Dear Parents and Carers

I hope you are all traveling well during what has been a fast paced and busy term.

We have begun our journey with our Year 4 students with a Eucharistic celebration on 3 consecutive Sundays. During this time, as our Year 4 students receive their First Eucharist, I have been reflecting on the incredible story of Danny and Leila Abdallah. Their experience of radical forgiveness after the tragic loss of their children provides powerful lessons that connect directly to this special milestone in our children's faith journey.

The word "Eucharist" means "thanksgiving," and the Abdallah family's ability to find peace and thankfulness amidst their pain is a profound example of this. Their story also highlights the core call of the Eucharist: to become like Christ. When our children receive Jesus in the Eucharist, they are called to reflect His love, kindness, and—most importantly—His forgiveness in their daily lives. The Abdallah's act of forgiving the driver, Samuel Davidson, shows us how true this call is.

Finally, their story beautifully illustrates the theme of transformation. Just as bread and wine are transformed into Christ's body and blood, the Abdallah family transformed their unimaginable tragedy into a source of hope for others through their example and the establishment of  "i4give Day."

In our daily lives, we can find Eucharistic moments by recognising God's presence in acts of love, kindness, and forgiveness. These are instances where we become more aware of God's grace and are inspired to give thanks, just as we do in the celebration of the Eucharist. We invite you to discuss noticing these themes of love, kindness and forgiveness at home as a family.  

Mary’s Feast Day Monday 8 September Just as the Abdallah family's grace and forgiveness demonstrate the Eucharist's power in our modern world, Mary's grace provides a timeless model of perfect thanksgiving, becoming a Christ-bearer, and allowing God's transforming power to work in her life. On Monday 8 September we will be having a whole school liturgy at 9 am for Mary’s Feast day followed by a cake to celebrate. You are welcome to attend.

MACSSIS surveys reminder It is the time of year as we enter Spring, for us to call on our entire learning community to fill out a brief up to 10 minute survey. Research shows surveys ensure all stakeholders are heard and contribute to a better educational environment. 

For Staff, these surveys support identifying training needs, improving the curriculum, enhancing the work environment and shaping school policies.

For students these surveys support measuring engagement, monitoring well-being and safety, refining teaching methods and empowering student voices.

For parents and carers these surveys support increasing involvement, improving communication, addressing satisfaction and concerns and informing school policies.

The Overall Benefits Informed decision-making, support continuous improvement, Building community and Fostering transparency and trust.

We are requesting less than 10 minutes of your time to complete the  MACSSIS surveys. This is a very important task you can do that takes less than 10 minutes. These surveys bring clarity to how well the school is meeting the needs of the children, parents and staff  as well as providing insights as to the areas for improvement moving forward. We really value this data and last year we had 119 parents/ carers out the survey which made a huge difference to our low number of 47 the year before. We would like to continue this momentum. Please look out for an email from Paul Anderson on Monday 1 September. Each survey is anonymous and has a unique pin for your family. Please refer to  Paul Anderson’s MACSSIS piece below and respond to the email you will receive.The window officially opens on 1st September and will close 19 September.

Bogan Bingo: Many thnks to our PFA particularly Amanda Brown, Mel Kelsall and Hayley Bennett for bringing such a fabulous night to our parent community. Your tireless efforts are so greatly appreciated. Many thanks to all the families who came along and supported. Special thanks to the following businesses who donated prizes:

The funds raised totalled approximately $3,473.88. These funds will go towards the purchasing of mentor texts across year levels which support our students engagement in their learning and reading and writing.

School Drop off and use of external classroom doors between 8.30-8.50am: Just a reminder to our community that our morning routine with our students is to drop their bag into the classroom via the external doors from 8.30am and head straight out to the yard until 8.50am. The music plays from 8.50am and children come in and get ready for the day. Using external doors and following this routine enables teachers to continue to get ready for the day and be present with the students from 8.50am. Please continue to have conversations with your child about the importance of not lingering in classrooms and making the most of this important time for outdoor play with their friends. Your support helps reinforce this positive routine.

Traffic conditions at BASC entrance: We have  a few traffic and pedestrian concerns that  have been observed over the last few weeks particularly with recent works at BASC and reduced parking and traffic flow.

• A high number of our students are coming in and exiting the school via this area and riding across a high transit area. A few have then been riding through the school with still a number of families on site and have nearly hit a staff member exiting their classroom. Please talk with your children if you know they enter the school this way. We are reminding also at school level.
• There is also  an increased number of parents parking on the nature strip area outside of the tennis courts. Please do not park there if you have been.

In light of this and, recent tragic events, please continue the importance of road safety and traffic awareness with your children.  

Footy colours day: In conjunction with Footy Colours Day to be held on September 19th the Fire Carriers have suggested the fabulous fundraising idea for Open the Doors Foundation https://www.openingthedoors.org.au/. Students are encouraged to bring a gold coin donation to help support this important cause.

Wishing you a wonderful beginning of Spring fortnight ahead.

Kerryn