Issue 12, 25 July 2025

We are proud to announce the results of the Stage 2 Research Project that were released on Monday. These impressive achievements showcase the strong commitment to learning and work ethic of our Year 12 students. 

Every student successfully completed this compulsory Stage 2 subject—a fantastic accomplishment. Notably, over 30% of students earned an ‘A’ grade, with four students achieving an A+. This is a remarkable testament to their hard work and dedication. These outstanding results reflect the students’ strong commitment to academic excellence, supported by the guidance and encouragement of our dedicated teachers and support staff.

We are pleased to inform you that the results of the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) have been released. These will be available for children in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9 via SEQTA Engage and a hardcopy will be distributed in Week 2. 

NAPLAN is a nationwide assessment conducted annually for students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9. It evaluates students' skills in key areas of literacy and numeracy, providing valuable information about their strengths and areas for improvement. This assessment allows us to identify trends, tailor our teaching approaches, and support each student's individual needs effectively.

At Caritas College, we strive to develop thriving individuals, capable learners, and leaders for the world God desires. We achieve this through a holistic education that encompasses academic achievements, personal growth, social skills, and a lifelong love of learning. Recognising that while NAPLAN is an important assessment, it is just one of the many tools we use to evaluate your child's progress.

• To respond the LLL Parent and Caregiver Survey at Caritas College, Port Augusta in 2025 visit their website here and enter the code ‘CCLLLP’ in the ‘Start Questionnaire’ field.
• Alternatively, you can scan this QR Code and enter the code ‘CCLLLP’ in the ‘Start Questionnaire’ field.
• For each statement, you are asked to rate how well you think the school is performing by selecting one of six responses. The responses are numbered 1 to 6, with number 1 being the lowest or worst rating and number 6 being the highest or best rating. 
• If you have more than one child at the school, and your perceptions differ for each child, please respond with respect to your perceptions related to the oldest child enrolled at the school. 
• There are no 'right' or 'wrong' answers. Your opinion is what is wanted. 
• Please answer all questions. 
• Some statements may be fairly similar to other statements. Don't worry about this. Simply give your opinion about all statements. To get started, use the QR code (located at the top of the page) or go to www.NSIPartnerships.com.au and enter the access code provided above. 

The Australian Government Department of Education (the department) would like to advise all staff, parents, guardians and students (where applicable) that it will collect certain information about your school, its staff and student body as part of the non-government schools census collection (the census).  Please click HERE to access the privacy notice.

We are currently mapping out how 2026 will look for our school. We would appreciate any anticipated changes in enrolments to be communicated to the front office as soon as possible. We also ask that an Application for Enrolment form be filled out for any new children starting in 2026 (both at the beginning of the year and mid-year intake). These can be requested via our website or collected from the front office at any time.

This weekend, the Church celebrates the feast of Sts Joachim and Anne, parents of Mary and grandparents of Jesus. Not much scripturally is known about Joachim and Anne however tradition tells us of their deep faith in wanting a child before rejoicing at the birth of their beloved Mary. When Mary was three years old, Joachim and Anne brought her to the temple in Jerusalem, where they left her to be brought up.

As the patron saints of grandparents, we remember Sts Joachim and Anne fondly as we consider all the wonderful grandparents and grandperson figures in the lives of our students. We give thanks to each and every one of them for their unwavering love and wisdom that they share with their families. We look forward to celebrating the wonderful gift of grandparents and grandpersons figures next Friday 1 August at our R-3 Grandparents and Grandpersons Liturgy, beginning at 11:30am in the Tappeiner Room.

As a school community, we will come together on Friday 8 August (Week 3) to celebrate the feast of our founder, and Australia’s first saint, St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. How lucky we are here at Caritas College to be able to walk in Mary’s footsteps as she continues to teach us what it means to be a disciple of Christ. Mary chose to make a difference to the communities in which she, and the Sisters of St Joseph, lived in throughout the 19th century, by educating the poor and working with the marginalised and most vulnerable members of society. She continues to teach us that little actions can plant seeds of hope to those who most need it, something we strive to do in our day to day actions here at Caritas College.

In the coming weeks, classes from R-12 will spend time exploring the story of Mary, her connection to Port Augusta, her deep love of all people and of Christ, and thinking about how her life’s journey inspires how we continue to be people of hope in 2025. We acknowledge with deep gratitude the Sisters of St Joseph who still continue to provide support from afar to our community 154 years later.

Families with young people receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation are reminded that the third session of preparation will be held this weekend, Saturday 26 July at 6:30pm and Sunday 27 July at 10:30am. Remaining dates for preparation to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation are:

Session 3 - Saturday 26 OR Sunday 27 July
Session 4 - 2 OR Sunday 3 August
Spare Weekend - 9/10 August
Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation – Sunday 17 August
Commissioning of Students and Youth Mass – Saturday 23 OR Sunday 24 August

If you need to make up Session 1 or 2 and were unable to do this during the July holiday period, please contact the Parish Office on 8642 2847. 

This sacrament has a wonderful connection with Pentecost, the moment when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, giving them the courage to spread God’s word to everyone.

The Term 2 SSSSA sports saw our students compete a number of football and basketball competitions. There were some excellent games played across those events with all students playing with pride, respect and teamwork. We were lucky enough to be the overall winners of the following competition which is a testament to how our students work together. 

SAPSASA
Division 1 Girls Football
Division 1 Girls Netball (both of our teams were in this final)
Division 2 Boys Netball
Division 1 Boys Football

SSSSA
9-10 Boys football 
7-8 Girls basketball 

Term 3 is set to be a very busy term for the college sport scene. The Years 7-12 students will play the remainder of their carnivals this term, which will bring much excitement to those students who will represent our school. 

Below are some key dates for both SAPSASA events and SSSSA events in Term 3:

SAPSASA
Hotshots Tennis – Tuesday Year 4's 5 August (Week 3)
Hotshots Tennis – Wednesday Year 5's 6 August (Week 3)
District Sports Day – Friday 22 August (Week 5)
Table Tennis – Friday 12 September (Week 8)

SSSSA
9-10 Girls Netball – 29 July (Week 2)
11-12 Girls Netball – 6 August (Week 3)
7-8 Girls Netball  (TBC)
11-12 Boys and Girls Basketball (TBC)
9-10 Boys and Girls Basketball (TBC)