Principal's Report
The formal Catholic school enrolment application period for 2024 has now closed and I would like to inform you that the number of applications received at Holy Rosary were very pleasing. A special thanks to the Grade 6 children who did a wonderful job hosting tours and answering questions about our school during what was a highly successful Open week and the weeks leading up to closure period. All Principals within the Bendigo Cluster gathered on Monday to discuss application preferences and enrolment offers. Since then, our Holy Rosary Office staff members have been busy preparing offers of enrolment for our 2024 families.
We have noticed an increase in some unsafe behaviours while using the Napoleon Crescent school access point during school drop off and pick up times. As such I would like to encourage families who are not intending on entering the school grounds (therefore not necessarily requiring a parking spot - this includes the unauthorised use of reserved disability bays) to embrace other points of access. The school drive thru encourages our children to keep road safety rules in mind. It also reinforces safety messages and safe passenger behaviours for both parents and children. In addition, this drop off and pick up system also teaches the children cooperation and patience as they wait their turn. Knowing and following the schools drop off and pick up practices will help make it a safer and seamless process for all users.
When using the drive thru please respect the following:
- Drivers remain behind the wheel, in control of the vehicle at all times
- Respect all requests to complete a drive thru loop if child/ren are not in the waiting zone
- No stopping or pulling over underneath the COLA
- Slow Entry and Exit speed
You can read about the success of our Grade 6 soccer day in sport news, however, I wish to announce how truly blessed we are at Holy Rosary to have students who are not only talented but representing the school with great pride, demonstrating exceptional behavioural skills to others. Our behaviour has been identified as a strength by other schools at the soccer event and also by the staff at Palmer’s Gym, where our Foundation - Grade 2 students have been attending over the last few weeks. I would also like to acknowledge our teachers who also do an amazing job supporting our students in the development of this vital social skill.
This term is an 11 week term and I am sure you are all looking forward to a well desired extra day of relaxation as we move into the King’s Birthday long weekend day. In our liturgical calendar we enter back into Ordinary time after celebrating several significant events, such as Easter, the Ascension, Pentecost, The Most Holy Trinity and The Most Holy body and blood of Christ. Nevertheless, the gospel messages are no less significant. Spiritual and Faith formation leader Kylie Smith reminds us in her gospel reflection this week about the strength of Jesus and the integral nature that the Holy Spirit plays in his mission and experience of forgiveness. Throughout his ministry, Jesus faces many battles, yet he responds to rejection and challenge by questioning his opponents in ways that allow us to see the Holy Spirit at work; in ways that remind us of the love of God. His faith in spirit enables Jesus to overcome the awkward presence of evil and individuals who reject who he is and what drives him to offer an alternative way of being. There is so much we can take into our own lives from Kylie’s insightful words regarding the portrayal of Jesus in this week's gospel reading from Mark. It certainly evokes lots of questions: What makes you, you? What things do you value and how do you stay true to yourself? Are you able to transcend beyond the everyday experiences that may deplete your spirit? Battles of domestic violence, racism and social media are extremely challenging and real concerns for many people within various communities, including our own. When discussing such issues with your children, I urge you to keep the following quote by the author of Awakening Mark Nepo, in the forefront of your mind - “To be human is to look far enough inside of you that I see myself.” A very fitting thought, which aligns beautifully with our Catholic faith tradition.
More information about issues in society can be found on the Wellbeing page.
Take care and enjoy the long weekend. Go Blues!
Jo Thurley
Deputy Principal
CES NEWS
We are celebrating!
The Catholic Education Office Sandhurst is celebrating 50 years, and we are calling all who have worked in the Office to join in a celebration on Sunday 18 August 2024.
Mass will be celebrated at St Kilian's Church, Bendigo at 11.30 am followed by light refreshments at 120 Hargreaves Street Bendigo (with displays and memorabilia).
If you know of anyone who has worked in the Offices of Bendigo, Wangaratta and Tatura (also Benalla and Shepparton) please let them know, or for those who have been closely associated with the CEOS, we would love to see you there.
An Eventbrite invitation has been created for those who are interested in attending and can be accessed via the link below to register.