We are nudging closer to the middle of the term already and once again we are in the throes of hot weather. The students are coping remarkably well with the heat and continue to remain hydrated and observe appropriate sun safe actions. Soon enough it will be cold and we will be lamenting that the heat was not all that bad. Hats are an essential part of our uniform all the time but especially now. Ms Marsay has issued a COMPASS notice about appropriate wear for the Uniform Free Day next week and this is especially important when we have extreme heat. Uniform free attire still needs to abide by school rules and our policies on safety which includes footwear, hats, hair/makeup and appropriate clothing. The Uniform Free Day funds will go to our own local Cancer Patient Assistance Society so don’t forget the $2 coin.  We will also host our first Community Breakfast on the Tuesday 4 March which coincides with Shrove Tuesday so pancakes will be on the menu. Please join us from 8.15 on the COLA lawn.

Last Saturday our school community shared in the Vigil Mass with the presentation of the First Eucharist candidates and our 2025 School Leaders. We then shared a BBQ meal after Mass. It was so nice to see so many families at Mass and our Parish community were appreciative of their presence and respect for the Mass. Please consider joining our 6pm Mass on Saturday nights on a more regular basis. Next week we will celebrate the beginning of lent with the Ash Wednesday Mass at 10am . This is an important celebration in our liturgical calendar. All students will be attending. Also please keep Pope Francis in your prayers as he is gravely ill at this time. He has been a wonderful leader of our Church with his compassionate and faithful leadership.

The first school fee statement was sent out this week. We are very aware that the financial commitments of many families are very stressful and we appreciate those who have made the commitment to our fee program. It is also acknowledged that there are many legitimate families who may require a remission at this time and we ask them to make contact with the front office to receive the remission forms. This is a confidential process where the sensitive material contained within the forms is kept highly confidential and the determination is based on the directives from Canberra Goulburn Catholic Education. We do not want fees to be a reason that someone has to leave our school so please make an appointment to meet with me if you feel the need.

The Infants Literacy evening was a fabulously well attended event and was extremely well-received. The parents were very grateful for the insight into how to support their child’s reading and development and our talented K-2 staff did an excellent job at explaining processes and methods to support their child. Thank you to our K-2 staff for the initiative and for delivering such an informative presentation. Also a huge thank you to Declan Emery from year 10 and Beth and Romy Adams from Primary for their lead in supervising the many little people who patiently waited outside for their parents. They did an amazing job keeping all the children entertained, busy and happy until the presentation was over.

REMINDER: Don’t forget the NAPLAN testing period will begin on 12 March and will conclude on 24 March. We will send a schedule to the relevant students (Years 3,5,7 and 9) regarding the dates and times for their tests to help avoid any clashes with appointments and other commitments. Please try to avoid making any external appointments during this time.

SAVE THE DATE: The next venture by the P & F will be the Colour Run 14 March. The event will be held in the school playground starting at the COLA in Sutton St. It will be the same pricing as last year with $10 per person or $30 for a family of four. Food and drinks will be available for purchase as well and all money will be used to fund some furniture for the newly refurbished classrooms and breakout space in Primary.

The building work in Primary continues to make progress albeit very slowly. We are still waiting for the arrival of the doors and windows and then we will be almost complete. Patience is definitely a virtue while we wait to be allowed to occupy the lovely fresh classrooms.

On Monday out wonderful Primary Swimming team reclaimed the Western Region Swimming Champion trophy after 20 years. It was a great team effort and we have many students who will progress to the Archdiocese level next week. We wish them safe travel and the best of luck. They were very excited to pose for a photo with their ribbons and the trophy. Congratulations to all the team.

School Photo envelopes went home this week. Please drag them out of the bottom of bags so that you can get your order in before the day - 26 March. We would greatly appreciate that you avoid appointments on this day and that students continue to abide by the unform policy in all aspects.

Remember it does not cost anything to be kind and it is one of the greatest gifts that you can give.

God Bless

Ms Nicky Trinder

Principal