Dear Parents and Carers,

This week I have been privileged to attend the National Catholic Education Commission conference in Melbourne along with 1400 Catholic school and system leaders from across Australia. The theme of the conference was 'The future is listening,' and the keynote speakers gave insight and shared wisdom on this topic. Beyond the keynotes the presentations from colleagues across the country were on themes including: wellbeing; technology; synodality; change management; critical thinking; STEM; Catholic social teaching; religious education; and entrepreneurial thinking.

I was particularly captivated and inspired by Dr Jordan Nguyen, an inventor, biochemical engineer and entrepreneur who shared with us his inspiring work including his creation of a mind-controlled wheelchair, and other technological innovations that have been designed to improve the lives of those living with physical disabilities. If you are looking for a book that describes the future in the now, you (or your children) may want to read Jordan's book:

The Hon Jason Clare MP, Minister of Education gave a short address. He commended educational leaders on our work. He spoke on matters of educational equity, funding for social and emotional support, and the power of working together to ensure quality education for all.

In his address, Archbishop Fisher called on Catholic schools to continue to be sacraments of hope for all, and importantly for the marginalised. He said something true to my heart, ‘Teaching is a beautiful expression of our hope for the young.’

I truly believe in our context at St Pat's all students are encouraged, inspired and challenged to accept each individual within our community, and then to look outward in support of those who are on the margins. I thank you, our parents and carers for walking this journey with us and helping your children to navigate the social world where we each walk the path differently from one another. Thank you for working along side us, or perhaps it is more accurate for me to say, thank you for allowing us to walk alongside you (your children's primary educators) to help your children grow to do and be their best self in all situations.

We all gathered for Mass at St Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne, and the three St Patrick's principals in our archdiocese, Mrs Robertson from Cooma, Ms Baron from Gundagai, and I took a moment to celebrate our St Patrick-ness with a photo.

My gracious thanks to our wonderful AP, Val Sheahan, for her great leadership this week, and to our REC / Classroom Support Teacher Emma Grant, and Curriculum Support Teacher Mel Ferris, the two other members of the St Pat's leadership team for their . What a great and wonderfully busy week of learning and engagement for all at school. And of course, we have had a perfect ending with the belated Father's Day Breakfast!

Blessings

Jo