Principal's Report
Dear Parents,
This week we begin the season of Lent, an important time in our liturgical calendar. Beginning with Ash Wednesday, Lent is the 40 days before Easter, focusing on reflection, repentance, prayer, and fasting. It commemorates Jesus' 40 days of fasting in the wilderness. Traditionally we may have asked children to give up something for Lent such as chocolates or lollies. These days our message is a little bit different, we ask the children to focus on being the best versions of themselves that they can be, and perhaps "give up" some less desirable traits such as arguing with siblings, or frequent complaining.
As adults we can spend the Lenten season focusing on spiritual growth through prayer, charity, and self-discipline in preparation for Easter, the celebration of Jesus' resurrection.
St. Finbar’s School Principal Appointment
The position of Principal of St. Finbar’s will be re advertised on the weekends of March 2 and March 9. The panel will then meet to review applications and interview for the position by the end of Term 1. We ask that you keep the panel members in your thoughts as they work through this process.
Dad's Night
There's more information on the P & F page but all dads are invited to the Dads' Welcome Dinner on 22nd Feb.
eLearning Parent Evening
Our eLearning Parent Evening is only a few weeks away. We do ask that you make a note of this date, and make an effort for one parent from each family to attend. The digital world is fast moving, and this presentation will be an opportunity to learn about current risks and what we can do to keep our children safe.
Session: Raising Kids in a Digital World
Delivery: Onsite Presentation - School Hall
Presenter: Martin McGauran & Carley McGauran
Date: Thursday 14 March, 2024
Time: 7pm (90 mins)
Martin McGauran & Carley McGauran will deliver content on topics such as; the impact of screen time, cyber bullying, gaming, social media etc.
We would love as many parents as possible to attend, free of charge.
Please book via the link here - bit.ly/stfinbars2024
Year 6 camp
Students from St Finbar's are currently undertaking an education tour of the national capital. Students will be given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy. The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding of $45 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.
I'm sure many of you have been following the Year 6s Canberra trip on social media, they are certainly keeping busy. Reports from the staff are that all is going very well, and the students are doing us proud with their respectful behaviour and positive attitude.
Prep Sibling Enrolments 2025
I know it's early to be talking 2025 already, but I ask that parents who have a child commencing in Prep 2025 to please enrol their child by Friday 1st March so we can see how many places will be available to new families for 2025. All siblings are a guaranteed enrolment at St. Finbar's, however we do require completed paperwork to make it official.
We expect that our 52 Prep places will fill up quite quickly. Enrolment forms can be downloaded from the following link: St Finbar's Enrolment Information
Sibling enrolment interviews will happen this term via appointment.
Open Days
Our school Open Days for 2025 enrolments will be held on
Tuesday 12th March (already full)
Monday 18th March
(or by appointment on other dates)
All sessions will be from 9:00am – 11:00am
This is an excellent opportunity for interested families to see St. Finbar’s students and staff in action. School tours will be conducted by our Year 6 student leaders, and supported by myself, Peggy McDonald and Steele Anderson.
Thank you and God bless,
Michelle Hill,
Acting Principal