Dear Families,

Welcome to Week 2 of Term 4, a term that’s always action-packed, full of celebration, reflection, and some anxiety. As we move through these final weeks of the school year, it’s hard to believe that we’re down to just 39 teaching days. That number can feel both exciting and daunting, especially knowing how much we still want to achieve before the year ends.

For our Year 6 students, this term marks the final chapter of their primary school journey. It’s a time of transition, growth, and for some parents (Megan P!) a lot of emotion. This is a reporting semester, and some students may feel added pressure to perform. I want to gently remind our students and our families that while academic results matter, they do not define who you are. As a principal, I’m always more interested in the person you are becoming and the effort you put into all that you do.

As parents and educators, we know that the best outcomes for our children come when we all work together. I encourage you to have a conversation with your child about the remainder of the term and about being consistent in all they do, from wearing the correct uniform and maintaining appropriate haircuts, to the effort they put into their learning and how they play and interact with others. Let’s continue to reinforce our four school values of Respect, Love, Mercy, and Community.

As it says in Colossians 3:23:
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."  This verse reminds us that effort and integrity matter deeply in school, in relationships, and in life.

Last Friday, we had our first Prep Transition session for 2026, and what a fantastic turnout it was! It was wonderful to welcome so many new and existing families to our school. The energy in the church was fantastic as Toni (APRE), Miranda (P&F), and I shared our roles and what school life may look like. It’s early days, but next year is already shaping up to be a strong and enthusiastic Prep cohort, and I couldn’t be more excited.

I do need to raise a quick reminder that we’ve noticed a growing number of parents dropping children off in the staff carpark or around the church area and allowing them to walk through to reception. While we understand mornings can be busy, please do not use these areas for drop-off. It creates safety concerns for both staff and students, and we ask that all families use the designated stop, drop and go.

Next week, we’ll be holding our P&F AGM, and there’s a possibility that one or two of our current executive members may not be reapplying for their positions. The P&F executive team has played a vital role in supporting me and helping us make OLHOC great again. If you’ve ever considered getting involved, now is a wonderful time to step forward and be part of something special.

As always, I look forward to seeing you around the school whether it’s at the Mestrez Street gate or the Balaclava Road entrance. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, concerns, or just want to chat.