Week 10 Newsletter, Term 3 2025

Principal's Messages

What a way to finish the term! 

We are still buzzing after Wednesday’s incredible performances. We couldn’t be prouder of every single student who stepped onto the stage, supported behind the scenes, learnt new skills, and shared their talents with us all. 

It’s always such a joy to give every child the chance to perform. For some, this may have felt outside their comfort zone...something they weren’t sure they could do. I was so proud that our students rose to the challenge and shone in front of a live audience. By the end, every class was dancing to one another’s songs backstage (and yes, some teachers too!). 

A performance like this is about so much more than being on stage it’s about accomplishment, teamwork, joy, and connection. What a wonderful way to finish the term together. 

I extend a huge thanks to our teaching and support staff who go above and beyond, especially at times like these. This celebration would not have been possible without the creativity and dedication of our students, guided so beautifully by our Creative Arts teachers, Mrs Tantos and Ms Davies, Mr Deed who took care of all things technical and with the support of our Learning Support Assistant Mrs Bone.  

A final thanks to our families who were not only the most vocal, excited and supportive audience and showed up for our community and cheered on every class. The costumes brought our performance to life and I thank families for your time and thought in perparing our students for the performances.

Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday break.

We look forward to seeing everyone back at school on Tuesday 14 October.

Katie

Attendance

The Term Attendance Report will be distributed today. Thiis designed to keep you informed about your child’s attendance since the beginning of the school year. It also includes the number of partial absences, where applicable. 

We’ve included the Attendance Ladder below, published by the Catholic Schools Office, to help explain how attendance levels are viewed. We understand that most student absences are explained and are often due to illness or other important family reasons.
Partial absences refer to times when students arrive late or leave early—including when they leave from the sick bay. Please note that regular early departures for extra-curricular activities are not considered principal-approved leave.

We share this information not to place pressure on families, but to highlight the importance of regular attendance for student learning and wellbeing. We’re proud that Corpus Christi's consistently high level of attendance in the Diocese. 

To help keep attendance records up to date and meet legal requirements, here are a few reminders:

Attendance Reminders:

• Morning attendance is recorded at 8:50am each day.

• Partial absences (arriving after 8:50am or leaving before 2:50pm) must be signed in/out at the office by an adult. This ensures accuracy for legal records.

• Unexplained absences will trigger a text message with a link to provide an explanation through the Compass app.
  Please aim to submit explanations within 7 days.

• Extended leave (10+ days) must be applied for via the school office and approved by the principal.

We truly appreciate your continued support in making sure every child can get the most out of their learning and time at school. If you have any questions or need help with Compass, please don’t hesitate to contact the school office.

Staffing

Permanent Teaching Appointment – 2026

We are delighted to announce that following recent interviews for the position of permanent classroom teacher for 2026, the selection panel — comprising Father Velerian D’Souza, Michael Deed, Katie Castles, and myself — has appointed Mrs Emily Ayres as the preferred candidate.

Emily brings over 13 years of teaching experience in Catholic education across three states and territories. She has a particular passion for the early years of schooling and is experienced in implementing the Successful Foundations Framework in Kindergarten classrooms. 

Her qualifications include a Bachelor of Education (Primary), and a Postgraduate Certificate in Religious Education.

We are delighted to welcome Emily to our school community on a permanent basis and look forward to the expertise, care, and passion she will continue to bring to her teaching. 

In the beginning of our staffing planning for 2026, I am pleased to announce that Mrs Ayres will teach Kindergarten in 2026. This is important information fo our incoming Kindergarten cohort as they commence the orientation program and has been shared with our incoming families with the publishing of the newsletter. All other class teaching announcements will be made in December.

Sacramental Program Update

Our 2025/26 sacramental program will commence next term. Families who wish to enroll their child in the program for the Sacrament of Reconciliation will have the opportunity to do so at the Parent Information Session on WEDNESDAY 15th OCTOBER at Corpus Christi school Library. This program is for children who are baptised Catholic and in Year 3 or above.

Public Speaking

We congratulate Aubrey (year 2) and Ted (year 4) on their wonderful success in public speaking. Both students were successful at the North Region Finals and progressed to the Diocesan Finals earlier this week. 

Aubrey placed second overall in Stage 1 with her inspiring speech on generosity. Ted represented our school in the Stage 2 competition, presenting both a prepared speech on responsibility and an impromptu response. 

We are so proud of Aubrey and Ted for reaching the Diocesan Finals and representing our school with such confidence and skill. 

Corpus Christi Debating

This term Year 6 students have been learning the art of debating! This optional activity has provided a great challenge as students first learnt how to write convincing arguments, then learnt the art of debating including the roles of each speaker, working as a team and the testing rebuttals! Our group of students have shown great commitment juggling class activities and debate preparation, they are commended for their effort to learn this skill.  Corpus Christi will host our North Region debating Competition on Tuesday 16th October (Week 1) with the following students representing our school: Debating Team: Lucy T, Lucy C, Sophie N, Julia. Reserve: Evan. Special thanks to our reserve debating team for their effort in learning all areas of debating and providing valuable ideas and worthy opposition in our preparation phase: Indiana , Connor , Evan, Lara, and Riva.  We wish our debating team well in their Regional Competition early next term. 

Emma Conserdyne 

Gifted Education Mentor

Sport: Summer Sport Trials - Year 4-6

Sports trials for representative teams in Basketball, Cricket and Tennis, are early next term. All the information is in the attached note - if you have a child who is competitive and talented in one of these sports and you would like to nominate them - please return the attached form in week 1 of next term.

Note: this is only for students in Years 4 & 5

Uniform Shop

Uniform Shop is open every Friday from 8:30am-9am.

Online orders via Qkr! close at 8:00am each Friday and will be sent home with your child.

To keep costs low and provide this service to Corpus Christi families, all items are sold close to cost price. If you are available to volunteer on a casual or regular basis, please reach out to admin@waratah.catholic.edu.au.

Staff Development Days for Term 4

Start Dates 2026