From the Principal Week 1
Dear Families,
6 years ago my son joined the Army. In the same year at the Australian War Memorial on ANZAC Day, I had the privilege of listening to Curtis McGrath deliver an address at the Dawn Service. Curtis is an Australian para-canoeist who took up canoeing competitively after having both legs amputated as a result of a mine blast whilst serving in the Australian Army in Afghanistan.
He spoke with passion about the way in which soldiers support each other, especially in times of hardship and significant injury. Having myself walked the Kokoda Track, I took note when, early in his address, Curtis said, “Seventy-five years ago, Australia braced for impact, from the ever-encroaching conflict of World War II, as it made its way south through the Pacific. At a desperate low in the Kokoda campaign, stretcher-bearers lugged wounded Australian soldiers for days through strangling, unyielding jungle to reach medical help.”
Curtis is a person who has shown great strength in himself recovering from horrific injury, However, as he said, “Self-reliance matters, but it's not nearly enough”.
“On this Anzac Day, we look back on a century of courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice. We honour those who have died and suffered through the old and the new wars. And we thank them for all they have engrained in our nation's heart and way of life.
And, may we as a nation continue to provide those men and women who have served us with the care they need. Dedicated, unhesitating, service, to our fighting force.”
During this season of Easter may we focus on the needs of others. As Curtis spoke about, and Jesus taught, serving others is a sure way to ensure the world becomes a better place.
God of peace you call us to peace,
Peace within and peace without
Peace before us and peace behind us
Peace on our right and peace on our left.
Christ of Peace you call us to peace,
Peace with our brother and with our sister,
Peace with our neighbour and with the stranger
Peace with friends and with foes
Spirit of peace you call us to peace,
Peace in work and in play
Peace in thought and in deed
Peace in word and action
Grant us peace, O God of peace.
Notes and Newsletters – All via Compass
During the holidays every family should have received a written letter, via Compass, from me. You would also be aware (I really hope) that the school newsletter is published EVERY Wednesday of the school year. Please also note that the school calendar is on our website.
During the holidays, I spoke with two parents (from different families) who were not aware of the weekly newsletter. If you find yourself speaking with a parent who is not aware of the newsletter, or events taking place at school, please ask them to contact the front office. When they do, the friendly team will support them to set up Compass so they receive all the notes they should.
Community Council Secretary
We thank our outgoing Community Council Secretary, Emma Phelan, who, after 5 years of service to the Council, is stepping aside. We especially thank her for her three years as Treasurer prior to taking on the Secretary role.
In light of this, we are seeking nominations from the community for a new Council member who is willing to serve as the Council Secretary. According to our constitution, the role of the Secretary is:
The Secretary will record accurately the minutes of the meeting, filing one (1) copy with the school and one (1) on the Council file. The Secretary, in collaboration with the Chair and the Principal, will prepare a brief report of each meeting for the school newsletter. The Secretary assists the Chair and the Principal in the preparation of the agenda and ensures that agenda items are advertised prior to the meeting. The Secretary will handle all correspondence as directed by the meeting.
Persons interested are asked to email their expression of interest to sca@cg.catholic.edu.au by Friday 5 May. For further information about the role, please contact me at school.
2024 Enrolments
Enrolment time for 2024 is now upon us. If you have a little one ready for school in 2024, or you know of anyone interested in looking at our fantastic school for their children, enrolment packs are now available. Our Open Days will be:
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Thursday 4 May 9.30am – 11.00am |
Thursday 18 May 9.30am – 11.00am 4.30pm – 6.00pm |
Mothers Day Celebrations
All mums, grandmums and mother figures are invited to join us for breakfast and a social gathering, Friday, 12th May, between 7.30am and 8.30am in the school Hall.
C’mon gents, give a hand!
It’s our turn gentlemen! The Mothers Day breakfast is on at school on Friday 12th May, from 7.30am. If you are able to help prepare, serve or clean up between 7.00am and 8.30am (even just for half an hour), please send me an email to let me know matthewer@cg.catholic.edu.au or scaparentnetwork@outlook.com.au . Don’t let the team down. ☺
School Uniform
Out come the long pants, jumpers, shirts, skirts and ties! Thank you to the many families that make that extra effort to ensure that children are wearing correct winter uniform. All children should be wearing their winter school uniform from Week 3. A few reminders:
- Formal black leather shoes must be worn with the school uniform. No Lynx shoes, black runners or canvas shoes.
- A note of explanation from the parent must be provided if your child deviates from the expected uniform for a short period of time while correct uniform is being sourced.
- Jewellery, rubber charity bands and bracelets must not be worn to school. The only jewellery items which may be worn to school are a watch and plain small stud or sleepers. (No hoops, loops, dangles or sparkly earrings).
- Navy gloves, scarves and coats during winter.
A uniform dress code reinforces in students a pride in their appearance, instills recognition of themselves as an integral part of the school community, and assists in developing pride in representing their school. Our school uniform is available from Lowes Tuggeranong or Working Gear Fyshwick.
It was once said…
Blessings to you and your family.
Matt Egan-Richards
Principal