COURAGE, FAITH, LOVE

Dear Families,

Welcome to Term 2! I hope the holidays provided everyone with a chance to rest and recharge for another exciting and busy term ahead. It has been wonderful to see the students return with such enthusiasm and joy, ready to embrace all that Term 2 has to offer.

Over the break, the world mourned the passing of Pope Francis. As a school community, we pause to reflect on the extraordinary life and leadership of our Holy Father, who was a true servant leader and advocate for peace, compassion, and care for all creation. His legacy of humility, mercy, and dedication to the Gospel will continue to inspire us as we walk together in faith and service.

Last week, our nation paused to commemorate ANZAC Day — a day when we remember the courage, sacrifice, and spirit of the Australian and New Zealand servicemen and women. During our school service, we reflected on the importance of their legacy and shared together in reciting the Ode:

They shall grow not old,

as we that are left grow old;

Age shall not weary them,

nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.

I would like to sincerely thank our School and Vice Captains — Laron, Floss, Mahalia and Akal — for proudly representing our school community at the Cranbourne ANZAC Day Ceremony, where they respectfully laid a wreath on our behalf. We are very proud of the way they represented St Agatha's Catholic College with such reverence and pride.

Looking ahead, we have a number of exciting events coming up. We are particularly looking forward to our Mother’s Day Breakfast which will be held in the Hall on Thursday, 8th May from 7:30am to 8:30am. This year, we will be offering a delicious selection of muffins, scones with jam and cream, and pancakes — a slight change as it has become increasingly difficult to source eggs at the moment! We warmly invite all mothers, grandmothers and special carers to join us for this special morning.

In addition, our wonderful and supportive STAC group will once again be running the Mother’s Day Stall on Tuesday, 6th May, providing students with the opportunity to purchase a small gift to celebrate the special women in their lives.

Photo Competition Reminder – "God’s Love in Action"

Don't forget to take part in St Agatha’s exciting photo competition, "God’s Love in Action," inspired by Luke 4:16–21! We invite all students from Foundation to Year 6, as well as staff, parents, and parish members, to capture a moment that shows God’s love at work in the world around us. Entries close on 7th May 2025 and should be submitted via email to gburke1@stacbourne.catholic.edu.au along with a short caption explaining your original photo. Winning entries will be proudly displayed at the Catholic Education Week Mass at St Francis Xavier College. We can't wait to see your creativity shine!

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD)

This term, we will be providing families with information about the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). The NCCD is an annual collection that all schools across Australia participate in, to ensure that students with disability are receiving the support they need to access and participate in education on the same basis as other students. It also helps governments plan for the future needs of students with disability. A flyer with further details about the NCCD is included with this newsletter.

Staffing News

This term, we also say farewell to Bianca Harris, who has been a valued member of our Administration Team for many years. Bianca’s warmth, professionalism and dedication have been a wonderful support to our staff, students and families. We thank her sincerely for her service to our community and wish her every happiness for the future.

We also send our very best wishes to Nicola Sievers as she prepares to begin her parental leave from Friday, May 9. Nicola has made an incredible contribution to our school, and we look forward to hearing her wonderful news in the coming weeks!

Thank you once again for your ongoing support of our school community.

I leave you with the words of Pope Francis, which feel especially fitting at this time:

"Let us protect with love all that God has given us."

God Bless,

Michelle Bruitzman

Mother's Day Events

Mother's Day Stall - Tuesday 6th May

Mother's Day Breakfast Invite - Thursday 8th May 7.30am.