Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Carers,

As parents raising children in a digital age, we have a shared responsibility to guide them in using technology with kindness, integrity, and respect. In Catholic education, we strive to nurture not only academic excellence but also moral character. This includes helping our children become respectful and responsible “Cyber Citizens.”

Children begin forming their values and attitudes toward online behaviour long before they create their first social media account. They learn by watching us. That’s why modelling respectful online interactions is one of the most powerful ways to teach them.

Core Principles of Respectful Online Behaviour

1. Treat others as you would like to be treated

This timeless principle is central to Catholic teaching and applies just as much online as it does in person. Remind your child that behind every screen is a real person with real feelings.

2. Think before you post

Words and images shared online can last forever. Unlike spoken words, digital posts can be saved, shared, and revisited. Encourage your child to pause and reflect before posting, especially when emotions are high.

3. Be mindful with photos

Posting photos online gives others the ability to reuse or manipulate them. Teach your child to ask permission before sharing images of others and to think carefully about what they share of themselves.

4. Post when calm

Emotion-driven posts often lead to regret. Help your child understand the value of waiting until they feel calm before responding to conflict or posting about sensitive topics.

5. Two wrongs don’t make a right

Even when faced with disrespect or negativity online, responding with kindness and self-control reflects our Catholic values. Encourage your child to be a peacemaker, not a participant in online drama.

Tips for Parents: Modelling respectful online use

Be a role model: Speak kindly online, avoid gossip, and show restraint in emotional posts.
Talk openly: Share your own experiences and challenges with online communication.
Set boundaries: Create family rules around screen time and social media use.
Pray together: Include intentions for kindness and wisdom in digital spaces during family prayer.

Faith in Action: Digital citizenship as a Catholic value

Respecting others online is not just about etiquette—it’s about living our faith. Jesus taught us to love our neighbours, forgive others, and act with compassion. These teachings apply to every part of life, including the digital world.

Encourage your child to ask:

“Would I say this face-to-face?”
“Does this reflect the values I believe in?”
“Am I lifting others up or tearing them down?”

Helpful resources for Families

Let’s work together to raise children who are not only tech-savvy but also compassionate, respectful, and faithful in their online interactions. By modelling good behaviour, setting clear expectations, and grounding our guidance in Catholic values, we help our children become digital citizens who reflect Christ’s love in all they do.

Reference List

eSafety Commissioner (Australia)Official government resource for online safety education, reporting tools, and support.Website: https://www.esafety.gov.au
ThinkUKnow AustraliaA national online safety education program led by the Australian Federal Police, focused on preventing child exploitation.Website: https://www.thinkuknow.org.au
Kids HelplineA free, confidential 24/7 counselling service for children and young people aged 5–25.Website: https://kidshelpline.com.au
Australian Catholic Bishops Conference – Office for Justice, Ecology and PeaceProvides annual Social Justice Statements and resources reflecting Catholic social teaching.Website: https://socialjustice.catholic.org.au

(This article was produced by SYDNEY CATHOLIC SCHOOLS' CHILD SAFE COMMUNITIES team)

Steve Darcy (Principal)

Congratulations to our Artistic Superstars!!!

Well done to Rebecca W, Eloise L, Amelie L and Sophie E who have had their artworks chosen to be part of the 20th Year Christmas Story Art Exhibition and Competition 2025. This is an incredible achievement when you consider the hundreds of entries that are submitted for consideration.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony held on Sunday 30 November at Notre Dame University.

Special thanks to Mrs Ng for her wonderful leadership in this area of the Creative Arts in our School.

SCHOOL UNIFORM

In consultation with Sydney Catholic Schools, our School will no longer be acting as an agent for the Uniform supplier. While the current arrangement has provided cheaper uniforms it has also created a workload that is no longer sustainable.

This means that a new three-year contract will be finalised shortly. There is NO design change to the actual uniform.

The new supplier will have a store in the local area which means that there will be more opportunities for families to purchase uniforms outside of school hours. Families will also have the option of ordering online and having them delivered, either to the School for collection or to your home.

These were the two most popular requests from the recent survey that was conducted.

The tender process was facilitated by a member of the Sydney Catholic School’s procurement team and included a parent from our School.

At this stage we are looking at these new arrangements beginning at the start of Term 2, 2026. This is when the students begin to wear the winter uniform.

This will provide time to relinquish our current stock before the new supplier takes over.

This may mean that, at some point, some items of our uniform will not be available. This is unavoidable. However, the School will provide alternatives for families during that time.

While the prices will be higher, they will be on par with what families in other Catholic Schools in our area are paying.

I would like to acknowledge the work that has been done by Kaye Palmano, Elizabeth Wilson and Helen Williams who have worked tirelessly, without being paid, to ensure the success of the Uniform Shop over many years. Their selfless generosity has made this arrangement possible.

These three wonderful ladies have agreed to continue to provide this service until the new arrangements come into effect and then they have agreed to continue to run a second-hand uniform shop throughout 2026.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Set down for Monday 15 December this will take place in the Aquinas Hall at Holy Family Catholic School at Menai.

Information regarding this event was sent home last week.

The reason for this venue was due to the fact there is a larger seating capacity then the St Patrick’s College hall and, by being indoors, we do not have to worry about the unpredictable weather that often occurs at this time of the year.

STAFFING UPDATE

The School has employed Mrs Lynda Winwood to take on the role of Instructional Specialist for 2026, replacing Mrs Ellen Hussey who will be on maternity leave.

Mrs Winwood has been in this role in another school so she brings great expertise to our St Patrick's.

SCHOOL DISCO

Thank you to the wonderful group of parents who have been working hard to ensure the success of the upcoming disco.

I would also like to acknowledge the family of Saxon W (Year 1) who generously donated $500 to help cover the costs of the event.