Welcome back to the start of Term 3. I mentioned to the students this week that we are now more then half way through our school year, which in some ways is a little frightening to think how quickly time goes. The students have returned to school very positively, it seems that they were able to 'recharge their batteries' during the two-week break. I hope that you were also able to find some time away from your normal routines to enjoy some time with your children.

This Term has some significant events - Parish Confirmation, Olymic-a-thon, Book Week, Annual Parish Celebration. Please keep an eye out for any information related to these events via our Newsletter and Compass.

Walking in Peace and Joy

This term we continue focusing on our school motto: Walk in Peace and Joy. As has been mentioned previously, we have been using such langauge as 'choosing kind' to help provide practical examples for the children of how they can live out our motto. We are also helping the students recognise their own strengths and the strengths of others, and to help them see that they can achieve more together.

New student toilets

Our new student toilets were accessible as of Monday morning this week. There was great excitement from many children - we have certainly had more children keen to go to the toilet! The old toilet and canteen has now become a work site as the construction company works on demolishing these buildings and constructing new ones. It is expected that this stage of the works will be completed during November.

God bless, 

WELCOME BACK TO TERM 3

We all hope the children and their families had a wonderful winter break. It certainly was well deserved after a busy Semester One. 

We look forward to the students engaging in new learning and experiences this term. There are some special events taking place this term for the whole school community. This begins next week with our Olympic-a-thon and some of our Year 6 students receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation.

TERM 3 CLASS CAPTAINS

It is wonderful to be recognised for leadership qualities. We have had many students from years 1 - 6 recognised for such qualities by their peers and teachers. We will congratulate these children who have been selected as Class Captains for this term and look forward to providing opportunities in which they can demonstrate their leadership skills.

These students will be provided with their badge at Monday mornings assembly- 5 August 2024. We will inform parents via Compass by the Friday before, who our Term 3 Class Captains are, so you might be available to grab a photo and see your child receive their badge.

We are confident that our student leaders will be great examples for others and demonstrate our Good Samaritan values.

NAIDOC WEEK

The celebration of NAIDOC Week 2024 took place during the school holidays from 7-14 July 2024. It is an opportunity for all Australians to come together to celebrate and recognise the contributions and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

Last term we had some of our Year 3 students visit John Therry Catholic College, Rosemeadow, for a special NAIDOC week celebration. Below are some thoughts from the students about their experience: 

*Isaac Jones- We got to go into the culture area and see some kangaroo skins while in there.

*Archie Scholes- We got to see their chickens and visit the garden.

*Nathaniel Craig- We went to the place where we got to do traditional aboriginal dances.

*Amara Chideu- We were able to watch and learn from other students how to do cultural dances.

*Koah Larence- I liked participating in the dance. We were in a circle and dancing in the style of an emu. 

*Matthew Phillips- We all were able to learn a traditional aboriginal dance and demonstrate the actions of a kangaroo and goanna.

*Nixon Nibre- The dancing was cool because they taught us how to do it.

On Tuesday, 23 July, our school community gathered together in liturgy to acknowledge NAIDOC Week. Thanks to Ms Polsen, Mrs Freeman and the student representatives that coordinated and led our prayer in recognition and celebration of our first nations people.

FEAST OF ST ANNE & ST JOACHIM

This Friday, 26 July, we celebrate the feast day for St Anne and St Joachim, the parents of Mary and grandparents of Jesus. Mary had good, faithful parents who raised her with a love and devotion to God like none other except Jesus Christ Himself.

Joachim and Anne serve as role models for parents and both deserve to be honoured and emulated for their devotion to God and Our Lady Mary, the Mother of God.

On this day we give thanks for all the grandparents and grandfriends, particularly in our school and parish community.

St. Anne & St. Joachim ……… pray for us.

Dearest Saints Joachim and Anne,

Pray that our families may grow in holiness and that our homes may become grace filled sanctuaries of love.

By your powerful intercession, protect and guide all grandparents that they may be great examples of faith.

In these current times of pandemic, Lord, please protect our Church, take care of our families, our parishioners and those who are sick.

Lord, we commend to you all those who are dear to us, especially at this time our parents and grandparents.

Amen.