As we move into Term 2, we reflect on significant occasions for our school community.

Thank you to students and families who so respectfully and thoughtfully participated in the ANZAC Day commemorations, at school and in our community. Your presence and engagement at the dawn and morning services across the region, as well as the ANZAC Day mass and parades, were an excellent representation of our school values. Your participation served as a powerful reminder of the importance of remembrance and the values of courage, mateship and service that ANZAC Day embodies.

Our school community also recently came together for a liturgy to commemorate Pope Francis, and students represented the school at the requiem mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral this past Monday. This special mass provided an opportunity for us to pray for the repose of his soul and to give thanks for his years of service to the global Catholic Church. We appreciate the reverence shown by our students during this time of collective prayer and reflection.

These recent events underscore the values that are central to our Catholic identity: remembrance, respect, faith, and community. We’re grateful for the active participation of our students and the support of our families in fostering these values within our school.

As we continue through the Easter season, leading towards Pentecost, we encourage ongoing conversations within your families about the significance of this time in our liturgical calendar – a period of reflection on the resurrection of Christ and the anticipation of the Holy Spirit.

Some practical ways to do this are:

• The "growing in faith" journey: Explain that just as seeds grow into plants, our faith grows after Easter as we learn more about Jesus. Talk about the stories of Jesus appearing to his disciples after his resurrection.
• Focus on joyful encounters: Share stories of Jesus meeting his friends – Mary Magdalene in the garden, the disciples on the road to Emmaus, sharing a meal with them. Emphasise the joy and surprise of these encounters.
• Preparing for Pentecost: Discuss the idea that something special is coming – the Holy Spirit – who will help Jesus' followers.
• Exploring spiritual gifts: Talk about the different gifts of the Holy Spirit (wisdom, understanding, courage, etc.) and how they empower believers to live out their faith. Encourage children to identify their own talents and how they can be used for good.
• Prayer: Pray specifically for the guidance and gifts of the Holy Spirit.

 The following short videos may also help students learn how to use their gifts:

• Courage https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGil6YJPhro (2 min 30 secs)
• Respect https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADq-YGhtng8 (1 min 26 secs)
• Service https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HisYsqqszq0 (1 min 55 secs)
• Compassion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZwViC3qmRc (1 min 40 secs)

Thank you for your continued partnership in the education and faith formation of our students.