This week is Laudato Si’ week, marking the seventh anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical (letter) to the world on ecology and climate. In his letter, Pope Francis invites us to adopt more sustainable lifestyles, to live more simply, to consume less and to be satisfied with ‘enough’ rather than always seeking more, in terms of material goods.

Household clutter we never use, single use items and food that are thrown away as waste are examples of overconsumption and people not satisfied with ‘enough’. One small change we could make this week might be more thoughtful buying. Before purchasing anything, we might ask – Do I need this? Will this make me happy? Whose lives will be impacted by this purchase? Where are there opportunities to make a change?

The emptier a person’s heart is, the more she or he needs to buy, own and consume.

Laudato Si 204

Mothers’ Day Breakfast

It was great that so many mums, grandmothers, carers and students were able to join us for our Mother’s Day breakfast. From very humble beginnings with about 15 mothers, it has moved to the hall and become a very important event on our school calendar. I would like to thank Ms Laura Cioccia (Family Engagement Leader), our wonderful Student Leaders and everyone who helped in the background to ensure that our guests felt spoilt, special and appreciated.

Our guest speaker for the morning was Sandra Nicholson, a former Assistant Commissioner with the Victoria Police. In her 35 years with the force, Sandra was a pioneer, taking on roles and responsibilities previously seen to be the reserve of male officers, and following a path few women had walked before. She spoke about the importance of mentoring and the support she had from many senior police officers, both male and female. It was inspiring to listen to hear her story. Her key takeaway message was to encourage us to take any and, all opportunities that come our way.

Arrangements for Feast Day

Next Friday 27 May, we will celebrate our Feast Day. School begins at the normal time of 8.40am and concludes at 3.10pm.

Over the past few weeks, Student Leaders have been working hard to plan the Feast Day Carnival, Year Level Teams are planning the pastoral care activities and the Liturgy Team is finalizing the mass. We are very appreciative of the work all groups are doing.

Due to cancellations over the past two years, it will be the first Feast Day for students in Years 7 – 9.

The day will include mass, pastoral care activities and the Feast Day carnival. It is always a terrific day and we are really looking forward to it.

Students can come in casual clothes and there is no charge for this. All carnival activities are free, however, there is a small cost for food. The canteen is open throughout the carnival and there will be a sausage sizzle and a range of treats. Students are encouraged to bring their lunch.

Fingers crossed that it is a fine day!

Canteen Week

Did you know that this is Canteen Week across Australian schools? We are lucky to have the most amazing staff in our canteen. Not only do they prepare delicious breakfasts, snacks and lunches, but they provide service with a smile at all times. A very big thank you to Wendy, Pauline, Adriana and Hayden – your warmth, deep sense of hospitality and care is very much appreciated by students, staff and families. Thank you.

NAPLAN Tests

Congratulations to all Years 7 and 9 students on the maturity and application they have demonstrated during the NAPLAN testing period.

Students and their families should receive the NAPLAN report in late Term 3 or early Term 4.

Newsletter Attachment: Nationally Consistent Collection Data (NCCD)

Please access information about the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data by clicking the links below. Schools have been collecting and forwarding this data since 2015. Both the State and Commonwealth governments use this data to inform funding to schools.

COVID Safe Practices

The State Government announced this week that families will continue to receive Rapid Antigen Tests every two weeks until the end of term. However, from next week the advice regarding testing has changed.

• Students no longer need to test twice a week.
• Instead, they need to test if they have any signs of cold or flu-like symptoms. 

It is important that students who are ill with cold and flu-like symptoms remain at home, even if they have a negative Rapid Antigen Test.

Newsletter

The newsletter is published fortnightly and available online on Day 10 (Friday Week 2).

Newsletter Days for Term 1 2022:           

Fridays:               03 June,     17 June