Welcome back to Term 2.

The opportunity to spend time with our families and pursue our interests and passions over the recent school holiday period was at the forefront of my mind as I followed, heavyhearted, the horrific event that unfolded in Bondi Junction on Saturday.

My thoughts and prayers are with the victims who have lost their lives or are recovering from injury, as well as the families of victims, first responders, and those present at the scene. It is moments such as these that serve as a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of keeping our loved ones close and sharing time together.

I trust the Easter holiday period provided time to do just this. I spent time planting trees, doing some fencing, and installing farm gates at my property in Clunes and spent time on grandparent duty which kept my heart full and my days busy!

Following on from my first term as Interim Principal I would like to express my gratitude to all our St Catherine’s families and staff for the remarkable support you have provided to our students. Your encouragement, nurturing, and enthusiasm all make a considerable difference to the success of our students from the Early Learning Centre through to Year 12.

As we head into Term 2 I would like to reflect on some highlights from Term 1 that truly showcase the extraordinary students and staff at St Catherine’s School.

Concerto Concert

A genuine highlight conducted at the end of last term was the Concerto Concert led by our Head of Music, Mr Frank Blakiston, and his team. It was a truly wonderful event showcasing the talent of our Music students. To view a full gallery of downloadable images from the Concerto Concert click here.

Concerto Concert 2024

Rowing

Over the weekend I attended the close of the 2024 Rowing Season event run by the Heyington Club. Our coaches led by Mr Tony Green, Mr John Saunders and Miss Emily Richards put in countless hours and very early mornings over what is a very long season. The season concluded with the National Championships in Sydney where our girls performed with great heart and tenacity. Congratulations to all our crews this season. It has been inspiring watching how all our Rowing athletes and coaches go about their tasks.

Global Pathways Program

Over the break there have been three trips to various destinations as part of St Catherine’s Global Pathways Program. These were:

Italy Art Study Tour: This trip involved ten students travelling to Italy to study art. Students ventured to Venice, Florence, Prato, and Rome where they had the opportunity to view some of the world’s most famous pieces of art and sketch amongst inspiring locations.

Three Capes, Tasmania: Eighteen students travelled to Tasmania on our four-4-day Expedition Program to walk the Three Capes, which is a spectacular and iconic walk in Australia.

Athletics Camp: Senior School students attended an Athletics Training Camp in Runaway Bay, Queensland for five days. The Training Camp was designed as part of the commencement of the Cross-Country season, providing our athletes with an opportunity to train in a high-performance centre, utilising the opportunities for training, strength and conditioning, recovery, and nutrition.

Staff Arrangements

Looking ahead to Term 2 we have staff returning to St Catherine’s following Long Service Leave, including Mr Luke Russell, Deputy Head of Junior School, Mrs Virgina Guest, Barbreck Art Teacher and Miss Fiona Wardlaw, Year 5 Teacher. Senior School Art Teacher Mrs Brigid Weereratne will enjoy Long Service Leave for the first two weeks of Term 2.

Mr Saska Ayris, Music Teacher, returns from Parental Leave this term, and Miss Kirrilly Wootton, Junior School Teacher, commences Parental Leave at the commencement of Term 2. I thank Kirrilly for stepping in as Acting Deputy Head of the Junior School during Luke Russell’s absence. We look forward to hearing Kirrilly’s baby news in the near future.

After a remarkable career at St Catherine’s School, Ms Sandra Ching commences Long Service Leave at the start of Term 2. At the conclusion of her Long Service Leave, Sandra will then pursue other interests. Since 2006, Sandra has held the positions of Years 4, 5 and 6 teacher including Junior School Mathematics Coordinator, Middle Years Coordinator (3-6) and Curriculum Liaison Coordinator. I thank Sandra for her outstanding contribution to the Junior School. She will be greatly missed by her colleagues and students.

Commencing in our Junior School this term, we welcome Ms Marissa Caluzzi, our new Barbreck Librarian and Ms Kate Martin, our Prep to Year 3 and Years 5 and 6 Art Teacher, with Mrs Virginia Guest continuing to teach Year 4 Art as well as undertake her master’s degree.

This term we look forward to the Years 5&6 Camp, Year 8 Central Australia Camp, Year 10 Wellbeing Camp, Years 11 and 12 Formals, the Senior School Musical Production Song Contest: The Almost Eurovision Experience, House Athletics, PFA Mother’s Day Breakfast and Stall, Jazz Night, and Careers Week just to name a few. The opportunities for our students to pursue their interests and discover their passions are ample at St Catherine’s and we look forward to supporting all our students throughout Term 2.

As always, I wish all our students, families, and staff the best for the term ahead.