Dear Parents and Carers,

Enrolments to Holy Name Primary School have now opened for the 2021 school year following the Catholic Schools Week celebrations across NSW. Our Opening Mass on Sunday afternoon led by Fr Greg was a wonderful celebration, with Steve Brereton 'Welcoming us to Country' in a smoking ceremony as we processed into the Church. Our Director of Schools, Mr Gerard Mowbray showed his support for our Region, attending to be part of our celebration.

Monday morning began with special prayers to acknolwedge this significant time in our calendar year. Mini Vinnies brought some fun to the lunch break with a 'flashmob' for students and Nikki Reece, a Parenting Educator from Catholic Care, ran a workshop for parents after school. On Tuesday, our Open Day sessions provided an opportunity for the community to witness the well balanced; academic, sporting, spiritual and social-emotional education our Catholic School offers. Wednesday included a chance to meet Mr Nicholls, Principal of St Clare's, and to hear first-hand of the quality education offered in our feeder High School. On Thursday and Friday, around 30 of our students attended workshops at St Clare's High School with the very professional Diocesan Aspire Team, culminating with a performance on Friday afternoon. At school on Friday, our students were treated to a fun day of activities, including dancing, a sports tabloid and an ic-cream to conclude our celebrations.

This week we farewelled Mrs Nicholls, our Pastoral Care Worker, and Mrs Brown, one of our Yr 5 teachers. We have advertised the Pastoral Care Worker position and Mrs McKinnon is taking Yr 5 in a full-time temporary position for the remainder of this year. We also said farewell to one of our trusted relief teachers, Mrs Sharon Hammond, who has worked with us for the last 3 years. One of our Clerical Officers, Mrs Jane Sullivan has also tendered her resignation. We knew this was coming because Mrs Sullivan's family moved south at the start of the year but it is doesn't make it any easier! We have advertised for a Clerical Officer to commence at the start of Term 2. 

Finally, as Catholic Schools Week 2020 draws to a close, I would like to acknowledge the dedication and professionalism of our staff, both teaching and in support roles. Taking on a role in Catholic Education is a vocation and I am consistently impressed by the initiative and commitment displayed by the staff of Holy Name. From the specific plans in place for individual students, to the ongoing conversations with students and parents, to the programs of learning planned to guarantee the best outcomes for students, the teachers of Holy Name Primary School are second to none!

I would also like to pay tribute to our families, who demonstrate their commitment and are authentic in their partnership with the staff of Holy Name School to continue to make it a great place for students to learn.

Yours sincerely,

Brooke Stephens