Holy God, source of all goodness, you show us in Mary MacKillop a woman of faith who lived by the power of the cross. Teach us to embrace what she pioneered: new ways of living the gospel that respect and defend the human dignity of all our land.

Last Friday, as a school we celebrated, albeit in a different manner, the Feast Day of Mary MacKillop. We came together via Zoom to join in a Prayer Celebration honouring the life and work of Mary MacKillop. Mary overcame many obstacles to follow her dream, but she never lost hope. Mary’s motto was ‘never see a need without trying to do something about it.' Her actions acknowledged the human dignity of each person. Her life speaks to Australians in a unique way, of the message of God’s love for all, especially the ‘underdog’ and the ‘battler'. As Australia’s first canonised saint, she embodies all that is best in our Australian nation and its people.   

It’s a Boy!

A huge babylations to Laura and Tim on the arrival of Bjorn Timothy Knight who was born yesterday. We wish them all the very best at this very exciting and special time as a new family.

OSHC Tender

In line with Catholic Education requirements, we are currently undertaking an official tender process for our Out of School Hours Care Provider (OSHC) for 2021 and beyond. Catholic Education now requires this process to take place every 3 years. There is a review committee in place consisting of School Board and P&F members, staff and members of the wider parent community who will oversee this process. We will keep you informed throughout the tender process.

Drive Through

Thank you for your efforts in following our requests to enter the carpark during afternoon pick up, from the Scrivener Street end of Boronia Drive, turning left into the driveway. Coming from this direction means that cars are more easily able to drive down Boronia Drive, from the Hovea Street end. Of an afternoon, we are now placing “no right turn” signs at the driveway as a reminder of our request to help eliminate drive through issues.

House Points

We have a new House Points display board that will be positioned in the Courtyard so that all students are able to easily follow the progress of their house. We have included a new weekly ‘Joey’ focus for students to aim towards. This focus will align with the St Joseph charism that Mrs Stratford has been breaking open with students and staff whilst also aligning with our Seeds of Growth. The aim of the House Point System is to promote a sense of belonging and pride in our students, as well as connectedness to our school. 

Social and Emotional Learning

I am looking forward to returning to classrooms to continue my work on Emotional Intelligence. My focus will be on ‘Volume of Emotions’ to help teach that emotions differ in terms of intensity. For example, looking at the emotion of anger, annoyance could be considered a low intensity emotion whereas fury could be considered a high intensity emotion. By using a symbol of a volume dial students will be able to recognise that they have some control over the intensity of their emotions. Students may want to turn the volume up on positive emotions but may need to turn the volume down on negative or distressing emotions through mindfulness, relaxation or self-regulation activities. 

NACHO Day

Thank you to our P&F members, along with their helpers who organised another successful and delicious Nacho Day. Not only were your children treated to a scrumptious lunch, this initiative by the P&F raised $1000. This profit would not have been possible without the many generous donations of corn chips and cheese to help keep expenditure costs down. On behalf of the P&F, thank you to everyone who was involved in helping to raise these funds. A portion of this money will go towards a new food processor for Sarah in the Canteen!

Have an enjoyable end to the week.

Yours in Christ,