Newsletter 13th August 2025
Principal's Report
Congratulations
25 Years of Service to Catholic Education.
Last week, during Catholic Education Week, Mrs Katie Potter was recognised for 25 years of outstanding service to Catholic Education. I share with you the citation that was read out at the ceremony.
Katie Potter’s journey in Catholic education began as a young student at St John's Catholic School in Richmond and continued through Sacred Heart College in New Town. Her journey has been shaped by the compassion and commitment of the Sisters of Saint Joseph and the teachers who saw something in her.
For the past 25 years, Katie has followed in their footsteps. She has taught across every primary grade and taken on leadership roles that have allowed her to share faith, hope, and learning with both students and colleagues. Since 2019, she has served as Religious Education Coordinator, and more recently as an Instructional Leader of Religious Education at St Cuthbert's Catholic School.
Katie sees Catholic Education as a calling, a chance to walk with others in their learning and faith journeys. She finds great pride in helping shape a community that values compassion, justice, and the presence of God in everyday moments. Watching her own children grow up within Catholic Education has been a full-circle moment, one that has affirmed Katie's journey.
One of Katie's deepest honours has been carrying forward the values instilled in her by those who came before, mentors, colleagues, family, and friends whose quiet influence lives on in her practice. Katie carries their lessons with her and hope she has been able to pass them on to the students and families she has worked with.
Please join me in congratulating Katie-Jane on 25 years within Catholic Education.
Pre-Kinder Sessions
We’ve had a fantastic response to our Pre-Kinder sessions over the past two weeks. These sessions play a vital role in helping to orient and welcome our new students and their families into the St Cuthbert’s Catholic School community.
A special thank you goes to Mrs Louise Wright from our Parents and Friends group, who took the time to inform and update our new parents about the valuable contributions this group makes to our school.
We look forward to working in partnership with all our new families as they begin their journey with us in 2026.
NAPLAN 2025 Results
This week, we have been unpacking our 2025 NAPLAN results, and we are thrilled to share some fantastic news with our community! Our students have achieved considerable growth, exceeding expected progress across all domains.
Congratulations to our students for their hard work and dedication. A heartfelt thank you also goes to our incredible teachers and staff, whose unwavering commitment and support have made this success possible over the past 12 months.
Well done, St Cuthbert’s!
School Uniform
Wearing our St Cuthbert’s Catholic School uniform is an important part of showing that we belong to the St Cuthbert’s team! At our Monday morning assembly last week, we spoke with students about the importance of wearing the correct school uniform every day.
Wearing our uniform helps students look neat, feel confident, and focus on learning—not fashion. It also builds pride in our school and promotes a strong sense of community and belonging.
This term, we are placing a special focus on taking pride in how we present ourselves—starting with wearing the correct uniform. We have reminded students of the items that are approved as part of the school uniform, and which items are not suitable for school (such as skate shoes, basketball shorts, and fashion accessories).
We encourage families to review the St Cuthbert's School Uniform Policy which can be accessed through our school website to ensure your child is wearing the correct uniform and representing our school with pride.
Religious Education
Sacramental Program
We continue to keep Hamish Davie and Zac Casillan in our prayers as they are preparing to receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist for the first time, in a few weeks. We also congratulate Tareq and Aracelia Frjo who received the Sacrament of Confirmation at the Church of the Holy Spirit on 27th July. We congratulate all of these students for taking the next step in their faith journey.
Catholic Education in Tasmania — Celebrating a Week of Hope and Community
Last week, Catholic Education Tasmania embraced its rich heritage under the inspiring theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” echoing the spirit of Pope Francis’s 2025 Jubilee Year. It was a time not only to honour nearly two centuries of faith-filled learning but also to highlight how our 38 schools continue nurturing students in mind, heart, and spirit. Across the state, communities gathered to recognise exceptional contributions during Catholic Education Week.
A particularly meaningful highlight took place at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Hobart, where local students—including Lantern Leaders—joined with their peers to celebrate faith and learning in a special gathering. Accompanied by Mr. Donnelly and Mrs. Potter, these students embodied the spirit of hope and community that defines Catholic education in Tasmania.
This past week beautifully reaffirmed our commitment to forming students who are not only academically strong but spiritually grounded, walking together as Pilgrims of Hope.
Grandparent and Special Persons’ Day
On Friday, 25 July 2025, Grades 3–6 hosted a heartwarming Grandparents and Special Persons' Afternoon, opening their classrooms to cherished guests. Students proudly shared their work, read stories, played games, and enjoyed meaningful conversations, creating lasting memories across generations. This year's event held added significance, coinciding with the Fifth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly on Sunday, 27 July 2025. The theme, "Blessed are those who have not lost hope" (Sir 14:2), emphasised the invaluable role of elders as bearers of wisdom and hope We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who attended, enriching our school community with their presence and love.
3/4 Grandparents & Special People
5/6 Grandparents & Special People
Learning & Teaching
Book Week 2025 at St Cuthbert's – “Book an Adventure!”
We’re excited to host our Book Week Parade on Wednesday, August 20th, starting at 8:50am on the bottom courts.
Students are invited to come dressed as their favourite book character – from courageous heroes and curious adventurers to magical creatures and clever detectives.
Families are warmly welcome to attend and cheer on our young readers!
This is a celebration we want every student to be part of. We’re committed to the big-picture goal of ensuring no child misses out.
