Newsletter Term 1 Week 6, 2025

Carparking Concerns and Safety Measures

We continue to face challenges with carparking during pick-up and drop-off times around the school. As responsible road users, we must adhere to all road and directional signs. The council has been contacted regarding the Railway Terrace parking situation and has been conducting regular visits. We are also consulting with Traffic Management Engineers to develop the safest possible carparking solution for our students and families, including a "kiss and go" zone. We kindly ask all road users to act responsibly and follow the guidelines to ensure everyone's safety.

Staff Development and High Impact Teaching Strategies

On Friday, our staff engaged with our CESA System Coach to explore high impact teaching and learning strategies. This session was an excellent introduction to the system's direction focused on High Impact Teaching and Learning which is being facilitated by TeachWell and is aimed at supporting students in developing skills across all learning areas.

Facilities Update

Over the weekend, we gained access to our resurfaced courts, which will be available for student use from today. The installation of backboards will be completed in the coming weeks, finalising this area. Additionally, the roofing works are nearing completion. We have also trimmed the trees surrounding the oval and tidied the yard. The playground is progressing well, and we hope to have it ready just before the start of Term 2 – we are hoping to induct students into this area prior to the end of the term so they are all aware as to how to use and access the space with care and respect.

NAPLAN Assessments

This week, our Year 3 and Year 5 students will participate in the NAPLAN assessments. We remind all parents and carers that these assessments are a snapshot of learning in specific areas. It is important to remember that each child has unique strengths and talents. Whether your child excels in these assessments or not, please support and encourage them. Remind them that their worth is not defined by a number on a page, they are so much more than this.

Celebrate their individuality and reassure them of your unconditional love and support. Every child has the potential to achieve great things in life, regardless of a score.

School Leadership Badges

The school leadership badges have arrive, and we will be sending out the invitations to parents shortly to attend an assembly where these will be presented to the students in front of the school community.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.

Warm regards
Sean

Pilgrims of Hope – Project Compassion

Lent is a time of reflection, prayer, and generosity. As we journey together as Pilgrims of Hope, we are reminded of the importance of giving to those in need. One way we can do this is by supporting Project Compassion, an initiative by Caritas Australia that provides much-needed relief to vulnerable communities around the world.

Fundraising plays a vital role in ensuring that these life-changing programs continue. Every donation, no matter how small, helps provide food, clean water, education, and support to those facing hardship. By working together and giving all we can, we can make a real difference in the lives of others.

All students have now been issued a Project Compassion box, please, if it is at all possible, give what you can and ensure the box comes back to us before the end of Term 1. Thanking you all in advance.

Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday

As predicted in my last newsletter entry, ‘a very exciting time awaits us as we venture into Lent (Week 6), then Easter’ and oh my goodness, this week has been exciting indeed starting with delicious pancakes followed by an Ash Wednesday blessing. A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Wonderful Volunteers: without our amazing family volunteers: Sue, Julie, Emma, Carmen, Christine, Renee, Beth, Caitie and Hayley, Pancake Day and other special events would not be possible. Your generosity and dedication help create joyful moments for our students, turning smiles into grins! Your unwavering support means more than you realise, and we are truly grateful for the time and effort you give to our school community. Thank you for making a difference!

Celebrating Harmony, Inclusiveness, and Faith

Harmony Day is upon us, and we are excited to celebrate the inclusiveness and unity that this special day represents. Alongside Harmony Day, we also honour St. Patrick’s Feast Day and St. Joseph’s Feast Day—two saints who faithfully followed God. St. Patrick and St. Joseph were known for their patience, hard work, and inclusivity, reminding us that to live in harmony, we too must include others, be patient, and nurture our relationships.

To mark these celebrations, students are encouraged to wear orange (for Harmony Day), green (for St. Patrick), or brown (for St. Joseph) with a gold coin donation supporting a worthy cause – Project Compassion.

We also invite families to join us for the Year 1TB liturgy on Friday, 21st March, at 9:30 AM in the Veritas Centre. Let’s come together as a community to celebrate faith, unity, and the spirit of inclusion.

Linda Caldinez
APRIM

In Year 2, learning is an exciting adventure where students become hands-on explorers, creative thinkers, and problem solvers! Through fun experiments and activities, they work together as a team to observe, ask questions, and test their ideas. Whether it's building structures, carrying out science experiments, or solving puzzles, they’re always engaged and eager to learn. As communicators, they share their discoveries and work collaboratively to solve challenges. Every day is filled with opportunities for creativity, curiosity, and teamwork, making learning both enjoyable and meaningful!