Guided by Truth: A Message from the Principal
Dear Families and Friends,
The first few days of the new school year have been a wonderful opportunity for staff to come together and prepare for the year ahead. There was so much excitement as our existing staff reconnected and welcomed new team members into the Santa Clara family. This year, in addition to myself, we are delighted to welcome six new staff members to our community: Mrs Amonini-Mirco, Mrs Lim, Mrs Caruso, Miss Malaxos (Class teachers), and Miss Welsh and Mrs Danilevych.
Before our students returned, staff discussions focused on community, wellbeing, and our teaching and learning goals for 2025. These areas will be explored as a part of our school improvement this year and into 2026. I look forward to sharing further information in regard to this at the parent engagement evening coming up next week.
2025 in the Catholic Church is a Jubilee year, Pope Francis has called us to be Pilgrims of Hope. Our staff look forward to exploring what it means to be ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ with their classes. Each staff member wrote down their hopes for Santa Clara School this year, which we have placed on our staff prayer table to reflect on each term. I encourage you to do the same with your children—take a moment to share your hopes as a family for the year ahead.
"It is a hope that leaves peace and joy inside, regardless of what happens outside. It is a hope that has strong roots, which no storm of life can uproot." — Pope Francis, 16 June 2019.
So, We Begin
From the moment our school gates opened on Wednesday, there was a buzz of joy as we welcomed students back for another year of learning. The leadership team and I were thrilled to greet both returning and new families with waves, smiles, and warm ‘hello’. It was also a special moment for me as I marked my own first day as part of this wonderful community. We spent the morning visiting classrooms, chatting with students about their holiday adventures, and watching them reconnect with friends and teachers.
As I visited each classroom, I gave the students a challenge—to teach the new staff and me ‘the ways’ of Santa Clara School by living out our school values: Caring, Creativity, Courage, Resilience, and Truthfulness. These values, along with the Dominican charism of Preach, Prayer, and Blessing, will guide our journey this year. Already, I have seen students demonstrating these values through their kindness and respect for each other.
A big thank you to our parents for ensuring that students arrived in their uniforms looking so well-presented in the first week. During Terms 1 and 4, due to the warm weather, children may wear their academic shirts tucked in or out. However, in Terms 2 and 3, students will be expected to have their shirts tucked in, except during playtime.
Liturgical Singing
Our first school Mass last Friday was a truly special moment. The children lifted their voices in song so beautifully that Fr Richard and parishioners commented on how moving it was. As St Augustine is believed to have said, “The one who sings prays twice.” This term, students in Years 1-6 will come together in prayer on Thursdays to learn and practise contemporary hymns for school Masses and liturgies.
Spread the Word
Santa Clara School is now accepting enrolments for Kindy in 2026! If you have a child starting Kindy next year, please see Mrs Walker in the office for an enrolment form. If you know family or friends who are looking for a school, invite them to book a visit—Mrs Walker or I would love to show them around. We especially love when the children come along for a look too!
Code of Conduct
Community members are encouraged to review our Code of Conduct. These guidelines are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of students, staff, and families. The Code of Conduct is built on mutual respect and care for all members of our school community. It also helps to ensure that adults do not inadvertently place themselves in vulnerable situations. For example, parents are not permitted to enter or use the student toilets. If you require a toilet, please come to the office and request to use the staff toilet. By being mindful of these important expectations, we can all contribute to a safe and supportive school environment.
Please take a few moments to familiarise yourself with the Code of Conduct.
Communication
As we settle into the term, I encourage open and respectful communication. If you have any concerns regarding your child, please speak to their teacher first, as they are best placed to address any questions. The easiest way to contact to them is via email or Seesaw.
Sometimes, in advocating for our children, we might write emails that, on reflection, could be worded more gently. As a parent myself, my rule of thumb is to write an email, sleep on it, and reread it in the morning before sending it. This can ensure that the message remains constructive and supportive.
We all have a right to disconnect from work to focus on family, friends, and wellbeing. My expectation for staff is that they acknowledge your email within 24 hours (or within 48 hours if sent over the weekend), with follow-up time as needed. Also, please remember that there are two sides to every story children tell. When incidents involve multiple students, staff take the time to fully understand the situation before responding.
Parent Engagement Evening
Join us next Wednesday for our Parent Engagement Evening! The classroom sessions are designed to give you an insight into your child's learning journey this year. A handout with key information will be shared afterward, and teachers are happy to answer any questions. During the community session to be held in the undercover area, the leadership team will focus on whole school goals and programs for 2025. We appreciate your support in journeying with us in showing children the value of education—see you al there!
Looking Ahead
As we embark on this new school year, I want to acknowledge how wonderfully your children have settled into their new classes, even with all the excitement of a fresh start. The students at Santa Clara School set a high standard, and I encourage them to continue their efforts.
I also want to extend my appreciation to our incredible staff, who care deeply for each student and work tirelessly to create a warm and enriching learning environment. I feel so fortunate to be working alongside such a dedicated and passionate team.
Looking forward to an exciting and rewarding year ahead!
In seeking Truth, we flourish.
Julie Southwell
Principal
