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

Pastoral update

Building connections: caring for our common home

Our fortnightly focus for Weeks 5 and 6, Building Connections – Accepting the Invitation to Care for Our Common Home, was inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si. In this letter, Pope Francis invites all people to recognise the beauty and interconnectedness of creation, reminding us that God calls us to live with respect, responsibility and love for the world around us.

It has been uplifting to see students engage with this message, exploring what it means to care for the environment and play their part in protecting our shared home. On Friday 7 March, this learning was put into action as students participated in Schools Clean Up Day, working together to tidy and care for our school grounds. It is always inspiring to witness the pride and responsibility students show as they help keep our shared spaces clean and welcoming, reflecting the heart of Laudato Si through their actions.

Lord, help us to protect this world you have entrusted to us.
Guide us to care for all creation with love and responsibility.

— Adapted from Pope Francis’ Prayer for Our Earth (Laudato Si)

Building connections – Accept the invitation to embrace and celebrate differences

Our pastoral theme for the past fortnight, Building Connections – Accept the invitation to embrace and celebrate differences has encouraged students to recognise, value and celebrate the diverse cultural, personal and neurological identities within our school community. Inspired by Harmony Week and Neurodiversity Week, this focus has helped students deepen their understanding of what it means to belong, include and appreciate others.

Gifted Education update

Primary Enrichment Opportunities

da Vinci Decathlon journey continues

Our Da Vinci Decathlon training is now well underway, and we are pleased to welcome our Year 5 students as they join Year 6 and girls from the senior grades in the Monday afternoon sessions. This cross‑year group provides a valuable opportunity for students to collaborate and build their skills together. The girls have already shown great focus and teamwork as they explore problem‑solving and creative tasks inspired by this year’s theme, Machines and Mechanics. We look forward to seeing their confidence and capabilities continue to grow.

Inspiring student voice through creative expression

We’re delighted to see the first entries coming in for the ABC Education News in My Neighbourhood competition, and we would love to see even more students get involved. This enrichment opportunity invites children to share their perspectives on issues that matter to them through a short letter or artwork. It’s a meaningful way for students to express their ideas, explore their interests and build confidence as communicators. If your child enjoys writing or drawing, please encourage them to submit an entry to me by Week 9.

Celebrating student voice through Harmony Day creativity

We have also begun receiving entries for the Moving Forward Together Harmony Day competitions, and it has been wonderful to see students’ thoughtful and imaginative responses to this year’s theme, Stronger Together. Their posters, songs and short films are already highlighting strong messages of inclusion, community and connection.

This opportunity is open to all students from Kindergarten to Year 12. Children are invited to create a Harmony Day poster, compose an original two‑minute song, or produce a two‑minute short film. If your child would like to participate, entries can be submitted to me by Week 10.

Cathyrina Pan, Year 4

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