Lent

Last Wednesday we commenced the Season of Lent with Ash Wednesday. Lent is the solemn Christian religious observance in the liturgical year commemorating the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert and enduring temptation by Satan, according to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, before beginning his public ministry.

Lent commences on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday. During this season Catholics are called to enter more deeply into the mystery of Jesus’ suffering, death and Resurrection at Easter. The season of Lent offers Catholics an opportunity to reflect on where they have failed to love God, their neighbour and themselves and to seek ways to heal what is broken. Alongside this reflection on how they are living their lives, Catholics commit more fully to prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

Let us Pray:

God of goodness and mercy,

Hear my prayer as I begin this Lenten journey with you.

Let me be honest with myself as I look into my heart and soul,

noticing the times I turn away from you.

Guide me as I humbly seek to repent and return to your love.

School Fees

2025 School Fees Accounts were emailed on Friday 28th February.If you did not receive the Fees Statement, please check your SPAM folder before ringing the school. Please note payment due dates, if paying per term, as they are 14 days from statement date. If you would like to set up a payment plan, our preferred option is Direct Debit. Please contact the fees office for a direct debit form and to work out a payment amount. We offer Healthcare and Pension card concessions for eligible families. This must be applied for ASAP and a payment plan must be in place. If you are experiencing financial difficulties, please contact Annalisa Covelli on 6361 3344 so that we can work out a plan for 2025. All overdue accounts will be referred to the CEDB for further action, so please contact us if you need to discuss your circumstances or to put a plan in place.

Thank you

NAPLAN

A gentle reminder that the annual NAPLAN testing period started today. Students in Years 3 and 5 will be completing the 5 tests that comprise NAPLAN over the week. To minimise disruptions, please ensure your children are at school on time. Thank you.

Unlock your Parenting Genius

Michael Grose is one of Australia's leading parenting and educational writers and speakers. He is the author of nine books for parents. Over the coming weeks I will share with you some tips from Michael about the types of questions you ask your child.

According to Michael, the right questions can reveal solutions to your most worrisome parenting issues, but asking the right question requires wisdom.

If you’re a parent, you are constantly asking questions. “Is she safe?” “Is that behaviour normal?” “How do I teach them to be more respectful?”
Sometimes, the questions are directed inward. “Am I too strict?” “Are we doing a good job?” “Can I accept that they have different interests?”

Not all questions are equal. Some questions are flaky and inconsequential. Others are potent and strategic.

These five questions are deep, enduring, and uncover the parenting wisdom you never realised you possessed.

1. “What does this situation require?”

The discipline question.

This is my go-to question for children’s behaviour.

It’s the shortened version of:

What does this situation reasonably require of my child at their age, stage of development and state of mind?

It’s your job to socialise your child to fit into the different social situations they enter.

To do this, they must learn the rules of social living and develop an awareness of others' needs.
Your expectations of their ability to do this are influenced by their age, specific needs, and the situation the child is in.

For instance, it’s reasonable to expect a six-year-old to keep themselves occupied for five minutes while you are talking to a friend while out for a walk. That may be stretching it for a two-year-old. But expecting a ten-year-old to wait patiently for twice that long is reasonable.

When using the question, account for their state of mind. Are they Stressed? Hungry? Tired? Adjust your expectations when necessary, but don’t let their state of mind excuse their poor behaviour.

So when you’re unsure whether your child is acting up or you're expecting too much, ask yourself, “What does this situation require?”

If they act outside what you think is reasonable, respond appropriately and let them know how they can do better next time.

Have a wonder fortnioght

Jo Flynn

Catherine McAuley Newsletter

Faith, Learning and Justic

Term 1, Week 6 · 12 Mar 2025

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