2025 T2W4 – 21 May

Next week, is National Reconciliation Week, a time to reflect on unity, respect, and healing. As a Catholic school, we are called to walk together in faith, to listen, learn, and grow in understanding. Our students are engaging with the rich cultures of First Nations peoples, and reflecting on fairness, compassion, and justice.

Cross Country Carnival

Our school value of Excellence was on full display last Friday at the Cross Country Carnival at Rowe Park. Students gave their best effort, demonstrating great sportsmanship and determination. Congratulations to all participants, and a big thank you to our Physical Education Specialist, Miss Wallace, as well as our dedicated staff and parent volunteers who helped make the event a success.

First Holy Communion

A special congratulations to our Year 4 students who celebrated their First Holy Communion last Friday evening. It was a privilege to share this special moment with them. Thank you to Fr. Peter Whitely for leading the Mass, Mrs Wills and our school Choir, and to Mrs. Gibbs and Sr. Catherine for their invaluable preparation and guidance.

Feast of Our Lady Help of Christians

The Feast of Our Lady Help of Christians is a special day in the Catholic Church. It reminds us that Mary, the mother of Jesus, is always there to help and guide us. This feast is especially important because Mary is the Patron Saint of Australia. Our Year 3 students led a beautiful prayer service in the Church on Wednesday, reminding us of Mary’s guidance and care.

National Simultaneous Storytime

We also joined in the annual National Simultaneous Storytime, a wonderful initiative that promotes the joy of reading. This year’s book, The Truck Cat by Deborah Frenkel and illustrated by Danny Snell, encourages kindness and compassion—values we nurture in our students every day.

WEEKLY FOCUS
Over the past two weeks, our students have been focusing on the important school values of inclusivity and compassion. Through classroom discussions, collaborative projects, and reflections during morning gatherings, students have explored what it means to welcome and support others in both words and actions. We have been incredibly proud to see how these values are being lived out in our playgrounds, classrooms, and wider school community.
EDU-DANCE
EduDance rehearsals are now in full swing! It  has been wonderful to see the energy and enthusiasm from students across all year levels. They have been working hard during their weekly practice sessions to learn choreography and prepare for their performance. We are looking forward to showcasing their efforts at the EduDance concert in Week Nine, which again will take place in our undercover area. We have investigated holding the event off-campus, however there are multiple logistical arrangements that have worked against us for our concert. As with 2024, we look forward to a fun community event of dance!
MID-YEAR REPORTS
Mid-year reports will be available to parents and caregivers via SEQTA Engage on the afternoon of Monday 30 June. These reports provide a comprehensive overview of your child’s progress across all learning areas studied. Personal and Interpersonal indicators are also included with comments to further explain grades. Teachers will spend significant time, often outside of school hours, to prepare these important documents that highlight student strengths, identify areas for growth, and support ongoing learning goals for the second half of the year. New families will receive an invite to create a Seqta Engage account prior to reports being made available.

SLIP LANE
A kind reminder to all parents and carers to use the school slip lane patiently and considerately. To help ensure safety and efficiency during busy drop-off and pick-up times, we ask that drivers remain in their vehicles and move forward as space allows. Your cooperation in using the slip lane correctly makes a significant difference in keeping our school environment safe for all members of our community.
ROWE PARK
On occasions, students may walk with staff to and from Rowe Park, primarily for sport sessions or outdoor learning activities. These walks are always supervised by staff to ensure student safety. Rowe Park affords our older students in Years Five and Six the opportunity for more space during Friday lunch and Sport activities.
CHILDREN’S ONLINE PRIVACE CODE CONSULTATION
A request from the Privacy Commissioner for consultation with children, young people and parents has been made. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner has been tasked with developing the Children’s Online Privacy Code.  They are reaching out for children, young people and parents to tell the OAIC what is important to them when it comes to safety online.

Carly Kind, the Privacy Commissioner, says ‘Privacy plays an important role in the lives of children and young people. Children need and deserve a better online environment, and the Children’s Online Privacy code will help build just that.’ The consultation period is open until Monday 30th June.  To engage, you can find more information here.