From the Principal
Dear Parents and Carers,
The Community Council hosted an Open Meeting this week and the Annual General Meeting. Thank you to Fr Alex, parents, carers, staff and friends of the school who attended the meeting. The participation and involvement of parents in the life of the school is integral to building an open, inclusive, welcoming and collaborative school community. We are very fortunate to have enjoyed the service of dedicated and dynamic individuals throughout the history of St Anne’s. The success and growth of the school would not be possible without the support and contributions of the Community Council.
After 5 years of dedicated service, Duncan McCrone has stepped down as Chair of the Community Council. On behalf of the St Anne’s community, much gratitude is extended to Duncan who has lead the Council with great expertise, enthusiasm and commitment. His term as Chair has been particularly effective and significant as the College transitioned to offer Year 11 and 12 and to a new model of governance. Duncan also steered the Council through a period of change in structure, implementing the changes in coordination with Mr Haigh and Catholic Education. Thank you, Duncan for all your contributions in leading the Community Council during a successful period of change.
We thank Karissa Roberts and congratulate her as she steps into the position of Chair, having served as Deputy Chair. I am very much looking forward to working with Karissa during the next phase of the development of St Anne’s Catholic College.
Cassie Coddington will also be stepping down after serving as Treasurer. We also thank Cassie for her contributions and expertise.
Thank you and congratulations to Kristi Blachut who is moving from Secretary into the role of Treasurer. We very much appreciate Kristi’s continuing commitment.
We thank the 8 ordinary members of the Executive of the Community Council too:
Rachel Gray
Lauren Krause
Nicole Talbot
Cathy Drumore
El Warren
Carolyn Tait
Amber Crawford
Renae Sinclair
Congratulations and thank you to all Community Council Executive members!
By having a child enrolled at St Anne’s, parents/cares are automatically members of the Community Council. There will be many opportunities for everyone to contribute and participate as the year progresses.
NAPLAN 2025
Well done to all the students for their efforts throughout the NAPLAN testing! It was great to see the students giving their best and showing perseverance. The results will be shared with you in due course.
School Photos
Thank you to Virginia Bent for coordinating school photos yet again this year. The day went very smoothly. Each student will receive an access key code on Monday. These are to be used to place your photo orders. Ordering will open on Tuesday 1st April 2025.
Harmony Day 2025
Congratulations to the Student Representative Council for coordinating Harmony Day this year! Harmony Day is celebrated in Australia on March 21st each year. It is a day to recognize our country's many cultures and Indigenous Australians. Harmony Day coincides with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
The students experienced a wide range of activities designed to reflect the cultures represented at our school. We focused on Indonesia, Fiji, Kenya, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Vietnam, India, Australia and England. In groups, the students from K-12 participated in everything from cricket (India) to art (indigenous) and lots in between.
It was a great day and the Student Representative Council did an amazing job leading the school to new insights and respect for a range of cultures.
Inquiry into Foundational and Disability supports (NSW)
A NSW Parliament select committee has been established to inquire into and report on child development, early childhood intervention services, and other foundational and disability supports available for children and young people with developmental concerns, delays, differences or disabilities in NSW.
As part of the inquiry, the committee is seeking online submissions from NSW residents through a questionnaire. Please see the link below for those who may be interested in making a submission.
In Conclusion…
This week we welcomed two colleagues from Catholic Education, Chris De Britt, Senior Officer Educational Performance and Kylie Coll, Public Relations and Communications Officer. Chris worked with the staff on analysis of the student data from past and recent assessments so that we can track progress and identify strengths and areas for development. It was great to plan promotions and communication for the school with Kylie. We are very fortunate to have the expertise and support of Catholic Education colleagues. Chris and Kylie highlighted the positive culture of St Anne’s; always commented on by our guests!
The Sacred Heart, Temora Parish Council is hosting a Welcome Bar-be-que for Fr Alex this coming Sunday 23rd March immediately after Mass. St Anne’s families are warmly invited to attend.
With best wishes,
Louise Grant
Principal
St Anne’s Catholic College, Temora