From the Principal
Prayer
A Prayer for Remembrance Day – Monday 11 November 2024
God, it’s difficult to see the point of wearing a poppy,
or what difference two minutes’ silence will make
when we could be shouting protests.
But we can recognise a broken life being valued,
a gift being given,
and taking two minutes to reflect on how much we have.
We look to the future, not to the past.
We cannot change what has been
but do not need to repeat its mistakes.
So as old and young come together before you,
take the very best of our lives;
bind us into one people of faith
and help us to share our common values,
love of Jesus and care for each other;
to build dreams,
and, with your Holy Spirit,
turn them into reality.
Amen.
Venerable Nano Nagle, Pray for us.
Dear Parents, Carers, Staff and Students
Exciting News for the Coming Year: Expansion of Our Colour Houses
We are thrilled to announce that, due to the growing number of students at our school, next year we are looking forward to adding two additional Colour Houses. This expansion will allow us to better accommodate our ever-growing community and ensure that all students have a place to belong and thrive.
As part of this exciting change, we will also be introducing the Homerooms allocated to the new Colour Houses. Like our existing vertical Homerooms, these new Homerooms will provide the personalised and connected experience for our students, fostering a sense of unity, spirit, and camaraderie across all year levels.
Honoring Tradition: Choosing Women Role Models for the New Houses
One of the most important decisions in this process is choosing the names of the new Colour Houses . In keeping with our school’s rich tradition of celebrating faith, community and history, the new Houses will be dedicated to two female role models who have a strong connection to our Presentation Charism and may be Saints. Their legacies will inspire our students and whose values we want our Colour Houses to represent.
To ensure that this decision reflects the values and the Presentation spirit of our school, we have organised a staff and student working committee to assist with the process. This group is made up of a diverse group of staff members, student representatives, and members of our school leadership team, with the aim to make this a collaborative and inclusive process, where voices from both staff and students are heard and valued. We hope that we will be in a position to have a final decision by year’s end. We can then begin to allocate students across the new Colour Houses and Homerooms. More details will be provided in due course.
HSC finished!
Today we join together to proudly celebrate our Year 12 students, the Class of 2024, who have recently completed their HSC exams. This milestone marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and resilience.
Throughout the year, our students faced challenges with determination and an unwavering spirit. Their commitment to their studies, their willingness to support one another, and their enthusiasm for learning have truly set them apart. We are immensely proud of each and every one of them.
As they await their results, we want to extend our heartfelt good luck to all our students. Regardless of the outcomes, the skills and perseverance they’ve developed during their time here will serve them well in all their future endeavours.
Congratulations, Class of 2024! We can’t wait to see where your journey takes you next! We look forward to celebrating with you at the HSC Morning Tea on Wednesday, 18 December, 10.30am.
The Class of 2030 – Year 7, 2025
On Wednesday this week, we held a successful Year 7 Parent Information Evening for the Class of 2030. Parents and guardians gathered to learn about the curriculum, school policies, and opportunities for student engagement. Our dedicated staff shared insights into our educational approach and answered questions, fostering a collaborative environment between home and school.
Today, we welcomed our incoming Year 7 students for their Orientation Day. Excited students participated in a variety of activities designed to familiarise them with the school environment, meet their teachers, and connect with their peers. The day included campus tours, an introduction to key staff, and engaging team-building exercises, ensuring students feel prepared and excited for their new journey in Year 7, 2025.
Year 12, 2025 Student Leadership Team
I would like to acknowledge the outstanding leadership demonstrated by the Year 12 2025 Student Leadership Team in the few weeks that they have stepped into their roles. These students have not only taken on their respective roles with great responsibility, but have also shown remarkable initiative in running with their leadership duties, inspiring their peers, and making a lasting impact on our school community.
A particular highlight of their leadership journey was their organisation of Pink Week to raise awareness and funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. The team’s dedication to this cause was evident in every aspect of the event—from planning to execution. They worked tirelessly to create an engaging and impactful week filled with activities and fundraising efforts that brought the entire school together in support of a cause that touches so many lives. The success of Pink Week is a testament to their creativity, teamwork, and commitment to making a difference. Through their efforts and the generosity of our community, an amazing sum of $5,100 was raised for this worthy cause.
In addition to their contributions to the school community, each member of the Student Leadership Team and as a collective, has benefited greatly from their recent leadership retreat. The retreat served as a powerful opportunity for personal and collective growth, where the Student Leadership Team honed their leadership qualities, deepened their collaboration, and strengthened their resolve to lead with integrity and empathy. The skills and insights they gained during this retreat have undoubtedly shaped them into more confident, compassionate, and effective leaders.
As they continue to guide our school community in their final year, I am excited to see how they will further develop their leadership potential and leave a lasting legacy for future student leaders to follow. 
I am incredibly proud of the Student Leadership Team and all they have accomplished so far. Their efforts and leadership are a shining example of what it means to lead in the Presentation tradition with purpose, passion, and heart.
On a final note…
A letter outlining Term 4 events was sent via Compass at the beginning of Term. Many activities, such as Camps and Activities Week, require prompt submission of permissions and information, particularly where we are required to provide details to camp operators. Please review the details and return any necessary forms as soon as possible. For any specific concerns regarding your daughter’s camp, please contact her Year Coordinator.
Our Years 9 and 10 students have completed their exam blocks and I congratulate them on their focus throughout. Our Years 7 and 8 students will sit and finish their exams next week. While it’s tempting to relax after the end of Semester 2 exams, I encourage all our students to stay focused and engaged until the end of the term. Wasting time at this stage can hinder your progress and opportunities for growth. Let’s make the most of the time we have left, give our very best in all that we do these final five weeks of 2024 and finish strong together! I love this quote:
Indeed, it is empowering.
Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.
Blessings on you and your families.
Antoinette McGahan
