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Principal's Reflection - 1 May

Welcome to the first Principal's Reflection for Term 2, 2026.

Support for Mr Cathcart

When I think back on my own days as a student, I can readily identify teachers who made a significant impact on me and likely shaped what type of person I wanted to be as I grew up. I know that most people can also recall teachers who did the same for them. When I’ve spoken to people about this, it is rarely the case that the qualities that made these teachers memorable were the subjects and lessons they taught. Rather, when people talk about their most impactful teachers, it is something about their character, the care they demonstrated, the way they interacted and connected, or some other personality trait that shone through.

As a teacher, I have also been fortunate to work with many people whom I know our current and former students will remember in this way. Without a doubt, one of these people is Mr Matthew Cathcart. Mr Cathcart is a giving, caring and understanding person who often goes above and beyond for his students. He also happens to be an excellent teacher. It is genuinely a pleasure to work alongside him. Many in our community are aware that Mr Cathcart has recently been absent from school due to illness and have expressed their concern for him. With his permission, I am able to share that over the holiday period, Mr Cathcart was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. He is extraordinarily grateful for the support he has received from the St Luke’s community, and will carry it with him as he takes time off to recuperate and receive treatment. We anticipate that Mr Cathcart will be on leave for the duration of Term 2, and during this time, Mr Cameron Crush will take over Mr Cathcart’s classes. I know the impact Mr Cathcart has had on so many St Luke’s families, and the regard in which he is held. As such, I know that many across our community will be holding Mr Cathcart and his family in their prayers.

Welcome, Mr Michael Moli

This week, it has been my pleasure to welcome Mr Michael Moli, Principal of Taroniara Community School. Mr Moli arrived in Brisbane last Friday, and after attending an ANZAC Service at Churchie and worshipping in St John’s Cathedral, we returned to Bundaberg ready for two weeks of study and immersion at St Luke’s. Taroniara Community School is a school in Solomon Islands under the administration of the Anglican Church of Melanesia. St Luke’s was initially introduced to the School by Archbishop Jeremy Greaves, and we are in the process of building a partnership with them. In 2025, Matthew Cathcart and I travelled to Taroniara to explore the partnership, which resulted in an annual teacher study tour and, pending sufficient student interest, a biennial service tour to Taroniara, which we hope to commence in 2027. St Luke’s students have a history of involvement in service learning tours, and it is hoped that by establishing a persistent, long-term relationship with a community, students will be able to see the impact of their efforts over a long period of time. Mr Moli’s focus is Primary school, and so he has spent the majority of his time observing and participating in Primary classes during the past week. He appears to have made an impression on our Primary students; when we walk through the school together, he receives more greetings, waves and high fives than I do!

Community Fair and Day in Lieu

As previously communicated, our biennial Community Fair will be held on Saturday 15 August, from 12.00 pm - 4.00 pm, followed by our annual Rock Pop Mime event for our Middle and Senior students, with a fireworks finale at 7.00 pm.

As the School asks all staff and Prep to Year 12 students to attend the Community Fair, staff and students are provided with a day in lieu. This year, the day in lieu will be Friday 29 May, the day after the Bundaberg Show Day holiday. As such, the School will be closed for Prep to Year 12 on Friday 29 May. The Early Learning Centre will operate as normal.

The Community Fair is a fabulous day featuring a range of events and activities that celebrate the breadth and diversity of the School. We look forward to sharing more about the Fair in the coming weeks.

Thank you for your support.

Mr Matthew Hughes

Principal

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