School News

Dear parents, families and friends,

As I begin this newsletter, I continue on with the election of our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Cardinal Prevost has made significant contributions through various roles, including his time ministering in South America and serving as the head of the Midwest Augustinians. His academic achievements in mathematics, theology and canon law, coupled with his leadership as prior general of the Augustinian order and his subsequent service as bishop in Chiclayo, Peru, have equipped him with the experience and vision needed for his new role.

During his first speech as Pope Leo XIV, he conveyed a heartfelt message of peace and unity, echoing the sentiments of the Risen Christ. He emphasized the importance of building bridges through dialogue and encounter, urging us all to work together towards a world united in peace and charity. His words reflect his commitment to continue the mission of his predecessors and to lead the Church with humility and perseverance.

As head of the Dicastery for Bishops, Cardinal Prevost played a crucial role in the selection process for diocesan bishops globally and in the investigation of allegations against bishops. His profound understanding of the Church's needs and his dedication to fostering a faithful community have been evident throughout his career.

Pope Leo XIV's deep connection to his roots as an Augustinian and his experiences in both the United States and South America have shaped his approach to leadership. His episcopal motto, "In Illo uno unum", which in Australia might be taken as "we are one, though we are many", highlights his belief in the unity of Christians in Christ. This foundation will undoubtedly guide him as he leads the Church forward.

Moreover, the choice of the name 'Leo' by our new Pope perhaps hearkens back to the legacy of Pope Leo XIII, who inaugurated modern Catholic Social Teaching with his seminal encyclical, Rerum Novarum.This document addressed the conditions of the working classes and advocated for the rights of workers, the responsibilities of employers, and the role of the Church in social issues. By choosing this name, Pope Leo XIV may be signalling his intention to continue and expand upon this rich tradition of social justice and advocacy within the Church.

Let us join in prayer and support for Pope Leo XIV as he embarks on this new mission. May his leadership bring forth a renewed spirit of faith, hope, and love within the Church and across the world.

Wellbeing Day

Last Thursday was a special day - Wellbeing Day. The students had a fun day patrticipating in a variety of activities focused on Mental Health and Wellbeing. You can read more about this and view images from the day on the Wellbeing Page. A very big thank you to Miss Paglianiti, Ms Tara and the Year 6 Student Wellbeing Leadership Team for all the preparation and hard work to ensure this was a very successful and fun day for all.

John Burland Concert

On Wednesday 4th June at 9am, John Burland will perform a concert at our school for our students. Parents, friends and toddlers are welcome and encouraged to attend.

John Burland is an accomplished world-renowned Catholic composer, musician and educator from Sydney, Australia who has been writing and recording religious music for children and adults for over twenty years. We use many of John's songs in school masses and other celebrations and events as well as in the classroom.

Again, I warmly invite all parents, grandparents, friends and toddlers to join with us in a fun filled and joyus morning.

Birmingham Street Park

Thank you for supporting the school by not allowing students to play ball games in the park area to ensure the safety of all community members. If the crowd has dispersed before 3.25pm then I will make the call to allow students to begin playing ball games a little earlier.

National Sorry Day & Reconciliation Week

You may have noticed the Aboriginal National Flag flying all week. This is our small way of acknowledging Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week. In the last week of this term we will celebrate NAIDOC week from the 30th June to the 4th July. Please see below an Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners that has been adapted by our Year 3/4 students.

Swimming Program

Our 5 week intensive swimming program commenced this week. All the children were just as excited about travelling by train as they were about getting in the pool. Not only are the students learning to swim, they are also learning how to dry and dress themselves and tack care of their own belongings. Thank you for our parent volunteers this week who helped to supervise the children while walking and on the train as well as assisting with shoes and socks at the pool. These parents assist the teachers in supervising all students and are not there to only look after their own child. A reminder that if you would like to be a parent helper for swimming that you need to have your Working With Children Check and to let the teachers know of your interest to help. The teachers have created a roster of helpers to ensure there are enough helpers each day.

As of next week, parents are welcome to come and watch their child swim. We strongly encouraged you to allow your child to dry and change themselves.

Capital Works Building Refurbishment Project

The planning is progressing well for the refurbishment of Building B, the St. Mother Teresa Building. Shortly I will have some images available for you to see as well as a virtual 3D Flythru.

Student Leadership Initiative - Vending Machine

Thank you to all families who completed the vending machine survey. The majority of responses were in favour of the vending machine. We also value the questions and suggestions provided. I will now meet with our Year 6 Student Leaders to discuss the next steps.

Important Upcoming Events

• Thursday 29th May - 5 Week Intensive Swimming Program for P -4 commences
• Wednesday 4th June, 9am - John Burland Concert
• Friday 6th June - School Closure Day; staff completing First Aid Training
• Sunday 8th June, 3.00pm - Musical Celebration Jubilee Concert in St. Augustine's Church
• Thursday 26th June, 9.15am - Whole School Mass for the Feast of the Sacred Heart
• Tuesday 1st and Wednesday 2nd July - Learning Conversations with normal dismissal times on each day.
  • Tuesday - 3.30pm to 5.00pm
  • Wednesday - 2.00pm to 7.30pm
• Friday 4th July, 1.15pm - End of Term 2
• Friday 8th August, 10.30am - Whole School Mass for the Feast of St. Mary Mackillop & Grandparents Day
• Sunday 31st August, 9.30am - Jubilee Mass: Back to St. Augustine's celebrating 100years of St. Augustine's Church.

Important Information for Parents about NCCD

Please read the attached document if you have a child currently receiving NCCD funding or may be eligible to receive funding due to being recently diagnosed with a disability.

Just a big reminder to read this newsletter carefully as well as any other communication from the school including Operoo, teacher emails and special letters. Teachers and the office are receiving questions about times, dates, events, what to bring and what to wear on a regular basis. In all cases, the information has been clearly stated. It is important that emails are checked regularly as we no longer send paper notifications home.

Please keep our Year 6 Confirmation Candidates in your prayers as they prepare to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit this Sunday during the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Matthew Stead

Principal