 part-teacher interviews please don’t hesitate to reach out to your daughter's classroom teacher. We will also run part-teacher interviews at the end of the year.

Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to your daughter’s education.

Wishing Our College Community a Safe and Restful Holiday Break

As we approach the end of the term, we encourage all students and families to take time over the holidays to rest, recharge, and spend time with loved ones. A break provides an important opportunity to rejuvenate both body and spirit, and to reflect on the learning and growth that has taken place so far this year.

We hope this time away from the routines of school allows our students to return in Term 3 with a fresh focus, renewed energy, and a clear set of goals for the semester ahead.

As Scripture reminds us: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” — Isaiah 40:31

May this break be one of peace, safety, and restoration for all, and may we return ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges of Term 3 with courage, purpose and faith. Students return back to school on Tuesday 22nd July.

Mrs Cairns will return to the College Term 3 and we look forward to another outstanding term of building our community, forming our faith and strengthening our learning culture. I look froward to reconnecting with staff, students and parents alike!

Mrs Julie Petrovski

Acting Principal Leader