As we journey towards the end of Term One it is timely to look back at our collective achievements throughout the past ten weeks. A few of the highlights in the area of Faith, Learning and Well-Being include:

• Our Beginning of the Year Parish Mass, and induction of our Student Leaders
• A relentless focus on high quality learning, with teacher collaboration, data and strong leadership presence in classrooms a crucial part of our work
• A well attended Welcome BBQ, with over 300 plus people, supported by our wonderful  P and F Executive 
• The launch of our 3.7 million dollar building refurbishment and Adventure Playground
• A Harmony day parade, showcasing our student diversity, followed by a cultural Morning Tea
• Welcoming our Kindergarten 2025 cohort, who are settled and in strong routines
• A well attended Open Day for families wishing to join our community in 2026
• A successful Cross Country Carnival and Swimming Selection Trials
• Three of our students being selected to attend the Mackillop Swimming Trials: Chase Wright Matthews, Parker Payne ans Angus Barlow.
• Zara Head representing the Diocese in the Mackillop Cricket Team 
• Maya Sepavelda  selected in the Diocese of Wollongong Netball Team
• Liam Sweeney, Jacob Dowler and CJ Agno represented in the Diocese of Wollongong Basketball Team
• Maddi Timmins and Evelyn Barlow Selected in the Diocese of Wollongong Touch Football Team
• A well attended Working Bee, which saw the Canteen rebranded as the “Well-Being Cafe”

and this is just a few of our achievements! I am so proud of our beautiful and supportive community and thank you as parents for your ongoing support. 

I wish you a safe and relaxing vacation period and abundant blessings for the Easter Season.

Pilgrims of Hope- Jubilee year of 2025

This week your child will receive a Pilgrims Passport, Prayer Card and Letter from Father Bernard Gordon. We encourage you to take a moment as a family to pray the Act of Hope together, reflecting on its words and allowing them to inspire your daily lives. Your passport may be used as a spiritual guiding tool. Six Jubilee pilgrimage sites have been designated within our diocese. Visiting these sites offers a unique way to enrich your prayer life and experience God’s boundless mercy.

FINAL NOTICE: Year 6 Enrolments for Confirmation

In collaboration with St Brigid’s and Good Samaritan Parish Schools, we invite all parents and children in our Parish to be part of the Lumen Christi Parish Sacramental program for 2025.

Receiving the Sacraments is a very blessed time in our journey of faith, and it is the means by which baptised children can complete their journey into full membership of the Catholic Church. They are community events, which remind us of the role of the parish community in the development of our life of faith, hope, and love.

Our Catholic Schools and Parish are here to help you as parents in your vocation to make known the light and love of God to your children.

Enrolments have now opened for Confirmation 2025 and will close on Friday 11th April 2025.

The Big Water Walk

The Good Samaritan Community will participate in the Big Water Walk on 4 April to conclude our yearly fundraiser for Project Compassion. Students will walk for half an hour with their water bottles in recognition for the hundreds of children who walk to fetch their families daily water intake for survival. We thank you for your generous donations and support as we work together to educate our children of the importance of social justice and loving our “neighbours”.

Have an Ethical Easter in 2025

“Every person ought to have the awareness that purchasing is always a moral – and not simply an economic – act.” Pope Francis

A significant portion of chocolate available in Australia is produced using cocoa beans harvested by child labourers, many of whom endure enslavement and exploitative working conditions.

Click on the links for tips and further information.

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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…

“The knowledge about what we buy is the first act in not being complicit. Look at where those products come from.” Pope Francis

Mini Vinnies Ambassadors for 2025

We are delighted to announce the 2025 Mini Vinnies Ambassadors for 2025. We had an overwhelming response from 27 students which shows just how much our students are focused on social justice and being Good Samaritans. Well done to all applicants.

Congratulations to our 12 finalists:

Summer. P, Ainslie. D, Serena. R, Darcy R, Zachary. G, Kaisha. B, Katie. C, Tessa. JB, Claire. B, Eva. M, Gabriel. M, Emily. T.

Opportunity for Year 6 students - flyer attached

YOUNG ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM – 6-WEEK PROGRAM STARTING MAY 2025
The Young Athlete Development Program is designed for school-aged athletes (12–15 years old) of all skill levels. This comprehensive program focuses on strength & conditioning, injury prevention, agility, holistic health, and nutrition, providing young athletes with the tools to excel in sport and life. Participants will also receive athlete pathway support (including the US College Pathways), helping them navigate their sporting journey, and develop a growth mindset to achieve long-term success on and off the field. This program introduces athlete training, open to all young people who are eager to enhance their skills and unlock their full potential, regardless of their background, experience level, or sport. The Young Athlete Development Program offers similar content for younger age groups, serving as an introduction to our high-performance program.

There will also be 6 weeks free at the UniActive gym for parents who have their kid/kids participating in the 6-week program. 

Each component of the program is delivered by expert coaches:

• Claire Rayner – Athlete Wellbeing Specialist
• Sam Burford – Lifting Technique Specialist
• Charlotte Flynn – Personal Trainer 

Program Details:

• Start Date: May 21st ( Wednesday for boys), May 22nd (Thursday for girls) – the program runs for 6 consecutive weeks. 
• Finish Date (Last Sessions): June 25th (Wednesday for boys), June 26th (Thursday for girls) 
• Location: UniActive Wollongong Campus (Sports Hub)
• Schedule:

• Wednesdays for boys 4:30pm – 6pm
• Thursdays for girls 4:30pm – 6pm

Registration & More Info: The Young Athlete Development Program

Give your child the opportunity to develop key life and sporting skills with expert guidance!