Dear Parents,
Last week we celebrated Ash Wednesday - the start of the season of Lent as we journey with Christ to the Easter Celebration whereby we celebrate his passion and resurrection. Pope Francis describes Lent as a "joyful season when we prepare to celebrate the paschal mystery with mind and heart renewed…as we recall the great events that gave us new life in Christ." During this Lenten journey we are encouraged stay focused on the Easter story and the prospect of salvation and resurrection at journey’s end so as not to let greed and self-interest govern our lives. The Holy Father reminds us that "the path to Easter demands that we renew our faces and hearts as Christians through repentance, conversion and forgiveness, so as to live fully the abundant grace of the paschal mystery," The fasting, praying and alms giving undertaken during Lent is a sacramental sign of this conversion, becoming "children of God," as it draws us away from the selfish obsessions of life. Let us all strive to stand beside our brothers and sisters in need, sharing our spiritual and material goods with them.
Thank you to our parents who attended the parent information nights last week. A special thanks to the teachers who prepared their presentations. I trust the sessions proved useful in allowing you to gain a better understanding of what is happening in your child’s grade in regards to the learning agenda, behaviour expectations and the general protocols and procedures for the year ahead. If you were unable to attend the sessions please contact your child’s classroom teachers if you have any questions or require any clarification on any issue.
This week we celebrate Catholic Schools week in NSW. Today we welcomed to our school new families and visitors who were here for the very first time. Thank you to our Year 6 students who were wonderful ambassadors for our school in conducting school tours with our new families. The feedback from these parents was very positive. Congratulations and well done Year 6. As a Catholic community we are privileged to have come together this morning bonded by our faith as we celebrated the teaching and learning that takes place everyday, by every student, transforming the minds of our CTK children.
Enrolment packages are now available for families wishing to enrol their children in Kindergarten next year. Enrolment packages are available from the school office or school website. Please pass this offer onto any families you know who are considering enrolling their Kindergarten child at CTK in 2021. Please complete the enrolment forms and return to the school office with the relevant requested documentation. Parents will be contacted over the next few weeks to make appointments for enrolment and school readiness interviews in May of Term 2. CTK also has vacancies available at present for any interested families wishing to enrol their children from K-6.
Next Monday 9th March, is our Annual Cross Country Carnival. Our children from Years 2-6 will run a most challenging course at Don Moore Reserve with the opportunity to qualify for the CTK team to participate in next term’s Diocesan event. A thank you to all the parents who have volunteered to assist at this event.
Term 1 School Calendars were emailed home this week. Please keep in mind every effort is made to have firm dates and publish these as early as possible. Changes beyond our control sometimes need to be made. Please be assured as much notice as possible is given if this occurs.
Last Friday evening, the annual Kindergarten & New Families to CTK BBQ was held. The night was enjoyed by all who attended. It was a great opportunity for our new families to meet other parents whose children have begun at CTK this year. The children enjoyed the opportunity to play together as well the special guest appearances by Peppa Pig, Sponge Bob, Princess Sophia and Mickey Mouse. Our thanks go to the year 1 and student leadership parents who assisted on the night with cooking and preparation. Thank you also to both Mrs Cassar and Mrs Ritchie for all their organisation prior to the event. A special thanks to our CTK student leaders who served drinks and food on the night as well assisting in the setting and packing up. Well done to all concerned!
Please remember to label all your children’s clothing and item as it is much easier to return them to the rightful owner when they are lost. At the end of each week labelled clothing will be returned to the owner with unlabelled clothing being sent to the second hand clothing pool for resale. Unlabelled food containers at the end of each week will be disposed of. Your co-operation in these matters will be greatly appreciated.
Have a safe and blessed week,
Tony Hughes
Principal