From the Principal's Desk
This week we enter the third week of Lent.
Over the coming weeks we celebrate the feast days of two great saints—St. Patrick (March 17) and St. Joseph (March 19).
St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, although he was in fact born in Great Britain. He was kidnapped as a boy by pirates and brought to Ireland as a slave. During his enslavement Patrick grew closer to God and prayed constantly throughout the day. Patrick returned to Britain and became a priest. He returned to Ireland to bring the Gospel to the Irish People. Saint Patrick used the shamrock as a metaphor for the Holy Trinity when he was first introducing Christianity to Ireland.
St. Joseph is known to all of us as the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the foster father of Jesus. Because of this, St. Joseph is the patron saint of fathers. Being a carpenter he is also the patron saint of workers. Pope Francis describes Saint Joseph as a beloved father, a tender and loving father, an obedient father, an accepting father; a father who is creatively courageous, a working father, a father in the shadows.
For all people, these two great saints that we honour this week are examples of simple ordinary men who followed the call of God for their lives. We all know these ordinary people in our workplace, schools, communities and homes. They act in service and without question or hesitation do what needs to be done for the sake of the other. As we honour them let us pray through their intercession that we, too, will listen to the call of God in our lives and follow Him as we are directed.
NAPLAN
Students in Years 3 & 5 sat the NAPLAN writing assessment today and they were excited to share their writing skills.
Students will continue the assessments over the coming week. They are reminded to come ready to do their best as NAPLAN is only one way to test their knowledge. Students are required to bring a charged iPad and set of headphones each day.
Assessments will occur on the following days:
Friday 17 March - Reading
Monday 20 March - Language Conventions
Tuesday 21 March - Numeracy
Students who are absent on these days will be provided an opportunity to complete catch up tests before the 25 March.
Welcome BBQ
A P&F tradition has been to hold a welcome BBQ for the community. This has involved Kindergarten students and their Year 6 buddies. The scheduled date for this is Monday 20 March. We look forward to welcoming you for this vibrant community event.
Easter Hat Parade
On 3 April, students will participate in an Easter Hat Parade. All students are invited to participate. The Easter Hat Parade has its historical roots as a fancy head covering that people wore in readiness for the Easter celebration. During the Great Depression the Easter Hat was a simple luxury. It represents the harmony associated with having something new and the new life that we, as a Catholic community, celebrate at Easter.
