Ash Wednesday and Lent

On this Ash Wednesday, Christians all over the world will stop to celebrate this very first day of the Church Season called Lent. On Ash Wednesday, many Catholics receive the ashes, which are traced on their foreheads to remind them that they are disciples of Jesus and that this six-week season of Lent is a time to give special attention to prayer, fasting and good deeds.

During Lent we will again raise awareness about the charitable work of Caritas Australia and raise funds through their Project Compassion campaign. We will share more details next week. As a school we will be celebrating Ash Wednesday Mass from 9.15am in St Christopher's Church. You are welcome to join us.

From Caritas Australia website:

Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion invites you to Unite Against Poverty this Lent. As Caritas Australia’s largest annual fundraising campaign, Project Compassion mobilises Australians to raise much-needed funds to help alleviate poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity in the most vulnerable and marginalised communities in the world.

Held during Lent, the six-week period before Easter, Catholic schools, parishes, and the wider Australian public participate in a diverse range of fundraising and awareness raising activities and events to support Caritas Australia’s programs both overseas and here in Australia with our First Australian partners.

Project Compassion is an extraordinary demonstration of the faith, empathy and generosity of our supporters. It is the lifeblood of Caritas Australia; without it, we could not do the vital work that we do.

Child Safety Standards: Standard 1

The 11 Child Safe Standards were expanded in 2022, noting the new standards provide greater clarity and practical steps required by schools to meet each standard as a legal obligation.

Throughout the year I will be highlighting each of the 11 Child Safety Standards. As a school community it is important that we continue to promote the standards and apply appropriate actions ensuring the safeguarding of all children within our school community.

Please take some time to read more about Child Safety Standard 1:

Organisations establish a culturally safe environment in which the diverse and unique identities and experiences of Aboriginal children and young people are respected and valued.

“Your songs, your stories, your paintings, your dances, your languages must never be lost”

Pope John Paul IINovember 1986

Garden Beds

A big thank you to Mr Daveron and some of our school leaders for planting a range of leafy greens and herbs including silverbeet, parsely, rocket leaves and more. Well done to Sophie, Naomi, Rastin and David for doing a great job.

MACSEYE: Out of School Hours Care

Please take a moment to read Patricia's update about what's been happening in before and after school care. Patricia runs a wonderful program and I would encourge all families to ensure they are registered so should you need their service it is a smooth transition.

We have our first curriculum day on Tuesday March 10. There will be no classes for stuidents on this day, however, if enough students are booked in to MACSEYE for the day Patricia will run a program onsite.

New Sports Polo

We are excited to let you know that we are phasing in a new Sports Uniform top for our students. The previous coloured sports tops have now been discontinued, and moving forward all students will wear the same sports top to ensure consistency across the school. This provides a new modern look and will be more comfortable for sports. The new sports polo is now available for purchase from PSW Glen Waverley. Please note the following uniform expectations moving forward:

The light blue polo is to be worn only with the full school uniform (not on sports days).
The sports uniform now consists of the new sports polo and black shorts.

Students may continue to wear their existing coloured sports tops during the transition period if they already have one. A specific timeline for the transition period will be discussed with the School Advisory Council, however it will be at least for the rest of this school year, so there is no rush for parents to go and purchase one straight away. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the school office.

Parent Association Welcome Picnic

Please come along and support our Parent Association Welcome to 2026 Family Picnic. This is a great way to renew aquaintences, build friendships, spend time with your children amongst the families of their classmates, and of course to help us welcome new families to St Christopher's. It promises to be a fun afternoon for all.

Date	Details
Tuesday 17th February	Shrove Tuesday - Pancake Day
Wednesday 18th February	Ash Wednesday
	Prep Rest Day
Friday 20th February	Assembly, 3pm
Tuesday 24th Febrary	9:15 Open Day
Wednesday 25th February	Prep Rest Day
Friday 27th February	Assembly, 3pm
Tuesday 10th March	Student Free Day
Friday 27th February	Family Picnic
Wednesday 18th March	9:15 Open Day

Upcoming Calendar Events