Dear Parents and Carers,

We are looking forward to welcoming parents of students commencing important transitions in their education to school next week for the information evenings. These events provide the opportunity to work in partnership with parents, staff and students to prepare for successful entry to school, Secondary School and Stage 6. Information evenings are scheduled as follows:

Kindergarten 2026 Information Evening for Parents - Monday 2nd June 6.00pm

Year 11 Information Evening for Parents and Students - Wednesday 4th June 5.30pm

Year 7 Information Evening for Parents and Students - Wednesday 4th June 6.30pm

Spotlight on Music at St Anne’s

Students K-12 at St Anne’s enjoy a broad curriculum and a wide range of extra-curricular activities such as sports,public speaking, volunteering, work experience, etc. Currently, we are focusing on extending the creative opportunities for the students, with a particular focus on Music. From enhancing cognitive development to providing emotional outlets, music plays a vital role in shaping well-rounded, creative individuals.

Why Music Matters in Education

Music education is not just about learning an instrument or performing in a concert. Research shows that music has numerous benefits for students of all ages. Here are just a few:

• Cognitive Development: Music stimulates brain areas involved in reasoning, problem-solving, and memory. Studies have found that students who engage in music programs often excel in subjects like math, reading, and writing.
• Emotional Expression: Music provides a safe space for students to express their feelings, especially in times of stress or change. It helps foster emotional intelligence, allowing students to recognize and manage their emotions.
• Improved Focus and Discipline: Learning an instrument or singing in a choir teaches patience, practice, and concentration. Students who engage in music tend to show greater attention spans and work ethic in other subjects.
• Building Confidence and Teamwork: Whether it’s performing in front of an audience or collaborating with fellow musicians, music nurtures teamwork, leadership, and personal confidence.

Spotlight on Our Music Programs and Partnership with Young Regional School of Music

We are fortunate to have a partnership with YRSM which brings musicians into St Anne’s to support the opening of the world of music to our students. We are pleased to share the following initiatives with you:

Band – Lead by Louise Gaynor and YRSM

Thank you to the musicians who have stepped forward to start a band at school. Any interested musicians should feel free to drop by the Music Room on Thursdays at lunchtime.

Choir – Lead by Louise Gaynor and YRSM

Under the guidance of Mrs. Gaynor, the school choir is coming together and we look forward to their performances in the future. These students are learning how to harmonize, project their voices, and work together as a team with support from a YRSM tutor.New members Yr 3 - Yr 10 are welcome to join the Choir on Thursdays at Recess.

Private Instrumental Lessons – Lead by a range of YRSM Tutors

 

Year 8 Music - In Class Group Guitar Instruction - Louise Gaynor and YRSM

As part of the curriculum Music classes, Year 8 students are learning to play the guitar in Term 2 and 3. Supported by a Guitar teacher from YRSM, we look forward to the next guitar hero to emerge from St Anne’s.

Musical Theatre – Coming Soon from YRSM

Students interested in song and dance from Years 6,7 and 8 will have the opportunity to join the Musical Theatre Lunchtime Club on Tuesdays commencing in Term 3. No previous experience is necessary. Watch this space for more details.

In conclusion…

Thank you to Fr Alex, REC Jacqui Collins and Year 6 teacher Sarah Overs for preparing the students so effectively for their Confirmation on Sunday. Thank you to staff and families for supporting the candidates by attending Mass on Sunday. We were pleased to host Year 9 students from St Anne’s, Sacred Heart Cootamundra and McAuley College Tumut on Tuesday for a retreat. Please see more on these events in the REC report.

This week has been an exciting week for the Infants classes with their trip to the Aviation Museum. We look forward to hearing all about their adventures!

Parents are very welcome to come and support the students at the Athletics Carnival at Nixon Park tomorrow.

With best wishes,

 Louise Grant

Principal

St Anne’s Catholic College

 

A Prayer for the Confirmation Candidates:

God our Father,

We thank you for our young people who have made the Sacrament of Confirmation this weekend.

You call each one of them by name and promise that whatever happens in their lives, you will be with them always.

We pray that this journey to Confirmation will be an opportunity for them to deepen their faith and renew their hope in you so that your love may shine through them to the world.

Send your Holy Spirit upon them to be their helper and guide.

Give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of right judgement

and courage, the spirit of knowledge and reverence.

Fill them with the spirit of wonder and awe in your presence.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.