This weekend, parishes throughout the Diocese of Wollongong enter the season of Pentecost — a significant time in the Church’s year often referred to as the "birthday" of the Church.

In this Sunday’s Gospel (John 20:19–23), we are reminded of the moment the risen Jesus appeared to His disciples, offering them peace and breathing the Holy Spirit upon them. This powerful passage speaks to the gift of the Holy Spirit as our Advocate and guide, and the commissioning of the disciples to continue Jesus' mission in the world.

As a school community, Pentecost invites us to reflect on how we are called to be people of hope, peace, and courage — inspired by the Holy Spirit to live out the Gospel in our daily lives.

Celebration of Learning
Last Tuesday, our school community came together for our Celebration of Learning afternoon. This event provided a meaningful opportunity for students, families, and staff to engage with and reflect on the rich learning that takes place in our classrooms.

One of our key strategic goals is to implement initiatives that foster a culture where the entire school community deeply values learning. The term Celebration of Learning reflects our commitment to recognising and honouring the growth, effort, and achievements of our students visibly and inclusively.

It was truly heartening to see so many parents and carers join us for the celebration. As a Catholic school community that places great importance on the partnership between home and school, this event strengthens our connection and, most importantly, reinforces our shared commitment to improving learning outcomes for every child.

Cyclic Inquiry

As we reach the conclusion of our Cyclic Inquiry, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude for the thoughtful, and generous manner in which parents engaged with the process.

I also wish to acknowledge the school’s leadership team and staff for their outstanding commitment, insight, and collaboration in guiding this important work.

Some immediate feedback from the panel included:

• A strong expression of our identity as a truly Catholic school
• A strong and positive culture across the school
  
  
• A high level of engagement by all staff in the inquiry process
  
  
• A clear sense of welcome and hospitality throughout the visit
  
  
• A self-assessment report that offered valuable insight, clarity, and direction for the future
  
  
• Honest and open conversations that enriched the entire process
  
  

Looking ahead, the panel will finalise their report, which will be submitted to Peter Hill, our Director of Schools, for approval. Following this, we will begin the important work of developing our next four-year School Strategic Improvement Plan, supported and guided by Anna Cindric, Head of Continuous Catholic School Improvement, Diocese of Wollongong.

Thank you once again for your ongoing dedication and contribution to this significant journey.

National Reconciliation Week 

As we mark National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June), we are reminded of the importance of truth-telling, understanding, and respectful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider Australian community. This year's theme, “Now More Than Ever,” calls us to remain steadfast in our commitment to justice and reconciliation.

As educators in a Catholic school, we have a profound responsibility to lead with compassion, humility, and a genuine desire to learn. Reconciliation begins with listening to the voices and stories of First Nations peoples, embedding Aboriginal perspectives authentically in our curriculum, and fostering a school culture where all students feel seen, respected, and valued.

Thank you for the work each of us does each day to honour these commitments. I encourage you to reflect with your students this week on the meaning of reconciliation and how we, as a community, can continue to walk the path of healing, justice, and unity.