Dear Parents and Carers, 

As we continue the season of Lent, we are invited to consider the ways in which we prepare for the greatest time of the Church year - Easter. Lent is a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, and for doing so with quiet humility. It is a time for us to practice good habits and to become more Christ-like in our interactions with others and with our world. All students at Nazareth are learning about Lent in their Religious Education lessons. I invite you to engage in conversations with your child/ren so that they can share their knowledge with you, and to share time in prayer with your child during Lent, perhaps via attendance at one of the weekend masses.

To date we have received high number of applications for Kindergarten 2026. If you have a younger child who you plan on sending to school next year, please ensure you complete an application form as soon as possible. If you know of a family with a prospective Kindergarten enrolment, please encourage them to enrol now.

The leadership team is currently preparing a Self-Review Report to present to the external School Cyclic Inquiry 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. Thank you to the parents who have already completed the survey. 

This Saturday, children from across the parish will complete their first confession with Fr Joe and Fr Hung. Congratulations to all the children and their parents, for their commitment to the Reconciliation workshops. The children are well prepared and understand the importance of acknowledging their sins before seeking forgiveness.

On Friday 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.

The official change over to the winter uniform is Monday, 19 May (Week 4 Term 2). However, the winter uniform may be worn from the commencement of Term 2, if the weather necessitates the need to. Term 2 sport uniform days remain the same as Term 1 for all students from Kindergarten to Year 6. Please review the uniform policy for uniform requirements before the commencement of next term. 

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 2025. 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. 

• Friday 11 April – Last Day Term 1
• Monday 28 April – Staff Development Day 
• Tuesday 29 April – Term 2 commences 

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.

Kind regards,

Mr Matt Downes 

(Principal)