Dear Parents and Carers,

School holidays are just around the corner as we wonder where another term has disappeared too! I hope that everyone has a chance to rest and rejuvenate over the school holidays and shake off all the coughs, colds and illnesses that winter typically brings.

PARENT/TEACHER MEETINGS: Thank you to parents and carers for engaging in conversations with their child’s teacher in regard to their learning. We hope the meetings have provided you with great feedback about areas of learning to celebrate as well as areas for future focus. This partnership between home and school is a vital part of your child’s educational journey.

GUNDAGAI PRESCHOOL AND GUMNUT CHILDCARE VISITS: Year 5 are currently enjoying the opportunity to build their leadership skills by visiting both Gundagai Preschool and Gumnut Childcare Centre. It has been wonderful to see our Year 5 students engaging in activities and making connections with these young children. They are great ambassadors for our school!

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Our new Executive Director, Mr David de Carvahlo began his new position at CECG last week. Mr de Carvahlo is keen to visit the 56 schools in the Canberra-Goulburn Archdiocese, as one of his first priorities. Mr de Carvalho will visit St Patrick’s on Friday 1 August (Term 3, Week 2). We look forward to welcoming David to our St Patrick’s School community.

PPDP LEAVE: I will be accessing the Principal Professional Development Program (PPDP) during Term 3 and will be away from Monday August 25 until Friday 26 September. During this time, I will be participating in some profound spiritual professional development opportunities. As 2025 is the Jubilee Year of Pilgrims of Hope, I will be undertaking several pilgrimages that enable me to deepen my faith, values and sense of purpose as a Catholic school leader.

-Visit to Our Lady of Fatima Shrine

-Walk the Camino (also known as The Way of St James)

-An audience with Pope Leo

-Visit the Holy Doors (only open every 25 years)

-Visit the tomb of Blessed Carlos Acutis, Assisi and Padua

I hope that each of these experiences will have a profound and lasting impact on my leadership and that it will also provide a positive contribution to our school community.

TERM 3: Term 3 commences on Tuesday 22 July for all our students. Staff will return on Monday 21 July for a Professional Development Day. Wishing everyone a warm and wonderful holiday.

Christine Baron

Principal

St Patrick, Pray for us