Dear Parents,
During the 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 to 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 making a difference in their lives.
Thank you to our parents who attended the parent information nights this 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 regard 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. Term overviews were distributed to families for each grade last week.
Catholic School’s Week will be celebrated at Christ the King in Week 7 [6th –10th March]. Our CSW liturgy and open day will be held on Friday 10th March commencing at 9am.
We are currently accepting Kindergarten enrolments for 2024. We will be conducting school tours for new families on Friday 10th March as well as celebrating Catholic Education in our community. I will be conducting private tours by appointment for new families during March if they cannot attend the open day. Please encourage new families to contact us so an expression of interest and enrolment package can be issued and a tour organised. We look forward to celebrating Catholic Education at CTK throughout the week [6/3-10/3]
Kindergarten enrolments for 2024 are looking healthy with 37 siblings already tendering expressions of interest for next year. Can I impress upon our current families, that if you are considering starting your children in kindergarten next year please enrol your child within the next week or two. If you determine later on in the year to hold your child back twelve months, you can withdraw them without any problems. Once I determine how many siblings from current families are enrolling in kindergarten in 2024, I can offer new families placements for their children. I would like to be able to offer placements for new families in the next few weeks. Thank you for your understanding in this matter.
Thanks to our parents for accommodating our staff development days today and next Monday. Both days have been allocated to teachers working together in stage teams in implementing the new Mathematics and English curriculums. Your understanding and patience in this matter are greatly appreciated. Each year parents and students in Year 3 - 6 are required to complete the Responsible Use of Technology Acknowledgement form. This form sets out the responsibilities of both the student and the school with regards to technology in the school. We ask that parents complete the form WITH THEIR CHILD so that you and they are aware of the expectations at school. It also provides an excellent opportunity for you to open the discussion about internet use and safety in your home. It is imperative that you read through the agreement prior to you and your child signing it so they understand what is in the agreement. You will find excellent resources on internet safety from the eSafety website.
As I mentioned at the Parent information evenings this week, children under the conditions of the IT acceptable user agreement are NOT permitted to contact parents during school hours via a device [-ie phone, ipad or lap top]. Please note that smart interactive watches are not to be worn to school. If your child has an issue or problem of any description, they are encouraged to discuss the matter with their teachers or myself and not contact parents via electronic means. Classroom teachers or I will contact parents to discuss the matter further if required. Your support in this matter will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Please insure all your children’s clothing hats and lunch boxes are clearly labelled with your child’s name and grade. At this time of the year many childrens new items that are not labelled have already found their way into lost property. Please encourage your children to go to lost property outside kindergarten if they have lost any items in the first few weeks of school.
Next Friday our 2023 school, Cross Country Carnival will be run at Don Moore Reserve. This carnival will be the trial to select for next terms Diocesan Cross Country. Thanks to the parents who have volunteered to assist on the day. Parents and friends are welcome to attend to cheer our children on. Best wishes to all our participants on the day.
Have a great week
Tony Hughes
Principal
