Dear Families,

Confirmation

Congratulations to all the candidates who celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation on Sunday afternoon. It was a joyous occasion. Thank you to Jacqui Hayes and the 5/6 teaching team for preparing the candidates, organising a reflection day and preparing the liturgy. Certificates will be presented to the Confirmation candidates at our next assembly.

Grandparent and Special Friend Day

It was wonderful to see so many grandparents and special friends at school this morning. Students enjoyed attending mass with our guests before sharing their learning with them. Students are blessed to have grandparents and special friends in their lives who share their wisdom and love with us.

Mother's Day Breakfast

It was wonderful to see so many mother's enjoying being served by their children at our Mother's Day Breakfast.

National Bee Day

Thank you to Jane Byrne for the engaging learning activities last Friday as we celebrated the important bee and learnt how vital they are for the health of people and the planet.

Crazy Hat Day

This Friday is Crazy Hat Day. Students are asked to wear a crazy hat to school and bring a gold coin donation. Funds raised is donated to the Dolphin Research Institute.

Walk to School Day

It was fabulous to see so much support for Walk Safely to School Day. Research tells us that healthy habits are more easily developed in the early years. Thank you to Megan Barber and the Student Action Council who advertised and organised the event, including breakfast.

eSmart Week

This week is eSmart Week. It reminds us of the importance of keeping students safe online. Parents have a role in creating these safe environments at home also. Students have participated in activities this week promoting how to be a safe digital citizen by recognising kind/unkind words, safety protocols, reporting cyber bullying etc. Please clink on the link if you would like more information.

Canteen

Canteen will recommence this coming Friday. Isabelle, Liam, Atlas and Summer having been working with Kirsten from Peninsula Health on a healthy canteen menu. St Joseph's received $250 Good Guys incentive from the Vic Kids Eat Well Program and a commercial food blender thanks to Peninsula Health. An Operoo reminder will be sent home tomorrow with the menu and prices.

The Fathering Project

We have a Science & Snag Evening for our dads and students on Monday 5 June from 5:00 pm. More details can be found later in the newsletter. Students love spending the time with their dads. The dads love it also!

Students and dads will be using some of the new lego robotics that were purchased with the money raised at the Oak's Day Ladies Luncheon.

Reconciliation Week

Next week students will be participating in activities for Reconciliation Week organised and led by our FIRE Carrier Student Leaders. This year's theme encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives – where we live, work and socialise. For the work of generations past, and the benefit of generations future, act today for a more just, equitable and reconciled country for all. National Reconciliation Week – 27 May to 3 June – is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

Here is the Acknowledgement of Country our students created last year and recite at school events:

I touch the ground to remember the Bunurong/BoonWurrung people who walked before me.

I run my fingers through the water. I feel the sensation of the cold, salty water seep through my fingers and I think of the spirits who made this sacred land and shimmering water.

I wriggle my fingers to remember that everything in nature, from the roots of the trees to the tips of the leaves, is very important.

I touch my heart to show that I love this land and want to help look after it.

I hold hands with another to remember that we need to work together to do this.

Have a great week,

Monica

moshannassy@sjsorrento.catholic.edu.au