This week has been one of engagement, celebration and service. On Tuesday we celebrated the rich culture of First Nations peoples with our NAIDOC Assembly. We had over 30 elders in attendance and our student body was excellent. Thank you to students and staff who were involved. The celebration featured staff and student reflections, a smoke ceremony, a performance by Corpus Cristi and unpacking of the theme; Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud.

The school also held parent/teacher interviews on Tuesday. To echo Chris Shelton’s words of parents in partnership with schools have a big impact on education. Thank you for the work of staff and parents who made appointments. It was a very successful night.

As a school we also concluded our Vinnies Can Drive collecting over 1000 cans and essential items. A big congratulations to Keira House who collected 280 cans! They are the winners of the 2024 Vinnies Can Drive. Thank you to families who donated. These items will help those struggling this winter with food. The final house tally for the Can Drive includes: Keira with 280, Marshall with 215, Macquarie with 208, Kembla with 187 and Warrigal with 132.

Comfy Day was also this week with students dressing up for a gold coin donation to raise money for St Vincent de Paul Society.  Thank you to the SRC students involved. The fairy floss and popcorn were a great success and all students seemed to enjoy being able to come to school in their track pants and jumpers! Over $900 was raised. An amazing effort.

As we head into the holidays I’d like to thank you for a great term and wish your families a safe and relaxing break.

Ms Eliza Biddle

Acting Assistant Principal