Students and staff came together last Tuesday to remember and pray for Pope Francis who died on Easter Monday.

Pope Francis, born on December 17, 1936, in Argentina, was named Jorge Mario Bergoglio, and he grew up in a faith and love filled family. As a priest, he prioritised time with the poor, the sick, the lonely and vulnerable. He was renowned for his humility. In 2013, he became the first non-European Pope and chose the name Francis in honour of Saint Francis of Assisi, who loved animals, nature, and helping the poor. In his papacy he showed a deep passion for protecting the earth, helping the vulnerable, and bringing peace to the world.

Pope Francis believed that even small acts of love could change the world. He told children that, “our hands are a symbol for our hearts and that open, generous hearts can change the world.” We recalled his words and actions, and encouraged our children to emulate Pope Francis and live with love, kindness and courage.

Eternal rest grant to Pope Francis, O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him.

May he rest in peace.

Amen.

You may have noticed that our flag is flying at half mast in honour of Pope Francis.

Student Teachers

We have five Masters of Teaching students from Australian Catholic University with us over the coming weeks. We warmly welcome Kelly, Yip, Joeyee, Melissa and Sean. Our wish for them is that they grow in their relationships with all in our school community and that their learning is rich and exciting so that they may further grow in their love for teaching and learning.

School Photos

School photos will be taken on Wednesday 7 May. Children are expected to wear their full summer academic uniform including black school shoes and navy or white socks without logos. Navy, sky blue or white hair ribbons should be worn for hair shoulder length and longer. The only jewellery to be worn are earrings, sleepers and watches. Nail polish should not be worn. Year 3-6 children will need to bring runners to change into for their PE lesson. Year 6 children will have a Graduation photo on the adventure playground and will wear their rugby tops. All students will be in a class photo and an individual photo, and there will be an opportunity for children to have photos with siblings. Further details from the photographer regarding payment and ordering will be sent home next week.

Quick Messages and Flyers to Match!

The Year 6 students will host an ANZAC Day ceremony on the yard in front of the flag today at 2:30pm. Families are most welcome to join us.
Stage 1 of our playground is now complete. We have an enlarged sandpit with a shade sale, a seated area, and we have boxed out the adventure playground with soft fall. There has been a renewed interest in the lower yard and we are pleased to see the children enjoy these improvements.
The parent information session from Inform and Empower on cyber safety will be presented online on Thursday 15 May. Don’t forget to register for this webinar (Flyer included in this newsletter)
Damien Murray has kindly offered once again, to coordinate our election BBQ which will be on Saturday 3 May. Please sign up here to offer your assistance on the day. Spread the word to family and friends that HR is a much quieter location for voting and there’s delicious sausages, egg and bacon rolls and soft drinks available to purchase.
Calling current families with children beginning Prep in 2026- we need your enrolment forms! Please drop them into the office or email them to enrolment@hrkensington.catholic.edu.au
We invite all Mums and mother figures to come along to enjoy a coffee and pastry on Friday 9th May, the Friday before Mother’s Day. Please see the flyer in this newsletter or on socials and sign up via the QR code/link. RSVPs are essential.

Have a wonderful week

Christine

Alternatively RSVP via the link:https://forms.gle/7dKqZxVrRLZbVmJu6

Mother's Day Cake Stall

Our annual Holy Rosary Mother’s Day Cake Stall will be held on Saturday 10th May 9am-12pm at Bubba Pizza Kensington!

We are asking any Dads, Mums, Grandparents, Nannies etc to help by contributing cakes, slices, biscuits and other sweet treats, or preserves such as jams, curds, sauces, relishes, pickles, tomato passata and pesto.

If baking or preserving is not your thing you can still help with really easy no-bake recipes or even lolly bags.

All packaging items and instructions are supplied and can be collected at school pick-up from Monday 5th to Friday 9th May.

In past years we have raised an amazing $5,000 which was used to purchase supplies to enrich our school programs!

We will also require volunteer roles in the lead up and on the day.

Please use the following link to sign up if you can help, many hands make light work!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0845ADAF2AA7FF2-56407797-mothers#/

Any questions, please contact:

Sabrina Smith 0405 844 882 or

Amanda Greenham 0408 132 190.

Chess Club