Whole School Mass

Last Tuesday, we gathered to celebrate our Opening Mass for 2024. We spent time in prayer, gave thanks for our blessings and asked the Holy Spirit to  guide us through the year ahead.  Our school song for the year ‘Holy Spirit’ by Francesca Battistelli was also introduced. Thank you to our Year 6 leaders who guided us through the actions and all who were able to join us.

Religion Education Curriculum

Last year Catholic Education Canberra and Goulburn released an updated Religious Education Curriculum Scope and Sequence. This document ensures teaching programs are consistent and build on students prior knowledge. It provides teachers with a series of units for each year level  under the stands of Sacred Texts, Beliefs, Church and Christian Life. Each unit has a theme built around scripture and includes religious knowledge, understandings and skills. This year I will be working in collaboration with our staff to build teacher capacity and confidence to deliver the new programs.

Project Compassion

This week we meet 22 year old Ronita. She lives with her husband and two children in a barangay (local district) in Quezon City, which is situated in Metro Manila in the Philippines. 

Ronita left school when she became pregnant as a teenager. This could have had a life-long impact on her ability to find work and provide for her family but, thankfully, she heard about the Alternative Learning System (ALS) program run by the Faithful Companions of Jesus (FCJ), Caritas Australia’s local partner in the Philippines.

Through the FCJ, Ronita was able to re-enrol in her studies and continue learning in a safe and flexible environment – even with the arrival of her second child.

After completing her ALS classes, Ronita went on to earn her Grade 12 Senior High School Diploma. With her new diploma, Ronita has now secured a job at a call centre and is looking to a brighter future for her whole family. 

“I have now graduated senior school and I am so proud of myself,” she said. “I feel hopeful for the future… Now it’s not impossible for me to achieve my dream… Thank you.”  

Your contribution to Project Compassion can help people like Ronita and vulnerable communities face their challenges today and build a better tomorrow for all future generations. Click to watch Ronita’s story.

You can donate through Project Compassion donation boxes or online by visiting our school fundraising page:

https://schools.projectcompassion.org.au/o/st-michaels-primary-school-kaleen