Dear Families

This week, our school community has taken time to reflect on National Reconciliation Week, which is held annually from 27 May to 3 June. This is a special opportunity for all Australians to learn more about our shared history and to consider how we can grow together in understanding, respect, and friendship.

The theme for this year, “Bridging Now to Next,” encourages us to continue moving forward in the spirit of reconciliation. It reminds us that building strong, respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is an ongoing journey—one that calls for open hearts and a willingness to listen and learn.

As a Catholic school, this journey connects deeply with our faith. Jesus teaches us to love one another (John 13:34), to show mercy, and to work for peace and justice in our world. Reconciliation invites us to live out these values by listening to the stories of First Nations peoples, acknowledging the past, and walking together in hope.

Throughout the week, students and staff have explored Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through storytelling, art, prayer, and discussion. We have reflected on the importance of saying sorry, the power of forgiveness, and the beauty of different cultures coming together.

Our liturgies and classroom reflections have focused on the Gospel themes of healing, justice, and unity, reminding us that reconciliation is about building relationships rooted in truth and love. Pope Francis reminded us that reconciliation is a gift from God and a path we are all invited to walk.

We pray that our school will continue to be a place where every voice is heard, every culture is respected, and every person is valued as a beloved child of God.

Thank you for your continued support and for partnering with us as a community.

Charlene Best

Principal

Mid-Year Reports 2025 - New Reporting Format

Starting this term, student reports will be presented in a new format. The ‘General Comment’ has been replaced by a set of ‘Application and Attitude to Learning’ statements and a pastoral comment. These statements describe whether your child is meeting or not meeting expected standards in their work habits and behaviours. This change has been implemented by Catholic Education Tasmania (CET).

Mid-Year Reports provide a summative assessment of your child’s learning. In addition to this report, further information about your child’s progress will be presented during our Parent-Teacher Conversations. These conversations offer a valuable opportunity to discuss your child’s learning and wellbeing in greater depth. 

Mid-Year Reports and the Kindergarten Development Check (KDC) will be shared on COMPASS via your child’s report tab on Friday, June 27th. 

Parent-Teacher Conversations will be held on Thursday, July 3rd. Bookings for these meetings will open on Friday, June 27th, and close on Tuesday, July 1st.

We look forward to welcoming our parents and carers to Parent-Teacher Conversations.

National Reconciliation Week & National Sorry Day

This week, our school has recognised National Sorry Day (May 26) and National Reconciliation Week (May 27–June 3)—an important time for all Australians to reflect on our shared history and take steps towards healing and unity.

National Sorry Day honours the Stolen Generations—Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were forcibly removed from their families. It’s a time to acknowledge the hurt caused and to commit to ongoing reconciliation.

To mark these significant events, classes have completed many activities to develop students' understanding. Today, Uncle Hank has worked with student to teach them about Indigenous native plants and make some plans for our own Aboriginal Native Garden. Uncle Hank also Welcomed staff and students to country for our National Reconciliation Week assembly. 

Tomorrow, families and students are invited to participate in a Walk for Reconciliation, showing our support for a more inclusive and understanding future. Students also invited to wear red, yellow or black clothing to show their support.

Thank you to all families for supporting these events. Together, we are helping our students learn the importance of respect, truth-telling, and unity.

As part of our PBS and celebrating success, staff look to catch our students actioning our school values of being Compassionate - Honest - Inclusive - Grateful - Sustainable.

Congratulations to our Heart Reward recipients:-

• Sonja B, Owen B, Peter H, Amelia F, Isla W, Max M, Xavier M, Coen S, Jacob H, Eddy P
• Wilder, Archie, Coen J, Eli L, Austin, Chloe, Harry, Marlie

As a reward for their kind gestures, these students enjoyed an afternoon surprise with Mrs Best and Ms Richards and Mrs Lane.

Playing in the Playground After School:

Please, parents, ensure you supervise your children after school hours while on the school grounds. It is important that we continue to work together to ensure that our expectations for behaviour align with our PBS Matrix and that we model appropriate adult behaviour. 

Medical Condition Updates:

If students have updated Medical conditions could parents please notify the school office by sending an email to shu@catholic.tas.edu.au stating 'Update regarding students Medical Condition' as its imperative that the school is aware of a medical condition that your child may have.

End of Day collection changes:

Please advise the office by phone or by emailing by 2.15pm of any change to pick up arrangements for your child . Thank you for your support.

Please see the updated policies from Catholic Education Tasmania Guidelines and Policies via this link.

CAR PARK INFORMATION AND SAFETY

School Community Safety Reminder

The safety of our school community is a priority. While procedures have been previously communicated, we kindly remind all families to follow them consistently to help prevent accidents and ensure everyone’s safety.

Traffic and Parking Reminders

• Please ensure everyone walks forward to the yellow lines in our carpark

• Tucker Street: No parking or standing in the turning circle.

• Buttons Avenue: No parking in the bus stop area in front of the school hall.

• Top Oval Parking: Please meet your child at the gate and walk them to your car. Students should not walk through the car park unaccompanied.

Car Park Safety

• The car park is one-way.

• Yellow lines indicate parking bays, pedestrian crossings, walkways, and no-parking zones.

• Stop signs must be observed—give way to pedestrians.

• The area pictured is not a drop-off or pick-up zone. Parking here disrupts traffic.

• Please model safe behaviour: use walkways, do not walk behind parked cars, and ensure children cross at designated crossings.

Crossing Safety
If arriving via Buttons Avenue, always use the school crossing when walking across the road.

If you have any concerns about car park safety, don't hesitate to get in touch with the school office at shu@catholic.tas.edu.au.

This term, we’re excited to welcome Carl from the Black Chess Club to our school. Students from Grade 2 to 6 are invited to join the lunchtime Chess Club, where Carl is teaching them how to play chess using the official international rules.

In just the first two weeks, students have already learned how to correctly set up the chessboard and understand how each piece moves. It’s been wonderful to see students engaged, thinking strategically, and enjoying the challenge of learning a new skill.

Whether they’re beginners or already familiar with the game, everyone is welcome to come along and join the fun!