Dear Parents and Carers

As we near the end of Term 2, it’s a fitting time to reflect on the many achievements of our students throughout the first half of the year. We’ve seen excellent growth in learning, with students consistently demonstrating high levels of engagement, effort, and enthusiasm.

Our students have also embraced a wide range of opportunities beyond the classroom — from participating in sporting events at both school and regional levels to engaging in special occasions such as Catholic Schools Week and our Sacramental retreats.

These achievements are a credit to the dedication of our staff, the hard work of our students, and the ongoing support of our parent community. I sincerely thank you all for your contributions to what has been a rich and rewarding term.

Student Semester One reports will be available today via Compass. Parent–Teacher Interviews will be held next week, offering a valuable opportunity to discuss your child’s progress in more detail. If you have not yet booked an interview time, I encourage you to do so. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need any assistance with the booking process.

Sacrament of Confirmation

This Saturday evening at the 5pm Mass, 14 of our Year 6 students will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, with Archbishop Christopher Prowse and Fr Joshy presiding.

We are especially proud of these students, who have thoughtfully prepared for this important step in their faith journey—through class lessons, support at home, and involvement in both the parish and school community.

We warmly encourage you to join us in supporting these students and their families by attending this special celebration.

Staffing Announcement

I would like to congratulate Mrs Sophie Kenny, who will step into the role of Coordinator during Weeks 7–10 of Term 3, while Mrs Jenny Smith takes Long Service Leave. Sophie will be a valuable addition to our leadership team during this time.

Mrs Georgia Veneris will teach Year 2VS full-time during these weeks, ensuring consistency and continuity for the class.

The appointment of a new Year One classroom teacher will be announced in the coming days. In the meantime, we thank Ms Kate Manwaring for her dedication and contribution to our school over the past 18 months, and we wish her every success in the future.

Carroll College Musical Success

I had the pleasure of attending the matinee performance of We Will Rock You at the Bay Pavilions yesterday, along with our Year 4–6 students and staff. The production was outstanding and a real credit to the Carroll College team. It was especially heartwarming to see so many of our former students on stage, shining in their singing and acting roles. Congratulations to all involved—what a fantastic achievement! If you haven’t yet purchased tickets, I encourage you to do so for the final show this evening—you won’t be disappointed. https://bpav.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/147478

NAIDOC Week

Next week, we will begin our school NAIDOC Week celebrations. NAIDOC Week is a time to celebrate and recognise the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

On Monday and Tuesday, Riley Nolan will work with each grade in the hall to teach traditional dance. We are especially fortunate to have Riley work in our school each week to share his cultural knowledge and the local dhurga language. A special feature of the dancing next week will be Riley playing the yidaki or didgeridu as the children perform their dance.

Looking ahead to Term 3, on Wednesday 23 July (Week 1), our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students will take part in our biannual Yuin Bunaan Culture Day, held in partnership with our K–12 Pathway schools, St Mary's Moruya and Carroll College, Broulee. As in previous years, the event will be held at Captain Oldrey Park, Broulee. Students from Years 3-6 will be encouraged to invite a friend to share in the day with them and families are also welcome. There are many members of our community who are coming together to support this event with stalls and information. The day will begin with a welcoming ceremony, opening speeches and activities including cultural dance, bush tucker walk, sport and art. 

On Thursday 24 July, St Patrick’s Primary School, Bega will host the NAIDOC Southern Region Mass. Aboriginal students in Years 4–6 and school leaders will be invited to attend along with students from our region.

We look forward to these special events to celebrate NAIDOC Week in our school communities.

Special Jubilee Pilgrimage

We extend our very best wishes to Ms Jeni McCarthy as she embarks on the Jubilee Pilgrimage to Rome during the upcoming school holidays, travelling with the Archbishop and colleagues of our Catholic schools.

This is a wonderful opportunity for Jeni, and we wish her a safe and faith-filled journey. We look forward to hearing about the experiences and insights she will no doubt bring back to share with us on her return.

Important Dates

The final day of school this term for students is next Thursday 3 July. Please note that Friday 4 July is a pupil free day.

Students are asked to wear their pyjamas on the last day next Thursday as part of our fundraising for the St Vincent De Paul Winter Appeal. We will be attending Mass as a whole school on this day at 9:15am. Everyone is welcome.

School resumes for Term 3 on Tuesday 22 July. 

I hope that you have a lovely weekend and I look forward to seeing many of you next week at the Parent/Teacher Interviews.

Warm regards

Karen

Karen Hadley

Principal