With a heavy heart, I share news that Mr Luke Russell, our esteemed Deputy Head of Junior School, has tendered his resignation, effective at the end of Term 2.  

Luke is a devoted family man with three young children. He has made the decision to prioritise this precious time with his family and to eventually explore new avenues of interest. 

For the past seven years, Luke has been an integral part of our Barbreck Team, serving both as a dedicated teacher and a capable Deputy Head. His commitment to our School and community has been exemplary, significantly contributing to the smooth functioning and remarkable success of Barbreck over the last five years. 

Among the myriad of qualities distinguishing Luke as an outstanding Deputy, his warmth, compassion, and ability to connect with others stand out prominently. Always ready with a smile and a laugh, Luke possesses a remarkable knack for seeing the bigger picture, resolving conflicts, and finding solutions. He is deeply respected and admired by both colleagues and students alike. 

Throughout his tenure, Luke has forged strong bonds of friendship with all members of Barbreck. While we are saddened by his departure, we wholeheartedly wish him joy, fulfilment, and prosperity in his future endeavours, confident that his impact will be felt long after his departure.  

Years 5 and 6 Camp

It was wonderful to greet our happy but tired Years 5 and 6 campers on their return from Camp last Wednesday.  

When asking the girls what the best thing about Camp was, there was a broad range of responses – ranging from the food, the giant swing and swimming, to their teachers, accommodation, and the leap of faith activity. 

Combining our Years 5 and 6 girls on the Camp has many benefits. As a group they are homogenous, collaborate well and enjoy each other’s company. The Year 6 girls act as wonderful role models, while the Year 5 girls watch and learn from their older school sisters, knowing next year they will be the leaders and role models for the Year 5s.  

I commend the girls for their behaviour and willingness to participate and cooperate well. I congratulate and thank our teachers and St Catherine’s Old Girls who attended the Camp. Their care, planning, attention to detail and involvement made for a well-run and enjoyable camp for all. 

Ambassador Passport Years 5 and 6

Leadership skills are cultivated throughout every girl’s Junior School journey. This is evident every day as our girls lead teams in afternoon sports, assume roles in the classroom, spearhead projects from concept to implementation, assist in various activities and community events, and tackle challenges head-on. 

This year marks the introduction of St Catherine’s ‘My Ambassador Passport’ for Years 5 and 6. This Passport is designed to nurture student leadership potential and foster proficiency in teamwork management. It serves as a comprehensive tool to document authentic learning experiences and project opportunities, while tracking the development of essential leadership skills. 

In Year 5, the ‘Unleashing My Leadership Potential’ Passport components include: 

• Cultivating and maintaining a personal brand 
• Effectively engaging with others in a positive manner 
• Demonstrating initiative 
• Enhancing teamwork skills 
• Fostering leadership development 
• Engaging in community initiatives

In Year 6, the ‘Leadership in Action’ Passport components encompass: 

• Cultivating leadership qualities and skills 
• Leading teams effectively 
• Setting an example as a role model 
• Establishing career aspirations and goals 
• Undertaking a Year 6 Leadership Project 
• Active involvement in community endeavours

Girls will receive their Passports in the coming fortnight, accompanied by explanations from teachers outlining the behaviours required to fulfill each category. Progress will be tracked through teacher endorsements.  

As girls accumulate endorsements, they gain insight into their developing skills and confidence, preparing them for increased responsibilities and leadership roles. These skills serve as invaluable assets, not only for the present but also for their future endeavours. 

The My Ambassador Passport will provide a solid foundation for our students as they transition into Senior School and exemplifies our commitment to providing a value-added curriculum that empowers our girls with a competitive edge.  

I look forward to sharing more details on our Ambassador Passport, and feedback from our students, as the Program unfolds. 

Important Dates: Term 2

Tuesday 7 May – JS House Athletics (Years 3 to 6) 

Friday 10 May – PFA Mother’s Day Stall 

Thursday 16 May – Open Morning 

Friday 17 May – JS Prep to Year 3 Special Visitors’ Morning 

Wednesday 22 May – JS District Soccer & Netball Year 6 

Thursday 23 May – Years 3 and 5 ACARA Testing 

Friday 24 May – Ruth Langley Luncheon 

Thursday 30 May – GSV Cross Country Years 5&6 

Friday 31 May – Year 7 2025 Orientation 1 (9.00am to 12.00pm) 

Tuesday 4 June – Open Morning & JS District Hockey 

Wednesday 5 June – JS Careers Morning & JS District AFL 

Thursday 6 June – PFA Years 4 to 6 Social Evening 

Monday 10 June – Mid Term Break – King’s Birthday 

Wednesday 19 June – JS Wellbeing Festival 

Thursday 20 June – JS Music Assembly 2.00pm – NEW DATE

Thursday 20 June – End of Term 2, 3:20pm 

Friday 21 June – Staff Assessment and Reporting Day – Pupil Free