Dear Parents and Carers,

We are certainly going to have a busy end to Term 1! There are so many things happening across the school, so I urge you to read the important information and dates below, and pop dates into home calendars or phones so that you don’t miss out on anything!

WELCOME BACK: It is wonderful to have Mrs Wilson back with us after a recent and very unexpected operation and following some post operative setbacks. Thank you to all our wonderful relief staff, especially Mrs Denise Reardon, who have assisted with keeping Year 6 on task with learning activities, throughout this period of time.

ST PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATIONS: What a wonderful day we had celebrating St Patrick’s Day last Friday. Our school was a ‘sea of green’ as students and staff dressed in their favourite St Patrick’s Day outfits and accessories. The celebrations included a celebration cake, Mass, special lunch order and a variety of fun activities to conclude the day. Our school patron St Patrick was born in the year AD397. He spent 60 years travelling around Ireland teaching people about God. The shamrock flower became a symbol used by Saint Patrick to teach people about God. Each of the leaves represents an element of faith: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. The shamrock flower, being green in colour, is thought to be one of the reasons people wear green on St. Patrick's Day.

WELL-BEING FUNDING: St Patrick’s have been very fortunate to receive funding from the Commonwealth Government to support Well Being initiatives. The funding will support schools to respond to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and successive lockdowns on the mental health and wellbeing of their students. Please see below our proposed program for utilising these funds to support our students K-6.

PRINCIPAL’S RETREAT: Last week I had the opportunity to be present at our annual Principal’s Retreat and listen to the profound and inspiring words of Fr. Timothy Radcliffe. Fr Timothy OP, stands as a distinguished figure within the Catholic Church, acclaimed for his profound contributions as both an English Catholic priest and a Dominican friar. Born on August 22, 1945, Radcliffe's spiritual journey has been marked by a rich tapestry of theological insights, intellectual pursuits, and leadership roles. He was Master of the Order of Preachers from 1992 to 2001, during which he provided guidance and direction to the global Dominican community. Beyond his administrative responsibilities, Fr. Timothy Radcliffe is widely recognized for his thought-provoking writings, engaging lectures, and a deep-seated commitment to fostering dialogue and understanding within the Catholic Church. Most recently he was chosen by Pope Francis in 2023 to lead the pre-Synod Retreat and as one of those chosen to provide regular reflections for the members during the Synod. Fr Timothy provided us with inspiring messages of hope as well as unique insights into our role as leaders of Catholic Education in the areas of Discipleship, Ministry, Mission and Leadership. A very inspiring two days of reflection, prayer and companionship.

EASTER PAGEANT: Every few years, our school produces a beautiful Easter Pageant that focuses on Jesus journey through the Stations of the Cross in the lead up to Easter. We are delighted to present this pageant to family and friends on Wednesday 27 March, commencing at 11.30am.

Best wishes for a happy week ahead,

Christine Baron

Principal