From the Principal
Benvenuto - Welcome
Dear Students, Families and Friends
As we continue on our Lenten journey we are encouraged to think about the impact we have on others in our world. I cannot help but think about the events in Christchurch last Friday. We often hear the comment ‘Why does God let these things happen?’ I’m not sure if God really did cause this to happen? It was more a callous act of an individual who took it upon himself to commit these violent criminal acts that senselessly took innocent lives? I reflect on the words of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, “He is a terrorist. He is a criminal. He is an extremist. But he will, when I speak, be nameless.” I will in turn pray to our God, as many others will to their god, and seek support, love and compassion for the victims of this crime. In this Lenten period I encourage you to take time to pray, reflect and act in a manner that will support a peace filled world where we all are safe and free from harm.
Today, Thursday March 21, is Harmony Day. We are encouraged on this day, as on all days, to recognise the many people and cultures that call Australia home. I recall my own story and my parents as they came from Italy more than sixty years ago. They faced many challenges, language barriers, cultural differences, environmental change and much more. Like many migrants they call Australia home and are proud to do so. On this Harmony Day let us all rejoice in the many opportunities and experiences that Australia has to offer and may we be forever grateful for what we have.
Congratulations to Ella, Olivia, Tess and Brook on their participation on the Hume Regional swimming sports. A great effort for our team relay, and an excellent learning experience had by all.
If your child is arriving to school after 9am or they are away it is your responsibility to let the office know. In particular any late arrivals or early leavers must be signed in via Passstab at the office. If we have any unexplained absences we are required by law to contact the parent to find out why the student is away. Your cooperation in this matter is very much appreciated.
We have had another two ‘firsts’. Mack Logan has a broken arm after a collision with a basketball, and the other being a visit from a small snake. Mack is doing well and he continues to learn and play, plaster cast an all. In relation to the snake we have spoken with the students about how we respond – in a calm and quiet manner we remove ourselves from the area. DO NOT approach the snake. Snakes are more afraid of us and will only react if we cause a fuss and stir them up. Whilst the little snake was easily removed and posed no danger, our procedure should we encounter a snake, or any other danger, is to have a lock in. This means that we all remain indoors until the area is made safe and the danger has been removed. Please see attached snake safety fact sheet in the general notices section of il giornale.
Thank you for an excellent round of Learning Conversations. It was wonderful to hear of the dialogues that occurred and the excellent manner that the students led these conversations. As we reflect, much learning has occurred and many goals set for future learning. These Learning Conversations will occur each term and be the major manner in which we report student learning. To give us some feedback on the process we will send out a survey, electronically, to get your thoughts on the process and how we proceed from here on.
If you have not yet completed the Enhancing Catholic School Identity survey you still have time to do so. You will find out the details in the Catholic Identity section of il giornale.
Project Compassion, run by Caritas Australia, works hard to make a difference for those in our world that may be suffering such injustices as Jesus experienced. You can find out more about Project Compassion in our Catholic Identity section of il giornale and I would encourage you to make donations to Project Compassion via our CDFpay portal on our website or going to https://sackialla.cdfpay.org.au and following the links.
Keep safe and well,
Alla prosima volta – until the next time
Ciao
Dom Poppa
Please take time to read each section of il giornale you will find information that is important for you to know and also allow you to engage in the many events, celebrations, associations and learnings associated with St Anne’s College.
If you would like to contribute an article to il giornale please email newsletter@sackialla.catholic.edu.au
UPCOMING EVENTS
As we come to the end of the term we are begin to look towards the next term and how the learning will take shape. There are many learning experiences to take place and be coordinated. To assist staff to plan these events a curriculum day will be held on Friday April 5. This will be a pupil free day and hence the beginning of the school holidays for our students. For the staff this will be a normal working day with the opportunity to fine tune learning and be ready for an exciting Term Two.
The team from Bob Stewart uniforms will here on Wednesday March 27 from, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. For all your uniform needs please contact Bob Stewart (see general notices).
Our Middle School students will attend camp at Camp Howqua from Monday April 29 until Wednesday May 1. This will have an Outdoor Education focus, with the inclusion of Social Emotional Learning and Spiritual reflection.
The next St Anne’s College Board meeting will be Thursday March 28. At this meeting we will look at the governance structure of the board and what the function of the board is. Kevin Lawlor, from the Catholic Education Office, will lead this.
Breavehearts will be visiting our foundation students on April 4. To find out more about this program please see the information sheet in the Learning Updates section.
You are invited to an… I CAN Network Family Information Session
Monday 1st April 7.00-8.00pm at St Anne’s College, Kialla
The I CAN Network, in collaboration with St Anne’s College, is proud to offer an I CAN Mentoring Program in 2019. The program empowers young people on the Autism Spectrum with an ‘I CAN’ attitude. ALL WELCOME. For more information see flyer in General Notices Section.
Happy Birthday...
Congratulations to the birthday celebrants for the past two weeks – we hope you enjoyed your special day. Tanti Auguri a:
Sienna Mellington 17 March
Laurel Baxter-Butts 18 March
Luke Nolan 22 March
and anyone else that may have celebrated a birthday.
Something to ponder…
Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.
Saint Francis of Assisi
What things are you doing that will break the impossible?