Dear Parents,

Happy Easter and welcome back to Term 2. I hope you all had an enjoyable break and were able to celebrate Easter with your loved ones. We have a very exciting term of learning and extracurricular activities planned.

Pope Francis - Rest in Peace.

On Monday evening our time, the Holy Father, Pope Francis passed away. His health had been poor for a while. I am sure that when photos and videos were beamed around the world, of his presence at Easter celebrations on Easter Sunday, we all thought his health had improved. Sadly this was not the case.

We remember Pope Francis, as a Pope for the people. He spoke out for the poor, asking us to heed their cry, he defied protocols and addressed the United Nations about climate change and the need for us to care for the Earth-our common home. Words often used by Pope Francis were hope, mercy, justice, inclusivity and reform. He called upon the church to embrace diversity. Jorge Mario Bergoglio, born in Argentina, a humble man who became a Jesuit priest, and chose Francis as his papal name to honour St Francis of Assisi, who was known for his devotion to the poor and marginalised and his life of simplicity.

Eternal rest grant unto Pope Francis, O Lord.

Let perpetual light shine upon him,

May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace

ANZAC Day

This Friday it is ANZAC day, an important date in our nations' calendar. This year we commemorate the 110-year anniversary of the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps troops at Gallipoli, Turkey. This Friday is a public holiday and the school will be closed.

Anzac Day is a time to reflect on the contribution made by past and present service personnel, from across the country and the world, who have displayed great courage, discipline and self-sacrifice in choosing a life of service to their country and community.

Anzac Day is a day for all in our nation to reconnect with our past, understand the present, and look to our future and this clip pays tribute to those brave people

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q20DUaIzYJg

This is a great resource to help our children understand what ANZAC Day is and how and why we celebrate it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3FPacuM-NE

MACS Parent Meeting

As mentioned in the 'special announcement' letter sent to all families earlier today, Rosa Wilkinson, Senior Leadership Manager, MACS, will be meeting with parents to discuss and share the process of appointing a new Principal. The meeting will take place on Wednesday 30th April at 2:45pm and all parents are welcome to attend.

Enrolments/ Tours

There are still opportunities for people to visit and learn about our school. Existing families are also welcome to attend. Please pass the enrolment information on to family and friends.

Applications can now be completed online on the school website.

https://www.stbernardscoburg.catholic.edu.au/apply-now/

Taste of School/ Information Session

We have our 'Taste of School' and Foundation Information session on Tuesday 6th May 9.15 - 10.30am.

This is an opportunity for children to experience school life in a Foundation classroom. At the same time there is a Parent Information Session in the hall.

All are welcome & bookings are essential. Please book online or phone 9384 8500. https://www.stbernardscoburg.catholic.edu.au/events-tour-bookings/

Flu Vaccination

We have a Flu vaccination session booked for the staff on Thursday 1st May from 1.30 - 1.45pm and can accommodate others from our community should you wish to take up the offer. The cost is $20.00 payable to the school on the day. If you wish your child to be vaccinated, you must have an adult present and stay with your child for 15 minutes after the vaccination. Please contact the office if you wish to participate 9384 8500 or schooladmin@stbernardscoburg.catholic.edu.au

Save the Date - Mother's and Special Person Celebration

Our Mother’s and Special Person’s Day celebration will be held on Friday 9th May from 8:45am - 10:30am. Mothers and Special People are invited to spend time in the classroom with students 8.45 - 9.30am, followed by morning tea in the hall (9.30 - 10.30am).

An invitation will be sent out in the next few days.

PD Day - 13th May

The next PL day this term is on Tuesday 13th May. There is no school on this day, OSHC is available and bookings are essential.

Extra Curricular Programs

We will continue to have Kelly Sports Dance and Chess Club lunchtime activities during this term. If you would like your child to participate see the information below on how to register.

Lego, Duplo & Train sets

Thank you to those families who have donated train sets and duplo. If you have any duplo that you no longer need we are happy to accept donations.

Joanne Doherty

Principal