They recognised him in the breaking of the bread.

Lk 24:13-35

Dear Families,

Pope Francis has named 2024 as the year of Prayer. He said, “I would greatly desire that we devote 2024, the year preceding the Jubilee event, to a great “symphony” of prayer. Prayer, above all else, to renew our desire to be in the presence of the Lord, to listen to him and to adore him. Prayer, moreover, to thank God for the many gifts of his love for us and to praise his work in creation, which summons everyone to respect it and to take concrete and responsible steps to protect it. Prayer as the expression of a single “heart and soul” (cf. Acts 4:32), which then translates into solidarity and the sharing of our daily bread. Prayer that makes it possible for every man and woman in this world to turn to the one God and to reveal to him what lies hidden in the depths of their heart. Prayer as the royal road to holiness, which enables us to be contemplative even in the midst of activity. In a word, may it be an intense year of prayer in which hearts are opened to receive the outpouring of God’s grace and to make the “Our Father,” the prayer Jesus taught us, the life programme of each of his disciples”. As we celebrate Holy Week and prepare for the Easter season may we find time to sit in the prayerful presence of God. May we recognise God in those moments that we would not normally consider.  I would like to wish our families and friends a safe and holy Easter weekend and may you find the time to connect with each other fulfilling.

Thank you and God Bless,

Student PB4L team

This term we have started a student PB4L team who meet with Mrs Calla-Hunstone to address issues that come up regarding the school’s PB4L procedures. The first item on their agenda were the Soccer Rules. The meetings are voluntary and children are encouraged to attend if the items being discussed are something they feel passionate about. The children who have been attending have already made a range of other suggestions for the school and we are very excited to see what they produce. We will keep you posted.

New Soccer Rules

The student PB4L team worked with Mrs Calla-Hunstone to develop new soccer rules for school. The team are to be congratulated on their work and understanding that the rules needed to ensure all children would be safe while playing and feel included. Recently some of our students wrote some persuasive pieces of writing expressing their disappointment with the new rules. This resulted in some great discussion about why the rules need to be written the way they are.  Mrs Browne discussed the rules from the local soccer club and identified that they are not dissimilar. For example, slide tackles are not allowed in junior games. Other discussion points included the  purpose behind break times. It was established that break times are to ensure students have a chance to get outside and run around in order to burn off energy, spend time in the fresh air and sun, to socialise with friends  and to have a break from inside learning activities. A third discussion point was about mindset and how we go out to break. If we go out with the positive mindset that it is not the soccer world cup, but rather a chance to ensure we have some fun and everyone is included then it will be more enjoyable. Finally it was discussed that, “having your say is not the same as having your way” however if you feel passionate about something it is really important to speak up and do your research and learn the facts so you can contribute to the conversation in an informed way. This means attending PB4L meetings and contributing to the discussion. Being a part of the group discussion  will help one to understand  different points of view and perspectives and together a positive solution will most likely be reached. We call this collaboration. Mrs Browne praised the children for their writing and let them know should issues continue to come up to bring them to the attention of the student PB4L team so they can be discussed and a resolution found.

Staff Spirituality Day - Friday 5 April (Pupil Free Day)

On Friday 5 April Staff will be attending their Spirituality Day at Jamberoo Abbey. On this day staff will engage with the key documents: Bearers of Christ Love, LTW23+ and the school's vision and mission statements. These will be animated by exploring purpose, values and principles while discerning the way to be an authentic community that is a place of encounter with Jesus and the Good News. As leaders and teachers in a system of Catholic schools it is vital that we nourish our own faith so we can then support the community in developing theirs. The school is not open and staff will not be onsite for the whole day.

REC Appraisal

On Tuesday a panel met to go through Ms duBois self appraisal report and view data in order to provide a report that affirms her achievements and provides areas for growth in the REC role. This process was affirming for Catherine and she is to be acknowledged for the work she has been doing as REC and the work she put into developing her report for the panel.

System Professional Learning

Today Mrs Browne, Mr Farrugia and Ms DuBois have attended professional learning. This learning was titled “A Living Catholicity shaping student faith, learning and wellbeing.” Mr John Walsh has been the relief principal at school today. We thank John for taking care of our school while we have engaged in this important professional learning.

SSO and Teacher Collaboration Meetings

These meetings were recently held to provide time for school support officers and teachers to collaborate around the work SSOs do in the classroom. This encourages careful planning and dedicated and targeted support to ensure students have the best level of support at all times.  It also ensures that conversations on the run are purposeful and meaningful rather than being of an ad hoc nature with little or no planning and preparation. The discussions at these meetings were rich and supportive of the work SSOs and teachers do.

NAPLAN

We have now completed NAPLAN testing. Thank you to the staff and students for working hard to ensure everyone approached the tests feeling prepared and with confidence. We now wait patiently for the results so we can examine the data and look to see where we are going well and where we should focus our attention.

Harmony Day

This was a wonderful event. Thank you to the Mini Vinnies team for working to raise much needed funds for Caritas Australia. The range of cultures in our school is something to be proud of. It was so wonderful to see the different cultural costumes and to hear children talking about their family’s history. Embracing  our diversity supports us in achieving our vision to create a faithful, compassionate community that aspires to lifelong learning. 

Animals at School

We kindly ask that families not bring animals onto the school site unless it has been pre arranged with the principal. Some children are allergic or have deep fears that can be triggered by the presence of an animal. This includes pet dogs at pick up time and drop off in the mornings. Children can from time to time show an animal for news. This must be pre arranged so we can endure the safety of all children. Thank you for your understanding.

Catherine du Bois

Religious Education Coordinator

On Wednesday 20th March, Tahlia, Milton, Sofia and Scout attended the Wollongong Environment Network Day at St Paul’s in Albion Park. The Students listened and learned about ways we can care for the environment. They had a great time making a “no sew” tote bag and listened to guest speaker Pip Kiernan from Clean Up Australia. They are looking forward to sharing their ideas and knowledge as our new Environmental Ambassadors at St Paul’s.

Please see below the calendar overview for Term 1 2024:

We we have a company called Lunch Bunch Canteens who will be fulfilling our lunch orders each Tuesday and Thursday.

Please find the menu below and how to order details.

Congratulations to the following students who were awarded the Principal's Award in Week 8

Congratulations to the following students who were awarded a Merit Award in Week 8

Congratulations to the following students who were awarded a Mission Star Award in Week 8

Chess Mentor Awards:

Week 9:

https://www.swapit.hnehealth.nsw.gov.au/resources/parent-resources/lunchbox-myths/

SEL Focus

Having a Conversation

Social Awareness

1. Look at the person.
2. Use a pleasant voice.
3. Listen to what the other person says, 
4. When there is a break in the conversation, ask a question or share your thoughts.