From Nick Mellington

As we begin a new school year, I would like to warmly welcome all of our families back to what has been a wonderfully settled and positive start to 2026. It has been an absolute pleasure to step into my new role as Deputy Principal of Student Learning and Professional Practice, and I am very much looking forward to working in close partnership with staff, students and families to continue strengthening teaching and learning across our school.

The first three days of the school year were dedicated to professional learning for our staff, and they were highly productive and purposeful. Our focus was firmly on ensuring a strong, shared understanding of what high-quality teaching and learning looks like in our classrooms. Staff engaged deeply with our instructional model, reinforcing the consistent practices that underpin effective lessons across the school. These common approaches provide students with clarity, structure and confidence in their learning, and support teachers to deliver explicit, engaging and targeted instruction.

Alongside this, staff undertook professional learning in Student Wellbeing and Religious Education. These areas remain central to who we are as a Catholic learning community. Our wellbeing focus ensures that students feel safe, supported and ready to learn, while our Religious Education learning continues to guide us in nurturing students’ faith development and moral understanding. These three pillars, instructional practice, wellbeing and faith, work together to create a strong foundation for both academic and personal growth.

The start of the school year has been extremely settled, and this has been evident in both staff and students. Classrooms are already operating with clear routines and expectations, and it has been pleasing to see how quickly students have transitioned back into school life. Our students have demonstrated excellent engagement with their classroom routines, showing responsibility, respect and a positive attitude towards their learning. These routines play an important role in creating calm, predictable environments where students can focus, feel secure and achieve their best.

This year, we continue our commitment to embedding strong, evidence-based pedagogical practices across the school. Our work with Ochre and MultiLit remains a key priority, ensuring that literacy instruction is explicit, systematic and responsive to student needs. These programs support our teachers to deliver high-impact lessons and provide students with the essential skills they need to become confident readers and writers.

We are also very excited about the new initiatives being introduced through Magnify, including SpellEx and InitialWrite. These tools will further strengthen our approach to spelling and early writing development, supporting students to build strong foundations in language and communication. Staff are currently engaging with these initiatives through professional learning, and we look forward to seeing their positive impact in

classrooms throughout the year. These programs complement our existing practices and reinforce our focus on consistent, high-quality instruction for all learners.

As we move into the term, our attention will continue to be on ensuring every student is supported to grow academically, socially and spiritually. Teachers are already using assessment data and observations to inform their planning and tailor learning experiences for students. This careful attention to student progress allows us to respond quickly to individual needs and celebrate successes along the way.

Looking ahead, NAPLAN will take place in Week 7 of this term for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. This is an important opportunity for students to demonstrate their learning in Literacy and Numeracy. Further information regarding dates, preparation and expectations will be communicated with families shortly. We encourage all students to approach NAPLAN with confidence, understanding that it is just one way we monitor progress and inform teaching.

I would like to acknowledge the dedication and professionalism of our staff, who have begun the year with great energy and commitment. Their willingness to engage in professional learning and reflect on practice ensures that our students receive the highest quality education possible. I would also like to thank families for their ongoing support in establishing strong routines and positive attitudes to learning at home, which plays a vital role in students’ success at school.

As Deputy Principal of Student Learning and Professional Practice, my focus is on ensuring that every classroom reflects our shared vision for learning, one that is explicit, engaging, inclusive and grounded in strong relationships. I look forward to working closely with teachers and families throughout the year as we continue to build a culture of high expectations, faith and care for one another.

We are very excited for the year ahead and the opportunities it will bring for growth, learning and connection. Thank you for your continued partnership with our school community, and I look forward to a successful and rewarding year for all.

Warm regards,

Nick Mellington

Deputy Principal 

Student Learning and Professional Practice