Carmel's News
Beginning of Year Mass (5th Feb), Welcome Picnic (7th Feb)
The beginning-of-year picnic and Mass at St. Catherine's were truly special occasions, bringing together students, staff and families in a spirit of unity and joy. It was a wonderful way to start the school year with faith, fellowship and a shared commitment to the values that unite us.
The Beginning of School Year Mass was not only a celebration of the start of the school year but also a reminder of the strong sense of belonging and support that defines the St. Catherine's family. The Mass served as a beautiful moment of reflection and gratitude for the journey ahead. The Year 6 Leaders received a special blessing. Father Jacob also blessed the class prayer canvases. The Foundation class will have theirs blessed at their buddy mass on Wednesday, 26th March.
The picnic provided a relaxed and enjoyable environment for all to mingle and build lasting connections. The atmosphere at the picnic was filled with smiling faces and laughter, making it a perfect way to kick off the school year. Families had the opportunity to meet and reconnect, while new members were warmly welcomed into the St. Catherine’s community. Thank you to Julia Runci and the P & F for providing cool drinks and ice cream treats for purchase.
We welcomed the opportunity to thank Jo Szczepanska and Candice Peart (in absentia) who donated their time to workshop mural concepts and designs with the students and families. Jo was presented with a beautiful plant and chocolates in appreciation from the students.
Father Jacob: Dear Lord, we ask for Your blessings upon these class prayer canvasses as they represent the faith and unity of these students. May it remind them of Your love and guidance throughout this school year. Protect them, inspire them to learn and grow, and help them to be kind and compassionate towards one another. We trust in Your presence, now and always. AMEN
Father Jacob: Lord our God, in Your wisdom and love, surround us with the mysteries of the universe. Send Your spirit upon these Year 6 students and fill them with Your wisdom and blessings. Grant that they may devote themselves to their studies and draw even closer to You, the source of all knowledge. We give thanks to God for the gifts that these students bring to our school community and may they be disciples of Your love, treasuring the gift of faith as they continue to grow in friendship with Jesus. We ask this through Christ Jesus your Son. AMEN
Year 6 Leadership Applications Underway
Our Year 6 students are currently in the process of applying for Leadership positions for 2025. They have been working closely with Mrs. Harvey and Miss Dunne to explore the essential qualities and skills of effective leaders. As part of their application, each student has written a response to the following key questions:
- What do you believe is the role of a leader, and why are you interested in the position you're applying for?
- What leadership qualities do you possess? (Please provide examples and explanations).
On Thursday and Friday, all students had individual meetings with myself and Mrs Moore to discuss their applications. This provided them with an additional opportunity to share their leadership aspirations. It was a valuable experience for them as they continue to develop the skills needed to lead their peers in 2025.
Following these meetings, Mrs Moore and I will collaborate with a team to finalise our selections. The new student leaders will be announced on Wednesday.
We invite all Year 6 families to join us for a Year 6 Leadership Morning Tea at 9:00 am on Monday, 24th February to celebrate this exciting milestone.
2025 School Theme ‘We are Pilgrims of Hope’
Please enjoy our Pilgrims of Hope display in the Office foyer.
Pope Francis’ invitation this year is to participate in the Jubilee Year as ‘Pilgrims of Hope’. Since 1300 AD, the Catholic Church has celebrated the Jubilee Year every 25 years.
Our school theme for 2025, ‘We are Pilgrims of Hope’, calls us to sow seeds of beauty and kindness wherever we find ourselves. We are invited to sing of hope, and awaken in every heart the joy and courage to embrace life - life to the full.
2025 Sacramental Program - Sacrament of Reconciliation
Year 3 students will be eligible to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation in 2025.
- Wednesday 19th February 6.00-7.00pm - Reconciliation Family Workshop in St Catherine’s Learning Hub (Families)
- Sunday 23rd February 10.30am Parish Mass - Presentation of Candidates at St Catherine’s Mass (Families)
- Wednesday 19th March - Reconciliation Reflection Day for students at school (All Year 3 students)
- Saturday 22nd March 10.30am - Year 3 Group Celebrating Reconciliation at St Catherine’s Church (Families).
An Operoo was sent to families of eligible Reconciliation candidates last week. A hard copy note and enrolment form was also sent home. Please return this to school by Friday, 21st February.
