From the Head of Senior School

Welcome back to a new term! First, I want to extend a warm welcome to all our returning students, staff, families and new students and families. It has been wonderful to see the learning and outdoor spaces filled with energy and anticipation for the term ahead.

This week we have celebrated NAIDOC week through our whole School Assembly, Chapel and staff Chapel services. As always, Tim Lennon, our Director of Indigenous Education, Reverend Vini Ravetali and Pastor Caitlin Scott have ensured that the week has been meaningful and informative for our community.

Year 8 enjoyed the Dance at St Patrick’s College in Strathfield last night and the anticipation is high for the Year 9 Dance tonight. These Dances are a great opportunity for the girls to socialise with students from St Patrick’s College, Domremy College and Santa Sabina College. Thank you to Alistair Roland, Head of Students – Year 7 to Year 9, Andrew Taylor, Deputy Head of Senior School – Wellbeing and Emily Marsh, Head of Year 9, who joined the St Patrick’s College team of supervisors for the evenings.

For Year 7 and Year 9 families, I am pleased to confirm that the 2025 individual NAPLAN reports will be sent to you this afternoon by post. As you are aware, NAPLAN assesses the literacy and numeracy learning of students and has the support of all State and Territory Education Ministers. The results of the tests provide important information to schools about what each student can do and is used to support teaching and learning programs. We were very pleased with the growth of students that was evidenced through the School results.

You will have seen that the Paul Dillon drug and alcohol sessions are coming up. These sessions are very valuable, and I encourage you to have some follow-up conversations with your daughters at home. Please take the time to attend the Parent Forum – it is well worth it!

RSVP here

Staff Updates

This week, we welcomed the following new Senior School teachers:

• Candace Robertson – Acting Head of Department – Languages
• Amy Murphy – Director of Professional Practice

We also welcome Head of Students – Year 10 to Year 12, Fiona Pow, back from Long Service Leave. I know she is refreshed and ready for the term and is particularly excited to take part in the student leadership process and the end of year events with Year 12.

Bridget Kovats has been appointed to assist in the leadership of the English Department as Acting Assistant Head of Department – English for Term 3 and Term 4. This will mean that she steps back from the Head of Year 8 position for the remainder of the year. Kate Schurch will be Acting Head of Year 8 for the remainder of the year.

Last year and again in Term 2, Kate was Acting Head of Year and was an asset to the wellbeing team, demonstrating great care for the students. As this temporary position has now drawn to a close, we are very fortunate that Kate is available to take on the role with Year 8.

Study Hub this week

– Joanna Graffen
Head of Senior School

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