Dear Parents, Friends, Staff and Students of St Catherine’s,
As I sit in the Principal’s office and glance out across the beautiful surrounds of St Cath’s, I reflect upon my past 7 days at the school. I have been warmly welcomed by staff, students and parents into a community that I knew something about but have now learned more. I have seen firsthand a school committed to its Dominican values with a vibrant, supportive community and strong sense of care for the environment. Overwhelmingly, I have seen a school where everyone is known, where students feel safe and supported to be themselves, where parents are committed to the school and regularly offer support, and there are a wide variety of opportunities beyond the classroom that most students participate in. In short St Cath’s is a nurturing place where everyone is known and cared for.
As I shared with the staff on the first day, I see my role this term as that of a Custodian-to keep the good work going. John provided me with an excellent handover last term and during the break and we are frequently in touch but as a staff team, we are now responsible for maintaining our high standards for our students, our community and each other.
I look forward to the opportunity to get to know you and work with you this term.
Our New Reception Students
Following last term’s transition visits, our Mid-year Receptions have commenced school. It has been delightful to welcome them into the St Catherine's community as they begin their learning journey. It is my long-held belief that the parent and carers of our new students have now also joined St Cath’s community so I encourage you to be involved in the school where you can.
https://www.stcaths.catholic.edu.au/community/volunteer
Bambini Program
Our Bambini program commenced for 2024 last Friday. Our Bambini Program is designed to help our students be school ready. It is for children who are enrolled to attend St Catherine’s School in the January Reception intake for the final two terms before starting school. In the program, children are introduced to some of our basic routines of a school day, get to know the school, the staff, the facilities, and the children they will be starting their St Catherine’s learning journey with. It also gives our teachers a chance to get to know your child.
https://www.stcaths.catholic.edu.au/enrolment/bambini-transition-program
Year 4 & 5 Parent Information Evening
It was great to see so many parents and carers attend the parent evening and hear the class teachers Ms O’Connell and Mr Butler, current students Sylvie and Jack, parent Jane and Assistant Principal Mrs Dawe, speak so fondly about their school. They spoke of St Cath’s as a nurturing community where students’ leadership growth is supported and students are offered a great number of opportunities including Podcasting, Aquatics, Global Connections/Languages Lab, School Musical, Enterprise (Business) Program, Eco Leadership, Debating, Sporting Carnivals, Music Festival, and the Environmental Leaders Program (YELP).
First Communion
I look forward to joining the students receiving their First Communion on Sunday. This is an important moment of celebration and reflection, as families and friends gather to witness and support the children as they take this important step in their faith journey. Thanks to Fr Fred, Cathie Oswald, and our APRIM Mrs Dawe for preparing and supporting our students.
Visit to Little Nook Early Learning Centre, Hahndorf
I was delighted to see the way that our senior students engaged with the pre-school children during our visit to the Little Nook Early Learning Centre last week. They represented the school well and as parents and carers, you can be proud of the way your children demonstrated empathy and kindness.
Year 1/2 Coates Liturgy
Well done to the Year 1/2s and Ms Coates for leading the Liturgy on Tuesday.
Regards,
Mark Simpson
Together in Faith, Learning and Community
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