Dear Parents and Carers,

Ash Wednesday signifies the season of Lent - a time of  prayer, service and reconciliation. Throughout Lent we take the time to consider how we serve, support and care for the most vulnerable in our lives.

"Lent is a time for reconsidering our feelings, for letting our eyes be open to injustice, to open our hearts to those suffering" Pope Francis

The Year 6 Excursion Stanwell Tops Conference Centre, was a wonderful experience for both our students and staff. We have enjoyed a number of challenging and difficult activities, team building and leadership opportunities, along with time to enjoy the beautiful surrounds. Thank you to Year 6 parents to enabling their children to participate in the three day excursion and our dedicated staff - Mrs Barratt, Mrs Gaffney, Mrs Tyrrell, Mrs Lace and Mrs Finney for their time and support in ensuring the Year 6 camp was such a great success.

This year, Catholic Schools Week (CSW) will be held from 28 February - 6 March. The theme for 2021 is ‘Faith in the Future’. This theme is shared with dioceses across the country as together we celebrate 200 years of Catholic education in Australia.

As we pause this week to reflect on the precious gift of Catholic education, we remember the contributions that preceded us and that we continue to build upon as a school community. Since the very first Catholic school was established, countless children and young people who benefit from the dedication and commitment of parents and staff in our Catholic schools.

The week is designed to be a lively celebration and shared with members of our parish and the wider Catholic community—all in a COVID safe way. Our school is planning a number of activities that showcase our wonderful learning opportunities and the accomplishments of our students. As Catholic Schools Week is celebrated during the second week of Lent, we will also focus on the ways that our school supports the more vulnerable and disadvantaged members of our wider community.

Listed below is a schedule of events for the week that families, parents and friends are invited to attend:

• Monday - CSW Morning Assembly Prayer Visual Arts activities  - School of the Future

• Tuesday - Open Classroom Evening for Parents (Year 1, 3, 5)

• Wednesday - Open Classroom Evening for Parents (Year 2, 4, 6)

• Thursday - Mufti Day, P&F Surprise & Year 6 Tabloids

• Friday - CSW Liturgy - World Day of Prayer Award Assembly – CSW Student Awards