" Every child matters. Every moment counts!"

Pope Leo XIV is the new Pope.

"Peace be with all of you!" - the first words of Pope Leo XIV. Pope Leo XIV greets the faithful and the world invoking peace and pledging to work for a united Church faithful to Jesus and the Gospel.

With great joy, we welcome Pope Leo XIV as the new shepherd of the Catholic Church. As we celebrate his election, we hold him in our prayers, asking that he may be guided by wisdom, compassion, and a commitment to justice, peace, and the care of our common home.

May his leadership inspire us to continue walking the path of integral ecology and solidarity with the most vulnerable. We invite you to join us in prayer as we embrace this new chapter for the Church and the world.

Mother's Day

I would like to share with you the story of my mother and of her inspiration to not only myself but to her entire family as I believe she has been the pillar of strength of our family.

My mother arrived in Australia on 18 May 1951 from Italy to a country where she knew no English and only had my father; no family members and a few friends who had already been living here to relate to.

Mum and Dad first lived in Carlton, then moved to Collingwood and eventually moved to Oakleigh in 1955 to the family home where she still lives.

At first, living in Australia was difficult, having to learn a new language, giving up her career as a tailoress and having to make new friends. However, with her determination and her strength she was able to overcome these hurdles. She now speaks, reads and writes English well; held work over the many years until mum and dad's eventual retirement and made a multitude of friends. My Dad died in 1992 so her partner and companion of many years was now longer with her. Many of her friends have also gone but Mum continues to live in comfort and good health.

At the age of 97 Mum is my mother, mother-in-law, a Nonna to four grandchildren and a Big Nonna (great grandmother) to one beautiful granddaughter. She continues to ensure that she provides what she can to our family and we make sure she receives the pleasure of us being around her. She insisted on making her delicious lasagna when the family gathered together for Easter lunch.

Throughout her life the one most important thing that I can recall that made her strong and our pillar, is that she believed that God, and in particular Mary our Heavenly Mother, were there beside her no matter what situation she was in. She believed that they would support her and help and guide in her mission of being our matriarch. It is through her strong faith that at the age of 97 she still is dedicated to saying the Rosary each night with her intention being not only for her family but for those around her who are important to her.

I hope that you may be able to relate to my story in knowing how special our mothers or special friends are in our lives. There may be times where everything is smooth sailing and then times where things may be rough and we may need to reach out to someone else, but we must remember that Mary our Mother will be beside us. We just need our faith to reach out to her.

To all the special people in our lives I wish you a Happy Mothers’ Day.

Mother's and Special Friend's Day

Thank you to the PFA, especially the Year 5 & 6 parents, for hosting the breakfast. I'm sorry that I was unable to attend the breakfast but I have been told that everyone was so excited to be given the opportunity to share the time together this morning. The children had a special buzz being able to buy that special gift at the stalls. In particular thank you to Fiona, Sandra, Regelyn and Efra for organising the delicious breakfast and to Kathy and Liz for organising the wonderful gifts at the stall.

District Cross Country.

What a spectacular day for the Years Three - Six students in being able to take part in this annual event at Bald Hill Park. Mr Mitchell helped with their training during sport lessons so that they could tackle the track on the day. Congratulations to Primrose - 19th in 12/13 Girls, Austin - 19th in 12/13 Boys and Dion - 16th in 12/13 Boys who came in the top 20 of their races. And of course congratulations to all the children who took part in the track event. Special thank you to the parents who went along in support of their children and to the staff that made sure that everything ran smoothly.

Enrolments for 2026

Please pass the word around that enrolments are now open for children starting school in 2026 and to have enrolment forms in as soon as possible. School tours are still available for those that would like to see what makes our school a special place to learn and grow.

Walk to School Day Friday 16th May 2025

Our school has registered for the National Walk Safely to School Day on Friday 16 May 2025. National Walk Safely to School Day is a community initiative that aims to raise awareness of the health, road safety, transport and environmental benefits that regular walking (especially to and from school) can provide for the long term well-being of our children.

Walking to school is the perfect way to start the day by getting some exercise and fresh air, ready to start school with a clear mind. Perhaps, park the car further back from the school and have a walk with other children and their families.

The Sports Captains will be handing out stickers to all students.

Perhaps, park the car further back from the school and have a walk with other children

Sincerely yours.

Margaret Carlei

Principial

A Prayer for Mothers

We thank you Lord for the great gift of motherhood. It is within our mother’s womb, that we began life. It is in her embrace that we have known safety and comfort. It is through her encouragement that we grow and mature.

Lord, bless our mothers. Draw close to them and hear their prayers for their children. Give them the grace of surrendered love – a love that images the love of our heavenly mother, Mary.

May all mothers find daily the strength to love generously, the patience to endure graciously, and the grace to live their vocation of motherhood joyously.

We ask this through our Lord, Jesus Christ,

Amen.

Library News

Victorian Premiers' Reading Challenge 2025