This year’s theme: Empowerment is not just a word but a guiding principle for everything we aim to achieve together. It inspires confidence, provides the tools for success and enables individuals to take agency in their own learning and the choices they make. Whether in the classroom, on the sports field or in the arts, empowerment means fostering an environment where students are encouraged to take risks, ask questions and explore new ideas. It’s about creating a space where everyone—teachers, students and staff—works together to build skills, ignite passions and support each other’s growth.

The first two weeks have shown the power of our school community coming together, and with the theme of empowerment, there’s no limit to what we can achieve this year.

This Thursday’s Celebration of Achievement Assembly saw our top achievers from the Class of 2024 recognised for their outstanding achievements. We recognised that these exceptionally high achievers did not reach their Year 12 results by giving up or giving in when faced with challenges. They were a wonderful example and inspiration to us all—demonstrating how to aspire, persevere and make the most of the support within our community.

We thanked all the teachers along the way who supported our graduates, from Reception through to Year 12, as well as the friends and family who are part of Pedare. It was a wonderful opportunity to come together and celebrate such outstanding young people. We are blessed indeed to be part of this wonderful community.

As we ease back into routine, it is timely to revisit the importance of school attendance, including arriving at school on time.

Regular school attendance is crucial not just for academic success but also for students’ emotional and mental well-being. A well-organised and punctual start to the day sets a positive tone, fostering focus, connection and responsibility.

Maximising time at school also…

The start of the year has been filled with excitement and a strong sense of connection as students settle into their classes, reconnecting with friends and embracing new opportunities with enthusiasm.

We are excited to welcome many new faces to the Pedare family this year. Our community has grown with 30 new Reception students joining our 21 Mid-Year Receptions, along with 24 Year 5 students and 10 new students across Years 1 to 4. 

We also extend a warm welcome to our new staff: Lisa Lacy (Assistant Head of Junior School), Wayne Martin (Diverse Learning Coordinator), Emma Nicholson (Year 2), Fallon Sandercock and Alannah James (Diverse Learning Assistants), as well as returning staff Jasmine Orlowski (Year 2) and Alice Dunstone (Year 1).

A big thank you to all students and staff who have helped make our newcomers feel at home; we are grateful to have you as part of our Pedare community!

This year, we are focusing on empowering our students to be confident, curious and engaged learners. From our youngest Receptions taking their first steps on their school journey to our Year 5 students stepping into leadership roles, it has been fantastic to see everyone embracing challenges and supporting one another. Each individual is encouraged to be a superhero of kindness, as “Every act of kindness, no matter how small, has the power to ripple through and create a wave of positive impact.”

Junior School Parent Information Night was held this week, providing families with valuable insights into the year ahead. It was fantastic to see so many parents engaging with teachers, asking questions and building connections within our College community. We appreciate your partnership in supporting our students’ learning and growth.

Thank you for a wonderful start! Please feel free to stop by for a chat or reach out when you need.

This week, we held our Year 6 & 7 Parent Information Evening, providing a great opportunity for families to meet the Core teachers. It was a pleasure to connect with so many parents, and we encourage you to reach out for support at any time. The Core teacher—or in Years 8 & 9, the Home Group teacher—is often the best first point of contact.

We have also welcomed a number of new staff to Middle School. In particular, I’d like to highlight our new Year 7 Coordinator, Ms Morgan Rigby, who has already been a wonderful addition to our team.

At our first Middle School Assembly last Tuesday, I spoke about the promise of a new year—a fresh start filled with opportunities to learn, grow and experience God’s blessings in unexpected ways. I acknowledged the range of emotions that come with the start of school—some students excited, others nervous and some missing the holidays.

I encouraged students to see the beginning of the year as a time of opportunity. With blank report pages and new friendships ahead, this is a moment to reflect on who they want to become. Starting something new can feel uncertain, but it also brings the excitement of possibility. I reminded students that God is always at work in their lives, creating something new, even in times of uncertainty.

With faith and courage, we can step forward into this year with confidence, knowing that it holds incredible potential for growth, joy and discovery. We look forward to an exciting and rewarding year ahead!

The new school year is well underway, and we extend a special welcome to our new students and families joining our community for the first time. We look forward to getting to know you and supporting you on your journey with us.

For our Year 12 students, this year marks a significant milestone, the final chapter of your Pedare journey. It is a year filled with challenges and opportunities. As the leaders of our student body, Year 12s set the tone for the rest of the school. We encourage them to approach this year with determination, balance and a strong sense of purpose.

At the end of last year, our current Year 12s attended the Year 12 Thanksgiving service for the Class of 2024 for the first time. It was fantastic to have them there, acknowledging the efforts and achievements of those who had walked the path before them. Many from the Class of 2025 shared how inspired they were by the graduates who received special awards, expressing their own aspirations to be among those recognised at the end of last year. We look forward to walking alongside them, supporting them every step of the way and have every confidence in their ability to achieve great things.

I look forward to 2025 being a year of learning, connection and success, and wishing you all a fantastic start to the school year!