Last week we started our journey in Lent with Ash Wednesday. Students in K-4 attended Whole School Mass while the Year 5/6 students took part in an Ash Wednesday Prayer at Camp Cooba. With Lent, it is time for Project Compassion again to support Caritas. An important cause for us in a Catholic school. Lent is a time for us to take an honest look at ourselves, reach outwards and receive the grace of Jesus’ healing love. 

Swimming Carnival

On Tuesday, we held our annual Swimming Carnival. This year, based on feedback from the school community last year, we held our Swimming Carnival only for students in Years 3-6 (and those competitive 8 year old swimmers in Year 2). We held a Water Fun Day for students in K-2 at school with a special recess. We found this day was a much more engaging day for all students, particularly our infant students. Thank you to all the parents and family members who volunteered during the day. A huge thank you to Erin Hardwicke for organising and preparing both events. 

Catholic Education Leader's Retreat

At the moment, I am attending the annual Catholic Education Leader's Retreat in Bowral. Although timing not ideal, I am here until Friday. Ms Peta Goldburg, ACU Professor is leading our retreat, a time to reflect on Scripture and deepen our faith to be the best Catholic leaders we can be. Damien Webb is also on leave today and tomorrow. He will be back on deck on Friday. In my absence, please contact Jo Krippner, Classroom Support Teacher at school on Wednesday or Thursday and Damien on Friday. I am still contactable via email over the three days. 

Autumn Fete 

The countdown is well and truly on. Thank you for everything that everyone has done behind the scene. Anna Lutz is leading the Fete Team perfectly, organised and on top of everything. Thank you! Please encourage all friends and family to come and support. If you haven't yet volunteered a timeslot, it would be greatly appreciated if you could via the link below. If you could do a second timeslot, that would be amazing and take the pressure off. Thanks!

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1OwudBffkTMb_hHJCyUvlkZYtNJcKUKwU4GW9-b8oyt0/edit?usp=sharing

Harmony Week Celebrations

Next week we will celebrate Harmony Day on Thursday 21 March. We are asking students to come to school dressed inspired by a country of the world. Further information will come home via the class teacher, SZapp and Facebook. Students will participate in various activities throughout the day. On Tuesday, classes will attend the performance 'Wala: The Spirit of Ghana'. A dynamic fusion of drumming, dance, percussion and soaring harmonies. Three passionate and talented performers will present an exciting display of Ghanaian culture. 

Staffing

3/4YM parents have been notified, but just so our wider community are aware, Meaghan Younger has taken leave until the end of Term 1. Jane McKeough will be taking the lead in 3/4YM over the next 5 weeks. Meaghan's role as Religious Education Coordinator will be undertaken by myself during her absence. 

School Fees

A reminder that Term 1 School Fees are now due. Further communication will be sent home over the next week to those outstanding accounts. This does not include direct debit arrangements. Please ensure that fees are paid up to date to ensure we can continue to purchase items, equipment and resources for our students when and where required. 

Parent/Teacher/Student Check In Chats

Information will come home at the start of Week 7, offering parents a timeslot to come in with their child to meet their classroom teacher to discuss goals for the year and how things are going in class. A little 'check in' chat between parents, teacher and student. These sessions will be offered on Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 March. Booking information will come home on Monday 18 March. 

Enjoy the week ahead.

Be Kind.

Regards,

Pat Ellis

Principal