Hope, Anchored in Faith

Dear Parents and Carers,

Last week, Carol Jarell and I had the privilege of attending the 2025 Australian Catholic Education Conference (ACEC) alongside over 1,500 Catholic educators, leaders, clergy, and parents from across Australia and beyond. The conference theme, “Hope, Anchored in Faith,” provided a powerful foundation for exploring the future of Catholic education.

The conference focused on three key pillars: Faith, Excellence, and Access, with sessions covering Catholic identity, mission and formation, learning and teaching, leadership, governance, parent engagement, and more.

Keynote speakers challenged and inspired us to think deeply about our mission and practices:

• Prof. Dylan Wiliam explored how assessment can be used not just to measure learning, but to drive it - emphasising formative strategies that support student growth.
• Dr. Simon Breakspear introduced The Pruning Principle, encouraging schools to simplify and focus on what truly matters to prove outcomes.
• Dr. Steven Constantino highlighted the power of authentic family engagement, showing how positive and meaningful partnerships between home and school can transform student success.
• Sr Nathalie Becquart XMCJ shared reflections from the Synod on Synodality, calling Catholic schools to be communities of listening, dialogue, and inclusion.

Key Takeaways from the Conference

• Faith, Excellence, Access: These three pillars guided the entire conference, emphasising the mission of Catholic education to be inclusive, high-quality, and deeply rooted in faith.
• Synodality in Education: Sr Nathalie Becquart XMCJ urged schools to embrace synodality - a shared journey of listening, dialogue, and participation. She described it as a “social prophecy” that calls Catholic schools to be welcoming, bridge-building communities.
• Assessment for Learning: Prof. Dylan Wiliam challenged educators to rethink how assessment is used - not just to measure learning, but to drive it. His insights focused on formative practices that support student growth.
• Simplifying for Impact: Dr. Simon Breakspear introduced The Pruning Principle, encouraging schools to reduce complexity and focus on what truly matters to improve student outcomes.
• Family Engagement: Dr. Steven Constantino highlighted the transformative power of authentic family-school partnerships, showing how meaningful engagement can significantly boost student achievement.
• Spiritual Leadership: Presenters from South Australia shared strategies for growing faith leaders, emphasising the importance of spiritual formation in leadership development.
• Celebration of Catholic Identity: The conference Mass, attended by over 1,500 students and clergy, was a powerful reminder of the spiritual heart of Catholic education. Bishop Joe Caddy called educators “instruments of God” in fostering dignity and justice.

These insights will play a key role in shaping our school’s Strategic Planning process later this year. This process will include meaningful consultation with a variety of stakeholders. More information about this will be shared early in the coming weeks.

Live Learn Lead Survey for Parents and Caregivers – Extended Deadline

A reminder that the Live Learn Lead survey for Parents and Caregivers has been extended and will now close on Friday 5th September. This short survey is an important opportunity to share your feedback and help shape the future of our school. To get started, go to www.NSIPartnerships.com.au and enter the access code STLLLP

If you’d like to enter the draw to win a Wallis family movie pass or a box of chocolates, simply email your class teacher once you’ve completed the survey. Winners will be announced in Week 8, so don’t miss your chance to be involved and possibly win a sweet treat!

Clear, Concise Communication

Please remember that official school communications are shared via the SZapp, Seesaw, and school email. Staying connected through these platforms ensures you receive timely updates and accurate important information. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s class teacher in the first instance.

Pupil Free Day: Monday 1st September

A reminder that we have a Pupil free day on Monday 1st September. On this day staff will participate in a professional learning with our partner, REAL Schools.
Camp Australia will be available for Out of Hours School Care for families who require it. Bookings are to be made via the Camp Australia portal (https://campaustralia.com.au/school/?accessCode=0F79)

Fathers’ Day Liturgy & Morning Tea: Monday 8th September

We will celebrate Dads and all the significant male role models in our lives next Monday. We will start with whole school prayer in the church at 9:00am followed by in class activities and morning tea. We look forward to another special family celebration.

Catholic Schools Music Festival Performance

Congratulations to our music teacher, Andrew Heuzenroeder and our CSMF choir for their dedication and commitment in rehearsing for this year’s combined choir performance at the Adelaide Convention Centre. St Therese School choir will perform on Tuesday 23 September.

Planning for 2026

Stewardship and good governance is an important priority for us at St Therese School. Thank you to the many families who have already returned their form to support us with efficient planning for class structures and staffing for 2026. Parents and caregivers have until 1st September to return this form. The link is available on the SZapp post from 12th August.

Thank you for your continued partnership in nurturing a vibrant, faith-filled learning community.

Dee-anne Peters
Principal