College Update

Over the past two weeks, our College community has continued to demonstrate the spirit, talent and commitment that make our school such a vibrant place of learning and growth. It has been wonderful to see students embracing opportunities both within and beyond the classroom, while families continue to support the many events and experiences that enrich College life.

One of the highlights of the fortnight was the Nirimba Precinct Twilight Concert held on 14 May. Our students represented the College with great pride and professionalism, performing a variety of impressive musical items alongside students from across the precinct. The evening showcased not only the exceptional musical talent of our young people, but also their confidence, teamwork and dedication developed through many hours of rehearsal and preparation. I congratulate all students involved, as well as our talented Performing Arts staff, for creating such an enjoyable and uplifting evening for the wider community.

Over recent weeks, our Year 8 and Year 10 students and families have also commenced the important subject selection process for the next stage of learning. These decisions are significant as they help shape future pathways and opportunities. We continue to encourage students to make informed choices based on their interests, strengths, learning habits and future aspirations. Subject selection should never be based solely on friendship groups or perceived ease, but rather on careful reflection about where students are most likely to experience success, growth and enjoyment. I thank our staff and families for the guidance and support they are providing students during this important time. When students make thoughtful and informed choices, they place themselves in the best position to flourish academically and personally.

As a Catholic learning community, we were also blessed to gather to celebrate Mother’s Day through a beautiful liturgy and breakfast. This occasion provided an opportunity to acknowledge and give thanks for the love, sacrifice and support provided by mothers, grandmothers and all maternal figures in our lives. The strong attendance at the breakfast reflected the importance of family partnerships within our College community and the deep appreciation we hold for those who nurture and guide our young people each day. Thank you to all staff and students who assisted in preparing and hosting such a warm and welcoming celebration.

God Bless

Mr R Muscat

Ms Michalea Evans - Head of Catholic Identity and Mission

Expression of interest - Parent Information Session exploring the Encountering Jesus Curriculum and how it nurtures and supports your child’s spiritual growth and faith development.

This session will provide parents and carers with an overview of what students are learning in the Religious Education classroom, including the purpose and vision of the curriculum. It is also an opportunity to gain insight into how faith, learning, and lived experience are connected within the classroom.

Parents and carers will be equipped with practical ways to continue conversations at home and support their child’s ongoing spiritual and educational journey through meaningful discussion and reflection.

Throughout the month of May, students have gathered during lunch time to pray the Rosary together, taking the time to reflect on the life of Jesus through the eyes of Mary and growing in faith, community and prayer. In the spirit of St John Paul II, these moments of prayer encourage our students to live as people of Christ with courageous hears and minds for all to flourish.

Students from Stage 4 and 5 recently attended the LIFTED Live events coordinated by Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) and Catholic Youth Parramatta. These inspiring faith formation experiences brought together young people from across the Diocese of Parramatta for a dynamic day of music, prayer, reflection, worship, and connection with other Catholic school communities. Through engaging guest speakers, live music, and interactive activities, students were encouraged to deepen their relationship with God, strengthen their sense of belonging within the Church, and reflect on how they can live out their faith through service, compassion, and leadership in their schools and wider communities.

Mr Anthony Hulme - Assistant Principal - Wellbeing and Learning

Attendance

Regular attendance at school remains essential in ensuring that students are able to engage most effectively in their learning and development at school. Regular attendance equates to attendance of 90% or more of the time.

Attendance also includes punctuality to school and to each class by students. Our school day starts with the movement bell at 7:55am. Students should be standing at the classroom at 8am.

College staff work to support parents and carers in the regular attendance of students and may engage with parents and carers if the attendance level falls below 90%.

Should you have any concerns about your child’s attendance at school, or feel that the school can support you in any way, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s Homeroom teachers in the first instance, or the relevant Leader of Wellbeing.

Communication with College staff

Communication between home and school remains essential in ensuring the wellbeing, learning and formation of our students. If you have an enquiry about your child’s learning or progress in a particular class or course, please contact the class teacher in the first instance. If you have a concern about your child’s wellbeing or progress holistically, please contact your child’s Homeroom teacher in the first instance.

