A Message from the 

Acting Principal

A Prayer for Lent

Lord of mercy and light, 

In this season of quiet surrender, 

I lay down my distractions and take up Your cross. 

Teach my heart to hunger for what is eternal, 

and my hands to serve with humility and love. 

When temptation whispers, 

strengthen my spirit to choose what is good. 

When I stumble, 

lift me with Your grace and guide me back to Your path. 

May my fasting open space for Your presence, 

my prayers draw me closer to Your heart, 

and my acts of kindness reflect Your endless compassion. 

Walk with me through these forty days, 

so that on Easter morning, 

my soul may rise with You in joy and new life. 

Amen.

Catholic Schools Week

This week we celebrate Catholic Schools Week. It is an opportunity to celebrate our students, teachers, and families who make our school a community of faith, excellence, and belonging. We began the week with a prayer at our Monday morning assembly. Yesterday, we gathered as a school community to celebrate the Eucharist and to give thanks for the gift of Catholic education. We also launched our new Mission & Vision statements. 

At mass, I spoke to the students about our mission being our 'to-do list.' It is how we want to act from the moment we walk through the gates in the morning until we head home. After mass, each class had the opportunity to reflect on how they can live out our mission each day and created their own 'to-do list' on ways that they can Strive to be like Jesus, Achieve great learning and Serve God in all they do.

Open Day

We had a very successful Open Day this morning. Our Stage 3 students did a wonderful job showcasing our school and our K-4 students were just as wonderful showcasing the amazing learning that happens at our school on a day to day basis. We had over 70 families come through the school and many commented on the warm, welcoming feel and the enthusiastic way that the students spoke about the school. 

A reminder that if you or someone you know has a child that is ready to begin school in 2027, applications are now open via the 'Enrol Now' button on our school website.

Nut Allergies

We have many children with serious nut allergies at school and we need to keep everyone safe. Please do not send nuts (or peanut butter or Nutella) to school with the children. We are continually reminding children not to share their food, just to eat what Mum or Dad pack for them. Could you please reinforce this with your children.

School Uniform

Staff have had to remind students of the wearing of the correct school uniform since the beginning of the school year. As students walk through the gates in the morning, hair should be tied back, and boys' shirts must be tucked in. The way we wear our uniform sets the standard for the rest of the day - when we make the effort, we become ready for learning. Most students at St. Martha's are dropped off by car - please share this responsibility by making sure your child is 'uniform ready' as they enter the school. 

Parish Mass

Last Friday, I attended the Parish Mass with our Year 3 students. This year, our Yrs 3-6 students will be attending mass on a Friday once a term as part of the parish. They won't be leading the readings or prayers of the faithful, but rather participating as regular parishoners. This is another opportunity for the school and parish to work together in enhancing the faith life of our students. Year 4 will be the next grade to attend Parish Mass on Friday 27 March at 9:10am.

Lenten Retreat for Parents

Our Ashfield/Olympic Park Network of Family Educators have organised a Parent Retreat for next Friday 13th. Details can be found on the flyer below. 

Steven Belcastro

Acting Principal