Reconciliation Family Workshop - Wednesday 19th February 6.00pm in the Learning Hub
We are looking forward to working with families and students to prepare to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This workshop is an important part of the preparation process.
Staff Professional Learning - Annual CPR Update
On Monday afternoon, 3rd February, all staff participated in their annual CPR training. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency procedure consisting of chest compressions often combined with artificial ventilation, or mouth to mouth, in an effort to manually preserve intact brain function until further measures are taken to restore spontaneous blood circulation and breathing in a person who is in cardiac arrest. It is recommended for those who are unresponsive with no breathing or abnormal breathing. All staff completed an online course as well as a practical assessment. This training is conducted yearly and all staff are compliant and trained in case of an emergency. Staff also undertake regular Anaphylaxis, Asthma and First Aid Training.
MACSEYE
Thank you to Jemie (Coordinator), Laura (Educator) and Claire (Area Manager) who came to our Beginning of Year Picnic on the 5th February. The team set up an Art Activity station which many students enjoyed. The MACSEYE team also had lots of goodies to give away which the students really enjoyed. The jellybeans and squishy balls were a big hit.
TK Snack & Lunch Orders
To set up TK Tuckshop ordering for 2025 please download the Spriggy Schools App. TK Tuckshop Lunch Orders will be available Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri (not Tue). Orders will be delivered at 10.45am so students can have their snack at recess. Our school canteen will be open as usual on Thursdays at recess for snack purchases and icy poles. See attached flyer for information.
2025 Student Shout Outs!
Please email me if your child has achieved an amazing milestone either individually or with their team. We will showcase them in our newsletter. Please include a photo of your child showing off their award/trophy/certificate etc. Please note we cannot add team photos to the newsletter as we don't have photo permission for the team members.
Walking & Anthem
Please join us at 8.40am on a Monday morning for a walk around our lovely oval. This will be followed by our National Anthem led by our Year 6 leaders. Thank you to Duke and Medina who led the Anthem this morning. I will send a message on a Monday morning to let you know if it is on (Weather dependent in the cooler months).
Term 1 2025 dates
Week 4
Wednesday 19th February 6.00-7pm - Year 3 Reconciliation students family evening
Wednesday 19th February - No 2025 Foundation students at school today
Friday 21st February 10.00-10.45am - F/1/2 Fire Visit Incursion
Friday 21st February - HOLT swimming (select students - families will be emailed in advance)
Sunday 23rd February 10:30-11:30am - Year 3 Reconciliation students presentation mass
Week 5
Monday 24th February 9:00-9:30am - Year 6 leaders badge presentation
Monday 24th February 6:00-7.30pm - SAC Meeting School Advisory Council
Tuesday 25th February 9:00-3:00pm - Year 5/6 Beach program
Wednesday 26th February 9:00-3:00pm - Year 5/6 Beach program
Wednesday 26th February - No 2025 Foundation students at school today
Wednesday 26th February 10:00-11am - Year 1/2 parish mass
Week 6
Tuesday 4th March 8:30 am - Pancake breakfast (Shrove Tuesday)
Wednesday 5th March 10:00-11:00am - Ash Wednesday whole school mass
Wednesday 5th March 3:45-7:00pm - Parent/Student/Teacher conference
Thursday 6th March 3:45-7:00pm - Parent/Student/Teacher conference
Friday 7th March - School Closure Day
Week 7
Monday 10th March - Labour Day public holiday
Wednesday 12th March - 24th March NAPLAN Years 3 & 5
Week 8
Wednesday 12th March - 24th March NAPLAN Years 3 & 5
Monday 17th March - Dental visit (classes TBC)
Tuesday 18th March 10.00-10.45am - F/1/2 Fire Incursion
Wednesday 19th March all day - Year 3 Reconciliation students Reflection Day
Wednesday 19th March 10:00-11am - 3/4 class mass
Thursday 20th March - Open Day for 2026 families
Friday 21st March - Harmony Day
Saturday 22nd March 10:30-11:30am - Year 3 Reconciliation students -Reconciliation day
Week 9
Wednesday 26th March 10:00-11:00am - Year 5/ 6 and Foundation class mass
Week 10
Wednesday 2nd April 9:00-9:30am - Easter hat parade and raffle
Friday 4th April 3:20pm - End of Term 1 (school resumes Tuesday 22nd April)