Dear parents and carers,

This week I have attended the Australian Catholic Education Conference in Cairns. This is a national conference offered every 4 years and brings Catholic leaders from all over Australia. The conference was headlined by internationally renowned educational researcher and speaker Dylan Wiliam. His input around evidence-based trends in assessment will help to inform some of our Teaching and Learning work as a part of the Strategic Plan over the next 3 years. My thanks to Annie and the leadership team, who have led the school capably in my absence.

Update on School Age Care Services (BASCA) – No Action Required by Parents

As part of ongoing improvements to our system governance and compliance frameworks, there have been some internal changes to how our School Age Care Services (BASCA) are managed. These changes took effect last week and are part of a broader review following the incorporation of our new governing structure earlier this year.

Please be assured: these changes are purely administrative and will not affect your experience as a parent or the care your child receives. Louise and I continue to meet regularly to maintain the strong working relationship between our two school services.

The key change is that the Directors of our School Age Care Services now report to the General Manager of Early Learning and Care, rather than the school Principals. This adjustment helps us meet updated compliance and funding requirements under the new incorporated structure.

Activated OSHC Accreditation

We’re proud to share that our BASCA service was the first in the ACT to become accredited under the Activated OSHC program – a national initiative designed to support Outside School Hours Care services in promoting healthy physical activity and balanced screen time.

Activated OSHC is an evidence-based program developed in partnership with health experts, government, and the OSHC sector. It helps services like ours:

• Improve children’s wellbeing and engagement
• Strengthen staff confidence and practices
• Align with national health guidelines

Our BASCA team has embraced this opportunity to enhance our service, and we’re thrilled to be leading the way in the ACT and reflect our commitment to best practice and continuous improvement.

Teaching 2026

I congratulate Mrs Kaylee Alexander-McCarthy, who announced last week that she is expecting her first baby early in 2026. Kaylee will begin the school year before taking Maternity leave. A position will be advertised shortly for her replacement. We will also look to replace Jess Lewis for 2026, who will also be on Maternity leave. We wish both Kaylee and Jess all the very best as they prepare to welcome new additions to their families.

Blessings and best wishes

Sean Rutledge