Dear Parents, Friends, Staff and Students

Pentecost Sunday on 5th May marks the conclusion of the Easter Season.  It is often referred to as the “Birth of the Church.”  The disciples of Jesus received the gift of the Holy Spirit to give them the strength and courage they required to go out and spread the word of God throughout the known world.  Pentecost is particularly significant to our Year 6 students who are preparing to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit through Confirmation. It was my pleasure to join the Year 6 students, Ms Zurzolo and parents this morning for their Liturgy of the Word reflecting upon the gift of the Holy Spirit and the significance of the Feast of Pentecost.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of the faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.

(Gospel Verse, Jn 20:19-23)

First Communion

Congratulations to the students who received their First Communion over the weekend. The ceremony was a holy and reverent occasion, and the students were most responsive to receiving Jesus for the first time in the Holy Eucharist.  We hope the students will continue to receive the gift of the Jesus in the Eucharist as regularly as possible throughout their lives.  Sincerest thanks to Ms Jordyn Sheldrick, Fr Joseph and the staff and parishioners for their support on the day.

Student Concerns – Social, Emotional and Academic

All of us, as parents, have concerns from time to time when things at school influence our children.  Home is a “safe place” and this is where children are most likely to raise their feelings about their friends, their school work or how they are feeling about a particular incident.  The school yard reflects society because it teaches students the things they need to know for life – negotiation, collaboration, give and take, conflict resolution, navigating mean words and comments, and so on.  As much as we would do anything to protect our students from negative feelings or negative incidents at school, things do occur that we need to deal with.  The teaching staff rely on our parents to keep us informed when incidents occur that require further attention or investigation.  Our teachers will always try to get to the bottom of things and assist where they can.  Please always inform teachers about any concerns you may have.  It is always best to deal with issues as quickly as possible.  We can’t cater for our student wellbeing effectively without your help.  In my experience, conversations can solve small issues quickly, before they grow into bigger issues that require more time and effort.

National Reconciliation Week

Students have participated in arrange of activities to mark National Reconciliation Week.  In particular, our Year 3-6 students participated in an Aboriginal Waterways Incursion to learn about water and Aboriginal culture.  Thanks to Tristan from the Water Corporation for facilitating the incursion. The Year 6 class have written some excellent reflections about National Reconciliation Week.  I have included some paraphrased excerpts for you.

National Reconciliation is an important time for all Australians, especially Aboriginals, regarding the terrible acts we have done to them in the past…Let us be WINYAN for the discrimination we have committed but have the bravery to make change for our future. We accept people for who they are, no matter their race, culture, or gender. As Australian, we must learn to not commit the same mistakes past generations have done and choose what is right, not only for ourselves, but for the sake of others. Be Brave. Make Change.  

By Julian

Change is important. Change is essential. Change is something that we need to do…On February 13th 2008, Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, made a Sorry Day Speech. He apologised for the discrimination of Indigenous people because he felt WINYAN. We Need to Be Brave. Make a Change for the benefit of ALL Australians.

By Ella

Aboriginal people have lived for over 60,000 years and today they are only 3% of the Australian population. We apologise for the Stolen Generation of 50,000 children that were taken away from their family. How would you like it if you were in their shoes? …We should be WINYAN (be sorrowful) to all the Indigenous people and see their amazing traditions and cultures. We need to be brave to make a change in our country, Australia. 

By Ruby 

Save the Date – Cybersafe Parent Workshop

The P&F have organised a parent wine and cheese workshop evening, facilitated by Paul Litherland from Surf Online Safe, about Cybersafety for children.  The workshop will take place on Wednesday 2nd November at 7.00pm.  Please save the date.

School Climate Parent Survey

The school climate survey will remain open until 5.00pm on Friday.  Please take the time to complete the survey so we can use your ideas and feedback to assist us in guiding our school improvement journey.  The survey can be accessed at: http://www.nsipartnerships.com.au/ 

Congratulations to all Participants in the Cross Country Carnival

Next Week

Best wishes to the Year 5 Mini Vinnies as they commence Milo Mornings on Wednesday.  Please come along and enjoy a warm Milo and support the St Vincent De Paul Winter Appeal.

On Tuesday and Wednesday we will commence fund raising for the Archbishops’ LifeLink Appeal with a Pyjama Day for students and staff.  The Pre-Kindy students are invited to wear their pyjamas to school on Tuesday and students from Kindy to Year 6 are invited to wear pyjamas to school on Wednesday.  Please bring a gold coin donation.

Best of luck to the Pre-Primary class and their teachers for a wonderful assembly on Friday 10th June. We look forward to welcoming parents and visitors to enjoy the Pre-Primary presentation.

I look forward to welcoming parents and visitors to the Year 3 class assembly at 9.00am on Friday 3rd June. 

Enjoy the long weekend and let’s hope this is the weekend when the West Coast Eagles will do us proud! 

Warmest regards

Therese Hussey
Principal