Dear Parents/Carers,

Dear Lord,

As we enter into a new term make us ready, attentive and available to hear you.

Thank You for the gift of being able to rise each day with the assurance that You walk through it with us.

Thank You for the gifts of creativity and uniqueness, and the energy to put them to good use.

May all that we are today, all that we try to do today, may all our encounters, reflections, even the frustrations and failings all be placed in your hands.

May the work we do and the way we do it, bring new hope, new life, and courage to all with whom we come in contact. We thank you, Lord.

Amen.

Welcome back to a new term. I hope that during the student holiday period you were able to spend some quality family time and enjoy getting out of the normal routines for a while. The children have returned to school looking refreshed and ready to engage in their learning and to reconnect with their friends.

On the last day of Term 1 we held a very successful Cross Country Carnival. The weather was in our favour, and it was wonderful to be able to give the children an opportunity to compete on a more authentic Cross Country course. I would like to acknowledge the support that we received from parents who were able to volunteer on the day in many ways - as a Marshall on the course, a timekeeper or place judge, or assisting with the snow cones. I would also like to thank Mrs Tracy New, our PE teacher, for coordinating the day. She worked extremely hard to ensure the children had a great day.

We began our term on Monday with a moving ANZAC Day service to honour those Australians who have served in the armed forces, especially those who made the supreme sacrifice. Such a service provided an opportunity for the students to learn more about the significance of the day and how it helped to shape some of the things that our nation values. 

I would like to thank the students who were able to participate in the Campbelltown RSL March and Service last Thursday. They were wonderful ambassadors for our school and ensured that we could support the local community in this significant event.

Passing of Bishop Peter Ingham

Sadly, our diocese mourns the death of Bishop Peter Ingham who was the Bishop of the Wollongong Diocese from 2001 to 2018. Those of you with older children may have had Bishop Peter confirm them, or possibly you met him at other events. He was always a very warm and friendly person, and really showed the love of Christ to all he met in the way he listened carefully and gave generously of his time. He leaves a legacy of pastoral care, a deep connection to faith, humility and a good sense of humour, and will be dearly missed by many.

Wishing you a safe and blessed week,

Paul Moroney
Principal

ANZAC DAY COMMEMORATIONS

On ANZAC Day we think about all those who have served defending our rights and freedoms to live in this beautiful country. 

Thank you to the students, parents and teachers who gave up their time to represent our school this morning at the Campbelltown RSL Anzac Day March. We met at Campbelltown Mall before 8.15am. Then we marched along Queen Street with many other schools and groups to Mawson Park. A very moving service commenced just after 9am. 

Congratulations to the students for the wonderful respect they demonstrated throughout the ceremony.

On Monday, 29 April, we held a Prayer at morning assembly to recognise ANZAC Day and remember all the brave men and women who have served our nation in conflict and peace-keeping missions. This year we commemorate the 109th anniversary of the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops on the Gallipoli peninsula in 1915. 

Thank you to Mrs Guyer, Mr Toohey, Mr Nash, Mr Moroney and our Year 6 student leaders in leading our prayer. 

A special thank you to the Immediate Past President of the RSL, NSW, Mr Ray James OAM who led ‘The Ode’. We appreciate the time he gave us and thank him for his service and work with the RSL to support men and women who have served for our country.

May- MONTH OF THE ROSARY                                                                                                                May is the month we dedicate to Mary, the Mother of God and Mother of the Church, whom we honour as the first disciple. We recognise Mary as the one who listened and responded by saying yes to God.  

This month we particularly encourage the praying of the Rosary at school and at home, a prayer that is special in the Catholic tradition. The Rosary dates back a long way in the history of the Church and traditionally consisted of three sets of mysteries: Joyful, Sorrowful and Glorious. The optional Mysteries of Light were added in 2002 by Pope John Paul II. 

The Website below provides details about the rosary:

http://www.rosary-center.org/howto.htm

PARENT COMMUNICATION SURVEY

A special thank you to all the parents and carers who responded to our Parent Communication Survey last term. We had over 100 responses to the survey. The information provided was extremely valuable and is being shared with staff at a meeting today.

This term teachers will be sharing children’s work with parents/carers. We know this will provide insights into children’s learning and progress. Further details will be provided about this in next week’s newsletter.

Happy Birthday to the following students and staff who are celebrating their birthday this week   14th April - 4th May

Students are to be wearing their winter school unfiorm from Monday 13 May. Up until that date, they are able to wear either the summer or winter uniform (not a combination of both) while we are in a transition between seasons.

Week 11 - Awards: INFANTS

CROSS COUNTRY

 On the last day of Term 1, we held our school Cross Country Carnival at Hurley Park. We were blessed with beautiful weather and a great community atmosphere was created. Congratulations to all of the students who participated in the Fun Run and Competitive races. A special mention to those students who placed in the top three places in their race.

The top three places from the 8/9 Years through to 12/13 Years will now travel to Nowra next Tuesday to represent our school at the Wollongong Diocese Cross Country Championships. We wish them all the best!

A big THANK YOU to the amazing parents and friends who volunteered on the day. Without your help the carnival would not have been as successful. Thank you also to the P&F for giving the students the opportunity to purchase a refreshing Snow Cone after their race.

Mrs Tracy New