During this week on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings a large number of children from the All Saints Parish including Nazareth and Stella Maris are being Confirmed by Bishop Bryan Mascord. This is a significant event in the lives of the children and their families. The sacrament of Confirmation which is one of the Catholic sacraments of initiation confirms our Baptism. The sacrament confirms the intention to follow the example of Jesus Christ. That is to live in a way that is underpinned by: wisdom, understanding, right judgement, reverence, knowledge, courage and wonder and awe. I encourage all of us during this week to be aware of this significant event in the lives of our Year 6 children and to be mindful of our own Confirmation and how we use the gifts of the spirit of Jesus Christ in our own lives. 

I am pleased to inform families that children in Year 3 and Year 5 achieved pleasing results in the 2019 NAPLAN assessments. All parents / carers have received an individual report for their child and the school has commenced the process of analysing the NAPLAN data. The key findings from the analysis will be used in conjunction with the extensive range of learning data obtained from class based assessments to guide future recommendations associated with the delivery of quality teaching and learning. If any parent / carer requires further information in relation to the 2019 NAPLAN results please arrange a time to meet with your child’s teacher. 

During the first 3 weeks of Term 4 I will be on Leave so that I can care for my wife who has been unwell. Melanie requires major surgery which will occur next week in Sydney. During my time of Leave, Mrs Lisa Tyson will be returning to Nazareth and will fulfil the role of Acting Principal. Mrs Tyson has been working for the last few months in the School Improvement – Specialist School Support Team at the Catholic Education Office. During this time Mrs Jodi Marsh will remain as Acting Assistant Principal. 

As we approach the end of Term I wish to acknowledge the achievements of all children during this Term and wish all families a restful enjoyable school vacation. 

Peter Dempsey

Principal