Dear Parents and Carers,

Remembrance Day

Every year at 11am on 11 November—the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month—we pause to remember those men and women who have died or suffered in all wars, conflicts and peace operations. Last year I was very privileged to participate in a Western Front Battlefield tour in Northern France and Belgium. It will stay with me forever the moment I saw the first poppy sprouting out of the ground at one of the cemeteries.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. As the world welcomed peace, thousands returned home to much fanfare, and their loved ones. Thousands more never made the journey home.

Remembrance Day was recognised at our school this morning. Brenda Galvin organised a liturgy with our staff and students.

K-2 Swimming Lessons

Our annual swimming program begins next week. Please see note sent home by the teachers regarding the practicalities. The Kinder, Yr and Yr 2 students are very excited!

Congratulations

Congratulations to Helen Bramanathan on receiving the coveted Archbishop’s Award last Friday at the Catholic Education Director’s Day. This award is the highest award in our Archdiocese. It is very well deserved. Helen has been committed for many years now to promoting and educating our Catholic school staff and students on the benefits and necessity of Christian Meditation. Well done Helen.

Sporting Achievement

On the 25th of October Tara Holmes (Yr 6) was awarded her trophy for 2020 10yr Female Swimming Age Champion. She reached the milestone back in Feb but due to COVID the normal presentation dinner didn't go ahead. We are all very proud of you Tara!

Yours sincerely

Julie Wiley
Principal

NAIDOC Week 2020 - Always Was, Always Will Be

This week is NAIDOC Week. We recognise that First Nations people have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years and are spiritually and

culturally connected to this country. During all this time, the Spirit of God has been ever present on this land. The Dreaming is a way of touching the mystery of God’s Spirit in each of us and in creation.

As we continue on our journey on this Land, we pray:

‘May the God of creation warm your hearts like the campfires of old. Bring wisdom and peace as shown to the first peoples of this land. Shake off the dust from the desert plains by the refreshing rains followed by the glow and warmth of the sun. Let the light of God show us the right path and stand tall like the big river gums drawing life from the ever flowing waters.’ Amen. (Uncle Vincent Ross)

Illuminate 2020- Friday 20th November

The 5/6 students will participate in the Illuminate 2020 event next Friday. Illuminate is a faith formation event led by Archdiocesan Youth Ministers and Parish Priests. Like many events this year, Illuminate will mostly be presented in a virtual format. There will also be some interactive events run by Rossen, our Youth Minister, Father Emil and the teachers. A pizza lunch will be provided for the 5/6 students. The students are able to come dressed in SunSmart casual clothes, with their school hat and sport shoes.

Mission Fair - Friday 27th November

Mission Fair will be held on Friday, Week 7. Mission Fair is our annual event to celebrate Mission Month (October) where we raise money for Catholic Mission Australia. The 5/6 students are busily preparing activities for your children to participate in, which will look different to previous years. More detailed information to follow next week. In the meantime, the 5/6s are asking for donations of the following:

• Wool
• Rubber ducks
• Tin cans (clean without labels)
• Toys*
• Books*
• Board games*

*good condition only please

Please hand to Mrs Ogden at the front office by Friday, Week 6. Thank you for your support.

Yours in Faith,

Kristy Poole
Religious Education Coordinator (Acting)