Dear Parents and Carers, 

Last Sunday we celebrated the hope and joy that comes with the Easter Season, as we recalled the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. On Easter Sunday Pope Francis proclaimed that:

Jesus Christ is risen! He alone has the power to roll away the stones that block the path to life. He, the living One, is himself that path. He is the Way.

Today the hopes and path of humanity are blocked by many things including war, humanitarian crises and human rights violations. This Easter, Pope Francis encouraged us to remember the love of God for each of us: a love that overcomes every limit and every weakness. 

May the light of the Resurrection illuminate our minds and convert our hearts and make us aware of the value of every human life, which must be welcomed, protected, and loved. A happy Easter to all!

(2024, Pope Francis)

On Monday 8 April, we will celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation. Commemorating the time when God entered into our world and chose Mary to be the mother of his son, Jesus. This important feast is also the feast day for our school. To celebrate this day, parents and carers are most welcome to join us for our whole school mass at 9:30am. The students will be participating in feast day activities throughout the day and will be provided with a free sausage sizzle lunch. The barbeque has been proudly sponsored by the Parents and Friends Association. 

Last week, it was announced via Compass that Mr Andrew Edwards will be accessing leave during Term 2. The temporary changes below will take effect from Tuesday 30 April:

• Mrs Lisa Mammone has been appointed Acting Assistant Principal 
• Mrs Mammone will teach 5B each Monday and Mrs Eggleton will teach 5B each Tuesday to Friday. 
• Mrs Katherine D’Souza will replace Mr Edwards teaching 3H each Tuesday.  
• Mrs Sarah Selmes will replace Mrs Eggleton teaching KN each Thursday. 
• Miss Megan Biggs has been appointed Acting Religious Education Coordinator. 
• Mrs Ashley Carlon will teach the Learning Centre each Wednesday and Thursday while Miss Biggs fulfills her leadership responsibilities.  

On Thursday 25 April, members of the School Spirit Team and I will be attending the Shellharbour City ANZAC Day Commemoration Service. The service will commence at 7:35am at the Shellharbour City Memorial, Harrison Park. Parents / carers and children of Nazareth are most welcome to join us for this significant event.

On Tuesday 29 April and Wednesday 30 April, I will be participating in the Leading with Integrity for Excellence: Governance for Catholic Schools leadership program. In my absence Mr Danny Sykes will be Acting Principal. Mr Sykes is familiar with the school procedures and routines at Nazareth following a short period as Acting Principal in 2023.

As we approach the end of Term 1, I would like to extend my sincere thank you for your continued support throughout what has been a very productive start to 2024. Thank you also to our committed staff, who work tirelessly in catering for the needs of your children. I am often reminded by new families, as I show them around the classrooms and school facilities, of the respectful, inclusive and supportive learning environment that exists for the children at Nazareth. I hope that the upcoming holiday period provides your family with some time together and a restful break from the routine of school. Have a happy, relaxing and safe holiday break.

Mr Matt Downes

(Acting Principal)