From the Head of Senior School

We have had another busy week as we move into Week 5. Our Year 7 students and new students are all looking much more confident and comfortable and our senior students are moving steadily toward their examination blocks.

Thank you for encouraging your daughters to arrive at school on time, ready to start class at 8.15am, and dressed in the correct uniform. As students settle into their routines, we have observed an improvement in this regard.

Sydney Opera House rehearsals

Rehearsals for the much anticipated Sydney Opera House Concert (to be held on Monday 19 May 2025) are now well underway. These rehearsals occur weekly, with students from Year 6 to Year 12 assembling in their House groups to learn the performance piece. This presents an excellent opportunity to foster a sense of belonging within House groups and to encourage interaction among students from different cohorts.

The House Captains and School Captains are performing admirably in coordinating and motivating their houses (and the teachers!) to achieve their best. Thank you to our conductors, Trevor Mee, Director of Music and Alice Chance, Head of Composition who have arranged the music beautifully.

House Chapel

Last weekend, we had the first of our House Chapels. Pastor Caitlin shared a reflection on self-esteem and women’s ambition, which inspired students, staff, and parents alike. Alisha Vigna Head of Mooramoora and Joseph Pfeffer Head of Leawarra, organised and led moving services, highlighting our students. It was great to see Luminaries, staff and families catch up over morning tea.

The upcoming House Chapels are as follows:

• Sunday 23 February 2025 – Churunga and Lester Senior House Chapel Services
• Sunday 16 March 2025 – Whitley and Wade Senior House Chapel Services
• Sunday 23 March 2025 – Booralee and Abbeythorpe Senior House Chapel Services
• Sunday 30 March 2025 – Sutton and Prescott Senior House Chapel Services

Core class change requests

Over the last few weeks, we have received several requests for core class changes in Year 7 to Year 10. Once classes are set, students remain in the class groups. At times, there may be exceptional circumstances, and we may need to move students into different classes due to their individual pastoral or learning needs. Now that classes have been in a routine for several weeks, no more changes will be made. We thank students and families for their understanding as this helps ensure stability for teachers and classes now that we have settled into the term.

Study Hub

Study Hub on Level 3 is available for Year 11 and Year 12 students to study quietly and get help from teachers until 6pm. On Wednesdays, teachers will be in meetings until 4.30pm, so supervision will be provided by myself or another Executive member from 3.30pm to 4.30pm. This week’s teacher roster is below: