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There is a season for everything, a time for every occupation under heaven:
A time for giving birth, a time for dying; a time for planting, a
time for uprooting what has been planted.
A time for killing, a time for healing; a time for knocking down, a time for
building. A time for tears, a time for laughter; a time for
mourning, a time for dancing. A time for throwing stones
away, a time for gathering them; a time for embracing, a time
to refrain from embracing. A time for searching, a time for
losing; a time for keeping, a time for discarding. A time for
tearing, a time for sowing; a time for keeping silent, a time
for speaking. A time for loving, a time for hating; a time for
war, a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes - Chapter 3, 1-8
Dear Parents and Carers
It is a lovely time of the year as we leave winter behind and enter the fresh new season of Spring. There certainly is a more positive feeling as we see the days grow a bit longer and warmer.
The importance of care and protection for our world and children were marked by two events on Sunday, 3 September. As well as being Father's Day, where we celebrate all those who have played a fatherly role in our lives, it is also the first Sunday in this year's Season of Creation (1 September - 4 October). During the Season of Creation we are reminded of our duty to care for our environment – our common home. Spring certainly brings out the “appreciation of beauty” character strength which we can all draw on at this time of year.
I recently listened to a speaker who called us to be “Witnesses to Hope” and rather than be caught up in the negative, we can look for the good things happening, change our language and be more positive and grateful in our mindset, thus having a positive effect on the wellbeing of those around us, particularly our children. The recent sunshine to mark the beginning of Spring certainly helps also.
It was wonderful to have Dane Barclay speak to 90 of our parents last week on managing big emotions and anxiety. He too, shared the importance of our language, being present with our children and listening with empathy. Click here to see the Helping Children Regulate Emotions 2023 powerpoint presentation from Dane.
Father's and Significant Carers Night: Many thanks to the teachers and PFA for supporting a very successful Father's Night. It was great to see the zest and enthusiasm of our students as they celebrated the significant males in their lives, showing them around the school, having a sausage and participating in some Kelly Sports fun. We also hope you all had a lovely day on Sunday.
Mixed Regional State Netball Finals:
We wish the following students all the best for this Friday’s state finals in Waverly. Isabella Montgomery, David Wilkens, Ned McNamara, Kiara Dean, Willow Stephenson, Olive Wearmouth, Lila Butcher, Toby Prout, Ellie Rundle.
St Mary MacKillop of the Cross Pilgrimage: Two weeks ago, Rebecca Nancarrow and I, as leaders in a Catholic School, participated in a 5 day faith and religious formation program focused on the missionary spirit of Australia's first saint, St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. We explored Mary’s extraordinary contribution to Catholic education in Australia and her inspirational, faith-filled life.
This experience demonstrated an exceptional example of the Catholic faith in education that remains relevant to the way in which we operate our Catholic schools today, which includes reaching out to the most marginalised. It is timely to note, Pope Francis' prayer intention for September is 'For people living on the margins': He asks us to pray for those persons living on the margins of society, in inhumane life conditions; may they not be overlooked by institutions and never considered of lesser importance.
Below is a reflection of the pilgrimage experience I would like to share which has also been published on the MACS website. It was written by myself and Rachel Holdsworth, the Principal of Holy Spirit, Manifold Heights. I hope as you read this you are able to reflect on Mary MacKillop’s life and works in the context of your own lives, as I have.
Conscious Compassion: Call to Action
Mary MacKillop Pilgrimage 21-25 August 2023:
Catholic School Leaders from the Geelong and Western region were very fortunate to participate in a formation program focused on the missionary spirit of Australia’s first saint, St Mary of the Cross Mackillop, facilitated by the Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre and Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools.
The program was undertaken as a 5-day pilgrimage and designed to develop and sustain leaders in their roles within Catholic schools. Pilgrims explored Mary’s contribution to Catholic education, the founding of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart in Australia and Mary’s inspirational faith-filled life as they journeyed through Victoria and South Australia.
The spiritual journey took in Portland, Penola and Adelaide, focusing on the historic connections between Mary MacKillop, the Sisters of Saint Joseph and Fr Julian Tenison Woods who co-founded the Josephite Congregation with Mary MacKillop. Fr Julian was a man of deep faith with concern for the poor and a great love for the environment.
Mary faced much adversity throughout her life but had a profound love, faith and trust in God. She shared these in her words and letters she wrote. She spoke and wrote about “leaning into God”, “leaving it quietly with God” and recognising God is always with us during times of struggle.
Mary modeled the Catholic Social Teaching of Solidarity through her actions for justice. She never judged a person but strove to change their circumstances providing friendship, emotional support and a place to live for those who were alone and isolated. She enabled people to remain connected to society and empowered them with self-worth and dignity in order to help themselves.
