Happy Easter and Important Reminders

 KAYA,

I hope you are all having a wonderful Easter break with friends, family and not too much chocolate!  We are so excited to have all of the students back in class for Term 2. 

For those of you that have been affected by COVID, I hope you are recovering and resting well.  I hope that those who have not been affected continue to stay COVID free. 

I know it is school holidays but I wanted to send out a few reminders before we head into what will likely be another busy term.

CONFIRMATION PREPARATION REMINDERS

Our Confirmation Mass is set to take place on Saturday 14th May at Our Lady of the Southern Cross Parish.

As part of our Confirmation Program at the school, it is expected that all students participate, whether it be in a prayer buddy (Non-Catholic) or Confirmation Candidate (Catholic) capacity. This means that all students will be exposed to the learning behind this sacrament, as well as having a part within the mass. Obviously those who aren't Catholic will not officially receive the Sacrament of Confirmation but will be included in things such as the a blessing, artwork and testing related to curriculum content. It is always great to see the students supporting one another as a collective, especially in their final year at Primary School. 

Prior to this we will have a Parent/Child workshop at school on the evening of Tuesday 3rd May.  We will also have our Confirmation Retreat on Friday Mass on Friday 13th May.

REMINDER SAINT RESEARCH  - HOLIDAY PROJECT

Students were provided the description and rubric for an at home Saints Box project which is due the first week back to school of term 2. The students were given the last week of school and the two weeks of the school holidays to complete this activity, and completed much of the required research in class. 

This project involves your child creating a box full with objects that they feel represents their Saint, they will have to decorate this box and then create a 3 minute spoken presentation in which they will introduce their Saint and describe the items included in the box to the class. The students have viewed examples from last year to help inspire their thinking. Please see the note and rubric given to the students below, this is also available for viewing One Note on your child's laptop. We are asking that those who have been absent in the final week to catch up and complete this task as well.

Due Date: Wednesday Week 1 Term 2 (27th of April). Saint boxes due and Presentations begin.

Any questions please do not hesitate to reach out.

CONFIRMATION SASHES (Confirmation Candidates only...)

On the last week of school there was a letter sent home with the Confirmation candidates only about the Confirmation Sashes. (Please note change of price for these sashes below). 

These sashes have been ordered, if you would like the embroidering on these done by Hip Pocket we are asking that you return the form with the child's saint name, family name and selected colour with $15 by week 1 Term 2. We are sorry to put a rush on this, however the embroiders need a couple of weeks to ensure these are completed in time.  (For those that sent in the original amount of $40, I will ensure that your change is sent home in week 1!)

Please see below of what this will look like:

                                   Back of sash                                                Front of sash

CONFIRMATION RETREAT DAY

All students will be participating in our Confirmation Retreat day on Friday 13th May. The team will be working incredibly hard to ensure this day is special for all of the children (candidates and buddies).

There are a range of activities that the children will take part in on the day, including receiving a letter from you. They will also participate in a Reconciliation liturgy and practice for Confirmation on the Sunday.

The day will take place in the hall and the students will be able to wear free dress. The school will be providing lunch for the children and we ask that each student brings a share plate for recess.
- Boys are to bring a plate of savoury food
- Girls are to bring a plate of sweet food

Please remember to only send a small platter, we always have way to much food! 💗😎

On the Retreat Day all students, including those who are not receiving the sacrament of Confirmation, will have an opportunity to read and reflect on a letter sent from their parents. So I thought I would give you the heads up now to begin writing.  We need these letters completed and returned to me by the END OF WEEK 1, TERM 2. See more information about this below:

IMPORTANT! LETTER TO CHILD
This letter is often something your child will cherish and hold onto for a long time.

The length of the letter is totally up to you, however I ask that once you have completed it you put it in a sealed envelope with your child's name on the front and pass it on to me. I would like for you to keep this a secret and a complete surprise for them on their retreat day, so this may mean dropping it off to the front office or slipping it inside something else for your child to pass onto me (I am very good at secret squirrel business).

In this letter you may want to include:
- Your fondest memories of them
- What qualities you most admire about them
- How they contribute and fit within the family unit
- The attributes you are most proud of, making them a role model for others
- Highlight any of their achievements
- Your best wishes for when they receive the Holy Spirit for the first time and wishing them well for their next stage of their faith journey (only for those completing the sacrament)
- Any important advice about life or lessons in life

I hope these suggestions have helped. The most important thing is that they are from the heart!

Please can you have these returned to me by Friday 29th April (end of week 1, Term 2).

 

IMPORTANT: PARENT/CHILD CONFIRMATION WORKSHOP (Confirmation Candidates only...)

On Tuesday 3rd May (week 2) we will be holding our Confirmation Workshop in the hall at 5.30pm. If your child is receiving their Confirmation, you and your child are required to attend this workshop. In this workshop we will explore the sacrament further and discuss the important elements and how you and your child can apply this within your life. Prayer buddies are most welcome to join us, however it is not compulsory that the prayer buddies attend.

RECAP OF IMPORTANT EVENTS:

Please note - I have highlighted in orange all the items that are due on the first week back to school.

1. Confirmation Sash: Form and $15 due - Friday 29th April (week 1)

2. Saint Box and Oral Presentation due -Wednesday 27th April (week 1)

3. Confirmation student letters due - Friday 29th April (week 1)

4. Confirmation Parent-Child Workshop - Tuesday 3rd May (week 2)

5. Bishop visiting the students at school - Tuesday 3rd May (week 2)

6. Year 6 Confirmation Retreat Day - Friday 13th May (week 3)

7. Confirmation Mass @ Our Lady of the Southern Cross - Saturday 14th May (week 3)

See what I mean...a HUGE first three weeks...but we can do it!!

Math Support:

A free math support tutoring session will be available for all students of 6H and 6M on a Wednesday after school. Myself and Mr McSevich will be in touch after the diagnostic assessment early in Term 2 to advise if we think your child would benefit from these sessions. This will run every Wednesday from 3.15pm - 4.15pm allowing students who are attending to eat a piece of fruit and have some fresh air before it begins. This will be held in 6H room.

I hope you all have a lovely holiday, I cannot wait to hear all the students awesome tales from Easter.