School of Leadership
News from the School of Leadership
A Note from the School of Leadership Head of School
Looking Back, Looking Ahead
As we near the end of Term 3, it’s a wonderful time to pause and reflect on the many moments that have made this term memorable. From the colour and joy of our Book Parade, where students and staff brought stories to life in creative costumes, to the excitement of the Become Me launch, which invited our learners to explore their strengths, passions, and future pathways, there has been no shortage of energy across our community.
Sporting spirit was alive and well during the SOL Soccer Tournament, which saw students competing with determination, teamwork, and plenty of laughter. Our creative culture also shone brightly through Open Mic Fridays, giving students the chance to share their talents and build confidence in front of a supportive audience. Alongside these moments of celebration, our commitment to strong learning continued through Quality Teaching and Learning Walks, where staff collaborated and reflected on practice to ensure that every classroom at St Luke’s is a place of growth and challenge.
One of the standout milestones of the term was the Year 6 Camp to Canberra. This experience gave students a chance to step beyond the classroom and into our nation’s capital, deepening their understanding of Australian history, democracy, and culture. Just as importantly, it helped them grow in independence, strengthen friendships, and create memories that will last long after their primary years.
As we look ahead to Term 4, there is much to be excited about. Our Year 5 students will take part in a Surf Life Saving excursion, learning valuable skills and building confidence at the beach. Year 8 will head to the Great Aussie Bush Camp for three days of challenge, adventure, and team-building. For our Year 6 students, the end of primary school will be marked with a meaningful Graduation and Thanksgiving Liturgy, celebrating their journey so far. Term 4 will also see Year 7 nominations for Peer Companions, the Year 4 into 5 transition program, and the Year 7 2026 Orientation Day, welcoming the newest members of our St Luke’s family.
With so much behind us and so much ahead, Term 3 reminds us that learning at St Luke’s is about more than just lessons — it’s about experiences, opportunities, and community. Thank you for your ongoing support in making this possible. Together, we look forward to finishing the year with joy, growth, and gratitude.
Mrs Kate Kelly - Head of School, School of Leadership
A Note from The SOL Assistant Principal
Brekky Club
Every Thursday from 8am, the students in Years 5 to 12 can come to the Cafe to have breakfast and socialise with their peers. The students and staff love this initiative as it is a great way for students to connect with both their teachers and friends. Brekky Club runs on the generosity of time by our dedicated staff volunteers. I would like to to publicly acknowledge the teachers who consistently turn up to toast bread, serve it, fill the cups with cordial and clean up after the students. I know the students really appreciate it.
SOL Soccer Tournament
After nearly two terms of lunch soccer competitions, the SOL Soccer Tournament for 2025 came to a tension filled Grand Final. Both the Years 5/6 and Years 7/8 competitions ended in dramatic draws, pushing the matches into tense penalty shootouts. In the end, Spanish Blood FC edged out Joga Bonito (Years 7/8), while Dino Nuggies 338 claimed victory over Random Chilli Dogs (Years 5/6).
Well done to our winning teams:
Years 5/6 Pool:
Dino Nuggies 338: Hadriel, Harikrish, Gursehaj, Johaan, Connor, Aiden, and Vivan.
Years 7/8 Pool:
Spanish Blood FC: Nirav, Jayden, Aarav, Aryan, Zac, Jayden A. and Dheeraj.
Our runners-up teams:
Years 5/6 Pool:
Random Cilli Dogs: Emmanuel, Stepi, Aiden.B, Cameron, Anthony, Romeo, Karma, and Felix.
Years 7/8 Pool:
Joga Bonito: Joel, Ebube, Isaac, Devansh, Jefferson and Oliver.
A huge thank you to our SOE referees for generously volunteering their time to make the tournament a success, including: Gurmehak, Ronith, Dani, Chimdi, James and Tiziano.
2025 SOL Spelling Bee
We are very excited to announce that the St.Luke’s Annual Spelling Bee will happen early Term 4. Students in SOL will have the chance to be selected as part of a team to represent their Stage 3 class or their English class (Years 7 and 8). There are some tough words they will need to spell in order to take out the title. If there is one thing our NAPLAN data tells us, its that St.Luke’s students can spell!
Bring It On 2025
Our talented BIO dance team has been working tirelessly all year to perfect their routines in preparation for the Bring It On Dance Competition. Their dedication and energy paid off at the action-packed event, where they wowed the audience with their dynamic performance. We are incredibly proud to share that the team placed 3rd overall, a fantastic achievement that reflects their hard work, teamwork, and passion for dance. A HUGE thank you to Mr Jenkins and Miss Turner for their commitment to this competition.
