From the Principal's Desk...
Dear Parents and Caregivers
Reconciliation Week
During Reconciliation Week, our school community reflects on the shared histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and considers how we can all contribute to a more just and respectful future. This year’s theme invites us to deepen our understanding, celebrate the richness of First Nations cultures, and take meaningful action in our daily lives. Throughout the week, students have engaged in learning experiences that promote respect, truth-telling and connection to Country, helping to build a stronger sense of unity and belonging.
Thank you Miss Myles, Miss Carger and Mrs Thompson for preparing the Sorry Day liturgy on Tuesday 26 May, and to Mrs Thompson for leading a valuable 'On Country' workshop with all our students from Pre-Primary to Year 6. As a school, we remain committed to walking together on the journey of reconciliation, fostering empathy, awareness and hope for future generations.
Prayers for our First Communicants
Our Year Four students are preparing to receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist for the first time on the 6th, 7th, 13th and 14th of June. Please remember to keep them in your prayers as they receive Jesus for the very first time in this special Sacrament! St Helena of the Holy Cross church will be an exciting place to be over the coming weekends for our young people in our parish!
Year 6 Camp
It was wonderful to spend some time with our Year 6 students on Camp at Woodman Point Recreation Camp in Week 4. The students represented themselves and our school exceptionally well. They all had a go at all the activities and the care and support for each other that they displayed was wonderful to see! We are very proud of all of them for their participation and efforts. Thank you again Miss Bederson, Mrs Thompson, Mrs Allen, Mrs Johnson, Mr McCormack and Mrs Andrews for your time and commitment to ensuring all our students had an amazing time and were safe and happy over the 3 days and 2 nights! Thank you also to Miss Myles for your attendance and assistance in the evenings for the camp activities.
Principal for the Day!
In the past at St Helena’s, I have enjoyed meeting with small groups of students from different classes for “Morning Tea with Mr G.” This term, I have introduced a new initiative that provides another valuable way to gather student voice and feedback. Classroom teachers nominate a small group of students who consistently demonstrate the values of St Helena’s Catholic Primary School. I then meet with these students and invite them to imagine themselves as “Principal for the Day.” Together, we discuss their ideas, and they reflect on and respond to a series of questions about St Helena's and how they would lead the school if they were the Principal. This initiative provides a wonderful opportunity to continue listening to the voices of our students.
A couple of the questions that I ask the students and some of their responses below...
Qu: What do you love about being a student @ St Helena's Catholic Primary School?
A: "Lots of opportunities and having fun activities."
A: "I love the amount of support for kids who need help from the Education Assistants and the amount of kindness spread within everyone."
A: "I love how everyone is so inclusive and caring, and how everyone feels like they belong."
Qu: What does Mr G as Principal need to know from you today?
A: "That every student has many opportunities."
A: "Mr G would need to know that all of the teachers are very kind and supportive of the students and that they are doing a good job."
Changes to Annual Community Meetings and Membership Appointment Processes
Please take the time to have a read of the changes being introduced by CEWA in regards to Catholic School's Annual Community Meetings and the membership appointment process - click here
Long Weekend - Enjoy!
Our staff are looking forward to our upcoming Staff Professional Learning Days. A reminder to our parents and caregivers that there is no school this Friday or next Tuesday due to our Staff Professional Learning Days. Students return after the pupil free days and long weekend on Wednesday 3 June. Enjoy the break and have the children take the opportunity to recharge as we head into the second half of Term 2!
At St Helena's, we are a Christ-centred and a child-focused community,
always striving to do Something Beautiful for God.
Peace & Happy Days!
Santino Giancono
Principal
"What I can do, you cannot. What you can do, I cannot.
But together we can do something beautiful for God."
Saint Teresa of Calcutta
