Dear Parents and Carers, 

Shrove Tuesday, Ash Wednesday and Lent 

We were very fortunate to have Mr Martens and staff treat the students to pancakes for Shrove Tuesday. Shrove Tuesday (also known as Pancake Tuesday) is a way to prepare for the beginning of Lent and dates back to 1000 AD. I’m sure the students loved being involved in the tradition! 

Yesterday the students participated in an Ash Wednesday Liturgy prepared by Mrs King. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent.  

Lent  is  a  time  to  rediscover  the  meaning  of  life  and  prioritise  what  is  important  in how  we  live  our  lives.  We  try  to  simplify  our  lives, take  time  out  to reflect  and  pray,  and  listen  and  respond  to  those  in  need. 

It is hard not to think and worry about what is happening in the World around us. I ask that you take the time to pray with your family for those that are suffering and for peace and calm to be brought to our World.

Covid Update

I am pleased to announce that with Covid restrictions easing and the numbers of positive cases stabilising at school, from next week we will be able to remove the cohorting requirements. This means that students will be able to play in the area they choose during breaks and can mix between classes. We will continue to encourage safe and responsible choices during playtime.

 Also parents are now welcome on site regardless of vaccination status. So please feel free to pop in and say hello when dropping off or collecting your child. We would love to see you!

Rapid Antigen Test kits were distributed to families last week so that parents may administer as needed over the next 4 weeks. If a student tests positive they will need to isolate for 7 days. Please report any positive cases to NSW Health and myself if this occurs.

 Student arrival time

Please remember that a teacher does not come on duty until 8:45am in the morning, with school starting at 9:05am. We kindly ask that students do not arrive before this time as they will not be supervised.

 Catholic Leaders Day and Principal’s Retreat

 Next week I will be participating in the Catholic Leaders Day and Principal’s Retreat in Bowral from Tuesday to Friday. As Ross Fox the Director of Catholic Education recently outlined, these are the most important days that occur for a Principal (outside of the school) during the year. I will have the opportunity to participate in professional learning regarding the strategic direction of Catholic Education, as well as opportunities for networking with other principals and time for reflection on the important role that I hold. 

 During my absence Mrs Leslie King will be in charge so please direct any queries to her. Please feel free to contact me by email if needed and I will respond when I am able.

Lunch Orders                                 

Lunch orders have been a great success this week! Students (and staff) have been loving the yummy meals prepared for us by Unwind Cafe!

Remember to get your orders in on Mondays and Wednesdays ready for lunch order day on Tuesdays and Thursdays!

 Music

I am currently in contact with the Young Regional Conservatorium to look at bringing some musical options to our school. This includes the possibility of specialised classroom music lessons, choir and/or private tutoring lessons. 

 In order for the private tutoring to go ahead we need a certain number of families involved. I sent a Compass post with a link to a short survey for you to indicate your child's interest. The private lessons would take place during school time at the cost of parents. They would be on a rotating roster so that they are not missing the same class time each week.

Can ALL parents please complete as soon as

possible, it is a very short survey that will only take 2-3mins to complete. Even if your child is not interested, please indicate this on the survey. https://forms.gle/G3PwJDm9Fm45aYkJ8

Have a lovely weekend.

 Kind thoughts,

Melissa Hotham

Principal

This week we began our Lenten journey with Liturgy of the Word and distribution of the ashes on Ash Wednesday. The students reflected on the Gospel of Luke about Zacchaeus and his change of heart. They recognise Lent as a time when we can all make better choices and follow Jesus as his disciples in today’s world.

The students had some great ideas about doing good things for others. They were also quick to point out people in the world today who could use our support, both through prayers and other means. They mentioned the flood victims in Australia and the ongoing crisis in the Ukraine as two of their main concerns. With the support of the SRC, we will explore these student-generated ideas further in the coming weeks to see what kind of support we can offer.

Some people like to ‘give up’ something or even fast during Lent. My chosen prayer this week highlights a different sort of fasting.

Fast from judging others;

Feast on Christ dwelling in them.

Fast from fear of illness;

Feast on the healing power of God.

Fast from words that pollute;

Feast on speech that purifies.

Fast from discontent;

Feast on gratitude.

Fast from anger;

Feast on patience.

Fast from pessimism;

Feast on hope.

Fast from negatives;

Feast on encouragement.

Fast from bitterness;

Feast on forgiveness.

Fast from self-concern;

Feast on compassion.

Fast from suspicion;

Feast on truth.

Fast from gossip;

Feast on purposeful silence.

Fast from problems that overwhelm;

Feast on prayer that sustains.

Fast from anxiety;

Feast on faith.

 Author Unknown

Peace and blessings,