Deputy Principal's Report
Dear families,
Mr McKenna has been away on a Principal's Conference this week past. He and the other principals from the region were doing it tough in 28 degree heat in Cairns.
No doubt, he will have gained greatly from the collegial and professional development and we look forward to hearing more about it in future newsletters.
In the meantime, this edition of the newsletter contains some great examples of the diversity of learning and extracurricula activities taking place at St Cecilia's each and every day.
Please take the time when you can, maybe while on the train, at half time during the footy or when stealing a moment to yourself with your morning coffee - to make your way through the newsletter all the way to the Parish and Community page. Never know what you might find.
Book Week - A Fantastic Celebration of Learning
The last two weeks have been a great illustration of the way in which we want our students to feel about and celebrate learning. Book Week is always a highlight on the calendar, the students love the festive nature of dressing up (even if the parents may dread trying to get those costumes organised) and the involvement of parents and teachers throughout the week.
Our wonderful Book Parade host, Annmaree, put it perfectly when she talked about Book Week being about celebrating a love of books and reading. We all know the power of education to tranform lives, but the ability for any of our students to become lifelong learners will largely depend on our ability to engender a passion and enjoyment of learning in them.
That is why the last two weeks have been so powerful. The students have not only celebrated their own love of books, but they have been given examples time and time again of others who love literature, learning and engaging in stories, from the teachers who have excitedly read and discussed the nominated books for this year's book awards, to the parents who have arrived as special guests to share one of their favourite stories, and the authors who all inspired our students to know that they too could write their own books one day.
A very big thank you to our Literacy Leaders, Mrs Tracey Toner and Mrs Marnie Chapman, for their coordination and organisation of Book Week. Please check out the 'Book Week 2025' page and the 'What's Been Happening' page to find out more about Book Week and view some wonderful images capturing the joy and excitement our various events generated.
A Call Out For Parent Helpers
Over the past few newsletters you will have seen a number of requests for parents and carers to volunteer for various roles. Specifically, we are still looking for some helpers to assist with the organisation of the Father's Day Breakfast. If you think you can help with this please see the details below and reach out to Georgie Carman.
The Fair Committee is also looking for people who might be able to help with sponsorship and a range of other activities. Please see details as to how you can help on the next page.
UNDIES FOR AFRICA
Dear Parents.
As part of our Inquiry Unit this term ‘Celebrating Differences’, the Year 2 children are embarking on a social justice initiative that they would like the whole school to share in.
Our Learning Support Officer, Louise Wood, has strong connections with St. Vincent De Paul in Embulbul, Kenya, and has highlighted the struggles she has witnessed first hand with desperate poverty, health and hygiene issues. ‘Brother Beausang’ is a primary school that Louise has visited many times and has seen the community there that is so poor that they can’t afford the necessities for everyday life.
These children in Kenya, Africa need our help!
The Year 2’s are asking each family to donate a packet/s of undies, sizes 4-12 (boys or girls) and Louise will ensure that they are delivered directly to these children who need them.
This is our third ‘Undies for Africa’ initiative over the years here at St. Cecilia’s and as the photos show, the children are delighted and appreciative, as are their teachers and parents.
WHO: BOYS and GIRLS Undies.
SIZES: 4-12
WHEN: We are collecting now until the end of term.
Thank you for your support.
Year 2’s.
MACSSIS Survey Upcoming
At the end of next week we will be sending home invitations for families to take part in the annual school improvement survey. This survey plays a vital role in guiding St Cecilia's School Improvement plans. You will receive an individual email invitation to participate in the survey. We would greatly apprciate if as many families as possible could particpate to give us a broad crosss section of views from across our all our St Cecilia's families.
New Blinds Installed in the Hall
Those who joined us for our Book Week Parade or our weekly Friday assembly will have noticed some very smart black curtains now hanging around the walls of the Hall. These curtains will save a lot of time and effort in setting up for multiple events throughout the year and add to the flexibility in the way our hall can be used.
Installation will be completed over the next couple of weeks.
REPEATED REMINDERS
URGENT: Still in Need of Help with Our Father’s Day Breakfast?
We’re on the lookout for someone (or a small team!) to help coordinate this year’s Father’s Day Breakfast – a much-loved event that’s always well attended by families and supported by plenty of volunteers.
Lisa, who has done a fantastic job running this event over the past few years, has now moved on from the school. However, she’s kindly left behind a really helpful handover document and is more than happy to assist with food ordering and answer any questions along the way.
The main tasks include:
- Ordering/purchasing the food
- Organising table decorations
- Helping with set up and pack up
- Coordinating volunteers
If you’re organised, enjoy working with others, and would love to be part of a fun and appreciated school tradition, we’d love to hear from you!
Please get in touch with Georgie at georgiecarman00@gmail.com or on 0411 226 401 if you're interested or want to know more.
Save These Dates!
(School Concert and School Fair)
Please come and join us at Sunday Mass
You Are Always Welcome at Sunday Mass
As a Catholic school community, the heart of who we are is deeply connected to the Eucharist and the prayer life of our local parish. Gathering together at Sunday Mass is a special and meaningful way we live out our faith and strengthen the bonds between school, parish, and family.
We warmly invite all families - whether you come every week, haven’t been for a while, or are simply curious - to join us. Everyone is welcome!
Let’s continue to grow together in faith, hope and love.
We’d love to see you there!
St Cecilia's MASS SCHEDULE
Monday 9:15AM
Wednesday 9:15AM
Friday 9:15AM
Sunday 10:00AM, 5:30PM
Have a great weekend everyone!
Matthew Mooney
Deputy Principal
St Cecilia’s Primary School