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Message from Bishop Brian Mascord
As Easter fast approaches, I commend to you the powerful message from Bishop Brian encouraging us to consider who we might pray for and invite to an Easter Mass and how we might be more welcoming and receptive to all.
Please refer to the attached Easter Message from Bishop Brian Mascord.
Easter Hat Parade
On Monday 3 April, students will participate in an Easter Hat Parade. All students are invited to participate and full school uniform will be worn. 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.
The parade will begin at 1pm and all parents are invited to come along. The Easter Raffle will be drawn following the parade.
Soft Drinks and Prime Energy Drinks
It has been brought to our attention that some students are bringing soft drinks and “PRIME” energy drinks to school. It appears to be a trend as other schools are having the same problem and they are appearing on social media platforms with young people as the target audience. Please note they are NOT PERMITTED at school. Water is the recommended hydration for students. We thank you for your cooperation as we work together to keep your children healthy. We are very fortunate to have 3 cold water drink stations installed throughout our school, kindly donated by our P&F.
Important Information
SCHOOL START:
A reminder that the first bell goes at 8:45am and classes begin to make their way into their rooms for learning. Students coming after this time will be marked as late. The morning carlines finish as close to 8:45am as possible. Students who come from carlines after their class has gone into their room will be asked to head to the office for a late note.
AFTERNOON DISMISSAL:
The final school bell goes at 2:55pm each day. To allow for maximum daily learning time for students the school gates will not open until this time each afternoon. Students will either be directed to car lines, bus lines or walkers at 2:55pm or dismissed from their classroom.
CAR LINES:
Afternoon carlines does not begin before 3pm each afternoon. Please ensure that:
- the carline does not extend out into Cabbage Tree Lane
- turn left only into the carline from Cabbage Tree Lane (Parish carpark)
- turn left only when exiting the carline into Cabbage Tree Lane
With Thanks,
Catherine Hailstone
Holy Week
AS WE PREPARE FOR HOLY WEEK
If Santa and the Easter Bunny were both on Instagram, I’m pretty sure we can all guess who would have the biggest following! Easter is so easily dwarfed in our annual calendars by the tinsel and trimmings of Christmas. Yet as Christians we know that Easter is no less important—“we believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him” (1 Thess 4:14).
We have every reason to celebrate Easter!
With fewer expectations and commitments than Christmas time often brings, Easter can be a perfect time to shape our own family traditions. In the busyness of the school term, Easter can sneak up on us and we miss that opportunity!
There are lots of ways that we can start the Easter eggs rolling: perhaps making cards for family and friends, planning a few Easter themed crafts, baking or buying Easter foods, and even decorating the house.
What about the Easter weekend itself? It is amazing that for much of the Western world, even our work and school calendars give us time out to celebrate Easter. Our churches often have lots going on and it’s great to get involved celebrating with our whole church family. Joyfully declaring with brothers and sisters, “He is risen!” is always a highlight for me. As we think beyond formal church events, every family is so different—what would be a fun filled happy day for one family could feel like pulling teeth for another! What is it that makes for a celebration in your family?
Whatever shape your Easter weekend and holidays take, we wish you a holy and safe Easter and holiday break and look forward to seeing you all in Term 2.
Father Bernard Gordon - 29 Years a Priest
On Sunday (9th April) Fr Bernard Gordon will celebrate his 29th year ministering as a priest. We thank you Father Bernard for your ministry and congratulate you.
Palm Sunday of the Passion
Next Sunday is Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord. Falling on the sixth Sunday in Lent and the Sunday before Easter, Palm Sunday is known as the Entry into Jerusalem.
Palm Sunday recalls an event in the Christian Scripture (The New Testament) of Jesus entering into Jerusalem and being greeted by the people waving palm branches. For Christians, it is a reminder of the welcoming of Jesus into our hearts and of our willingness to follow him.
Fifth Week Of Lent
(Week beginning Monday 27th March)
Project Compassion brings together Australian schools, parishes and supporters to raise funds for people in vulnerable communities across the world. This year, we introduced you to the story of four inspiring people whose lives have been transformed with your generous support: Laxmi, Tereesa, Priscilla and Thu.
