Dear St Monica's families and friends,

Over the past three weeks I have been blessed in my role as a Catholic School Principal to participate in several retreat and faith formation experiences, including CECG’s Catholic Leaders’ Day, SILOAM, and the Australian Catholic Education Conference. Each of these opportunities has enriched my own spiritual journey and leadership. A central theme across all gatherings was Synodality – the call to walk together as people of faith – and the importance of deep listening and responding with openness and love.

My key takeaways from the CECG Leader’s Day were:

• We make space for everyone and show genuine care for those around us.
• We make people feel like they belong, through the authentic relationships we form with our students and their families.
• We use our charisms each and every day to give others a deeper encounter with Jesus

The theme of the Australian Catholic Education Conference is Hope, anchored in Faith. I am joined by 1400 of my colleagues from across Australia including our Assistant Principal Maggie Lloyd and Religious Education Lead Teacher Melanie Stratford. Yesterday, I listened to Sr Nathalie Becquart xmcj who highlighted:

• we cannot be Synodal, without the contribution of children
• a need to listen with humility
• that we all walk together, radiating the light of Christ.

I am grateful for these experiences, which continue to shape and strengthen the way I serve our school community.

Staffing Announcements: We wish Mrs Susan Carswell an enjoyable Long Service Leave and we welcome back Mrs Mira Lustica who is returning from Long Service Leave. Special thanks to Mrs Kim Todd who has covered these classes during the absence of these teachers.

Baby News