VALE POPE FRANCIS

Pope Francis passed away on April 21, leaving behind a legacy of faith and service. Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis reminded us of the power of kindness, the importance of caring for the poor and marginalised, and the need to approach all people with a humble heart. As we mourn his loss, we also give thanks for his remarkable leadership and unwavering commitment to the Gospel values of love, mercy, and hope.

Pope Francis was a great Pope who did his best to show the world he was a person of Jesus. His humility was evident in the decisions he made following his election — choosing simple modes of transport, opting to live not in the elaborate Papal apartments but among guests at the Vatican, and washing the feet of both men and women, including prisoners.

These are little examples, but a huge acknowledgement that he didn’t want to be seen as an enclosed Church person. For his funeral, he chose a simple coffin and asked not to be raised on high, as is the tradition. He has requested to be buried outside the Vatican, inside Mary the Major, one of four Papal Cathedrals in Rome. Mary the Major is the Church he visited and prayed at when he visited Rome as a Cardinal.

Pope Francis was a vocal advocate for environmental stewardship, emphasising the moral responsibility to care for the Earth. Through his landmark encyclical Laudato Si', he called for urgent action to combat climate change, protect biodiversity, and address the exploitation of natural resources. He frames sustainability not just as a scientific or political issue, but as a profound spiritual and ethical duty. By championing the idea that the Earth is "our common home," Pope Francis has positioned himself as a true environmentalist and a steward of creation, inspiring people of all faiths and backgrounds to take better care of the planet.

In one simple sentence, all can be summed up by saying he was a Pastoral Pope, a champion for the human person and a tireless advocate for environmental causes.

His life of faith, service, and compassion touched millions around the world. We pray for his eternal peace and give thanks for his enduring legacy of hope and love.

May his memory continue to inspire faith, humility, and compassion across the world.

School Closure Day

This Monday, May 5 is a school closure day. The staff will be working onsite and partaking in professional learning led by Educational Consultant Helen Butler. The focus of the day is on student goal setting and student voice.

Mother's Day Celebrations - message from the P&F

GATHERING & DRINKS!!

This coming Friday night, 2 May, we are gathering at Bar Lingo, anytime from 4.30pm onwards. There will be a drink on arrival and nibbles provided. If you haven’t had a chance to RSVP but can now come along, please join us! Thanks to Hannah and Ryan for coordinating this wonderful event for our ladies and giving us the opportunity to socialise child free!

MORNING COFFEE!!

We warmly welcome all Mum’s, Aunties, Grandma’s and Mother figures to join us in the school yard anytime between 8-9.30am on Friday 9 May for a hot drink and a treat. There will be the opportunity to snap a Polaroid with your child/ren. Reusable coffee cups are welcome. Please be mindful that hot drinks are for adults only. Children will commence class at usual time.

MOTHER'S DAY STALL

Our annual Mother’s Day Stall will be held on Friday 9 May between 11.40am-1.40pm. Children will visit the stall with any siblings. Please remember to send along some cash with your child/ren on the day. If you can provide some assistance on the day please email stmarypandf@gmail.com.

School Fees

Please ensure your school fees are paid up to date and there are funds in your nominated account for the direct debit of school fees. Statements will be issued early next week.

Please speak with Loretta if you need anything further. Thank you kindly.

Winter Uniform

Please note that all students are expected to be in full winter uniform by Monday, May 12. Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring a smooth transition as the weather gets cooler.

STAND TALL PROGRAMME - gr3/4

We are proud to be working with the Melbourne United Basketball Team and to offer the Stand Tall program to our Grade 3-4 students this term.

The STAND TALL program supports children to build positive relationships and be the best they can possibly be through classroom-based activities and on-court practical experiences that give structure and meaning to Melbourne United’s values of excellence, selflessness, inclusiveness and community.

This week we had our first session about EXCELLENCE and we look forward to 3 more sessions with our facilitator Jen.

SCHOOL ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

I'm pleased to announce that our rescheduled sports day has been booked for Thursday May 22.

More information will be sent home closer to the event - please save the date and come along either as a parent helper or just to cheer on our children.

CROSS COUNTRY

Today the children from grade 3-6 are heading to Penders Park for the annual cross country trials. We are so lucky to have such a sunny beautiful autumn day for this event.

Congratulationsto the following children who qualified to compete at a District Level.

The District Cross Country will be held on Thursday May 15.

GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOLS ENROLMENT

If your child is in grade 6, and you intend to pursue an enrolment for year 7 at a Government Secondary School please click on the link below for important dates and timelines.

https://www.vic.gov.au/moving-primary-secondary-school-information-parents-and-carers

VICTORIAN LEARNING COMMISSIONERS

Please see this page that contains a message from our School Captain, Sophie Augustine

WELLBEING