LEADERSHIP REPORT - Ginaya Yarnold, Donna Sprague and Kate de Bressac

Dear Parents and Carers

On Wednesday St Agnes’ staff had the privilege of participating in a Diocesan wide Proclaim Day celebration. Throughout the day we listened to renowned speakers on Catholic faith and Church issues being faced currently and pathways for catholic education into the future. Our guest speakers were Fr Richard Leonard, Father Frank Brennan and Brother David Hall. Staff listened to their presentations and analysed where we sit as a school community and how we can navigate students and families through these challenges into the future. The most reverend Bishop Homeming concluded the Proclaim presentation with the most beautiful message that all children (and our community) need to feel loved, that they belong and have a strong sense of identity. Staff within our parish then joined together for Mass at St Agnes’ Church to celebrate Faith into the Future.

This Sunday we pay tribute to all mothers and mother figures. Mothers Day is the day we celebrate the women who raised us. They dedicate their lives to us, they’re selfless yet strong, they’re affectionate and protective… It goes without saying that being a mother is one of the toughest, most rewarding jobs out there. But one day isn’t enough to show our gratitude for all their hard work and sacrifices to make us happy, safe, and well. They do so much for us, and sometimes, we don’t even realise that. So the least we can do is honor them whenever we get the chance.

Sunday is dedicated to every mother and mother figure out there. We hope they’ll have the best day with their loved ones, filled with love and joy! They deserve it!

It was lovely to share the special Kindergarten Mother's Day prayer as a school community this morning. We were so lucky to have so many of our Kinder Mum's join us. A special mention to Mrs Elise Gardiner (Parent of Anna, Lucas and Myles) who assisted with the ordering delivery and preparation of the 500 plus flowers for our families today. There will also be a special email arrival for our special loved ones, but please don't open this file until Sunday morning.

To every mother who spent the night awake by her sick child, nursing them and taking care of them. To every mother who always worries about their family’s safety other than their own. To every mother doing the best they can to please their children, whether by making them their favourite food, or planning the best next vacation.

To every mother who worked extra hours in order to provide everything for her children so they wouldn’t miss a thing, not even the smallest ones. To every mother supporting their children in every decision they make and encourage them to be the best version of themselves every day.

To every mother who raised a child alone, or children who aren’t of her own.
To every mother who became one without a baby.
To every mother who left us, but still resides in our hearts.
You are our home, our precious ones. Without you, we’re nothing.
You are the light that guides us through the darkness. You are the love that fills our hearts and keeps us moving. You are the beauty that the world needs.
No matter what happens, and no matter what trouble we face, your smile is what helps us get through the day. We would do anything to protect it and cherish you. We love you, and appreciate everything you’ve done for us.

Happy Mothers Day to all of you marvellous women. You simply deserve all what’s beautiful in life!

St Agnes' Golf Day

We appreciate the contribution our school community is making to support the annual St Agnes’ Golf day. Spots are still available for teams to register for this fun event and volunteers are needed to help make the day a success. Thank you so much to all of our families and community members who have so generously donated prizes for the day.

This week a donation of $300 was given to the flood appeal. Money raised came from Mother’s day purchases through Craft for Service. Thanks to Aunty Michelle and her band of generous crafty students who make these fabulous gifts through lunch times and to our families who purchase these fabulous items. Bath bombs, resin decorated mirrors, earrings, fridge magnets etc are still available for purchase beyond Mother’s Day. Next week we move on to creating new exciting items for purchase in the coming weeks.

NAPLAN

A reminder to our Year 3 and Year 5 families that NAPLAN is next week. The schedule below shows the dates and times of our test sittings. Any children who are absent will have the opportunity to participate in catch up tests in Week 5. All of the tests are now online, with the exception of Year 3 Writing. We ask all families to please check that their child still has a working pair of headphones, to ensure a smooth process during this time. Please do not feel that you need to do anything extra to prepare for the NAPLAN assessments, all your child needs is plenty of sleep, a healthy lunch and a positive understanding that it is just a snapshot of their learning at this time. Any NAPLAN questions can be directed to your class teacher or Kate de Bressac.

Walk Safely To School Day

We're Taking It In Our Stride On Friday 14 May 2021

Walk Safely to School Day asks that we all consider our transport habits and try to incorporate more walking as part of a healthy, active way to get around. And although walking all the way to school isn't realistic for many of us, you can build a walk into your family's daily routine.

Regular exercise like walking with your child not only helps them (and you!) beat chronic problems like obesity, heart disease, behavioural and mental health issues and diabetes, it also gives you a great opportunity to teach your child safe ways to behave around roads and traffic. To help children develop vital road crossing skills children up to the age of 10 years should hold an adult's hand when crossing the road.

Remember, Active Kids are Healthy Kids, so get planning your own Walk Safely to School Day journey for Friday 14 May 2021!

For more information, visit www.walk.com.au

Safe On Social

The Catholic School’s Parent Assembly, on behalf of St Agnes’ Parish Schools, have secured Kirra Pendergast, from Safe on Social, to speak with parents and guardians on the topic of Parenting and Cyber Safety. This seminar to be held at MacKillop Senior College at the Lochinvar Centre on Wednesday 19 May at 6:00pm will provide parents and guardians with ‘the most in-depth and current online safety education’ to support the development of young people as safe, responsible and ethical users of digital technologies.

This seminar is particularly relevant to our senior primary grades, as we have had several issues regarding social media posts. Flyers were sent home with all Year 5 and 6 students earlier this week. For families who did not receive this or for more information please click on this link HERE.