As this school year comes to an end I extend my sincere thanks to all Nazareth staff for their extraordinary work during the course of 2020. The manner in which all staff have professionally attended to their role in the midst of many challenges (including the provision of remote learning earlier this year) has been remarkable.

Last Wednesday the school was able to formally acknowledge and farewell all Year 6 students during the Year 6 Mass and Graduation Ceremony. Parents were able to join the children for Mass and were then able to watch via live-streaming the Graduation ceremony held in the hall. My thanks is extended to Fr Joe, Nazareth staff and IT support staff from CEDoW, who all ensured that the Year 6 students and their parents had a magnificent evening. At the conclusion of the Year 6 Mass, families leaving Nazareth, some after many years, including a foundation family, were acknowledged and thanked. I wish all Year 6 students all the best for their secondary years of education.

On behalf of the school community I thank Mrs Jodi Marsh for her years of service to Nazareth school. Mrs Marsh will be leaving Nazareth after 18 years to take up a new appointment as Religious Education Co-ordinator at St Paul’s Albion Park. Mrs Marsh has played a significant role in teaching and supporting many children and supporting many  families over the years. Mrs Marsh has been highly valued and will be missed. I congratulate Mrs Marsh on her new appointment and wish her all the very best for the time ahead. 

In closing I thank all parents/carers for your continued support and cooperation. I know for many of you this year has been particularly difficult in relation to matters associated with health, employment, bereavement, family separation due to border closures and caring for elderly family members. After everything that has occurred in 2020, I encourage you take time to reflect on the real meaning of Christmas. I hope that the celebration of the birth of Christ provides a gentle and peaceful atmosphere for you and your family.

 Merry Christmas to all families and Happy New Year.

Peter Dempsey
Principal