Anzac Liturgy

Last Friday 23 April our school community commemorated Anzac Day with a liturgy in the hall. Thank you to our special guest speaker, Mr Zemaitis, for sharing his experiences of army life and peacekeeping duties. Thanks also to the staff and Year 6 Faith Team who read so wonderfully, and to all the students who participated so reverently. I know a number of students, quite young, turned up at dawn on Anzac morning to commemorate this significant day, so thanks to their parents/families.

Mother’s Day

On Thursday 6 May our school community will celebrate with all our mums, grandmas, nannas, nonnas, aunties and those who care with a mother’s love. Our liturgy will be held from 9.30-10.30am, followed by a morning tea. If you have not indicated your presence as yet, please do so ASAP. Thank you for the photos which have been sent in already, the final day for these will be Tuesday 4 May.

Confirmation Preparation Mass

On Wednesday 12 May at 10am Father Patrick will lead a Confirmation Candidate Mass in St Columbkille’s Church. This is an important part of the preparation for those Year 6 students making their Confirmation. Parents / carers are especially invited to attend. 

Family Mass

On June 5 & 6 our Family Masses will return. These are always a lovely chance for families and parishioners to join in celebrating the Eucharist. Students and family members may like to do a reading at the 6pm Saturday Mass or 9.30am Sunday morning Mass. If you would like to be involved, please let me know.

Environmental News

Last Thursday the staff were presented with our SEMP (School Environment Management Plan) for 2021-2024. Further information in regard to this will be sent to parents shortly.

I have included links to the WEN (Wollongong Environment Network) webpage on the CEDoW website https://www.dow.catholic.edu.au/catholic-education/wen/ and a calendar for Green Dates.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/10lSIc1DvxtQDJblBqmVUyzwIGIiJA_JK/view    

You may like to focus on these during the year with your family / friends. It was decided that our school will begin Waste Free Wednesday alongside Trash Free Tuesday as from Week 3. Let’s reduce our rubbish even more! It was also decided that grades will be involved in environmental actions within a specific garden area within the school.

K- Infants playground

Year 1- Hall surrounds

Year 2- Bunji Place (new passive play area)

Year 3- Front cement

Year 4- Paddock

Year 5- Church area (working alongside Parish gardening group)

Year 6- The Patch

You may even have suggestions for the grades teachers or would like to be involved at times.

Social Justice

Our Mini Vinnies group are in the process of finding out what items of food and clothing are needed for our local Corrimal community. This term our St Vincent de Paul focus is the “Winter Appeal” where students/families donate goods. More information will be forthcoming.

Parish Community Newsletter

Each month a parish newsletter is emailed out to our school community and the parish. Our Year 6 Leaders of Community have become reporters for this initiative and are to be congratulated on their work for the April edition. A few parishioners have commented on their great work so thanks to William, Blake, Phoenix, Mackenzie, Eleisha, Harry C, Jack and Ben.

Joanne Herring - Religious Education Coordinator