As we move into a quieter week in our school calendar, it provides a valuable opportunity for our students to focus on important planning and preparation for the future. While there are fewer scheduled events and activities, this time allows our Year 8 to 11 students to carefully consider their pathways and ensure that all 2027 subject selections are completed and submitted by the required due dates.

Choosing subjects is an important step in each student's educational journey, and we encourage students and families to continue conversations about interests, strengths, and future aspirations as final decisions are made.

I would also like to remind families of prospective Year 7 students for 2027 that letters of acceptance for positions are due this Friday. We are excited about welcoming the next cohort of students to our school community and thank families for their careful consideration and timely response. Ensuring acceptance forms are returned by the deadline assists us greatly with planning for next year and preparing for a smooth transition into secondary school.

Invitation to Participate in School Review Focus Group

From 24 August to 28 August, the College will be undertaking a review using the ACER School Improvement Tool (SIT). The SIT is an evidence-based framework developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) to assist schools in reviewing, evaluating, and strengthening their effectiveness. The review focuses on improving student learning, engagement, and overall school performance through evidence-informed improvement practices.

As part of the review process, the panel is seeking feedback from members of our school community. I would like to invite parents and carers who are interested in contributing to participate in a focus group discussion with the review panel.

The parent focus group will be held on:

Monday, 25 August - 2:50pm to 3:15pm

This is a valuable opportunity to share your experiences, perspectives, and feedback about the College and to help inform our ongoing improvement journey. If you are available and would like to participate, please email me at principal@notredame.vic.edu.au for further details.

Thank you for your support and partnership in helping us provide the best possible learning environment for our students.

This Friday, our school community will gather to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption with a whole school Mass.

The Feast of the Assumption, celebrated annually on 15 August, is one of the most significant feast days in the Catholic Church. It commemorates the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was assumed body and soul into heaven at the end of her earthly life.

This feast reminds us of Mary's faith, trust, and commitment to God, and it offers us an opportunity to reflect on how we can live out those same values in our daily lives. The celebration also highlights the dignity and value of every person and calls us to live with hope, compassion, and service to others.

As a Catholic school community, it is important that we take time to gather in prayer, celebrate our faith traditions, and strengthen the connections that unite us. We look forward to sharing this special occasion together and thank our students and staff who will contribute to the liturgy.

Enjoy the week ahead.

Emma Reynoldson – Acting Principal