Dear Families,

This term staff and students have worked extremely hard in growing their faith, learning and wellbeing. Staff have begun the process of learning about engagement and what it actually is and will spend time on the first day back next term diving in deeper to fully understand what true engagement in learning looks, sounds and feels like. Our goal this year is: “Through high expectations and targeted feedback our students will be engaged in their learning.” We are on our way in deepening our understanding with this.

In order to achieve this we are unpacking the CEDoW Faith, Learning and Wellbeing Framework.  This framework provides researched strategies that have the highest levels of impact in student learning and wellbeing. We have spent time looking at the High Impact Teaching Strategies (HITS) and how these inform our practice.  It is our intention that we will hold a parent forum in Week Five Wednesday 28 May 6:30 pm to unpack this framework with families. Save the date so you can come and be a part of the journey.

As the term draws to a close I would like to sincerely wish you all a holy and safe Easter Holiday period.  At the start of the year I spoke about the Jubilee Year. This is a prayer especially for the Jubilee and encourages us to be Pilgrims of Hope.

Father in heaven,

may the faith you have given us in your Son, Jesus Christ, our brother, and the flame of charity enkindled in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, reawaken in us the blessed hope for the coming of your Kingdom.

May your grace transform us into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel. May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos in the sure expectation of a new heaven and a new earth, when, with the powers of evil vanquished, your glory will shine eternally.

May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope, a yearning for the treasures of heaven.

May that same grace spread the joy and peace of our Redeemer throughout the earth. To you, our God, eternally blessed, be glory and praise forever.

 Amen.

God Bless,

Katie Browne

Principal

Parent and Friends

The P&F have had a huge term and have raised just over $10000 between the Trivia Night, Easter Raffle and Bulbs. We also had a number of parents and staff volunteer their time on the weekend to be on the gates at Brigadoon which was a huge success and a beautiful day out. Thank you to all our families who have contributed in some way whether it be through attending events, helping  to organise, providing easter eggs or purchasing tickets. Your support is greatly appreciated.

We are waiting patiently for the building project to begin. Until this does we will need to wait on some decisions about where the funds go until we know the impact of the building on the playgrounds. We will also be looking to purchase an electronic sign for the front of the school. Thank you to our volunteers who have worked extremely hard to build our welcoming and inclusive community.

Building Update

During the holidays three demountable classrooms will be arriving. During term two, three classes will relocate into these demountable classrooms in preparation for the building project. This project is long overdue and we are almost there. I would like to thank the community for your patience in what has been a longer than usual process and has been out of the hands of the properties team who have been consistently trying to speed things up to no avail. It is hopeful that we will have a formal announcement after the holiday period with specific dates and timelines.

Catholic Care counselling and groups.

Catholic Care has been consulting with us in order to provide services for families in the Southern Highlands. Currently services are provided in the Illawarra and Macarthur area and families from the Southern Highlands can attend although this is not ideal, hence the reason we have been consulting to bring the service to the Southern Highlands.

Catholic Care surveyed families and found  parents are seeking additional support in how to help their children manage their mental health and wellbeing. As a result they have put together some group sessions to provide support for families.  Groups will be available in the St Paul’s School Hall from Term 2 and Catholic Care will also be available to support families with counselling services at a location to be determined. Bookings must be made directly with Catholic Care. Please see the flyer for further information on how to do this. This is a great opportunity for families and we encourage you to consider how it can be of support for you.

Attendance

Regular school attendance is important for faith, learning and wellbeing growth. CEDoW launched an updated attendance policy this year and there are new procedures in managing attendance. Parents are discouraged from taking their children on holidays during school time. Any time away that equals five or more days must have the following form completed. 

https://forms.dow.catholic.edu.au/to/yVv9DA.

When you go to add the absence into compass if your dates are five or more days then you will be automatically redirected to complete this form.

Should you have any issues please contact the school office.