The Feast of St Monica - Next Tuesday, 27 August, is the feast day of our patron Saint, Monica. On this day, we honour a woman who was patient, persistent and prayed through years of tears and against all odds for her pagan husband and wayward son. That son, who became Saint Augustine, later wrote gratefully of his mother, “She said little, preached not at all, loved deeply, prayed without ceasing.”

A number of exciting activities have been planned at school for the children next Tuesday, in celebration of her life. Thank you to Melanie Stratford (REC) for her work in preparing the Liturgy, Maggie Lloyd, Sharon Friend and Kirralea Thompson for organising the walk-a-thon and TeamKids for the preparation of the treats and fruit platters when we return. There is one other surprise for the children in the afternoon, but we are keeping that super-secret!!

Book Week celebrations - Thank you to Veronica Melville for all her enthusiasm, efforts and organisation of our Book Week celebrations this year. Last Friday, Ms Melville and our shadow judging students from Year 4 attended the Book of the Year announcement at the National Library. This morning, we had our Book Week parade and it was great to see the students (and staff) dressed up as their favourite book characters. So many imaginative and creative costumes were showcased and we acknowledge the time and effort from parents that goes into putting a costume together. What a wonderful way to celebrate all things books and literature.

Tell Them From Me Survey - The survey portal closes tomorrow, Friday 23 August. Please use the link, that was sent out to all families via Compass. We value you feedback and would appreciate as many families as possible to fill in the survey.

Father’s Day celebrations, Friday 30 August - Next Friday, all fathers and significant males in our lives are invited to grab a coffee and a donut on us. We will then have a Furthest Father Footy kick off at 8.50am. There is an opportunity to purchase a Father’s Day gift from the Father’s Day stall.

Staffing news – It is with mixed emotions I announce the retirement of Mr Michael McFadden. Michael has been an educator for just over 40 years, with 37 of these in service as a Classroom Teacher, Teaching and Learning Officer and in Leadership roles with Catholic Education Canberra / Goulburn. In Michael’s words, “that’s a lot of good morning boys and girls”. We will have the appropriate farewells for Michael in Term 4 but wished to share this news with you now.

I wish to sincerely thank Mrs Melinda Brown for her service as Acting Primary Coordinator across 2023 and 2024, for Mrs Foster and Mr Matchett whilst they were on Parental Leave. Melinda has done an incredible job in leading extension groups and the Catalyst initiatives across the school. Melinda will continue to serve on the school’s leadership team for the remainder of this year.

Next week, we welcome back Mr Ryan Matchett and Mrs Mira Lustica from their Long Service Leave. We say Bon Voyage to Mrs Helen Houghton and wish her well on her travels overseas for the remainder of this term. The following arrangements have been made to cover the following classes in light of the arrivals and departures of staff!

Whilst Mrs Hougton is away, Mrs Liz Foster will cover 3M on Wednesdays and 1W on Thursdays. Mrs Russell will cover 1M on Fridays.

Mr Ryan Matchett returns as Primary Coordinator, Lead Teacher for Technology and will be the Classroom Teacher in 4B on Thursdays and Fridays.

Mr Michael McFadden will be assisting Mrs Pearson with the Musical Production and working alongside Mr Matchett in covering technology classes for Years 2, 3, 5 and 6 for the remainder of this year.