Dear Families,

Welcome back to Term 2! We hope that everyone had a restful break and a joyful Easter period. Pat Berlingeri has been on an extended family holiday this week, and will return on Monday 28th April.

As communicated during the holidays, we are united in grief with the passing of Mr Daniel Bau, a much-loved teacher and treasured member of our school. His sudden loss has deeply affected us all. We offer our sincere condolences, support, and prayers to Mr Bau’s family, friends, and to our entire school community.

As a Catholic school community, we know the power of prayer, compassion, and unity. We encourage our families to keep Mr Bau’s loved ones in their thoughts and prayers.

With the assistance of our regional MACS office, the school has been supporting all students and staff during this time. Our Year 3 to Year 6 students gathered on Tuesday afternoon for a special prayer service in the school hall.

Conversations with children about processing and understanding grief and death can be difficult for some. Attached below are some useful fact sheets to help guide conversations at home if needed.

Please do let us know if your child requires any additional support during this time.

Information regarding Mr Daniel Bau’s funeral next week was shared via Operoo and Audiri yesterday, and is repeated below. The school will remain open, however many staff will be attending the funeral service in Rowville. We would appreciate your response to the Operoo notice by this Sunday 27th April so that supervision and care arrangements can be made for students attending school on Wednesday 30th April.

A reminder that tomorrow the school is closed for the ANZAC Day Public Holiday. Mentone RSL has invited the school community to the ANZAC Day March at Memorial Park, further details can also be found below.

Regards,

Acting Principals: Joelle Diakrousis and Anthony Speranza

Arrangements for Wednesday 30th April

The funeral service for our much-loved colleague, Mr Daniel Bau, will be held on Wednesday, 30th April at 11:00am, at St Simon the Apostle Church in Rowville. Families are warmly invited to attend and join us in paying our respects to Mr Bau and his lasting impact on our school community.

As many of our staff will be attending the service, only a small number of staff will remain onsite. While the school will remain open for those who are not attending the funeral, please note the following changes to the day:

The Wednesday Prep–Year 3 swimming class will be rescheduled to Monday, 6th May.
Specialist classes will be cancelled on the day.
Families may choose to keep their children at home if they are not attending the funeral.

To assist us with planning and ensuring adequate supervision, we kindly ask that you inform us if your child will/will not attend school on Wednesday, 30th April by responding to the Operoo form that was sent yesterday by Sunday 27th April.

If your child wishes to attend the funeral but will be accompanied by a trusted friend or family member (and not a parent/guardian), please ensure this is communicated in writing directly to Mrs Diakrousis at jdiakrousis@spmentone.catholic.edu.au, also by Sunday, 27th April.

We sincerely thank you for your ongoing understanding, support, and compassion during this time, particularly for our staff and students who are grieving the loss of a beloved teacher and friend.

Funeral Service Details:

St Simon the Apostle Church, commencing 11:00am

2 Taylors Lane, Rowville VIC 3178

ANZAC Day, Friday 25th April

PEACE PRAYER

God of love and liberty, We bring our thanks today for the peace and security we enjoy, We remember those who in time of war faithfully service their country. We pray for their families, and for ourselves whose freedom was won at such a cost. Make us a people zealous for peace, and hasten that day when nation shall not lift up sword against nation neither learn war any more. This we pray in the name of the one who gave his life for the sake of the world: Jesus Christ, our Saviour

ANZAC Day, observed on April 25th each year, marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during World War I. It is a day to remember all Australians and New Zealanders who have served and died in war and on operational service. As a school we have focussed on the history and significance of ANZAC Day with our students. This will also be highlighted at next week’s Friday assembly, where we will honour the fallen soldiers through prayer and reflection. Thanks to the Yr 6 leaders who have been selling ANZAC badges, raising money for the Mentone RSL.

The RSL have invited members of our school community to attend tomorrow’s march. We will be meeting at the World War I Memorial Arch, Mentone Parade Park, at 8:30am. We will join the local community as it walks along Mentone Parade to the Mentone RSL for the Commemorative Service. Student leaders from our school will be contributing a special book on our behalf.

Please note all students must be accompanied by an adult as this will not be a staff- supervised event.

Years 3-6 Cross Country Carnival @ Dolomore Reserve

Today’s Year 3 to Year 6 Cross Country Carnival at Dolomore Reserve was a fantastic morning. Well done to everyone on their participation and perseverance during this endurance event.

Congratulations to the Brigid (Green) house who placed first overall, and Ava T and Jake R in Year 6 who placed first in the Year 6 Championship event. The final standings were:

1st Brigid - 612 points

2nd - Stella - 585 points

3rd - Tara - 494 Points

4th Lorica - 413 Points

Thank you to Mr Colin Edwards for all of his organisation, and to our staff to ensure a smooth day.

Cross country training for the District team commences next week each Tuesday and Thursday Morning. Any student from Year 3 to 6 is welcome to come along and improve their fitness, however those that finished in the top 15 or missed the House carnival should attend each of the training sessions. The school team will be picked from the cross country carnival, previous years results and from training. Please arrive at 7:50am ready for a prompt 8:00am start.

Prep to Year 3 Swimming Program

A reminder that the remaining swimming days for students in Prep to Year 3 will be as follows:

Monday 28th April

Tuesday 29th April

Thursday 1st May

Monday 5th May (in lieu on cancelled 30th April)

Chess Tutiton

Registrations are open for the Term 2 Chess Club, which takes place on Wednesdays at recess. A minimum number of students are required for the club to take place, so if you are thinking of participating or continuing from last term please see the information below or website chessforschools.com.au to register.

St Patrick's Before & After School Care