Dear Parents and Carers,

NAPLAN

NAPLAN will take place at school next week for students in years 3 and 5, on Wednesday 15th, Thursday 16th, Friday 17th and Monday 20th March. If your child is absent on these days, we will attempt to arrange another time (within the time period allocated) for your child to sit the missed tests.

Whilst these tests capture information from one snapshot in time, please remember that classroom teachers are implementing ongoing assessment throughout the year and are monitoring your child's progress closely. Teachers have provided opportunities for your child to familiarise themselves with the testing format and process for NAPLAN, but are not emphasising or adding undue stress or pressure to students.

To ensure the smooth running of the assessments, it is important that your child arrives to school on time each day, and that they have had a good night's sleep and breakfast that morning, so that they are feeling refreshed and energised.

Update to Semester Reporting

Catholic Education Canberra-Goulburn (CECG) has communicated to schools regarding reporting to parents/guardians. CE has advised schools that general comments will not be required on Semester 1, 2023 reports, but to prioritise Parent/Teacher Conferences for every family. These meetings provide an opportunity to discuss your child’s progress, their strengths, challenges and future areas of focus. A Semester Report will still be sent home as in previous Semesters providing A-E grading and attendance information.

CE has advised schools that Semester 2, 2023 reports will require a general comment for all children. This general comment will provide a summative comment for the year, areas of achievement and areas to focus on for the following year. A-E grading and attendance information will remain as normal. We would encourage all parents/guardians to engage regularly with their child/ren’s learning, connecting with their class teacher/s regularly to discuss learning progress.

Kind thoughts,

Melissa Hotham

Principal

Year of Walking Together 2023

– Message from Archbishop Prowse

With great joy, I announce that the Archdiocese immediately embark on a YEAR OF WALKING TOGETHER.

Just as the Risen Lord walked alongside (SYNODALITY) the disciples on the road to Emmaus and drew them from anxiety to hope, may we open ourselves up to do the same.

In this year we will actively pursue solidarity as an Archdiocese, fostering a "mindset which thinks in in terms of community and the priority of the life of all" (Evangelii Gaudium n. 188).

Two compass points ought to guide us.

Firstly, let us consider our response to the Plenary Council so far. It would be true to say that only certain groups in our Archdiocese have engaged with this communal discernment/spiritual conversation process to date. This has happened for all sorts of reasons. However, it is difficult to see united pastoral advancement deepen unless we firstly get to know each other better. As Archbishop, I can observe many great pastoral initiatives taking place but, too often, they are being celebrated in an isolated manner. We need to share with each other how we are practically living out our common baptism. It is important to listen to the life/faith stories of each other so we can join each other in our united spiritual journey. As Pope Francis has taught about our shared humanity, our life together is not simply time that passes but opportunities for interactions (cf Fratelli Tutti n. 66).

Second, let us be enriched by our Catholic love of the Scriptures and Tradition, especially the documents of the Second Vatican Council and the recent motions of our Plenary Council. This will reveal that the Church has faced so many challenges over the centuries. Yet, at the same time, she has sought to remain faithful to her original mission of evangelisation whilst adjusting to new circumstances.

Sacramental Program

I will soon be attending a meeting in Young with Father Jiss and the Sacramental Coordinator of the Young Mission, along with other RECs who work at schools in Young and Boorowa. I will provide information about the sacramental program as it comes to hand.

Lenten Prayer

O God,

Draw me into Your presence during this Lenten season.

Show me how to quiet my thoughts and bring my ceaseless activity to a standstill.

Let silence and solitude enfold me so that I can attend to the stirrings of my own heart and listen for your voice.

Deliver me from the temptation to run away when shadowy images emerge, for You are found in both the dark and luminous experiences of life.

May my prayer life enlarge this Lent, thereby leading me more fully towards Easter’s hope and promise.

Parish News

Sunday 8 am Mass

St Joseph’s Church, Grenfell

Please note that a Mass will be held on the second and fourth Sundays each month. There is a Celebration of the Word with Holy Communion, not a Mass, on the first and third Sundays of each month. Everyone is welcome to attend!

The Parish would love to welcome more children to be involved in Mass on weekends. There are many opportunities for involvement, including doing the readings. If your child can participate in any way, please let me know.

PARISH STREET STALL

St Joseph’s Parish Street Stall will be held on Friday 10th and Saturday 11th March. Donations of jams, pickles, cakes, slices, etc. as well as books and any good quality saleable goods greatly appreciated. Volunteers are requested to assist on the stall. If you are able to assist in any way, please contact Terry or Deidre Carroll on 0403 480 729 or 6343 1574.

THANK YOU CELEBRATION

On Sunday 12th March, our parish will be having a thank you mass and morning tea for Liz Carroll and Leslie King. Liz was chair of the Parish Pastoral Council for 9 years and carried out many ‘behind the scenes’ activities for the parish. Leslie was the Sacramental Coordinator for the parish for 13 years and guided our young people through preparation for Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation during that time. After mass there will be a morning tea. Parishioners are asked to bring a small plate of food to share.

Yours in Faith,

Danielle McFarlane

Religious Education Coordinator

Wow! What an awesome effort by all students at the Cross Country last Friday. 

It was a warm morning however, students showed great determination and ran their very best to complete the challenging course at the Country Club. The cheering and team spirit was admirable. 

Congratulations to winning house - Xavier. 

Well done, to the following students who placed first, second and third in their respective age groups. 

12/13 Girls - 3km 

1. Camilla Metcalfe 
2. India Edwards 
3. Camilla Gibson

12/13 Boys - 3km 

1. Jack Protheroe 

11 Girls - 3km 

1. Saskia McLelland 
2. Georgia Condon
3. Grace Reeves

11 Boys - 3km

1. Jack Ryan 

10 Girls - 2km

1. Emily Protheroe

10 Boys - 2km

1. Charlie Knight 
2. Jed Metcalfe 
3. Braxton Chalker Triolo

8/9 Girls - 2km 

1. Adelaide Condon
2. Heidi Ryan 
3. Claudia McCarthy 

8/9 Boys - 2km 

1. Angus Hotham
2. Jack Fanning 
3. Adam Ali 

Students will continue onto the Western Region competition. This will be held in Grenfell, Term 2, Week 1 - Friday, 28th April. 

Archdiocesan Swimming Report.

Well done to India, Saskia and Charlie who all swam incredibly well yesterday, against some very strong competition!

India received a PB in the 50fly which got her 2nd place and a spot at Homebush, in the MacKillop trials.

Saskia worked hard and attained PB’s in both her 50m breaststroke and butterfly.

Charlie was so close, coming 10th in his 50m Freestyle.

A fantastic effort. We are very proud of you all.

Along with India, our senior girls relay team will also be competing at the MacKillop level on Thursday the 30th of March. 

Chelsea Harveyson (Anderson)

​Classroom Teacher and Sports Coordinator

Postitve behaviour focus for last week- Take Turns and Make Turns

Our award winners for week 5 were Camilla, Angus & Sadie

Well done guys!