Dear Parents and Carers, 

Today is R U OK? Day, an annual event dedicated to promoting mental health and encouraging people to check in with one another. The day aims to foster a culture of care and support by prompting individuals to ask their friends, family, colleagues, and others if they are okay. By asking "R U OK?" and engaging in meaningful conversations, individuals can help others feel valued and supported, potentially making a significant difference in their lives. Asking "R U OK?" should be an everyday practice, not just limited to R U OK? Day. Life’s challenges and triumphs happen daily, and keeping up with regular, meaningful conversations helps build trust and normalises discussions about feelings. This way, when someone in your life faces difficulties, they know they can turn to you for support. A simple conversation can make a significant difference. 

I would like to express my appreciation to all the families, especially the fathers, father-figures and grandfathers who joined us last Friday for the Father’s Day breakfast and liturgy. Thank you to the many staff and parents who arrived early to prepare the breakfast and to the P & F executive, especially our P & F President Rebecca, for organising the Father’s Day Stall. On Saturday evening, our Kindergarten students shared a beautiful song for fathers at the parish Father’s Day mass. It has been a wonderful time to connect and engage with so many families as we acknowledge the role of father figures in our lives. 

Today I had the privilege of attending the Diocesan Launch of Catholic Mission Month at Magdalene Catholic College at Smeaton Grange with Alexa and Scarlett from our Year 6 School Spirit Team. Earlier this year in preparation for Catholic Mission Month, the late Pope Francis' message was for people to become "Missionaries of Hope Among All Peoples". This theme, linked to the 2025 Jubilee theme of "Pilgrims of Hope," emphasised that hope is at the core of the Christian mission and encouraged Catholics to live and share this hope, especially with those suffering from poverty, violence, or persecution. The Pope's call highlights the importance of global solidarity and using faith to inspire meaningful change through compassion and service. Alexa and Scarlett will share the key messages from the launch with the school community in the coming weeks.  

I would like to express my deep gratitude to the Parents and Friends Executive for the tremendous efforts made towards fundraising for the school. Throughout the year our community has been involved in a number of fundraising initiatives that have not only enabled our students to be part of whole school community events but also raised funds for our students. The upcoming Nazareth Spring Fair will be another opportunity to connect as a whole school community. 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. 

Due to some warmer than expected temperatures, children may choose to wear their summer uniform. The last two and a half weeks of this term will be considered a transition phase to summer uniform. The official change over to summer uniform will be the beginning of Term 4.

I look forward to seeing you at the Nazareth Spring Fair. 

Wishing you a wonderful week, 

Mr Matt Downes 

(Principal)