If your concern remains unresolved or you have further enquiries, please contact the relevant KLA Coordinator (for Learning related enquiries) or Leader of Wellbeing.

Further to this, your concerns may be relayed to the relevant Head of Stage.

Stage 4: Mr Watson

Stage 5: Mr Scarpin

Stage 6: Miss Cairns

A reminder for all enquiries and emails, staff have 48 hours to respond. Similarly, requests for a meeting should be made at least 48 hours in advance. Our staff may have teaching classes when you call or be teaching on the other campus.

OpalCards

A reminder that all students are expected to have a valid Opal Card for travel on public transport to and from school. Students are expected to ‘tap on’ and ‘tap off’ for every trip.

The use of Opal cards provides TransportNSW with data related to service usage. This supports the provision of additional services, where demand is reflected in this data.

Unfortunately some of our services are being reported as underutilised as the students are not using OpalCards to register the journey. When spoken to the response is always ‘well they are free anyway’ - This is not the case. Parent taxes support this outstanding service. Please have a discussion with your child to make sure services to our College are not cut.

It is also disappointing to mention that some students have forgotten simple rules attached on the OpalCard. If a paying member of the public enters the vehicle, a seat should be made available for them - especially the elderly.

No students should be catching a public service ie 742, 752 etc (3 digits) without an OpalCard. A four digit School service should be used.

If you have complaints or suggestions regarding the buses please use the link below. Unfortunately our College has no leverage with any of the services.

https://feedback.transportnsw.info/s/

Ms Christina Luzi - Assistant Principal - Teaching and Learning

The habits your child builds now will shape how they thrive in high school and beyond.

Here's what the research and local educators say actually works.

Lock in a consistent study window

Brains love routine. A dedicated block at the same time each afternoon trains your child's mind to shift into focus mode without the daily negotiation. The more predictable it feels, the easier it becomes.

Create a distraction-free zone

Phones face down, notifications off, TV off. It sounds obvious, but even background noise fragments deep thinking. A dedicated desk, not the couch, signals to your child that this time is serious.

Ask better questions at dinner

Swap "How was school?" for "What's one thing you learned today that surprised you?" Curiosity-driven conversation at home reinforces classroom learning and builds your child's ability to articulate ideas, a skill that matters deeply in secondary school.

Celebrate effort, not just results

Children who are praised for persistence (not just getting the right answer) develop resilience. When a maths problem is hard, say, "I love how you kept trying." That mindset is the foundation of lifelong learning.

Partner with us

The families who stay connected, attend school information events, read newsletters and ask teachers questions consistently raise more confident, motivated learners. You are your child's first and most powerful teacher.

Mrs Emily Catt - Business Manager

Facilities - Gardens & Grounds

With the recent temperature drop, the grass growth has slowed allowing our Grounds Team to begin improving the gardens in and around our Campuses. Our focus over the next few months is a real rejuvenation of the garden spaces to make them a place to enjoy both for our students during break times and also improve the overall image of the College. We hope that you enjoy your visits to the Campuses.

Enrolments

Demand for positions within the College continues to grow with many families seeking to enrol their children for Year 7, 2027. The College Leadership Team has interviewed 445 Year 6 students and will be sending out First Round Offers to successful applicants on May 29.

BUS AWARE - Flashing Lights, Road Safety & R U OK?

Got a feeling that someone you know or care about isn’t behaving as they normally would? Perhaps they seem out of sorts? More agitated or withdrawn? Or they’re just not themselves. Trust that gut instinct and act on it. Learn more about the signs and when it's time to ask R U OK? here.

Student Achievements

PDSSSC Intermediate Girls OzTag

What a fantastic effort from our Intermediate Girls Oztag team!

The girls played with determination, teamwork and resilience throughout the competition, securing a win in the semi-finals and finishing as runners-up overall

We are so proud of the way they represented the College both on and off the field. Congratulations on an outstanding achievement!