St Brendan's Primary School

Principals Report

Sue Carr

Dear Parents and Carers of St Brendan’s,

 

It is wonderful to be back at St Brendan’s this week, surrounded by the energy of our happy and thriving school community.

 

Last week, I had the privilege of attending the National Catholic Education Conference in Cairns, far north Queensland. The triennial gathering carried the theme “Hope Anchored in Faith”. This theme is a fitting reminder of the vital role faith and education play in guiding young people  and their families through an uncertain and ever-changing world.

 

Highlights from the conference included:

 

  • A leadership retreat on Fitzroy Island, a place of breathtaking beauty where principals and leaders from Australia, New Zealand and Oceania came together to reflect, collaborate, and renew our shared mission.

  • A moving Mass celebrated by the Most Reverend Joe Caddy, Bishop of Cairns, and the Most Reverend Mark Coleridge, Archbishop of Brisbane, alongside bishops and priests from across Queensland. More than 1000 school students participated, reminding us of both the joy and the responsibility of our vocation.

  • Inspiring keynotes and workshops that were provocative, challenging and energising. Leadership, governance, educational research, faith in education, data and assessment, artificial intelligence and staff, student and community wellbeing were all explored with depth and vision.

 

I came away with a renewed sense of purpose and deep gratitude for the extraordinary privilege of leading St Brendan’s. I am especially thankful to Bernie Turner, the Leadership Team, and all staff for their dedication and professionalism in my absence.

 

Now, back in the heart of our community, I feel energised and ready to continue leading our school with confidence as we close out this year and look ahead with optimism  to 2026.

 

A Message From St Vincent De Paul

 

Thank you to the wonderful members of our school community who so generously donated a variety of food items to support our St Vincent De Paul Winter Appeal. I’d like to share the email of thanks we received:

Sue,

On behalf of the Westernport Conference I would like to thank all the parents, Teachers and Students of Saint Brendan's Primary school for all their support. Last week I filled my Ford Territory with groceries that have been donated to our Conference to assist people in need in our area. The generosity was overwhelming and is really appreciated by members of our Conference.

 

Tom and Maree Leyden

Westernport Conference Saint Vincent de Paul

 

 

I wish you a wonderful week. As always, my door is open, and I welcome conversations with you at any time.

Warm regards,

Sue Carr