Dear Parents and Carers, 

This week we celebrate Harmony Week, a time in which we acknowledge and celebrate Australian multiculturalism. Australia is one of the most successful multicultural countries in the world, from the oldest continuous culture of our first Australians to the cultures of our newest arrivals from around the world. Our cultural diversity is one of our greatest strengths and is at the heart of who we are. All people who migrate to Australia bring with them some of their own cultural and religious traditions, as well as taking on many new traditions. Collectively, these traditions have enriched our nation. In celebrating, we strengthen our resolve to foster a nation founded on inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background, united by a set of core Australian values.

Loving God,
you created humanity in your image and likeness. We pray that we may open our eyes to see your face in our brothers and sisters of different cultures, races and religions. May we focus on what binds us as a people rather than what separates us. We pray that we may follow your example and embrace the unique qualities that each of us possess, so that we may bring about harmony on this earth.
Amen.

(Developed from Caritas Australia)

This Friday we host our first whole school carnival for the year, the Nazareth Cross Country Carnival. Many of you may be aware of your child’s house colour but not the house name. Many years ago, the sports house groups were named after significant locations within Jesus’ life. These groups are:

• Bethlehem (Red)
• Galilee (Green)
• Jerusalem (Blue)
• Emmaus (Yellow)

This Friday, the children are encouraged to come to school in their house colours. Alternatively, students may choose to wear their school sports uniform.  Parents, carers and grandparents are warmly invited to attend. Please remember that if your child is going home following their race with anyone other than a parent you must provide prior written approval. 

This year Nazareth will engage in a system level School Cyclic Inquiry. The inquiry will take place over two days during Term 2 and involve a panel of external experts engaging with the school community. The aim of the inquiry is to identify and inform the Director of Schools of key successes, challenges and areas for future development for our school community. In preparation for the School Cyclic Inquiry the leadership team is currently preparing a Self-Review Report to present to the external panel. As we value the role of parents and carers within our school community, we would greatly appreciate your feedback via the 2025 Parent Feedback Survey. The information you provide will be used to maintain our commitment to working together in partnership to further improve student learning and well-being. The survey should only take a minute to complete.

On Tuesday 25 March, 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 9:00am. The students will be participating in feast day activities throughout the day and will be provided with a free sausage sizzle lunch.

During Week 10 and 11, Monday 31 April to Thursday 10 April, Learning Conversations (previously known as parent teacher interviews) will be held for all students in Years 1 to 6. Both parents and teachers play an essential role in educating a child. When teachers and parents work together, students are more likely to succeed and have a positive school experience. Children in Years 3 to 6 are strongly encouraged to attend the Learning Conversation and be active participants in sharing their learning goals and achievements. Bookings for Learning Conversations are currently open and can be made via the ‘Conference’ tab on Compass.

Wishing all families a wonderful week ahead, 

Mr Matt Downes 

(Principal)