Today, they are creating a better world for their families, their communities and for all future generations.
Project Compassion is a demonstration of the faith, empathy and generosity of our supporters. It is the lifeblood of Caritas Australia – without it, we could not do the vital work we do. Thank you for helping transform lives today and for all future generations.
Please support Project Compassion: www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion
Have An Ethical Easter in 2023
With Easter almost upon us, supermarket shelves are full with delicious chocolatey treats. The challenge for us as consumers is finding a “good egg” - one that is ethically sourced and manufactured. The chocolate industry has long been tainted by reports of forced labour and slavery, with estimates of 1.56 million children involved in hazardous work in cocoa production in West Africa (which produces most of the world’s cocoa), with many forced to work long hours, use dangerous equipment, and endure physical and emotional abuse.
“Every person ought to have the awareness that purchasing is always a moral –
and not simply an economic – act.” Pope Francis
Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans (ACRATH) this year is encouraging Australians to join the campaign for Slavery Free Easter eggs and Chocolate. View the link below for tips and further information - How Sweet Is My Chocolate?
Also, consider not buying something that is overly packaged. Lots of Easter eggs come encased in several layers of foil, cardboard and plastic - each of which come with an environmental and often human cost of their own. Remember to recycle your foil…
Our Parish
PARISH CONTACT DETAILS:
General enquires
Lumen Christi Catholic Parish, Wollongong
Diocese of Wollonong - PO Box 874 Wollongong - 36 Harbour St Wollongong NSW 2500
Phone - 02 42211 0500
Email - wollongong@dow.org.au
Office Hours : Monday to Friday (9:00am - 1:00 pm)
Update from Amaroo Blue
This week Amaroo blue have certainly enjoyed the important discussion that ‘everyone belongs’ during the schools harmony day celebrations. In PDH, we are looking at our brain’s growth mindset and turning negative self-talk into positive ones.
In History we are learning about dreaming stories and the Aboriginal peoples’ long connection to Country and what life was like prior to European contact.
We are using our Historical skills to explore Primary and Secondary sources, analysing the first maps of Australia and creating a timeline of these. The students were surprised to learn that Explorers drew what they saw, and that it took years to fully explore the coast of Australia and create a detailed and accurate map.
Update from Amaroo Gold
Mathematics
Some of the areas we have covered this term in Mathematics include:
Investigating 2D shapes, Whole Number, writing numbers, friends of 10, adding and subtracting numbers using a tens frame.
English
Our morning English block is full of excitement. We enjoy working together and learning from each other.
Science
In Science, we have continued to investigate the weather. We have learned about how the weather changes in different seasons and how animals and people adjust to these changes. We also made our own rain gauges and experimented with a rain cloud in a jar!
Special School Days this term
GSFM Cross Country Carnival - Thursday 30th March
Your child/children will need to be at school by 8:50am.
Children can wear their house colour t-shirt with their PE uniform.
Please ensure your child has their hat, sunscreen, two water bottles and bring recess and lunch. They may also like to bring a towel or rug to sit on.
Thank you to the parents who have volunteered. Please meet Mrs Olima at the venue on Thursday morning. Please bring a camp chair or picnic rug.
The carnival venue is Kembla Joggers (If you need help finding the venue, type Integral Energy Park or Australian Motorlife Museum, Darkes Road, Kembla Grange into your maps).
Please see attached running order of the day.
These times are subject to change and are an approximate time only.
