Dear Parents and Carers,

This Sunday, 31 August, we will celebrate Social Justice Sunday. Each year the Catholic Church in Australia draws attention to important issues of social justice. The 2025 theme is “Signs of Hope on the Edge,” which addresses the interconnected challenges of homelessness and mental ill-health. The Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference 2025–2026 Social Justice Statement highlights the importance of recognising, supporting and building relationships with those on the margins of society.

Today we celebrated Book Week 2025 ‘Book an Adventure’ with our annual parade. It was wonderful to welcome so many parents, carers and grandparents. From Kindergarten to Year 6, the children and staff impressed us with their creative and colourful costumes. Thank you to all parents and carers for the time and effort you put into organising such fantastic outfits.

A special thank you to Rebecca Dzirins (P & F President) for coordinating our recent P & F Pie Drive, and to all the helpers who assisted with the organisation and distribution of over 900 items. Just over $3,000 was raised, which will be used to purchase student picnic tables to be used during recess, lunch and outdoor learning activities.

Planning for the Nazareth Spring Fair on Saturday 20 September is progressing well. Please continue to share details with family and friends. The committee continues to seek volunteers—whether you can spare an hour or assist for the whole day, your support will be greatly appreciated. To let us know your availability, please complete the On the Day Volunteer Form. The P & F are also offering local businesses the opportunity to get involved through sponsorship. If you would like further information, please contact the P&F Spring Fair Organising Committee on nscpandf@dow.catholic.edu.au. 

In staffing news, Mrs Leonie Moylan (SSSO) has been seconded to the Catholic Education Office on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays for the remainder of this term. She will continue her role at Nazareth each Thursday and Friday. Mrs Louise Ritchie will be covering the SSSO role, supported by Mrs Carlie Allbury and Mrs Stephanie Raneri, on the days Mrs Moylan is at the Catholic Education Office.

On Friday 5 September, our school community will celebrate Father’s and Grandfather’s Day with a special breakfast, Liturgy of the Word, and P & F run Father’s Day Stall. This special occasion recognises the importance of positive male role models in the lives of our students and provides us with an opportunity to express our gratitude. I extend warm wishes to all fathers, grandfathers, and the significant men in our students’ lives for a very happy Father’s Day.

I remind all families of the shared responsibility we have in ensuring road safety around the school. Please observe speed limits, adhere to parking restrictions, and follow road rules. For the safety of our school community please:

• Do not use the parish office carpark, this small car park is reserved for those attending the daily mass or parish office. 
• Do not use the bus bay or staff car park as a drop-off or pick-up zone.
• Always use the supervised pedestrian crossing on Glider Avenue when walking with your child.

Finally, the long-awaited Hall AV upgrade is scheduled to take place from Monday 8 September to Monday 15 September. As a result, 3H’s Celebration of Learning, originally planned for Friday 12 September, will be postponed to next term. Thank you to the Catholic Education Office Wollongong for funding this important upgrade and repair.

Kind regards,

Mr Matt Downes 

(Principal)