On Tuesday, our whole College assembly was dedicated to our sustainability group – Terra Tomadacci – to raise awareness amongst our community on how we can reduce our environmental footprint in our College and further afield. By all accounts, it was a very interactive and engaging assembly that gave our students a challenge in their sustainability practices.

Also on Tuesday, I attended a Principal and Learning Leaders day with all the other CESL schools. The day was focussed on getting a better understanding of student achievement data and how to compare the different data sets we receive from NAPLAN data, VCAA data and our own testing through PAT data. The data across all schools indicated we all have some work to do to continue to improve outcomes for our students, and Magnify will be our vehicle to do that.

Speaking of surveys and data, have you had the chance to complete our Family School Engagement Survey? We randomly selected families to participate and sent invites on August 18 with a unique PIN and link to the survey. If you have not completed it, there is still time – it closes on September 15. The survey will provide us with lots of information about our work and areas that we may need to improve on, and the more families that complete it, the more accurate and rich is the data.

Our Father’s Day breakfast on Thursday was a wonderful celebration and recognition of the father figures in our students lives. When there is live music, warm bacon and egg rolls and good conversation, it's difficult to not to have a great time. Many thanks to all our visitors for taking the time out of their busy day to share the morning with us, and we hope all families have a chance to spend time with the father figures in their lives on Sunday.

Next week is Child Protection Week, and the theme is 'Every conversation matters: shifting conversation to action'. At Notre Dame we are committed to creating safe, supportive spaces for children and young people. During Child Protection Week, we’re reminded that every conversation has the power to protect, encourage and heal. The documentary Seen - The Film is a moving reminder of how being truly present with our children – even for just a few minutes – can change their sense of safety and belonging. We encourage all parents and carers to watch Seen - The Film and reflect on how the simple act of listening can shape a child’s future. Together, let’s turn our conversations into lasting action.

Have a great week ahead,

Emma Reynoldson

Acting Principal