Congratulations to the students who represented SOL including:
Charlize, Indi, Mia, Blair, Esther, Jolanda and Elyssa.
Well done ladies. We are very proud of each of you.
Bus Bay - Morning Drop Off and Afternoon Pick Up
We have had an increased leadership presence in the Bus Bay in the mornings and afternoons to prevent students from being injured or hurt. We really need your help. There are a number of parents who frequently stop in the Bus Bay which is a Bus Zone. It is not a kiss and ride area. Stopping in a Bus Bay in a school zone attracts a $423 fine and 2 demerit points according to the NSW Government website. Please help us to keep our students safe and do not park in this area. The area pictured below on Northbourne Ave is a bus zone.
We are also very lucky to have two pedestrian crossings located at either side of the school site on Northbourne Ave. We are actively encouraging students and parents to use the crossing to prevent anyone being struck by a vehicle. Please model this behaviour to support this. Any students identified not using the pedestrian crossing to cross the road will be challenged and issued with a lunch detention. Please respect staff by being respectful if they ask you to use the crossing. Aggressive or disrespectful behaviour toward staff is not acceptable nor appropriate.
Mrs Josephine Camilleri - Assistant Principal, School of Leadership
Stage 3 Stories…
During Week 8, Stage 3 students went into the science labs and took a look under the microscope. Here are some students' experiences from the session.
In the science lab, we got to look at tiny cells using a microscope. It was a really cool experience that I might not get to do til year 7. Ms McAllister explained it really well and told us all the different parts of the microscope. I hope we get to do it again soon.
Kayla Year 5
My experience to the science labs was great! When in th elabs we looked into microscopes. We looked at different microorganisms and we had to draw what they looked like. The microorganisms looked weird and cool. We even looked at the cells of an onion! I had lots of fun looking into the microscope. I can’t wait til we can do it again.
Elijah Year 5
From the 3-9th of September, we recognised National Child Protection Week. To support this initiative, we participated in a virtual classroom that was run by eSafety, where students learnt how to protect themselves online. A transfer from Esafety ran through some practical tools that students can use whilst being online, such as managing their privacy settings, passphrases, and personal information. They were also taught how to recognise body clues and where to seek help in harmful situations.
At the eSafety online classroom session, we learnt about being careful with your accounts, like passwords. What to do if someone hacks your account or a friend's account. We learnt some really useful tips on how to keep ourselves safe online.
Hudson Year 5
Stage 3 Instructional Leader
As we approach the end of another busy and rewarding term, I am delighted to reflect on all that our Stage 3 students have achieved and experienced. It has been a full and engaging term, and our students have grown tremendously academically, socially, and emotionally.
This term has been filled with excitement, creativity, and collaboration. Stage 3 students have immersed themselves in a variety of learning experiences, from challenging class projects and hands-on activities to engaging group challenges that encouraged teamwork and problem-solving. It has been wonderful to see students celebrate their achievements, take pride in their efforts, and develop their confidence and resilience along the way.
Looking ahead, as our Year 6 students approach the final term of primary school, we are planning thoughtful transition activities to help familiarise them with the idea of moving into Year 7. These experiences will give students a chance to explore what lies ahead, build confidence, and feel prepared and excited for the next stage of their learning journey.
As always, we encourage parents to remain vigilant regarding their child’s use of technology at home. While devices are valuable learning tools, it is important to monitor usage and ensure students are engaging responsibly and safely online. Your support at home continues to be invaluable in reinforcing these skills and expectations.
It has been a wonderful term, and I am proud of all that our students have accomplished. I look forward to another term filled with growth, curiosity, and memorable learning experiences. Wishing everyone a safe and happy upcoming holiday.
Shaz McAllister
Instructional Leader
From Year 8
Year 8 engaged positively with RUOK? Week, showing great participation in activities that encouraged students to check in with one another, build empathy, and remind themselves of the importance of asking, “Are you okay?” It was heartening to see so many students take part in meaningful conversations and show support for their peers.
As part of these discussions, it is important to highlight the role of cyber safety and the responsibility that comes with using technology. In today’s world, the internet and social media can be powerful tools for connection, but only if used with respect and kindness. We encourage students to think carefully about their words online, remembering that the same values we show in person - respect, kindness, and responsibility - must carry over to their digital interactions.
