10th Anniversary of “Laudato Si’- On care for our Common Home”.

Thank you to all our families that helped to create our beautiful Family Week Gratitude Tree which is proudly displayed in our Learning Hub. This week is Laudato Si’ Week 2025. It is the 10th Anniversary of “Laudato Si’- On care for our Common Home”. LAUDATO SI’ WEEK (24-31 May) is a commemoration of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ and a call to action for Catholics around the world to care for our common home. This year is extra special as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the encyclical on climate change and ecology. Laudato Si’ Week unites thousands of people worldwide with a common goal: the protection of Creation. By participating, you become part of a global movement of faith and action. Your voice and actions have an impact when joined with those of many others. 

A Prayer for our Earth  

This prayer by Pope Francis appeared at the end of his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si'.

 It is for all who believe in God who is the all-powerful Creator.

All powerful God,
you are present in the universe and in the smallest of your creatures.
You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.
Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty.
Fill us with your peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no one.
O God of the poor, help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth, so precious in your eyes.
Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction.
Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain at the expense of the poor and the earth.
Teach us to discover the worth of each thing, to be filled with awe and contemplation, to recognize that we are profoundly united with every creature as we journey towards your infinite light.
We thank you for being with us each day.
Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle,  for justice, love and peace.  

(Pope Francis, Laudato Si’, 246)

St Catherine’s ‘Dogs Within School Grounds Policy’

Last Monday, 19th May the SAC members (School Advisory Council) ratified a new St Catherine’s Policy. At St Catherine’s, we love dogs and know many of our families enjoy walking them during school drop-off and pick-up. However, with more dogs on school grounds, we need to put safety first. To help keep all students, staff and families safe and comfortable, dogs are not permitted beyond the school gate. If you’re walking your dog, please let a staff member know—we’re happy to walk your child to or from the gate. Even the calmest dog can become unsettled in busy school environments, and not all children know how to safely approach unfamiliar animals. Please keep a close eye on your dog and be aware that children may try to pat them. Thank you for helping us make our school a safe, respectful space for everyone—humans and dogs alike!

Rationale

The purpose of the “Dogs within School Grounds” policy is to support the promotion of a safe school environment and to ensure the safety of all whilst attending the school: through both direct and indirect contact with dogs

Purpose

To provide a safe and harmonious school environment for all people to enjoy. 

Implementation & Procedure

• Dogs are prohibited from entering our school grounds and buildings. 
• Owners are asked not to tie up or secure dogs to the school fencing. This includes anywhere within the proximity of the school grounds that could pose a concern to passers-by or people accessing the school gates or crossing. 
• Dogs must remain with their owners, outside the school boundaries at all times. 
• Parents are reminded that these rules also apply to small house dogs and puppies. 
• Stray dogs wandering around the school yard must be brought to the attention of the office. 
• The school will attempt to contact the owners if the dog is identifiable, or otherwise contact the local council for assistance with the removal of the dog. 
• Assistance/Wellbeing dogs that have undergone and successfully completed formal training, and are utilised for a specific student or St Catherine’s program are exempt from this policy. 
• St Catherine’s Primary School understands its obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) and the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic) and will make reasonable adjustments for members of our school community with a disability who require an ‘assistance animal’ to help alleviate the effects of their disability. Assistance animals are permitted to attend our school with their handler. Please speak with the Principal for further support.

Further Information and Guidelines

Dog Ownership- City Of Kingston

https://www.kingston.vic.gov.au/council/local-laws/pets/dog-ownership

‘Dogs must stay on a leash in all public spaces except for designated off leash areas. Dogs are not allowed on school grounds…                                                     

 As a dog owner, you must:                                                                                                                                                                                                    

-remain in control of your dog                                                                                                                                                                                                 

-closely supervise your dog and be able to place a leash on your dog if needed                                                                                                                           

-not allow your dog to cause a problem or threaten other people/animals.’                                      

Ratified by the St Catherine’s Primary School Advisory Council : 19-5-2025                                

Review Date:  May, 2027

National Sorry Day is on May 26th, and National Reconciliation Week runs from May 27th to June 3rd. The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2025 is "Bridging Now to Next," which emphasises the importance of connecting the past, present, and future in the journey towards reconciliation. National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.  

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) started as the Week of Prayer for Reconciliation in 1993 (the International Year of the World’s Indigenous Peoples) and was supported by Australia’s major faith communities. In 1996, the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation launched Australia’s first National Reconciliation Week. In 2001, Reconciliation Australia was established to continue to provide national leadership on reconciliation. In the same year, approximately 300,000 people walked across Sydney Harbour Bridge as part of National Reconciliation Week-and subsequently across bridges in cities and towns-to show their support for reconciliation.Today, National Reconciliation Week is celebrated in workplaces, schools and early learning services, community organisations and groups, and by individuals Australia-wide.

Year 3/4JB led a prayer service today in the Learning Hub:

Loving God,
We thank you for the First Nations people of this land.
Help us learn from their wisdom and care for Country.
Bring peace to those who are hurting.
Help us build a future filled with love, justice, and respect.
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

Year 6  Presentation the the Parish Community- Sunday 18th May

Last Sunday, 18th May, we welcomed our Year 6 Confirmation candidates and their families to the Parish Mass at St Catherine’s. Father Luke made them feel very welcome. After the Homily the students were presented to the congregation. A blessing prayer was read out and the candidates all read the Apostles Creed together. The Apostles' Creed is a statement of faith, affirming what Christians believe about God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. It's a summary of the Christian faith, including beliefs about the Trinity, the life of Jesus, and the church.

Thursday 24th July- Confirmation Reflection Day & Meet Bishop Tony Ireland (St Peter’s School)                                                                                                                                

Sunday 27th July- 2.00pm Confirmation (St Patrick’s Cathedral- Melbourne)

Playgroup Award- Congratulations Kath Barca!

Kath was nominated for a Playgroup Victoria Award and we were just notified last week that she won the ‘People’s Choice Award. Kath was nominated by 7 individual people. Playgroup Victoria  will organise a time to come out and interview Kath and present her prize pack.. Kath is a deserving recipient.

“Kath runs the most phenomenal playgroup for our kids. She spent so much time and effort setting up new activities and crafts every week and cares for every child whole heartedly. She has created a one of a kind community for parents and children.”     Jacquie Van Der Veur

“Kath gets to know every child, their interests and what they enjoy playing with. She remembers every parent, grandparent, nanny or significant other's name. She is welcoming, friendly and is there for whenever you need to chat. She creates a welcoming space and place for all families.”  Natalie Taffe

Drop off and Pick Up- Park in legal, designated areas only

Term 3 Afterschool Chess Club- ‘Chess Fanatics’

I have engaged an outside provider to run an after school Chess Club on Tuesday afternoon during term 3. The Chess Club will run from Week 2 until Week 8 (7 sessions). The Chess Master, Felix Chandler has offered a great introductory price of $90 for the term. Classes will run in the Learning Hub from 3.30-4.30pm. Beginners and experienced players are welcome. Please see the PDF for more information. Payments are to be made directly to Felix. I will supervise the students before the class begins (send an extra snack to school). MACSEYE will collect any students for After School Care if required after the class. An Operoo notification was also sent today.