Catholic Identity

Dear families,

As we conclude another faith-filled term at St Brendan's Primary School, we give thanks for the many opportunities our students, staff and families have had to live out our school motto, with "Faith and Courage," and our 2026 theme, "Seek Peace and Pursue It."

Term 2 has been rich in prayer, liturgy, learning and service.

We began the term by participating in Sandhurst Switches Off, encouraging our community to care for creation through practical environmental action. Students also took part in our whole school Peace Chain, reflecting on how they can be peacemakers in their homes, school and wider community.

Throughout National Reconciliation Week, students deepened their understanding of truth, justice and reconciliation through prayer, classroom learning and the creation of a beautiful symbolic cross featuring Yorta Yorta artwork and symbols. Our participation reminded us of the importance of walking together with respect and understanding.

A highlight for the term was our Feast Day celebration with Andrew Chinn. Students and staff and even Notre Dame students and staff enjoyed a wonderful faith-filled experience with singer and songwriter Andrew Chinn, whose music inspired us to live as people of hope, joy and faith.

Another highlight of the term was our Reconciliation Youth Mass, where students actively participated through music, prayer and leadership. We were especially privileged to witness a traditional Yorta Yorta cleansing dance, celebrating the richness of Aboriginal spirituality and culture.

Our parish partnership continued to flourish through the Parish Expo, regular parish involvement and opportunities for students to participate in the life of the Church community.

The culmination of the term was our beautiful Feast of the Sacred Heart – Mass of Compassion. Students reflected on Jesus' call to show compassion, kindness and generosity to others. As part of this celebration, our school community generously supported the Winter Meals Appeal, donating food and grocery items for St Vincent de Paul to assist local families experiencing hardship.

Our sacramental candidates continue their faith journey as they prepare to receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion. This special time of preparation is helping them grow in faith, deepen their relationship with God, and strengthen their understanding of the gifts they will receive through these sacraments.

We continue to keep these students and their families in our prayers as they journey towards these significant milestones of faith. We also remember in prayer the students who are preparing to receive the Sacrament of Baptism, celebrating with them as they take this important first step in their life of faith.

Through our Religious Education learning, prayer experiences, liturgies, service initiatives and daily interactions, students have continued to discover that they are known, loved and called by God. They have explored how they can bring peace, kindness, mercy and compassion to others, making Jesus real in our school community.

Thank you to our families, parish community, staff and students for your ongoing support of Catholic life at St Brendan's. Together, we continue to grow as a faith-filled community, seeking peace and pursuing it in all that we do.

Wishing all our students, families and staff a safe, restful and warm Winter Break. May this holiday be filled with moments of joy, peace and God's many blessings. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for another wonderful term of learning and growing together in faith.

God bless,

Leanne Pellegrino

Catholic Identity Leader

St Brendan's Primary School