By combining the message of RUOK? Week with the reminder to use technology thoughtfully, we hope to empower Year 8 to be positive digital citizens who lift others up, both in the classroom and online.
Together, we S.O.A.R – Support each other, Own our actions, Aspire to lead, and Rise together.
Mrs Zorzo - Year 8 Wellbeing Coordinator
Learning Showcase
Stage 4 CAPA
Year 7 Art
In Year 7 Visual Arts, students are learning about the elements of art and applying this knowledge to create an original artwork. The task required students to imagine that they had been selected as the next Australian Skateboarding Champion to represent the country at the upcoming Olympics. Their skateboard design was to communicate their identity to the world without using words—only through visuals, signs, and symbols.
Through this task, students are encouraged to explore self-expression, cultural identity, and creative problem-solving. By considering colour, line, shape, and symbolism, they are challenged to think critically about how visual language can represent personal values, interests, and aspirations. This process not only deepens their understanding of the elements of art but also allows them to experience how art can be used as a powerful tool for storytelling and communication.
Year 8 Music
In Year 8 Music, students are continuing to develop their performance skills within a group setting. They are engaging with music through a variety of experiences, including performance, composition, and listening activities.
As part of their learning, students are working towards an assessment task designed to highlight their ability to perform with confidence and creativity. This task provides an opportunity for them to showcase their instrumental skills while also presenting a basic arrangement of a musical piece. Through this process, students are not only refining their technical ability but also building teamwork, creativity, and self-assurance as young musicians.
Students will also have the opportunity to explore a variety of instruments and musical pieces, carefully selected to support their growth and learning. These experiences help them to appreciate the importance of playing in a group, listening to others, and working collaboratively to create a polished performance. By combining technical skills with creativity and group work, students are developing a deeper understanding of the role music plays in both personal expression and shared experiences.
Science
Year 7
Year 7 Explore the World of Cells
This term, Year 7 students have been learning about the structures and functions of plant and animal cells. To showcase their understanding, they built creative 3D models using a range of materials, carefully representing key organelles such as the nucleus, mitochondria and chloroplasts.
The class then held a Gallery Walk, displaying their models and giving each other constructive feedback on accuracy and design. Teachers were impressed by the creativity, scientific detail and thoughtful peer feedback.
It was a fun and engaging way to bring the microscopic world of cells to life!
Science Week
This year’s Science Week gave our SOL students the chance to step into the shoes of real forensic investigators. The Science labs were transformed into crime scenes and testing stations where students used chemistry and biology skills to solve a series of mysteries.
Fingerprinting – lifting and matching prints just like crime-scene analysts.
Blood Spatter Analysis – exploring how angles and motion affect patterns.
Urinalysis Investigation – using simple tests to uncover clues in a “Urine Trouble” case.
Sugar Shack Shakedown – identifying unknown powders and watching chemical reactions to crack the mystery of the stolen Death-by-Chocolate recipe.
Throughout the week, students worked collaboratively, recorded observations, and applied critical thinking to piece together evidence. It was a fantastic way to celebrate Science Week and showcase how exciting—and hands-on—science can be.
HSIE
Year 7: Excursion to the Chau Chak Museum
Our recent excursion to the Chau Chak Museum was a journey through time that brought ancient history to life. One of the most amazing parts for me was exploring the Ancient Egypt and Middle East exhibits. Seeing real artefacts, such as pottery, jewellery, and burial items, made me understand how people lived, worshipped, and honoured their dead thousands of years ago. It was amazing to learn how archaeologists carefully piece together stories from things left behind in the past, using clues left behind to rebuild entire cultures. The hands-on area, where we were allowed to touch real artefacts, made the experience even more exciting and memorable. It gave us a rare chance to connect physically with history. The expert guides who accompanied us were incredibly knowledgeable and made the exhibits feel alive with stories and insights. Overall, the excursion deepened my appreciation for archaeology and reminded me of the importance of preserving and studying our human history. - Zunairah Jameel, Year 7 student
When I visited the Chau Chak Museum, I learned so much about Ancient Egypt. The most amazing part for me was seeing the real mummies up close. I had heard about them, but standing right in front of them was very cool. I found out that Egyptians believed in the afterlife and carefully prepared the dead so they could live on forever. I thought the heart and feather theory was pretty interesting. It was about how Ancient Egyptians believed your heart was weighed against the feather of truth. A light heart meant entering the afterlife, but a heavy heart full of bad deeds meant your soul was destroyed. I was also surprised by how beautiful their coffins were, with tons of paintings, words and symbols. This experience helped me to understand Ancient Egypt and a bit more about how they lived their life, their culture, traditions, and also the afterlife. During the excursion, I realised how much we can learn from artefacts. I saw the different objects from centuries ago and so many unique artefacts from different cultures. Each one told a story about how people lived, what they believed in, how their societies worked and how they expressed themselves and their culture. I also got to examine a piece of clothing that was used to wrap mummies. I learned that even children were mummified, and during Cleopatra’s ruling era, coffin designs changed to show faces more clearly instead of covering them. Another surprising thing I discovered was that the first receipts made in history came from Ancient Egypt, but instead of being printed on paper, they were written on tablets. For me, the most amazing part was seeing how every culture had its own way of showing its own rules, laws and a different way of living. - Panthini Kadia, Year 7 student
English
Year 8
Year 8 Students Embark on a Hero’s Journey
This term, Year 8 students have been exploring the exciting concept of the Hero’s Journey through film. In this unit, students have been examining how characters, challenges, and cinematic techniques help tell a story of growth and courage.
