From the APL & T

Dear Families

It has been a busy and positive start to the term, with opportunities for our students to learn, grow and connect.

Year 3–6 Camps
Earlier this term, our Year 3–6 students participated in camping experiences, with both camps providing wonderful opportunities for adventure, teamwork and building independence.

Our Year 3/4 students travelled to Woodhouse at Piccadilly, while our Year 5/6 students headed to Douglas Scrub. Both groups participated in Wilderness Escape experiences, enjoying a variety of outdoor activities that encouraged students to challenge themselves, work together, develop confidence and enjoy time with their peers in a different environment.

It was wonderful to hear that our students enthusiastically embracing new experiences, supporting and encouraging one another and making special memories with their classmates.

These camp experiences are an important part of learning beyond the classroom, providing students with opportunities to strengthen friendships, develop resilience and independence, and discover what they can achieve when they are willing to give something new a go.

Learning About Cyber Safety
Our Year 3–6 students have been learning to use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly, exploring how to:
• protect personal information and passwords, and share appropriately
• communicate kindly and consider how online actions affect others
• recognise concerns, leave unsafe sites or conversations, and seek help from a trusted adult
• make thoughtful choices when using games, apps and online communication.

Students also reflected on their morning technology habits:
Do we talk to the people around us first, or do we reach for a device?

Children learn from watching adults. Putting devices aside during conversations and enjoying device-free family time models a healthy balance between technology, relationships, play and learning.

We encourage families to continue this conversation at home:
“When we wake up tomorrow, what could we do before we look at a screen?”

Assessment and Reporting
Across the school, students are completing assessments to support end-of-year reports. These provide opportunities to demonstrate progress and help teachers build a comprehensive picture of each child’s learning and development throughout the year.

Welcoming Dr Neil McGoran
We look forward to welcoming Director of Catholic Education, Dr Neil McGoran, on Thursday. He will tour our school, visit classrooms and observe our students and teachers engaged in learning.
We are proud to share our school community, showcasing the wonderful learning and the welcoming, supportive environment we create together.

Celebrating Our Staff
As we recognise World Teachers’ Day, (Friday 30th October) we sincerely thank our teachers and all members of our staff. While this day highlights teachers’ important work, supporting students is a team effort. Every staff member helps create a welcoming, caring environment where students feel safe, learn and thrive.

We are fortunate to have a dedicated team who care about our students and school community. You may like to ask you child to thank one of our staff members for something that they have done for them.

I would like to finish by leaving you with this quote and thanking our staff for all that they do for Nativity.
“A great teacher doesn’t just light the way; they help every child discover the light within themselves.” Anon

Kind regards
Melinda