Principal's Address

EASTER BLESSINGS 

I wish all our College families a Happy and Holy Easter. Easter is a time of new beginning and new life, a time of hope and of possibilities. Can we prolong the Easter season? Not necessarily the Easter eggs and chocolates – though some may wish for that – but rather the message and joy of the resurrection. The liturgical season of Easter lasts for 50 days so I take this chance to highlight one important aspect - peace.

From the risen Lord we ask the grace not to succumb to the pride which fuels violence and war, but to be people of mercy and peace. We ask Jesus, the Victor over death, to lighten the sufferings of our many brothers and sisters who are persecuted for his name, and of all those who suffer injustice as a result of ongoing conflicts and violence. For all people, we pray:

Life anew

Father, we praise you for Christ our living Lord.

His death has destroyed death for us.

His rising has given us the promise of everlasting life

which begins here on earth.

This Easter season may we reach out to be agents

of peace and mercy in our world.

Praise you Father, for your goodness to us

in Christ. Amen.

ATHLETICS CARNIVAL AND CROSS COUNTRY

This week we held our College Athletics Carnival at Jubilee Park under the expert organisation Mr Nathan Irvine. It was another very successful carnival and I congratulate students who excelled and those who assisted their house by entering into the many events. I also thank parents/carers who assisted on the day and were present to support our students and cheer them on.

Next Thursday morning, 12 April students will take part in the Cross Country, which will be held around Lake Albert. Parents/carers are reminded that like the Athletics Carnival, the Cross Country is an important and compulsory College event for all students.

NAPLAN

Parents/carers of Year 7 and Year 9 students are reminded that the NAPLAN tests will take place from 15 May to 17 May and are asked to read important information regarding the tests here. This year NAPLAN will be held during our Musical rehearsal period at the Civic Theatre. We have been aware of this clash for some time and clear procedures have been put into place to ensure that Year 7 and Year 9 students involved in the Musical will have every opportunity to complete the NAPLAN requirements on the affected days. Details will be emailed to parents/carers of students involved in the Musical.

ANZAC DAY

This year ANZAC Day will occur during the school holidays. We encourage our students and families to commemorate the day by attending the Dawn Service and the ANZAC March on Wednesday, 25 April. During the coming weeks, the ANZAC story will be all around us on television and in the print media.

What Australians endured on Gallipoli and the Western Front, in the mud of Flanders and the deserts of Sinai–Palestine, was almost beyond description. It can never be fully comprehended by those who did not fight in these campaigns or witness them firsthand. As well as participating in the Dawn Service and ANZAC Day March, our College community will hold an ANZAC Liturgy during the first week of next term to remember and to give thanks for the sacrifices made by servicemen and women 100 years ago.

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; 

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them."

Lest We Forget

FOUNDERS' MASS

On 8 May our community will gather to honour our Founders and invite parent/carers to join us at 12.15pm in the Hall for this special occasion in the life of the College.

LETTER FROM ACTING DIRECTOR OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

Parents/carers may have read in the media that some dioceses in other parts of NSW are facing the possibility of increases in school fees as a result of the new government funding arrangements. However, in the Wagga Diocese there will be no direct increase in school fees as a result of this change, as explained by Mr Mark MacLean in his letter attached.

STAFF NEWS

Next week we will farewell Ms Amanda Ryan who has been replacing Ms Harpley and I thank Ms Ryan for here contribution to the College over the last 3 terms. I thank Ms Ryan for her contribution to the College and wish her well as she commences a permanent teaching position with the Department of Education. Interim arrangements will be put into place until Ms Harpley returns at the beginning of Term 3.

A number of staff members will be on leave as the term concludes and Term 2 begins. They include Mr and Mrs Saxon, Mrs Streckfuss, Mrs Bright, and Mr Kanck. I will be away from the College for four weeks from 4 May taking part in a leadership course, followed by some personal leave. During this time Mr Lawrence will be Acting Principal and Mr Fitzpatrick will be Acting Assistant Principal.

Best wishes for a relaxing holiday break. I would like to remind parents/carers that there is no Staff Professional Learning Day to commence Term 2. All students will return to school on Monday 30 April.

SAVE THE DATE

The College will be closed on Friday 8 June for the Staff Spirituality Day.

Best Wishes

Mrs Val Thomas

Principal