Dear Parent and Carers,

Hope that you well.

There have been several events and experiences that our school community has acknowledged and/or celebrated over the last couple of weeks.  These include the annual CDF CEDoW Sports Awards, Remembrance Day, First Holy Communion, Student Leadership speeches and last night's P&F Disco.

In speaking with our Year 4 and 5 students after the 2024 School Captain candidates address, 2 key messages become very evident - our students were thankful for the opportunity that they have been afford by their parents, parish and school communities and our students were committed to the idea and responsibilities of leadership and they were proud of who they are, how they continue to grow and improve with our collective support. I was extremely proud of their thoughtful and considered words and how they  conducted themselves throughout the process. Thank you for your help and support and that of their teachers Mrs Lace, Mrs Stephenson and Mr Lowrie.

Last week and moving through the next two, many of our Year 3 students have celebrated and/or will celebrate the sacrament of First Holy Communion. In this sacrament, we remember what Jesus did for us in his life, death and resurrection evidenced through the Eucharist. Thank you to Fr Patrick and Fr Anthony, Millie and Anna, our parents, grandparents and teachers - Mrs Runko and Ms Connery for their dedication, support and efforts in making First Holy Communion so special.

  

Yesterday, was our final Kinder 2024 Playgroup session. With a total of 8 sessions over the last 4 weeks, our new students made a successful transition into our school community. These sessions have included opportunities to connect with their classmates and teachers through play-based learning, orientation and exploring the canteen, playgrounds and working in a classroom setting. Our new and current parents and grandparents  have been highly supportive and invested in these sessions which also included some professional development in both Reading and Social/Emotional Learning. (SEL). Team Kinder have been outstanding - thank you to Mrs Ilias, Mrs Bower, Mrs Griggs, Mrs Smyth and Mrs MacMillian along with Mrs Perre, Mrs Leonard and Mrs Disibio. We are all looking forward and ready to the start the 2024 school year, with our Kinder students and their families being welcomed and part of our school community.

Annual Improvement Plan (AIP) for 2023 has been successfully implemented and reviewed.  The AIP Goal -  By the end of 2023 students K-6 will demonstrate learning growth in writing was evidenced with 80% of our students are at age appropriate levels in writing and 15% of each cohort are working towards and above age appropriate levels in writing. Congratulations to our staff for their ongoing work and collaboration in achieving these targets. Assessment will be a goal in our AIP 2024 with a strategic focus on Spelling.

Have a wonderful weekend with your family. Enjoy.

Take care

Brad Colquhoun - Principal