Acting Principal's News

Dear Families,

It’s hard to believe that this will be the final newsletter for the term and we are nearly halfway through the school year. Where does the time go? It has been a very busy term with many events happening – and still to happen before next Friday. With this has come lots of bugs and chills consistent with this time of year. With the shortest day of the year occurring next Wednesday/Thursday, at least when we return to school after the holidays, the weather hopefully improves slightly and the break will be an opportunity to recharge ready to start Term Three. 

For families managing illness, or have recently experienced a bereavement with the loss of a loved one, please know you are very much in our thoughts and prayers.

Feast of the Sacred Heart:

Today is an important Feast Day in our Catholic calendar and tradition. It is the Feast of the Sacred Heart. The heart is a symbol of love. This feast is celebrated every year by our Catholic Community, honouring Jesus' divine love for all of humanity. As a long-standing tradition, schools and parishes collect food and other essential items to be donated to the Society of St Vincent de Paul. From here they are given to individuals and families needing support in our community. A big thank you to our senior students who have promoted and organised the collection of donated goods over the past weeks. They have been a great example of actively living out Jesus’ message of love and compassion for all.

Today we also had the opportunity to come together and celebrate this feast by attending a special Liturgy here at school or at Mass at St Brendan’s. The Middle and Senior class travelled to St Brendan’s Church to attend Mass with children in the same classes from St Brendan’s Primary School. It was a great opportunity for both schools to come together in part to celebrate Mass together. A tradition reignited from the past. The Foundation and Junior years children came together for a special Liturgy here at school.

Blessing:

O Sacred Heart of Jesus,

We place our trust in you.

Help us reach our full potential

And be recognised as individuals using our God given gifts.

O Sacred Heart of Jesus,

We place our trust in you.

Festival of the Sacred:

Last Tuesday, 13th June, I had the privilege of attending the Festival of the Sacred Performance in Kyabram. Our Senior students have been busy preparing for this throughout the term, practising with members of the festival team and with Miss Walker every week. The children sang beautifully as part of an ensemble and we also had some students both taking on solo singing and acting parts. It was a very proud moment to see our students represent our school so respectfully. A big thank you to Miss Walker and the Senior teachers for their support in preparing the students for this day.

After-School Care:

We have recently received notification from Stepping Stones After School Care program that they will be finishing up at St Luke’s at the end of the term. We are currently looking at engaging with a new provider and will let parents know as soon as possible when arrangements have been made. 

Foundation Enrolments 2024:

A reminder that enrolments for Foundation 2024 close at the end of this term. If you wish to enrol a child at St Luke’s in 2024, could you please complete and return an enrolment form in the coming weeks. Enrolment forms are available from the office if you were unable to attend the Open Day last month. 

Learning Expo:

As a culmination of our Inquiry Learning across the school, all classes are preparing for an Expo to share their learning. This is taking place on the morning of Tuesday 20th June, from 9:00 am till 10:00 am. Parents and Caregivers are invited to join us during this time. We understand the busy nature of families and work commitments, but if you are able to join us, even for a short time, you are more than welcome. The Community Group will also be holding a cuppa catch-up in the auditorium afterwards.

School Reports:

Next Tuesday, 20th June, student mid-year reports will be available on SIMON. These reports are an opportunity to share and celebrate your child’s / children's learning achievements over the last Semester.

Pyjama Day:

As a means of organising a fun event to finish the term, as well as supporting the Society of St Vincent de Paul, the Grade Six Supporters of Social Justice team have organised a 'Pyjama Day' on Friday 23 rd June. Children are invited to wear warm pyjamas/dressing gowns to school (with appropriate footwear) as a means of raising money to donate to Vinnies.  The team ask for a gold coin donation on this day. This money will go to Vinnies to purchase pyjamas for families in our community. The team has also organised for children to order a hot chocolate on the day if they wish. An order form has been sent home this week. We look forward to a fun way of finishing our term and thank the Supporters of Social Justice Team for organising this event to raise both awareness and money for the Society of St Vincent de Paul.

The Community Group will also be holding a sausage sizzle on this day to provide lunch for the children. 

Important Dates Coming up:

Friday 16th June: Feast of the Sacred Heart. P-2 Liturgy at school. 3-6 attend combined mass with St Brendan’s at Parish Church.

Tuesday 20th June: End of semester reports.

Inquiry Learning Expo 9am - 10am in classrooms.

Community Group Coffee Catch Up – from 9:00am - Auditorium.

Friday 23rd June: Last day of Term Two. Pyjama Day (Fundraiser for Vinnies). Sausage Sizzle Lunch. School finishes at 2:15pm.

Monday 10th July – First day of Term Three.

I am a week early, but I hope everyone has a safe and relaxing holiday break coming up. A huge thank you to all in our community for your continued support and for making our school community a great place to be.

Kind regards.

Tony Mc.