So far this term, students have explored:
- Understanding what makes a hero;
- Created their own heroes based upon the different types of heroes;
- Identifying stages of the Hero’s Journey;
- Analysing how film techniques (camera angles, music, dialogue) enhance storytelling.
In 8 Teal, students are viewing the film The Lion King, exploring Simba’s journey as a hero. They created visual maps tracing his path, identifying obstacles, allies, and pivotal moments that shaped his transformation. Students also completed Hero’s Journey graphic organizers to track each stage of the narrative and deepen their understanding of the story’s structure. In group discussions, they have reflected on what it means to be a hero and explored how Simba’s actions and decisions demonstrated courage, growth, and leadership.
Through these activities, students are developing a deeper understanding of storytelling, character development, and the stages of a hero’s journey. The lessons have highlighted how narratives - whether in film or literature - can inspire reflection, encourage critical thinking, and explore universal themes of resilience.
Blacktown Mayoral Creative Writing Prize 2025
I would like to invite you to participate in the annual Mayoral Creative Writing Prize 2025.
It is open to adults and children (aged 8 to 17 years) who live in Blacktown city. The poems and short stories must be works of fiction.
All entries can be either poetry or short stories. They will be judged in the following age categories:
- 8 – 11 years,
- 12 – 14 years,
- 15 – 17 years
Theme: In the Moment
Weave your ideas, experiences and imaginings based on this theme into your short story or poem.
Entries close midnight, Monday 29 September, 2025.
CLICK HERE TO ENTER
The total prize pool is $2,400. Winners aged 17 or younger will receive $200. The school they attend will receive a corresponding $100 as an incentive to encourage the budding authors of our local area. Adult winners will receive $300. All winners and highly commended writers will have their work published in 2024 Blacktown Mayoral Anthology by WestWords.
For further information regarding this competition, please feel free to contact WestWords by email admin@westwords.com.au
Flash Fiction Competition Winners
This term, students were invited to take part in our Flash Fiction Competition, a challenge to write an original short story inspired by the topic ‘The Messenger’. The aim of the competition was to inspire creativity, encourage students to experiment with language, and show how much impact a short piece of writing can have.
The response was fantastic, with entries showcasing a wide range of voices and styles – from suspenseful mysteries to moving reflections. Each piece demonstrated how imaginative and talented our students are.
After much consideration, our judging panel is proud to announce the winners:
School of Entrepreneurs
First Place: Kavreet Kaur – You are the Messenger Second Place: Sukmani Kaur – Justice in Words Third Place: Jonah Van Der Byl – Revolution
School of Leadership
First Place: Arna Sharma – Messengers of Creation Second Place: Eliana Pasco – Flamed Burned at both Ends Third Place: Mahi Soni – The Mysterious Envelope
Highly Commended
Amelia Wicks – After all, You're Just a Messenger Friend Khushi Sharma – The Prophecy of the Messenger Ekaam Randhawa – The Screaming Cries Anshika Chopra – The Last Messenger of Thornridge Manor Valencia Lim – The Bar Messenger Japleen Khokhar – Awakening the Sealkeeper
Congratulations to our winners and to all who entered the competition. You can find the winning stories here. We encourage everyone to read and enjoy these outstanding stories.
