Primary News

"It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful.”

- David Steindl-Reist

As we approach the end of Term One and the season of Easter, I extend my warmest wishes to you for a joyful and peaceful, and a holy Easter break. This special time offers us all an opportunity to pause, reflect, and rejuvenate before returning for Term Two.  

The vibrant spirit of our Primary community continues to be a source of inspiration. I along with the rest of the Primary staff are deeply grateful for the unwavering support, boundless passion, and contagious enthusiasm that you - our students and parents/carers - bring each day. Your contributions create the rich tapestry that makes our educational community so special.

To our students - your curiosity, dedication, and willingness to embrace challenges have made this term a remarkable journey of growth and discovery. The energy you bring to classrooms, sporting fields, other cultural pursuits and service enriches our Primary school in so many ways.  

To our parents - your partnership in education, your encouragement of your daughter and your active participation have been invaluable.  Be it as a manager/coach or umpire of a sporting team, assisting at the swimming carnival, attending Learning Conversations, attending assemblies or our recent Palm Sunday and Stations of the Cross liturgies or just that ‘Hello and how are you?’  in the morning or afternoon. Your support forms the foundation upon which our students can build their dreams and aspirations.  

We are heading into the season of Easter over the break and we are reminded of the profound message of hope and renewal that this season brings. In the Gospel of John, we find these words:

"I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete." (John 15:11)

This scripture captures the essence of Easter - a time of complete joy, born of love and sacrifice. The Resurrection story reminds us that after darkness comes light, after challenges come triumph, and that hope and new beginnings are always possible.

As you spend time with family and loved ones during this break, I hope you will find moments to reflect on the joy that Easter brings and the renewed sense of purpose it offers us all.  And when we return from the break we will embark on Term Two with renewed energy and focus -  refreshed and ready for the opportunities that await.

Palm Sunday and Stations of the Cross Reenactments 

Holy Week is a special time for Christians because it allows us to remember and reflect on Jesus' final days, including his suffering, death, and resurrection. During the week of Holy Week, we follow his journey from his triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, through the Last Supper with his disciples, his betrayal, trial, and crucifixion, and finally to the joy of his resurrection on Easter Sunday. By participating in Holy Week services and traditions, we connect more deeply with the core of our faith, experiencing both the sorrow of Christ's sacrifice and the ultimate hope and joy that comes from his victory over death, which promises new life for all who believe.

As Holy Week is during the school holidays we as a Primary have come together this week to celebrate and retell the story. A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in these reenactments as we celebrated Palm Sunday and the Stations of the Cross. Also thank you to all for the reverence and dedication shown, as it truly brought these sacred stories to life in a meaningful way.

Special thanks must go to Libby Piesse, whose guidance and direction made these reenactments possible and members of the Primary staff who took the lead in organising the two liturgies, Jess Thatcher, Kate Murphy, Kate Fazackerley and Aaron Pikunic. Your commitment to helping our students connect with these stories was so appreciated.  

Thank you also to our wonderful students, your reflective and respectful attitudes created a truly prayerful atmosphere. The way you portrayed and retold these significant events demonstrated both understanding and reverence for their spiritual importance.

These reenactments have provided our community with a powerful opportunity for reflection during this sacred time.

Learning Conversations

Thank you to our parent community who attended the recent Primary Learning Conversations.  These times allowed discussions between parents and teachers to fully understand the learnings in classrooms, the data that supports decisions such as groups or why and how we differentiate, as well as the social and emotional journey of our students.  These conversations are a compulsory part of your commitment as a parent so if you have not attended one this term please ensure that you make contact with your daughter’s class teacher in Week 1 to organise a time.  We will again hold Learning Conversations in Week 9 of Term Two with further information to come early next term.

Code Camp - Term Two 

Starting on Tuesday 6 May in the O'Brien Resource Centre a company called Code Camp will be running an after school program for any student in Years 3-6 from 3.20pm- 4.35pm. The program will run for 8 weeks and spaces are limited. Full information was sent out this week via email on what the program consists of, the cost involved and how to register. 

One Off Compulsory Canberra Parent Evening 

On Thursday 8 May at 7.00pm parents of Year 6 students are required to attend the information session. It is our expectation that you attend so that the communication can be shared effectively and efficiently in the best interest of you and your daughter.  Students are not to attend. Further information about the evening will be communicated in Week 1 of Term Two. 

Canberra PACER Information 

Excitement is beginning to build as we start to talk ever so briefly at the moment about our Term Three trip to Canberra for our Year 6 students, where we'll immerse ourselves in Australia's capital city's rich tapestry of cultural landmarks and historical significance. Our exploration will include visits to democratic institutions that form the backbone of Australia's governance, allowing us to witness parliamentary processes firsthand and deepen our understanding of civic participation. Beyond the formal institutions, we'll also connect with community-based organisations that showcase how local initiatives and grassroots efforts contribute to Canberra's vibrant social fabric, making this an educational adventure that promises to be both enlightening and memorable.

We understand that the Canberra trip represents a substantial expense for Year 6 families. Importantly, our College receives a $300 per student reimbursement through the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate (PACER) due to our location relative to Canberra, which considerably reduces the overall cost.

PACER is an Australian government initiative that helps fund school visits to Canberra, enabling students across Australia to experience our capital city. This program offsets travel expenses, allowing students to witness Australia's parliamentary processes firsthand.

This rebate demonstrates the government's dedication to civic education, ensuring students can access valuable learning opportunities that enhance their understanding of our democratic principles and institutions.

A Special Welcome to Our Female Role Models

Mothers, grandmothers, great grandmothers, aunts, and special women in our Primary students' lives are invited to join us on Friday 9 May for a special morning celebration honouring the important women who shape our students' lives.  The morning will consist of a complimentary coffee and muffin and the opportunity for these important female role models to wander through the classrooms and see what has been happening in the first term of the school year.

More details will be sent out to families at the start of Term Two with exact times and further details.