Despite significant obstacles, Mary and the Sisters of St Joseph have imparted an extraordinary contribution to Catholic schooling in Australia, particularly for their prodigious establishment of schools and a special concern for the education of poor and marginalised children in remote areas. The Josephite charism continues to flourish in schools around Australia.
The importance of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop for educators today:
- Educational legacy - to bring hope to all children through the provision of education.
- Social justice actions – respect and dignity for the human person
- Women’s empowerment- a great leader who broke down barriers.
- Compassion and charity- her kindness and desire to make a positive difference.
- Commitment to faith and spirituality- everything for God.
- Role Model - for her Sisters and teachers.
- Interfaith dialogue - embracing all faiths.
Quotes from St Mary of the Cross MacKillop:
- “There where you are you will find God” MM 1871
- “If we have love in our hearts we shall have God with us” MM 21/11/1899
- “Gratitude is a memory of the Heart.” MM
- “We must teach more by example than by word” MM
- “The cross appears lighter when carried with Jesus”.MM
- “In all things, love” MM.
- " Remember, we are but travellers here."MM
Mary ensured she spoke with love and was very graceful even when others harmed or excluded her. All of Mary’s words remain relevant and resonate in all walks of life today.
Wishing you all an extra “spring in your step” over the next fortnight leading up to the school holidays, which I hope are restful, safe and joyful.
Kerryn
Busking for Change is an initiative of the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. Across Australia and throughout our school, students have been learning the song Words Make the World Go Around. It will be performed at assembly on Friday 8th of September.
On this day, we will also be having a Book Swap to raise funds for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. The money raised helps provide culturally relevant books and learning resources to children and families living in remote Communities across Australia.
What we would like you to do:
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Donate any good quality books and send them into your child’s class before the day. We are hoping for age appropriate books for each year level.
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On Friday 8th of September, bring $1 to buy a book. (You can bring more than $1)
We hope from completing this activity that children in remote communities as well as encouraging reading amongst our own students.
Please ensure that your child is wearing the correct school uniform items, specifically the correct shoes and socks.
Over the next fortnight, depending on the weather, the children are able to wear either their winter or summer uniform however they must wear their school hat.
The Summer Uniform requirements are:
Summer Uniform
- Grey school shorts, short or long sleeved dark green polo with white embroidered school logo and white edge on collar, grey ankle length socks.
OR
- Green and white checked dress with Peter Pan collar, white socks.
OR
- Green school shorts, green long or short sleeve polo with embroidered school logo, white ankle length socks.
- Green windcheater or cardigan with embroidered school logo and white piping.
- School hat with school logo.
- Black traditional school shoes or boots. Black skate or sport shoes are not acceptable with the summer uniform.
- Green or white hair trims.
Cancer Education Program
When: Monday 9 October
Time: 10.30am (Prep - Yr 2), 11.45am (Yr 3 -6) Show duration 60minutes
Where: Djila Tjarri (School Gym)
Parents and carers welcome to attend. Please sign in at the school office .
You can find additional details on the Camp Quality website, which hosts activities and videos designed to familiarise students with our programs before we arrive.
Term 4 2024
Thursday 21 November: Yr 5 Parish Mass/Year 1 MOPA Excursion
Friday 22 November: Yr 5BC assembly
Thursday 28 November: Yr 3 Parish Mass
Friday 29 November: Staff Professional Learning Day - Student Free Day
Staff Planning Day for 2025
Tuesday 3 December: School Concert 5:30pm-7:30pm
Wednesday 4 December: Prep orientation
Thursday 5 December: Prep orientation
Tuesday 10 December: Whole school orientation/Prep orientation
Wednesday 11 December: Future leaders days 2025
Friday 6 December: Diversity Day 2pm assembly
Tuesday 10 December: Whole school orientation day 9.15am - 11am
Wednesday 12 December: Yr 6 end of year excursion
Friday 13 December: Yr 6EB assembly/End of year Mass
Monday 16 December: Whole school Beach Day (students are welcome to bring plastic shovels and buckets. Ensure they remember to bring sunscreen and hats).
Wednesday 18 December: Yr 6 Graduation Assembly/Last day of school Students finish at 1pm
Term1 2025
Tuesday 28 January: Staff return
Wednesday 29 January: Staff professional Learning day
Thursday 30 January: Students return
Please note: Please refer to the Parent Calendar for all dates
MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER Weekend
“Live Your Best Married Life in Love”
Every relationship is a journey and the grind of everyday life can cause you to lose touch with your spouse.
This experience gives married couples the tools to keep your passion alive in a gentle, nurturing environment, away from pressures and distractions of daily living.
The weekend is based around Catholic values and couples of all faiths are welcome.
Please check our website for more details. 3-5 November 2023 in Melbourne
(Book early to avoid disappointment) Information/Bookings: Phone Mercy & James 0409 183 676 or Email: vicbookings@wwme.org.au Website: wwme.org.au