Issue 10, 16 June 2023

Today is the Feast of the Sacred Heart.  It is a special opportunity to remember and celebrate God's love and mercy.  The symbol of the sacred heart depicts a human heart encircled with a crown of thorns, crowned with a cross, and radiating flames to show how much Christ loves us.

Mary MacKillop had a deep connection to the Sacred Heart.  She named her Congregation, Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart.  She understood what it meant to be on a mission with a humble heart.  This feast day calls us to ensure that Caritas College is a place where everyone can grow in love, wonder and understanding just as Mary did.

Last Friday teaching staff engaged in professional learning onsite.  It was a fruitful day for teachers who specifically focussed on curriculum and assessment.  These dedicated days provide our staff with important and valuable opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skills.  By participating in professional learning throughout the year, our teachers stay updated with the latest educational research and best teaching strategies and methodologies.  This commitment to ongoing development and improvement supports students by ensuring that they receive high-quality teaching and learning. 

Our Year 11 students are busy preparing to engage in work experience in Week 10 of this term.  This is a helpful opportunity for them to explore possible future pathways and acquire hands-on experience in a particular workplace or industry.  The teachers are carefully guiding and supporting the students to make the most of this experience.  I am very appreciative of the many local businesses who will support our students to gain these valuable opportunities to learn as they edge closer to the pointy end of their schooling journey.

Trek was originally planned to happen in Week 6, but, an unfavourable weather forecast forced us to postpone it until Week 8.  Our fingers and toes are crossed that the students can enjoy this important experience as part of their Outdoor Education program next week.

Students and families are reminded to be wary of approaches from strangers, especially when they are unaccompanied or travelling to and from school.  If students are approached, they should not respond and should not accept offers of rides or gifts.  Students should seek the assistance of other nearby adults if they feel unsafe and should report the event to a trusted adult (parent or school staff member) as soon as possible.

Congratulations to all the children from our college and parish communities who celebrated their First Holy Communion last weekend and this coming weekend.  It has been a privilege to watch these children and their family's growth in their faith.  We look forward to seeing these children continue their full and active participation in the Church.

We thank Fr Jim for his leadership throughout this program, supported by the All Saints Catholic Parish, and Michelle Antoniciello for her support of the program and working with our children.  We deeply appreciate the time you have dedicated in preparing our children and for all the support you have given the parents as the first educators, in faith, of their children.

We congratulate the following students as they received the real presence of Christ our Saviour, as Bread of Life, in their First Holy Communion.

Families with children receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation are reminded that enrolment masses will be held Saturday 24 June at 6.30pm and Sunday 25 June at 10.30am.  You will have received an email from Fr Jim with details about the program and supports that are available. 

This sacrament has a wonderful connection with Pentecost, the moment when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, giving them the courage to spread God's word to everyone. 

Each year, on the third Friday after Pentecost, the Church celebrates the solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.  The day after, we celebrate the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  Both of these feasts use the heart as a symbol of love.

The Sacred Heart of Jesus has a focus on God's love and mercy, reminding us how much God loves us.  The Immaculate Heart of Mary focuses on Mary as a model Christian woman, calling upon her help and showing us what our own hearts should look like.

The SRC have been busily working away this term after the successes of Term 1 which culminated in our annual Teacher Dunk for Project Compassion. Early this term our 6/7 student leaders attended the GRIP conference for student leaders at the Lea Memorial Theatre and had a hands-on day learning what it means to be a student leader.

Our senior student leaders have organised a range of activities throughout the term as well, including birthday games for the school’s 152^nd birthday, The Push Up Challenge to raise awareness for Mental Health, and a Can Drive for St Vinnies to support families doing it tough over winter.

Our middle and senior school Class vs Class Netball Competition has also returned this term and the competition on Friday lunch times has been fierce! I’d like to extend a special thank you to the students who have volunteered their time to umpire these games.

While Term 2 is not over yet, Term 3 is shaping up to be another busy time for our student leaders as they continue to promote inclusion and social justice issues in our school community.