Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Carers,

I trust this letter finds you in good health. We are thrilled to share the outstanding success of our recent Book Week celebration here at St. Luke's. The active participation and excitement demonstrated by our students throughout the week were truly heartwarming. It was lovely to see that our years 7-12 students engaged in this (almost) as much as our K-6, contributing to the spirit of the day.

Special thanks are owed, with utmost appreciation, to the dynamic K-4 Leadership duo, Mrs. Pecnic and Mrs. Emerton. Their unwavering dedication and relentless efforts have borne fruits in the form of an engaging array of activities throughout the week, including the enthralling Book Parade, accompanied by a plethora of other captivating activities.

Acknowledgment is also due to our invaluable library virtuosos, Mrs. Sneesby and Mrs Swindail supported by Mrs Burns. Their meticulous orchestration and staffing of the book fair laid the cornerstone for the week's success. Gratitude extends further to Mr. O’Callahan and Mrs Genovese and a group of our exceptional year 9 students, whose collaborative efforts supported students in developing their wish lists. Further to this Mrs Kelly and Mrs Camilleri invited a published author to work with stage 4 teachers.

The heartwarming presence of numerous parents during these events is truly heartening. This year, fostering parent engagement has been at the forefront of our goals. The term has been adorned with moments of togetherness, from the celebratory Kindergarten 100 days, to the insightful Stage 1 and 2 classroom visits, not to mention the enlightening Years 5-8 Parent Learning walks. Such occasions have illuminated the path for our parents to be active participants in their child's educational journey.

As we reflect on the significance of promoting early reading, we are excited to introduce a new initiative that extends the love of reading beyond our school community.

Research conducted in Australia has consistently emphasized the pivotal role that early reading plays in shaping a child's cognitive, linguistic, and emotional development. Just as we observed during Book Week, the joy and curiosity ignited by books lay the foundation for a lifelong journey of learning. Studies from institutions such as the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) underline that early exposure to reading correlates with improved language skills, enhanced academic performance, and the development of empathy and social awareness. It's truly inspiring to witness our students' enthusiasm for reading aligning so harmoniously with these findings. Basically - the more you are exposed to language and stories the more successful you will be.

We are excited to introduce a novel addition to our community that underscores our commitment to fostering a passion for reading beyond our school premises. Allow us to introduce the "Community Street Library" initiative! This endeavor aims to provide a platform for not only our immediate St. Luke's community but also for the broader neighborhood to come together through the shared love for reading. Nestled at our front gate, we will be placing a street library where individuals can borrow, swap, or contribute books suitable for readers of all ages. This initiative extends its arms beyond the boundaries of our school, inviting neighbors, friends, and families from the surrounding areas to partake and relish in the rewards of communal reading.

The Community Street Library embodies the spirit of togetherness and learning, encouraging connections among individuals who share a common appreciation for books. We extend an open invitation for all of you to be a part of this exciting venture. You are welcome to contribute books that have touched your hearts, engage in literary exchanges with your neighbors, and borrow new literary adventures to embark upon. Together, let's establish a literary sanctuary that radiates the joy of reading far beyond the confines of our school.

Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to our dedicated educators, enthusiastic students, and supportive parents who contributed to making Book Week an unforgettable event. Through collaborative efforts, we are nurturing a culture of literacy, curiosity, and lifelong learning that will undoubtedly contribute to the success and happiness of our children.

We extend our gratitude for your continued support and eagerly anticipate the enriching journey ahead with our Community Street Library.

Kind regards,

Kelly Bauer