A new term and new beginnings for many families at BDC. In our first week of term, we welcomed Kindergarten 2026 into the College as a part of their welcome into “big school.” Many parents with their second or third child and new families as well. The feedback on the practical preparation suggestions and meeting staff from some specialist areas has been very positive. The transition into Kindergarten is always exciting and, of course, can be emotional for us as parents as well. By joining the welcome and transition days for Kindergarten, it will help make the change in Term 1 next year a more positive experience.

Please consider the following practical tips in addition to assist the move to Kindergarten:

1. Build relationships and support through the other parents and families you meet early, start at the transition days. Families support and learn off each other, and it is likely your children will be together for many years at school.

2. Build independence in daily routines at home. Putting shoes on, packing their school bag, going to the toilet, using lunch boxes. Everyday actions they will do at school.

3. Create a positive story about school. Use the BDC social stories, what did they see in our playground during the visit? Be optimistic, calm, and excited for the move to school.

4. Establish predictable routines at home. Regular morning, meal, and snack routines before school start. Try on the school uniform (and take lots of photos of these special moments for family). Predictable routines for school provide comfort and familiarity before school starts.

5. Encourage social confidence and interaction. Attend the transition and welcome days. Keep the play dates happening and include simple social skills like greetings, sharing, listening, or settling, for example. Importantly, practice goodbyes, keep them short, warm, and confident — “I love you, see you after school.” This calm reassurance can make a big difference.

Of course, many families practice these routines and skills naturally or have done this already for their first child. To include practices like this and with the advice from Mrs Sarah Stokes at our transition days and her team in Primary will help make the start of 2026 into Kindergarten an exciting and calming influence for your child.

Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to the Hogbin family with the recent passing of Mrs Barbara Hogbin. Their connection to Bishop Druitt College extends deeply as the Hogbin family are one of the original founding supporters that enabled the establishment of our College. The family are remembered with gratitude. The Bishop Druitt College community sends its deepest condolences, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.

Since our last newsletter, a new beginning has commenced in the Anglican community with the appointment of the Right Reverend and Right Honourable Dame Sarah Mullally as the new Archbishop of Canterbury. She is also the first woman named leader of the Church of England in the 1,400-year history of the role and also becomes the ceremonial head of some 85 million Anglicans worldwide and has been welcomed by the Anglican Diocese of Grafton in their communication since this announcement as well.

The Class of 2025 and our accelerated HSC students' new beginnings are also the start of many firsts. The 121 student Valedictorians commenced their HSC examinations last week, and some are finishing their exams already this week. They will start Week 3 as young adults, no exams to complete and having completed high school. With many of our graduates already in their chosen pathway like university through early entry or in work or trades, and a few travellers through our gap year students, it is another exciting time for families. A reminder that if our Class of 2025 still have career pathway questions, please contact Mrs Janine Ryan jryan@bdc.nsw.edu or Year Coordinator Katie Gudgeon to assist you.

Later this term, Year 7 2026 will also commence the next step of transition into high school on campus as we welcome our Year 6 students and new families as a new beginning and Year 9 complete their rite of passage into senior school. It is a term of new beginnings. The end of each year seems to rush forward at this time of term, and we have decided to bring the joy and spirit of Christmas into the College, like the Reception area and activities like collection for our hampers to assist others. A few simple changes will usually start with our Christmas tree from the 1st of November to give more time to enjoy the spirit and message of the nativity across the last weeks of the school year.

Throughout Term 4, there are a number of signature events, performing arts, and sport events. Please check our College calendar on Schoolbox and lock in these dates where you can attend. We welcome you as a part of our busy community for whole events or even if you can only stay a short time, and of course extended family are most welcome.

Unfortunately, the College also received difficult news of a recent alumni student from the Class of 2024. Please keep the Lindsay family, friends, and many staff who have deep connections with them in your thoughts and prayers, as Cadence Lindsay passed away last week.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

God bless,
Simon Doyle, Principal