Week 2 Term 3

30 July 2026 

Dear Parents/Carers

I recognise that when schools undertake staff development days (Friday 31/7/26) there can be an inconvenience to families as a result of the need to ensure their children are supervised and kept busy. I also recognise that primary parents find it even more challenging than secondary parents due to the likelihood that the older boys are a bit more autonomous and can take care of themselves and are likely to sleep half of the day away.

This week our staff undertake the ‘Hands’ component of a Head, Hands and Heart faith formation program that has been running over a number of years. This week our staff will be off-site and participating in undertaking charitable works all across Sydney. We see this as an important part of the professional, spiritual and faith formation of staff which can impact on our teaching and learning in the classroom.

When school staff engage in professional learning dedicated to faith formation, the primary beneficiary is almost always the student. Rather than just receiving standard academic instruction, students experience an environment where learning, personal values and spiritual development are deeply connected.

When educators undergo faith formation, they don’t just learn what to teach – they reflect on how they teach, lead and interact.

Formed educators are better equipped to help students navigate real-world challenges, doubts and diverse viewpoints while remaining grounded in their school’s faith tradition.

Teachers who are spiritually grounded tend to foster classrooms where every student feels seen, valued and respected as a unique creation. Instead of punitive measures, discipline shifts toward empathy, self-reflection and reconciliation which in turn helps students learn accountability without shame.

Faith formation helps staff weave underlying values (like truth, beauty, ethics and care for creation) across all subject areas (not just in Religious Education). Teachers are subsequently then equipped to help students in turn learn to see the connection between their intellect, emotional wellbeing and spiritual life.

A major pillar of faith formation is putting belief into action. Well-formed teachers and school staff are better at organising service projects, outreach initiatives and reflection opportunities that aren’t just “check-the-box” volunteer hours. Because of their experiences, students can be guided to look beyond themselves, developing empathy and leadership skills aimed at addressing injustice in their broader community.

When staff undertake faith formation events, the school shifts from simply delivering subject content to building a living community. Students gain a safer emotional space, a clearer (faith informed) moral compass and an education that forms the whole person… The head. The heart. And the hands.

Respice Finem

Mr David Sullivan
Principal