A very warm welcome to all our returning and new families for 2026. I hope you have had a restful and enjoyable break and that our students are ready to make this year a year of learning and working towards their goals.

We have nearly 300 new Year 7 students commencing, along with a number of new students in Years 8-12. There will be lots of emotions that come with commencing at a new school, and those emotions will range from being totally excited, to a little nervous and apprehensive. Please be assured that all our staff are looking forward to supporting our new students so that they can have a rewarding and memorable journey at Notre Dame. Please reach out to pastoral group leaders or Heads of House or Community if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s return to school.

To reduce the anxiety of starting school, students should be well prepared – laptop charged, timetable checked on SEQTA, ECP homework done, all necessary equipment ready and uniforms tried on and at school standards.

A reminder that this year, all year 7, 8, 10 and 11 students are to be wearing the new version of the College uniform, including the PE uniform when required.

Yesterday, our teaching and support staff started for the year. We welcomed 13 new staff, 9 trainees and 4 returning staff members to the College. We shared Mass together and then we were addressed by Ms Kate Fogarty, Director of Catholic Education Sandhurst, on the Cultural Covenant that has been developed for all schools in the diocese that guides us in why we exist, what we do, how we behave and how we will succeed. This is our shared mission in Catholic Education and draws inspiration from biblical tradition . I look forward to sharing more about the covenant with our families. Over the next few days, staff are working on ensuring they are fully prepared for classes that begin on Friday 30 January for all students except for year 8s, who will begin on Monday 3 February.

The warm weather has certainly been challenging, and it is forecast to continue this week. We are extremely fortunate to have all our rooms airconditioned and we will be running an extreme weather timetable at recess and lunchtime to allow all students to have their breaks in airconditioned spaces. It’s important that all students remember to bring a water bottle on these warm days and stay hydrated.

Year 12 Retreat and Year 7 Camps are just around the corner. These are both significant events for our students in reaching the graduate outcomes of a Notre Dame student. I am very much looking forward to attending one of the Year 12 Retreats and working with the students.

With school drop-offs and pick-ups about the begin for the year, a reminder to consider the location you are doing this with your child. Parents are asked not to park in College grounds, including the church area and the front of the main building. We have many students walking through these areas, and the fewer moving vehicles, the better for their safety.

Enjoy the return to school,

Emma Reynoldson, Acting Principal.