Dear Parents and Carers, 

I hope the recent holiday period provided a refreshing break from the usual school routine. It has been wonderful to hear stories of family adventures and quality time spent together. The children have returned to school with enthusiasm, and the term ahead promises to be full of exciting learning opportunities.

Last week, I shared the sad news of the passing of one of our valued staff members, Ms Michelle Crinnion. Ms Crinnion has been a dedicated member of the Nazareth School community since its foundation in 2000, faithfully serving as a School Support Officer and Librarian. Her presence, care, and commitment have left a lasting impact on generations of students, staff, and families. Michelle’s funeral arrangements have been confirmed for Friday 8 August. There will be minimal supervision onsite during the day so if parents are able to keep their child home on this day it would be greatly appreciated. To assist in organising supervision please complete the Compass event that was shared with parents today.

The loss of a loved one is always difficult. Grief is a personal journey, experienced and expressed differently by everyone. There is no set timeline—it takes as long as it takes. For those seeking more information on dealing with grief within their own life, please refer to the Beyond Blue resource attached below.

Last Monday, I met with the Director of Schools, Mr Peter Hill, to discuss the final report and recommendations from our recent School Cyclic Inquiry (SCI). A summary of the key recommendations is available in the Nazareth SCI Executive Summary. The report will help shape our School Strategic Improvement Plan, guiding growth and development over the next four years.

NAPLAN reports for students in Years 3 and 5 were sent home last week. These reports offer valuable insights into your child’s academic progress, highlighting strengths and areas for further growth. Please remember that NAPLAN is just one measure and should be considered alongside other assessments of your child’s learning. If you wish to discuss your child’s results in more detail, please contact their classroom teacher through the school office.

The theme for the 2025 Children's Book Week is "Book an Adventure!”. This year we will be celebrating Book Week on Thursday 28 August with our annual Book Week Parade. On this day students are invited to come to school dressed as their favourite book character. The parade will commence at 8:45am. Parents, carers, and grandparents are warmly invited to join us for the celebration!

Preparations for the Nazareth Spring Fair are in full swing. The P & F are currently seeking parent helpers to assist with running stalls and activities. If you are available to assist, please complete the volunteer helper form from the P & F section below. The annual Pie Drive is also underway—please ensure all orders are returned by Friday 8 August. Proceeds from both initiatives directly support the purchase of school resources for the benefit of all students.

Wishing you a happy and successful term ahead.

Kind regards, 

Mr Matt Downes 

(Principal)