Dear St Monica's families and friends,

We often hear the phrase we are the Lucky Country and indeed we have much to be thankful for. However, there are people across the Nation and in our world who need our prayers. So I ask, that you keep in your prayers…

The people of Queensland, as Cyclone Alfred draws closer to landfall.

The community of Brindabella Christian College, who are experiencing uncertainty.

The people of Ukraine.

Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, who is very unwell and undergoing treatment for double pneumonia.

Principal’s Retreat – I am currently at the annual Catholic Education Principal’s Retreat in Bowral. In her address to us yesterday Interim Executive Director Pam Betts reminded us of our mission and purpose as the Senior Leaders and Chief Evangelisers in our schools. Pam shared with us these key messages:

At the heart of Catholic Education is the belief that each child is a unique reflection of God’s love, created with a purpose and endowed with gifts meant to be nurtured. To educate is not simply to instruct; it is to inspire, to awaken curiosity, and to cultivate wisdom. When we touch hearts, we do more than impart knowledge. We foster compassion, resilience, and faith. When we grow minds we do more than teach facts. We guide young people to think critically, to discern truth, and to seek deeper understanding in all they encounter.

Journeying together in Hope is not always easy. Hope, as central as it is to our faith, is not the same as luck. We cannot be optimistically naïve, nor can we ignore the realities of suffering, tragedy, and hardship. True hope is rooted in faith and perseverance, in trusting that even in the darkest moments, God is present and working through us. Catholic Education equips students not just to recognise the world’s brokenness, but to be active participants in its healing, to be bearers of hope who respond with love and action rather than passive optimism.

For our students each day at school is a sacred gift, woven around the heart of wonder. It is in the joy of a student’s discovery, the quiet persistence when there is challenge, the shared laughter in the hallways, and the reverent silence of prayer that we see the beauty of God’s work.

I am proud of my mission, as your Principal, to play a key role in forming young hearts and minds in faith, wisdom, and love. I sincerely thank Maggie Lloyd, Melanie Stratford, Laura Frogley and Alissa Pearson for jumping into caretaker mode whilst I am away. I know the school is in very good hands.

Executive Director - I am excited to share with you, the announcement of the new Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn Executive Director, Dr David De Carvalho. David is a very experienced and well-regarded leader in the education sector, with a deep knowledge of, and commitment to, our Catholic faith. We wish him well as he takes up his new role in the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn.

NAPLAN – Next week our Year 3 and Year 5 students will undertake the annual NAPLAN assessments for Literacy and Numeracy. We wish them well and have reassured that NAPLAN is part of their learning program and all we ask of them is to simply do their best.

Swimming Carnival - What a wonderful day we had at the St Monica’s Swimming Carnival. House chants cheered - loud and proud, fabulous St Francis Xavier College service students, magnificent volunteers, supportive parents, grandparents and families, amazing staff and of course our students who gave it their all in and out of the pool. We are so proud of everyone, thank you for such a great day!

Coughs and Colds – Cases of Influenza A, COVID and whooping cough remain high across the education sector. If your child is experiencing cold like symptoms, please keep them at home until they are well enough to return to school. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our community safe and well.

Baby News - Congratulations to the Quinton family on the arrival of Elliot, little brother for Claire in K White.

Enjoy the upcoming Canberra Day Long Weekend,