Assistant Head of Primary P-4 and Gifted Education Coordinator P-6

PASTORAL UPDATE 

Building connections – accepting the invitation to be kind and compassionate

Weeks 3 and 4 explored the pastoral theme Building Connections: Accepting the Invitation to Be Kind and Compassionate, and coincided with our celebration of Love Week. During this time, students reflected on the love God shows us, the love we share with one another, and the love that connects people across cultures. Love Week encouraged students to live this message through kindness, welcome and respect – small actions that make a big difference.

We also remembered St Martin de Porres, whose compassion for the poor and the sick reminds us that every act of kindness is a way of sharing God’s love.

Students engaged with mentor texts such as Kindness Makes Us Strong, Have You Filled a Bucket Today? and Each Kindness, which sparked thoughtful discussions and creative responses. Classes created Kindness Hands, wrote bucket‑filling notes, explored the ripple effect of kindness and shared moments of compassion in Compassion Circles.

Love Week concluded with a joyful assembly celebrating St Valentine and Lunar New Year. The assembly emanated a sense of joy and a vibrant display of colour, with a number of students wearing traditional Lunar New Year clothes. Their bright patterns helped us celebrate this special time and reminded us that our community is full of wonderful cultures and many beautiful ways to show love.

Building respectful digital communities

On Tuesday 10 February, we joined communities across Australia in recognising Safer Internet Day – a meaningful opportunity to reflect on how we can create online spaces that are safe, respectful and supportive for everyone. Led nationally by the eSafety Commissioner, Safer Internet Day reminds us that our digital world, much like our natural environment, is something we share and something we are all responsible for caring for.

This message came to life in our classrooms as students worked together to create their own classroom tech agreements, thinking deeply about what it means to use technology wisely and make positive choices online. It was wonderful to see students approach these conversations with maturity and honesty, acknowledging the importance of kindness, safety and integrity in their digital interactions.

Together, we are helping students build thoughtful digital habits that will support them not only at school, but in every online space they explore – nurturing a strong sense of responsibility, awareness and care for the digital communities they belong to.

GIFTED EDUCATION UPDATE

Da Vinci Decathlon journey begins

Students from the Year 6 team met for their first training session this week, working alongside girls from senior years as they began preparing for the da Vinci Decathlon – an academic inter-school gala day designed to challenge and inspire. Much like its Olympic namesake, the Decathlon brings together a range of intellectually demanding events that stretch students’ creativity, problem solving abilities and teamwork.

It was wonderful to see the enthusiasm and energy the girls brought to the session as they worked in their teams of eight. Their engagement and collaborative spirit set a positive tone for the exciting challenges ahead.

Encouraging student voice through writing and art

ABC Education’s News in My Neighbourhood competition is underway once again, offering students from Kindergarten to Year 6 a meaningful opportunity to engage with issues that matter to them. This term’s challenge invites students to write a 150–250 word letter to an individual or group who they believe can make a difference, or to express their ideas through a drawing or artwork. It has been wonderful to see the curiosity and thoughtful conversations this competition has already sparked among students at Del Monte and Gioia House. If you think this is something your child would enjoy, please encourage them to submit an entry to me by Week 9 this term.

Creative expressions of diversity and inclusion

Moving Forward Together is once again hosting its annual Harmony Day competitions, encouraging students to celebrate diversity, inclusion and cultural understanding through creative expression. This year, students from Kindergarten to Year 12 are invited to respond to the theme Stronger Together by creating a Harmony Day poster, composing an original two‑minute song, or producing a two‑minute short film.

We would love to see students at Del Monte and Gioia House participate in this wonderful celebration of community and connection. If your child is interested, please encourage them to submit their entry to me by Week 10. Winning poster entries and the winning short film from previous years can be viewed on the Moving Forward Together website.

Lauren Petroni
Assistant Head of Primary P-4 and Gifted Education Coordinator P-6