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Dear Parents and Carers,
As we draw the term to a close I reflect on all the amazing events we have celebrated as a community, everything from Kinder starting at 'big school' to open classrooms, St Patrick's week, Holy Week, cross country, Easter Hat parade and raffle and much more Term One has proven to be action packed.
Next Friday, we will hold our End of Term Excellence Awards in the parish hall. All parents are most welcome to attend to share in our celebrations. If your child is receving a specific award, please keep an eye on your inbox as you will be receiving an invite to attend.
I am pleased to announce the resumption of school assemblies held on a Friday afternoon in the parish hall. This is an opportunity to come together as a community to celebrate the learning that is occurring in our classrooms and recognise the excellent work our students are undertaking in our classrooms. Parents are welcome to attend any assembly they wish. Below outlines when a specific grade will share some learning as part of assembly.
Term 2 Assembly Dates:
| Week 3 | Year 4 |
| Week 4 | Year 5 |
| Week 5 | Year 2 |
| Week 6 | Year 1 |
| Week 8 | Year 3 |
| Week 9 | Year 6 |
| Week 10 | Kindergarten |
A reminder that students return to school on Tuesday 30 April. On this day we will commemorate ANZAC day with a liturgy in the morning.
I hope that you experienced a happy and holy Easter and I wish your family a safe holiday period.
Regards
Mitchell Elks
Principal
Our PB4L focus for Week 11 of this Term is THINK before you speak.
In the explicit teaching lessons, the expected behaviours taught will be:
Before I speak, I need to ask myself if what I am going to say is true, kind, necessary, helpful, or inspiring. If the answer is no, then what I am about to say should be left unsaid.
We would very much appreciate you discussing this weekly focus with your children, and reviewing the expected and non-acceptable behaviours in an endeavour to see that St Patrick’s is a more respectful, responsible, and safe learning community for all.
PB4L Data
It is with pride that I inform you that over the last fortnight 47 students were given Citizenship, Merit or Library Awards whilst there were 7 incidents of Inappropriate behaviour recorded. Please strive to act respectfully, responsibly, and safely girls and boys.
Regards
Mr Gavan Hoctor
Assistant Principal
I would like to extend my genuine gratitude to all the students, families, and staff for your incredible generosity in donating to our ‘Goat for it!’ Project Compassion Fundraiser during the season of Lent. We raised an amazing $1018.47, most of which came from the class mission boxes, and a top up from our ice cream sale. The money will go towards a goat breeding program in Malawi, and it will allow for over 15 goats to be purchased.
We will be acknowledging and praying for ANZAC Day when we return from the school holidays with a whole school liturgy on Tuesday 30 April at 9am in the Parish Church. All family and community members are welcome to attend.
Please see below a spiritual reflection as shared with all staff of the Diocese of Wollongong.
Monday 8 April is the Feast of the Annunciation. Fr Tim Radcliffe in his book, Questioning God, identifies the many times in scripture where God initiates the dialogue with humanity and enters our world through conversation. Sometimes the conversation is directly with God, as it was for Moses, and at other times through the person of Jesus, the Holy Spirit, or an angel of the Lord. The Annunciation is one such time. This meeting between the angel and Mary, whilst dramatic and initially alarming for Mary, is another example of God entering this world through a conversation; a conversation that God begins. Once the angel is able to reassure Mary and relieve some of her fear, there is space and freedom for Mary to show her confusion, disbelief, ask her questions and finally, give her answer. Mary moves from questioning her worthiness to humbly participating in God’s will, accepting that God will be with her throughout what is ahead. When we stand in awe of the mystery of God, we can find ourselves both frightened and attracted and perplexed.
God can enter our lives in unexpected and subtle ways; through the giggle of a child, a stunning sunset at the end of a cloudy, dull day, an appreciated but unexpected apology, laughter with friends, a caring gesture from another, a much needed smile or listening to music that moves the soul. “And in these things and in our emotional responses in particular, we are surprised to experience God’s presence. To experience something we know not what! Something outside of ourselves. Something transcendent.” (James Martin, December 20, 2010).
James Martin, SJ writes about how God can enter our lives in this way when we are asked to take on a role or responsibility that we first think is beyond us and we can feel perplexed, confused and unworthy. Mary’s example reminds us to stay curious and have the courage to ask our questions and move from fear to freely and humbly participate. God sees us with loving eyes, initiates a conversation and invites our loving response and participation. God meets us through prayer, through other people and through nature and invites us to co-create and in our freedom, we respond.
During this Easter season and especially on the Feast of the Annunciation, let’s be aware of the presence of God in our lives and willingly accept the invitation to listen and respond with love, humility, awe and gratitude, just as Mary did and reflect God’s love to others. Don’t let fear stop us from living life to the full.
From 30 April until 10 May children may wear summer or winter uniform depending on the weather. From Monday 13 May, students must be in full winter uniform. The Uniform Dress Code is attached for your information.
