Dear Parents and Carers,

Last Sunday was a very auspicious day for our Parish and School Community. At Mass in Ulladulla, the Sacrament of Confirmation was conferred on several young adults, including six students from our Year 6 class. Father Michael presided over and confirmed the students, who had been beautifully prepared by their parents, teachers, and catechists. Confirmation is a sacrament of initiation; it is the belief that the Holy Spirit is present and bestows gifts and talents on the individual being confirmed. The students will be strengthened with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, humility, and wonder and awe. They will use these gifts to become a more complete and authentic version of themselves and be witnesses for Christ in the world.  

This year our staff have been working towards the Annual Improvement Goal of ensuring that every student shows strong growth in reading. Reading is a core skill for life long learning, we are seeing strong results in all grades by focusing on reading fluently, extending vocabulary and reading smoothly and with expression. We read to make meaning, so it is crucial to ensure that children are understanding what they are reading. Parents can support reading at home by:

• ensuring that children read everyday.
• reading to your child, they are never too old for this.
• discussing what has been read, this helps to develop comprehension skills.
• be a reading role model, make sure your child sees you reading. 

This week our Stage Three’s attended their annual camp, this year the venue was the Berry Sport and Recreation Centre at Berry. From all accounts the students had a wonderful time, taking part in lots of fun activities and learning to work together as a team. I thank the staff who generously give up their time with their own families to stay at the camp with their students. I think everyone will be ready for an early night tonight!

During the week we were very happy to witness the marriage of our own Mr Dylan Anderson to his fiancée Hayley. It was a joy-filled event, and we wish them both every success and happiness in their future together. 

I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back on Tuesday 14 October in summer uniform. 

Yours in partnership,
Lindy Nelson
Principal