Reflecting on the year that has been reminds me of so many special moments along the way.  For our school community, after being unable to be together for the first term due to COVID restrictions, the chance to again enjoy each other’s company at the Mother’s Day Wine and Cheese night, the Father’s Day Ten Pin Bowling and our Athletics and Swimming Carnivals has been wonderful.  As Jesus said, “When two or more are gathered together in my name, I am there with them”.  This has truly been the case for our community this year.  I am looking forward to many more of these opportunities in 2023. 

I would like to congratulate and extend a heartfelt thanks to Mrs Renee Neville for all her hard work and efforts for the P&F.  Her commitment is deserving of the Catholic School Parents Queensland (CSPQ) Mappas Medallion Award.  Without her tireless organising and planning, our events would simply not happen.  Thanks to all those members of the community who answered Renee’s call for assistance throughout the year also.

This year we have also seen the introduction of a number of pastoral initiatives that have proven to be a success.  Many thanks to Ignatius Park College and their Year 11 Boys who engaged with our Senior boys in a mentoring partnership this year.  The boys have all enjoyed the opportunity to connect and develop their personal and leadership skills.  We look forward to this continuing next year.  Our Senior girls also engaged with the You Grow Girl initiative.  Visits from special guests including Olympian Alex Ferlazzo, Northern Rays Netball players Kelsey and Ema, and Hit 103.6 radio presenter Gabi Elwood have been a huge hit.

We have also had coach Tim Nugent and players from Townsville Mendi Blackhawks work with small groups from Years 5 and Year 6 through the Resilience Project.  We are looking forward to their return next year.  Our Year 3 to Year 6 students also had a visit from Shannon and Mechelle from the Queensland Police Service who delivered the ThinkUKnow program on cyber safety and online behaviours.  Mrs Mathiesen and Miss Barb (Mrs Barbara Salisbury, Guidance Counsellor) ran several successful Seasons For Growth groups this year and already have a list of students and families ready to participate next year.

To add to our initiatives for 2023, we are excited to be preparing to extend on our school wide Zones of Regulation approach.  Our Pastoral Care Team has worked hard this year to prepare the resources and lessons for our students to support their growth and development of emotional intelligence.

I pray that you all have a restful and restorative Christmas and a bright and happy New Year.

Regards

Ros