Week 2 Term 2

Welcome to a super busy few weeks for our Year 6 students as we complete our preparations for and receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.  

Today we had a visit from Bishop Holohan who came to speak with us and check on our preparations to receive the Sacrament.  All students receiving the Sacrament met with the Bishop to discuss the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit. 

As per my blog last week, we have confirmation coming up in the next few weeks, so we are madly working to complete this task. 

Just a few reminders to start the term.

1. Saint Box and presentation - If your child hasn't brought in their box, please assist them to remember to bring this in as we have started our presentations.  The quality of these has been superb and the students obviously know lots about their Saints.

2. We have our Parent Confirmation Evening tomorrow night - Tuesday 3rd May

As Mrs Meyer advised last week, this will be held at school tomorrow and start at 5:30pm.

3. Parent Confirmation Retreat - Letter to Child - Due 29th April.  If you haven't sent this in yet, please do so as soon as possible.

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

All students will be participating in our Confirmation Retreat day on Friday 13th May at school. 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 (if you have not yet sent your letter into the classroom teacher please do so asap). They will also participate in a Reconciliation liturgy and practice for Confirmation on the Saturday.
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, however, we ask that students bring their normal morning tea for recess and crunch and sip if required. 
5. Confirmation Mass @ Our Lady of the Southern Cross - Saturday 14th May (week 3) starting at 6pm at Our Lady of the Southern Cross Parish
(6H's Confirmation Mass is set to take place on Sunday 15th May).
As part of our Confirmation Program at the school, it is expected that all Year 6 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 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. 💗
Parent Meetings
Over the coming week and following from the Government announcing late last term that we can now have face to face meetings in school, I will be starting to organise meetings for students where I believe this is necessary.  If you would like to request a meeting please send me an email and we can organise a suitable time.
However, as always I am available to sit and chat about anything that may be concerning you or that you have questions about. So, if you at a later date would like to organise a meeting to discuss any matters, please just get in touch. 
Year 6 Camp
I am excited to announce that the Year 6 camp is now back on - Yippee!!! A few parents have reached out to ask the dates of the camp, they are Wednesday July 27 till Friday 29 July. More information will be available about camp after we complete Confirmation. If you do have any questions, worries or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out. 

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

More information on the above events is provided in Last weeks blog.

Homework

As per last weeks blog, we have decide to not set homework for this fortnight providing the students an opportunity complete any work that needs doing, including the Saint Box project and tasks that may not have been completed before the end of term; such as;

Saint Ball - Due 6 May if this hasn't been completed already.

Narnia Retold - Due 6 May if this hasn't been completed already

Maths Session

A free math support tutoring session will be available for all students of 6H and 6M on a Wednesday after school. Miss Hurst and I 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.

Thanks for you ongoing support

Mr McSevich