As I reflect on this year’s theme from the Australian Catholic Education Conference, “Hope Anchored in Faith”, 

We pray:

May the God of hope bless our families, staff, and students.

May our faith be the anchor that steadies us in 

times of challenge,

our hope the light that guides us into the future,

and our love the gift we share with one another.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.    

Amen.

Dear Parents and Carers,

Walking Together in Faith and Hope

Last week, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Australian Catholic Education Conference. One of the highlights was hearing from Sr Nathalie Becquart, a special guest from the Vatican and a global leader in the Catholic Church.

Sr Nathalie is a Xaviere sister from France who has spent many years working with young people and Church leaders around the world. In 2021, she was appointed by Pope Francis to help guide the Synod—a worldwide conversation about how we, as Church, can listen better, walk together, and grow in faith.

She spoke passionately about the important role Catholic schools play in today’s world. Her message was clear: we are called to help students become people of hope—young people who care for others, listen well, and are ready to serve in a changing world.

She reminded us that Catholic schools should be places where everyone’s voice matters, where we learn from each other, and where we work together as a community built on respect, faith, and love.

What does this mean for us at St John the Apostle?

It means continuing to be a school where:

Every child and family is valued,

We listen to one another and learn together,

And we are guided by the message of Jesus, walking together in faith—just like the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13–35).

As we move forward, we remain committed to helping our students grow not just academically, but as kind, thoughtful people of hope, ready to make a difference in the world.

Blessings to you and your family.

Jo Reed