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RACES - Age Groups |
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10:00 |
12 yrs Boys |
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10:15 |
12 yrs Girls |
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10:30 |
11 yrs Boys |
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10:45 |
11 yrs Girls |
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11:00 |
War Cries |
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11:10 |
10 yrs Boys |
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11:20 |
10 yrs Girls |
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11:30 |
8/9 yrs Boys |
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11:40 |
8/9 yrs Girls |
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11.50 |
Infants non competitive run 5+6 yrs Boys (Kinder) |
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11:55 |
Infants non competitive run 5+6 yrs Girls (Kinder) |
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12:00 |
Infants non-competitive 1km run 6+7 yrs Boys (Year 1) |
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12:10 |
Infants non competitive 1km run 6+7 yrs Girls (Year 1) |
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12:15 |
Infants non-competitive 1km run 7+8 yrs Boys (Year 2) |
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12:30 |
Infants non competitive 1km run 7+8 yrs Girls (Year 2) |
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12:40 |
Primary non-competitive 1km run (Year 3-6 boys) |
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12:50 |
Primary non-competitive 1km run (Year 3-6 girls) |
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1:00 - 1:30 |
* Carnival ends * Buses to return to school (or students can be signed out with parents) |
MacKillop Basketball
Congratulations to Lily W and Ruby G who represented the Wollongong Diocese team at the Mackillop trials and were chosen as part of the Mackillop team. Good luck girls for your upcoming tournament in Tamworth.
Whole School Expectation - Weekly Focus for Students
Social Norms that help support respectful interactions on our playground. Our whole school is working on modeling these behaviours while playing respectfully on the playground.
These are our GSFM Social Norms for our Playground
Social Norm #1: Meet and greet politely.
- Say greetings, introductions, and goodbyes.
- Politely offer and receive compliments.
- Be able to start and finish conversations.
Social Norm #2: Take turns talking.
- Listen when others are speaking and look them in the eye.
- Wait if adults are talking.
- Respond appropriately and at the right time.
Social Norm #3: Pay attention to others.
- Stop what you’re doing so you can listen.
- Read people’s emotions through their body language and facial expressions.
- Change your behaviour to match what other people are doing, such as quieting down with the rest of the room.
Social Norm #4: Think about others before acting.
- Ask for consent.
- Respect personal space.
- Wait your turn.
- Stand a comfortable distance away when talking.
Social Norm #5: Cooperate with others.
- Follow directions when you’re asked to.
- Ask for help when you need it.
- Apologise when necessary.
- Be flexible and open to new ideas.
Canteen News
Premiers Reading Challenge 2023
School Holidays
Parents Supporting Student Learning: Replenishing Equipment for the New School Term
As we approach the upcoming holidays parents are asked to ensure that their child’s pencil case and school supplies are replenished. Having everything at their fingertips each day aids in the learning process allowing children to focus on the task at hand rather than worrying about not having the equipment to complete the task.
Uniform Check:
Throughout the holidays please check your child’s uniform is clearly labelled with their name. Also, if your child needs new school shoes or joggers they must be within the uniform requirements i.e: black school shoes and predominately white joggers similar to the images below.
Free webinar: Dr Justin Coulson PhD on Anxiety and Resilence
Run by the Council of Catholic School Parents NSW/ACT, Anxiety and Resilience with Dr Justin Coulson PhD is a free, 60 minute webinar for parents, carers and staff in CEDoW schools to assist them in supporting the children in their care.
Dr Coulson is the co-host and parenting expert on Channel 9's Parental Guidance and holds a PhD in positive psychology.
Date: Wednesday 29 March 2023 at 7:00 pm
Register at https://www.ccsp.catholic.edu.au/event/52
Diary Dates and Reminders for the week ahead
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DATE: |
REMINDER: |
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Thursday |
Cross Country |
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Friday |
Good Samaritan Awards 9:10am |
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Saturday |
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Sunday |
Palm Sunday |
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Monday |
Easter Hat Parade - 1pm |
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Tuesday |
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Wednesday |
Last Day of Term 2 |
Playground Enhancement Project
Upcoming P&F Events
Easter Raffle and Easter Eggs
The Good Samaritan Easter Raffle is back. This year we are asking for school families to donate Easter Eggs. One donation per family.We ask that all donations are sent into school by Wednesday 29 March 2023, this will allow P & F to wrap these into bundles to be drawn Monday 3 April 2023.
Each family will receive a book of Easter raffle tickets to be sold at $1.00 per ticket. Extra books are available at the office if required.
Please return tickets and money by Friday 31 March 2023 to ensure your ticket is entered into the raffle.
The raffle will be drawn on Monday 3 April 2023 with the Easter hat parade this will commence at 1pm.
All funds raised will be donated back to the school. The GSFM P&F are grateful for your support.