If your family needs help with sorting a costume or selecting a book, please don’t hesitate to contact the school office – we’re here to help.
So, start planning your costume, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready to celebrate the magic of books at St Cuthbert’s!
Lisa Ford - 'Navigating Friendships and Mean Behaviour"
We are excited to announce that next Tuesday, 19th August, Clinical Psychologist Lisa Ford will be presenting a seminar titled "Navigating Friendships and Mean Behaviour." The seminar will begin at 6:00 PM in our Grade 3/4 classrooms and will run for approximately 1.5 hours. This valuable session is open to all families.
In addition to the evening seminar, Lisa Ford will be delivering age-appropriate student workshops for students in Grade 3 to Grade 6 across Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th August, focusing on the same important topic: navigating friendships and responding to mean behaviour. These workshops aim to equip students with practical strategies to build healthy friendships, develop empathy, and respond to social challenges.
The parent seminar on Tuesday evening will complement the student workshops and provide parents with insights and strategies to support their child’s social development at home and at school.
If you would like to attend, please complete the Google Form linked below:
https://forms.gle/3fgBGswq4nxSHUMu8
Art News
At the end of Term 2 the 5/6 classes looked at some of the Elements of Art and created these amazing Recycled Art Sculptures. We used old tissue boxes and reflective cardboard as the basis for our sculpture. Some of our students did some woodwork and created these fantastic block stands on which to display our work.
P&F News
Thank you to everyone who attended our P&F meeting last Wednesday night.
It has been a busy start to Term 3! We are pleased to confirm that all presents for the upcoming Father’s Day / Special Person’s Day have been purchased. Keep an eye out for a “stall day” call-out for helpers on social media, and Qkr for when payments open. The P&F have also generously donated the bags the children decorate to bring the gifts home.
Silent Disco – all systems go for this Friday evening! Payments are still open via Qkr. Thank you for all the offers of parental assistance. Just a reminder, this will be a phone-free event.
Our Treasurer, Louise, attended the first of two Kinder welcome sessions to share all things P&F — thank you, Louise! We have also donated blue library bags for the welcome packs — a small but warm gesture to make new families feel part of our community.
The P&F are proud to be contributing funds to the Grade 5/6 “Book in a Day” program. Keep an eye on Compass for more information in the coming weeks.
Footy Grand Final Morning BBQ – planning has begun for what might be the favourite event of the term! We are currently seeking someone to take over organising this event for next year. The amazing Mardi Westphalen has run it for the past 2+ years and will be handing over the reins. The role involves organising and running the BBQ on the Friday before the Footy Grand Final — serving up the much-loved egg and bacon rolls (with a coffee van in tow). A perfect opportunity for a footy-mad parent to get involved! If you’re interested, please contact a P&F member via the office or our family page.
Please note: All volunteers for the above events must hold a current WWVP card and have completed the safeguarding briefing document via the school office.
Thanks P&F
Sporting News
Schools Triathlon Challenge
On Friday 28th of November the Primary School Triathlon is taking place at Bellerive beach. This event is open to students from Grade 3-Grade 6. This is an optional activity for students to participate in. Students can chose to participate as an individual and/or part of a team. Information regarding the Triathlon is available on the Compass App under resources. An entry form needs to be completed if entering. The entry fee is $25 per student.
Finance News
Dear Parents & Guardians
Please find the 2025 Schedule of Fees attached, along with a Payment Arrangement Form, Direct Debit and a Credit Card Authority Form.
Please do not hesitate to contact the school office if you have any queries.
2025_Payment_Arrangements_Form_2_.pdf
2025_CDF_Direct_Debit_Request_Form_1_.pdf
COMPASSPAY
It is possible to view your account balance as well as pay your school fees and some Compass Events, via the Compass Parent App.
Please see the infographics attached which show how to navigate to School Fee payments in your Compass App.
MONTHLY STATEMENTS
Accounts with a balance, or with any movement since the last statement was sent, will receive a statement via email the first week of each month, to the email address registered in Compass for each parent/guardian on the school fee account.
FEE ASSISTANCE
Please remember we have fee assistance and concession card discounts available to anyone in our school community who may need to make use of these. While it may be a difficult conversation, we are here to help. Forms can be sent home on request or contact me for a confidential discussion.
QKR
The QKR App will continue to be an option for payments for Camps, Special Events and P&F Fundraising.
Please get in touch if you have any queries.
Kind regards
Karen Sawyer
Business Manager
Uniform Shop
Uniform Shop Hours - During term time
Tuesday 11am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 8am to 1pm
Thursday 12noon - 6pm
Saturday 9am - 12noon
Permapleat Hobart Retail Outlet
43 Currajong St, Mornington, TAS 7018
Phone: (03) 6240 4420
Email: Hobart.Retail@Permapleat.com.au
2025 School Calendar
Business Directory
We would like to continue to offer school families the opportunity to publicise their business in the 'St Cuthbert's Community Business Directory'.
Our goal is to promote and support members of our school community, with the hope that St Cuthbert's School families may choose to support other St Cuthbert's School families when doing business.
If you would like to add your business to our directory, or update details previously provided, please contact the school office.
_St_Cuthbert_s_Business_Community_Directory_Responses_Form_responses_1_3_.pdf
Parish News
Please see the link below to keep up to date on the latest Parish information.
Community News
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