Issue 11, 28 June 2024

On Saturday we celebrate the feast day for Saints Peter and Paul. Peter and Paul both played a special and important role in building up the early Church. Peter was a simple fisherman but then Jesus called him to lead the apostles. He became the very first Pope. Indeed, Peter denied Jesus three times during Jesus’ trial but was later forgiven and restored by Jesus. Many of us might identify with Peter because he was often impulsive and reckless. Paul’s life demonstrated the love God has for each one of us. Before he met Jesus, he persecuted Christians. After encountering Jesus, Paul spent the rest of his life bringing the Good News to the Gentiles. Both Peter and Paul exemplified unwavering faith, courage, and dedication to Jesus. 

I am pleased to announce that we have appointed Gemma Horgan to the role of ESO commencing at the beginning of Term 3 for 4 days per week. Please join me in making Gemma feel welcome in our school community. 

I have previously announced the appointment of Miss Jenna McClure, who will teach our mid-year Reception class for the remainder of the year. Jenna will officially start with us in Week 10 to assist with the transition of our Caritas Cubs who will begin their schooling journey next term.

At the end of this term, we will give thanks for Mary-Louise McKenzie who will conclude her time working in the canteen at Caritas College. Mary-Louise has been a committed staff member and a friendly face over the time she has spent at our school. We wish Mary-Louise all the best for her future endeavours.    

It is important to remember that teachers and ESOs have the same leave entitlements as employees in other industries as per the Fair Work Act. Therefore, from time-to-time staff will be away from school for any number of reasons including sick leave, personal leave, long service leave and maternity/parenting leave. When this occurs, we prioritise the continuity of learning for students by ensuring that as many things as possible remain consistent and familiar.  Next term, we wish Susy Rogers all the best as she enjoys some well-earned long service leave before returning in Term 4. 

At the end of this term, we will bid farewell to Simon Arndt, our Rotary Exchange student from Germany. Simon has spent the last 12 months in Australia, and we have been blessed to have him as part of our school community. Before Simon returns to his homeland of Germany, he will spend some time travelling around Australia with his parents. Following his time at Caritas College, I trust that Simon will be able to carry the friendships, memories and lived experiences with him into the future and know that his time with us has been mutually beneficial. 

Being late for class often means important instructions are missed and the class is interrupted. School is meant to be organised, scheduled and predictable for students. It prepares them for life beyond school, even from an early age. 

Frequent absences from school will also impact on the overall development and growth of a child’s learning and wellbeing at school. 

Of course, there are legitimate reasons for when students are absent or late. It is important that these reasons are communicated to the school in a timely manner. Parents/caregivers can do this by using the school SMS 0428 071 211 or communicating directly with your child’s teacher or the front office. 

If, however, a student is away for extended periods of time or absent without reason then the school has legal responsibilities and obligations to follow it up and report this to the relevant authorities. Importantly, if there is a pattern of lateness or non-attendance then we become concerned that a child’s sense of belonging, relationships at school, level of engagement and learning progress may be hindered. Thank you for working with us and ensuring that every day counts for your child’s education.

The Witness is our Diocese’s bi-monthly publication that specifically targets Catholic faith adults and children. You can access the Witness online here. It is a great way to nurture your faith and stay up-to-date with what is happening around our Diocese

Parents/caregivers will be able to access your child’s report on SEQTA at the end of Week 10. Year 3-12 will be able to access reports on SEQTA Engage, Reception - Year 2 reports will be generated and sent home with your child on the last day of term. If you have any issues or questions about this, please contact the school and we are happy to assist. Please take this opportunity to celebrate your child’s successes and achievements for the year so far. Parents/caregivers are encouraged to discuss their child’s report with their teacher(s) if you have any questions.

In ensuring the safety of pedestrians before and after school, parents/caregivers are reminded to be aware of the ‘no parking’ zones near emu crossings. In recent weeks it has been observed that cars are being parked and U-turns are happening within close proximity of the emu crossings. Both of these actions are unsafe and can be potential dangerous for children who are coming or going from school.  As part of our road safety training, staff are told they should record the details of any incidents and refer them to police if necessary. In order to keep our children and young people safe, please remember to adhere to the road rules at all times.

Each term our students engage in learning around child protection. Every child has the right to be safe and free from all kinds of abuse, including bullying and harassment, and neglect. The Keeping Safe Child Protection Curriculum provides the framework to teach children and young people from age 3 to Year 12, in an age-appropriate way, to recognise abuse, talk to trusted adults and understand ways to keep themselves safe. The Keeping Safe Child Protection Curriculum is mandated in all Catholic schools in South Australia. Our teachers undertake professional learning to implement this important area of curriculum. This link provides more information on how the curriculum is implemented in schools. The Child protection Curriculum is also complemented by learning in other areas of the curriculum such as Health, Religious Education and Social Emotional Learning.

A reminder about our 'Curious About Caritas?' Information Session which will be held on Tuesday 30th July. This information session will give new families an opportunity to discover more about the College and what it has to offer for students enrolling in Years 7-9. It is a great opportunity for us to share who we are and what we do with families. If you, or anyone you know, would like to find out more about how our College supports the learning and wellbeing of students in Years 7–9, keep an eye out on our Facebook page for more information.

The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference is undertaking a research project aimed at investigating why some Catholics do not participate in regular weekly Sunday Mass (Sunday Mass includes the Saturday Vigil).  If you are happy to participate, please click here to access the information, or, use the QR code provided.  

The survey closes on Tuesday, 20th August 2024.  Parishioners are encouraged to reach out to those they know who could participate in the survey.

Last weekend, the children who received their first Holy Communion concluded the program with their Commissioning Mass. This commissioning recognises their commitment to serving Christ in the world. 

The same weekend, the children receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation started their program with an Enrolment Session. The Rite of Commitment for children and their families will be at masses this weekend, as children will make their commitment to the program and ask for blessings and prayers from their parents and the parish community. Families are reminded of the ‘spare weekends’ in the program if they are unable to attend one of the programmed weekends. The next preparation session will occur this weekend, Saturday 29 June at 6:30pm or 30 June at 11:30am at All Saints Church. 

We continue to pray for these children and their families as they continue their faith journey together. 

Earlier this week, the Church celebrated the feast of the Nativity of St John the Baptist. John was Jesus’ cousin, the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth, who was related to Jesus’ mother Mary. Elizabeth had no children of her own so they prayed to God to help them. The angel Gabriel visited Zechariah and Elizabeth one day telling them they would have a son and to name him John and that he would be “great in the sight of the Lord” (Luke 1:15). It was at the visitation when John leapt with great joy in the womb of Elizabeth and she knew that Mary was carrying Jesus, the Son of God.

John’s public ministry began in the early first century, attracting large crowds to be baptised in the River Jordan. John was the one who baptised Jesus, with the Holy Spirit coming down upon him, establishing Jesus as a priest, prophet and king. John only ever spoke of love and truth, calling all to forgiveness, and was always trying to bring about God’s Kingdom here on earth, providing us with a wonderful example of how to life a live in Christ