Lent - Holy Week Liturgies 

Holy Week is fast approaching and as we won’t be at school when this occurs, we will be  acknowledging this most important time in the church calendar with Holy Week liturgies across Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday next week. Students from Year 5 and 6 will be role-playing the events of Holy Week with the assistance of a narrator. This solemn time helps us to better understand Jesus’ love for us through the many trials He had to endure. Thank you in advance to Mrs Cudina and Miss Figueira for their leadership.

Cross Country

We were blessed with fantastic weather today for our annual cross country event. It was heartwarming to see the support and encouragement offered by our students towards one another no matter what age groups were running.

I would like to thank the sports committee for their efforts in bringing this day of fun to fruition. In particular thank you to Mrs Cudina, Mr Mindzas, Miss Elchaar and Mr Hoctor. Thank you to everyone for their role to play, particularly our parent volunteers, without which the day could not go ahead.

Staff Professional Learning - Last Day Term One

On Friday next week the staff of St Patrick’s will join with the staff from St Brigid’s, Holy Cross and St Michael’s to engage in professional learning on assessment and moderation. Part of the day will be led by Professor Jim Tognolini and subsequent sessions will be facilitated by the principals from the four schools. Staff will have the opportunity to hear more about ‘Modern Assessment Theory’ and engage in moderation activities using writing samples. We look forward to working with our colleagues from other single stream diocesan schools.

Term One - Excellence Awards

We look forward to acknowledging a number of our students at our End of Term ‘Excellence Awards’ which will occur next Thursday morning at 9:00am. If your child is receiving one of these awards you will have already been notified via email.

Term 2 Calendar dates

Early next week a Term Two calendar will be shared with you to help you plan ahead. We will aim to capture as much as possible at this time, however more things are sure to arise over the course of the term and we will communicate these dates with you as they arise.

This will be the last newsletter of the term, therefore I would like to wish each of you a Holy and Happy Easter.  

Kind regards
Mr Mitchell Elks
Principal

St Patrick’s Week

Thank you for celebrating the faith, heritage, and inspiring life of St. Patrick with us. Known as the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick’s teachings and missionary work continue to inspire us in our journey of faith.

St. Patrick’s story is one of resilience and devotion. After being taken to Ireland as a young man, he later returned as a missionary, spreading the message of Christianity and using the shamrock to illustrate the Holy Trinity. His legacy reminds us of the power of faith and perseverance.

Let us be inspired by St. Patrick’s example and strive to bring the light of Christ into the world.

Dear Parents,

As we journey through Holy Week, we are invited to reflect on the profound love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This sacred time, beginning with Palm Sunday and culminating in Easter Sunday, provides a meaningful opportunity for families to deepen their faith and grow closer to God together.

Holy Week begins with Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, reminding us of the joy and hope that His presence brings. As we progress through the week, we commemorate the Last Supper on Holy Thursday, reflect on Jesus’ Passion and sacrifice on Good Friday, and celebrate the victory of His Resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Here are some ways to engage your family in this spiritual journey:

• Attend Services Together: Participating in Mass, Stations of the Cross, or other church events can help children understand the significance of Holy Week.
• Read Scripture as a Family: Reflecting on passages from the Bible that narrate Jesus' journey to the Cross and His Resurrection can be a powerful way to bring the story to life.
• Create Meaningful Traditions: Simple acts like making palm crosses, praying the Rosary, or preparing a special Easter meal can deepen your family's faith experience.
• Emphasise the Joy of Easter: Easter Sunday is a time of great celebration! Share the message of hope and new life by decorating eggs, enjoying time together, and remembering Christ’s love.

May this Holy Week and Easter be a time of grace and renewal for your family. May the Risen Christ fill your hearts with peace, joy, and faith.

Easter Sunday Reflection

Reflection:
Happy Easter! These simple words changed everything: "He has risen." Without the resurrection, Christianity would be just another philosophy. But because Jesus conquered death, we have living hope. Notice the angel adds "just as he said"—Jesus had predicted His resurrection, showing He had power over death. The invitation to "come and see" reminds us that faith isn't based on wishful thinking but on historical evidence—an empty tomb that could be verified. Easter isn't just about celebrating spring or new beginnings; it's about rejoicing that death doesn't have the final word. Because Jesus lives, we too will live beyond the grave.

Reflection Questions:

• How does the resurrection of Jesus impact my understanding of life and death? 
• What does it mean to live a new life in Christ, as described in Romans 6:8-11? 
• How can I better follow Jesus' example of love, service, and sacrifice? 
• What are the specific ways I can share the message of hope and resurrection with others? 
• How can I cultivate a deeper sense of hope and joy in my own life, especially during times of difficulty? 

Kind regards
Miss Casey Figueira and Mrs Olivia Cudina
Acting Religious Coordinators