What a glorious end to Week 5. The Book Week Parade is a highlight on the school’s calendar and this year did not disappoint. The effort that went into the costumes was absolutely incredible and the children and staff were very proud of their costumes as they walked into school. So many wonderful characters from so many amazing books. Thank you to the dedicated parents who were dedicated in their efforts to provide their children with opportunities to enjoy books and the celebration of reading. The weather was beautiful, and the day will be a special memory for all who were involved.

Thank you to all the families and students who joined us for our Term 3 Community Breakfast. The O’Shaughnessy team were seamless in providing so many bacon and egg rolls and we once again acknowledge the kind donation from Aldi in Young, courtesy of Emma White, of all the many, many dozens of eggs that made the breakfast very affordable. Also, to our wonderful staff in O’Shaughnessy House who donated the bacon.

Please mark on your calendars the 2025 transition dates for 2026 Kindergarten and Year 7. Our new Kinders will spend the morning in the classroom on 11^th September and our Year 7 intake will arrive on the 16^th September. Our Year 2026 Elective evening for the incoming Year 9 students will be held on 9^th September. These are really important dates and opportunities for the students to familiarise themselves with the routines and expectations of the coming year.

We are also unveiling our new learning journey showcase on 19^th September. This is a novel way to show the learning, development and products of the students learning in K-6. The classrooms will be open from 1pm until 3pm with different presentations and performances on throughout the afternoon. Please keep this date free so that you can support the learning journey of your children and admire the way our staff and students have been making progress all year. The program will be released closer to the date.

With young people spending more time online than ever before, researcher say now is a critical moment to support teens in building healthier digital habits. As teens, homes, schools and parents/carers prepare for the social media ban that comes into place at the end of the year it is important that we continue the conversation about healthy screen use. We have access to the resources from the Black Dog Institute that we are looking to implement in our classrooms to help students reflect on their digital habits and take greater control of their online lives. Programs like Teens & Screens and tools like ClearlyMe give teachers and parents practical, evidence-based ways to support student wellbeing.

Our 2025 Tournament of the Minds team are busy spending lunchtimes preparing for the regional competition in Wagga on 31 August. Under the expert guidance of Mr Bell our enthusiastic team are rehearsing their presentation and skills for the competition. We wish them every success and know they will do us proud. We wish James Gay, Lexi Day, Ben Wincohen, Daniel Wincohen, Abby Welch, Theo Hinds and Lance Oquiana every success and a positive experience for all their hard work.

Take care over the weekend. Enjoy the sunshine and remember – “kindness is the ability and desire to have a positive impact on others”

God Bless.

Ms Nicky Trinder

Principal