Hello Families and Friends,
It is so lovely to be back, starting our school year with our new Prep children being welcomed so warmly by their Year 6 buddies and the other children from all other classes. I have seen many very proud and protective older brothers and sisters looking out for their younger sibling, making sure their younger sibling is settling in well. Thank you to all of our children for their care and kindness. The beginning of the school year is such a special time for our community. Please make sure if you see one of our new families that you introduce yourselves to them; it is something St Luke's is famous for and does so well- embracing others to our beautiful, warm community.
Welcome to the BRADY, CARDONA, POMPEI, SANTOSO AND DOERING families who join the St Luke's community this year. We are thrilled to have you and look forward to getting to know you and sharing your child's journey with you.
As many of you would know, the Family Picnic is plotted on the school calendar for Wednesday, 8th February starting at 5.50 pm through to 7.30 pm. It will be a great opportunity to catch up with old friends and to meet new ones. Please make sure you bring a picnic rug or chairs, your own picnic tea and comfy clothes. We'll picnic on the oval. There will be some games set up for families to play on the Sports Court. Our OSHC provider, Kelly Club will be running some games for the children too. (Thanks to Elena, Carson and Hannah for doing this.) Should be fun and l look forward to seeing you all there.
Congratulations to all children for wearing their school uniform with great pride this week. It was very exciting to present the Year 6 children with their Graduation windcheaters. They look great and the smiles on their faces reflected their delight that they are now truly our student leaders for 2023.
Thank you to Leanne Wilkinson who has started a Facebook Buy and Sell for second hand uniforms. This is a great opportunity to purchase that extra item without paying 'new' prices. If you want to join the group, please email Leanne at: leannemwilkinson@hotmail.com and she'll invite you to the group. This is not a school initiative but we are grateful that Leanne has created a great opportunity for all parents.
Could l ask all parents to support their child to wear the correct School Uniform EVERY DAY. Term One is Summer uniform with children wearing it three days per week and sports uniform twice a week. Check the days below for your child:
MONDAY: School uniform for all children. NO runners
TUESDAY: PE for 5-6M, 1-2 C and 1-2 E
WEDNESDAY: PE for 3-4T, 3-4 S, Prep and 5-6 O
THURSDAY: School uniform for all children. NO runners
FRIDAY: Sports uniform for all children.
Please note that Children ARE NOT to wear their runners with licensed socks.
SCHOOL HATS are an absolute necessity every day in Term One and Four. Please ask your child to check their bag each morning as they pop their lunch in for their hats. PLEASE label it with their name.
Many thanks to Micaela Debney who is working diligently to organise the Twilight Sports on TUESDAY, 21ST FEBRUARY at Bill Stewart Athletics Track beginning at 2 pm and finishing at 5 pm. Please add this to your calendar of 'must attend' events as the school spirit, sense of community and joy in being together is amazing. Micaela has added a message below.
We are thrilled to invite you to our weekly assemblies. They will be held on a MONDAY at 3.10 pm. Weather permitting, we will meet in the Hill area. Please join us as often as you can.
Can l ask for your care and attention to respecting the school's request that your child does not bring nut products to school please? We do have children who experience allergic or ANAPHYLACTIC reactions to nuts. Thank you in anticipation of your support of this.
If you haven't already signed up to the Skoolbag app, please do so. Parents do not need to sign up for each child but are welcome to sign up as individual parents. We send out 'need to know' bulletins, messages etc via Skoolbag AND our newsletter is always published via the app too.
Please look out for ICT User Agreement that will be circulated via Operoo in the upcoming week
As mentioned last year, our Parent's Association is up and operating for the year ahead but is being re-branded as the Parent's and Friends (P&F). Please come along to a casual, friendly first meeting on Thursday, 9th February at the school. Wouldn't it be great if we had a couple of representatives from every class? Such involvement guarantees friends for life!
One of the greatest privileges l know is walking alongside children as they prepare for the Sacraments. For those candidates who are celebrating First Reconciliation (Year 3), First Eucharist (Year 4) or Confirmation (Year 6), there is a Faith and Mission workshop for the Sacraments on Tuesday, 28th February from 2.30 pm to 4 pm. Details will follow and the session will be for parent(s) and child. We are inviting our Prep parents to join us, as well.
Goodness... l hope you made yourself a cuppa before starting your read of this newsletter. There's so much to share with you.
The final thing l want to say is how lovely it is to be back at St Luke's to start the year with you all. Our theme this year is: Be the good news...Promoting God's hospitality. Two Year 6 children- Hannah and Jessie- have designed the most beautiful image included in this publication. Their explanation of the artwork speaks beautifully to how each one of us can bring the good news to others, that in such simple ways we can be of service to others by the hospitality we offer through words, actions and prayer. Next Friday, 10th February, we will be celebrating a whole school Welcome Mass at 9.30 am. We would really love to see families come along. Our Year 6 Student Leaders will receive their badges- what a lovely moment for parents and families to witness. The parishioners and families are welcome to enjoy a cuppa afterwards, hosted by the school.
Thank you for your hospitality towards me- each family brings the Good News alive in such a variety of ways and l feel so blessed and privileged to be partnering with you in faith and learning.
Have a great weekend. We will see you next week.
Clare
