As we draw this school year to a close, I want to offer my heartfelt thanks for your unwavering support of Catholic Special School. Across our community, we have watched your children grow, take on challenges and develop in ways that have inspired us all. The daily moments of courage, joy and perseverance in our classrooms and playgrounds are a testament to each child’s unique gifts and to the love and dedication of their families.

This year has also been a time of deep reflection and remembrance. We grieve the loss of our beloved colleague, Juliana. Her gentleness, compassion, and steadfast commitment to our students continues to shape who we are as a community. We keep Juliana and her family in our prayers, and we honour her legacy in the way we care for and teach our children.

We celebrate and farewell our graduates, Sophie and Angus. We are immensely proud of all they have achieved and the young adults they have become. As they step into post‑school pathways, we pray that they will find meaningful, rich opportunities to flourish. We look forward to hearing about their accomplishments and continuing to cheer them on.

There have been staff transitions as well, we farewell Lani, who is moving interstate, Chelsea, who has accepted a teaching position, and Jenny, who is returning to Our Lady of La Vang School. We thank each of them for their service and care, and we wish them every blessing in the next chapter of their work.

In 2026 we will welcome new staff members to our school, Meagan Allen and Simon Wong who have been supporting us across the school but will be working specifically in a team for 2026 and Susan Gou who joins our community.

I want to express sincere gratitude to Cathy Sires and Melanie Ball (Condon) for their leadership throughout the year. While Cathy is on leave during Term 1, we will welcome Sean Perry to the Head of Campus role, we are grateful for the continuity and experience he brings to our team.

Thank you to the families who joined us on Tuesday evening for the beautiful celebration of Mass with Fr James. It was a grace‑filled night that truly captured the spirit of our community, faithful, joyful, and deeply respectful of every child. Your presence made the celebration all the more special.

I also wish to thank our School Advisory Board for their guidance and generous service. Mark Corrigan as Chairperson, Jo Coonan as Deputy Chair and members Leonie De Garis, Jo Brown, Belinda Muscat and Sue Knight. Your wisdom, encouragement, and commitment have been invaluable to our school this year.

As we approach Christmas, may the peace of Christ fill your homes and hearts. Thank you for the privilege of partnering with you in the education and formation of your children. We wish you a blessed Christmas and a wonderful New Year and we look forward to working together in 2026.

With gratitude and every blessing,

Shannon Correll

Principal

Christmas Mass