Principal's Reflection - 25 October 

Year 12 External Examinations

A week ago, we celebrated the last regular school day for Year 12 students, and sent them off with the traditional colour run. Today marks the end of the first week of their external examinations, with two more weeks to go. In speaking with a number of students after their various examinations this week, I know that our students have come away from the examination sessions feeling like they have been well prepared throughout their Senior years. In the lead up to the external examinations, I passed on my best wishes to students with my normal, “I hope you get what you deserve”. Every time I say this and watch the expressions on other people’s faces, I invariably need to explain myself. That is because “I hope you get what you deserve” is generally interpreted as a negative thing to have said. Of course, I mean it in the exact opposite way. Our students have been diligent in their studies, have worked hard, and have prepared exceptionally well. They deserve a lot, and my genuine wish for them is that they see the fruits of their labour. It is very likely some of our students will experience exam anxiety, which will cause them to doubt their abilities. It is our prayer for them that they have clarity of thought during their examinations so that they are able to remember all the things they have learned. I ask that all members of the St Luke’s community keep our Year 12 students in their thoughts, and that if you are in the practice of praying, that you remember our students in your prayers over the next two weeks. 

World Teachers’ Day

Globally, World Teachers’ Day is celebrated at the start of October each year, which typically means it falls in Queensland school holidays. As such, in Queensland we always observe World Teachers’ Day on the last Friday in October. St Luke’s recognises that all staff, teachers and non-teachers alike, contribute to the wonderful learning environment that we enjoy at St Luke’s, and so today we showed our appreciation for all School staff with a staff appreciation breakfast. It is my absolute privilege to work alongside a team of dedicated, caring professionals who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of students at St Luke’s. If a St Luke’s staff member has made a positive impact on you or your child, today would be an excellent day to reach out and let them know.

If you would like to watch Archbishop Jeremy’s message for World Teachers’ Day, you can do so on his YouTube channel via this link. 

Staff News 

Earlier in the year, I announced to our community that Mrs Leanne Hutchings had informed me of her intent to retire after 30 years of service to St Luke’s. Just a week ago, Mrs Hutchings’ long time “partner in crime”, Mrs Neridah Peterson, told me of her intent to retire as well. Mrs Peterson, who is well known to parents of Performing Arts students, retires after 20 years at St Luke’s and will depart at the end of the year with our best wishes. 

On a separate note, I am delighted to announce that Mrs Alahna Marshall, Mrs Kelly Austin and Mrs Louise Kelmanson will join our teaching staff in the Middle and Senior schools, Mrs Gemma Sinclair will take over from Miss Natasha Johnson as our Middle/Senior Differentiated Learning Coordinator, and Mrs Nicole Bunter will join St Luke’s as our School Nurse. 

Meilene Gardens Project 

I warmly invite our School community to join us for the official opening of our Meilene Gardens Project on Thursday 31 October, from 4.00 pm at Meilene Residential Aged Care.

This service learning initiative has been delivered under the care and guidance of our Director of Community and Service, Mr Matthew Cathcart, with students working hard to create a beautiful community garden for residents to enjoy.

This project has been partially funded by the Woolworths Junior Landcare Grant, Elders Community Giving Project and Bunnings Warehouse and we sincerely thank them for their generosity and support.

Thank you for your ongoing support of our School,

Matthew Hughes

Principal