*New Dates

TERM 1 2023

• Tues, 4 Apr - Learning Conversations Evening
• Thurs, 6 Apr - P&F Hot Cross Buns
• Fri, 7 Apr - Good Friday
• Mon, 10 Apr - Easter Monday
• Fri, 14 Apr - P&F Gather Round Donuts/Footy Colours
• Fri, 14 Apr - Last Day of School 12:30pm dismissal

TERM 2

• Mon, 1 May - First Day of School
• Fri, 9 Jun - Pupil Free Day
• Mon, 12 Jun - Queen's Birthday
• Fri, 7 Jul - Pupil Free Day 

TERM 3

• Mon, 24 Jul - First Day of School
• Fri, 8 Sep - Pupil Free Day
• Fri, 29 Sep - Last Day of School 12:30pm dismissal

TERM 4

• Mon, 16 Oct - First Day of School
• Thurs, 14 Dec - Last Day of School 3:05pm dismissal

Dear Parents and Community Members,

Sports Day

This year we were able to return to the SA Athletics Stadium to participate in our annual Sports Day after a year of renovation at the Stadium. As a school we have been striving to move our Sports Day to Term 1 to improve the likelihood of better weather and I thank Mr Brigden for his work in this area.

The forecast was concerning but, in the end, we were blessed with great weather for us all to enjoy.

There is always so much happiness for all of us, watching our Reception children experiencing Sports Day for their first time and I hope that our Year 6's who took part in their last Sports Day with our school that it was a special one.

I would like to thank Aidan Brigden with his impeccable planning of the day and to all our staff who worked hard throughout the day officiating and looking after children.

I would like to acknowledge and thank Mt Carmel College for allocating 18 Year 11 students to support on the day.

Tenison this year continued to dominate winning for the 11th time in 12 years with 2nd place and 3rd place being very close.

Congratulations to the Tenison Team and to their captains Ivory G. and Bailey T.

The finals results for the 2023 Sports Day were:

1st Place: Tenison Team (Red)

2nd Place: MacKillop Team (Yellow)

3rd Place: Joseph Team (Blue)

4th Place: Patrick Team (Green)

Thank you to all of our school House Captains for their support of other children in our school on the day:

Joseph (Blue): Japjot S & Alexandra F

MacKillop (Yellow): Lenny L & Edel L

Patrick (Green): Arlo C & Eliza F

Tenison (Red): Bailey T & Ivory G

Learning Conversations

Each year we have two formal times parents, children and teacher/s meet to discuss your child’s progress, at the end of Term 1 and at the end of Term 3.

These meetings will be pivotal in sharing your child’s learning progress and I ask all parents to prioritise your time and your child to be present.

In between these times, it is important to remember that if you have any questions or concerns and wish to discuss your child’s progress throughout the year, please contact your child’s teacher to negotiate a mutually convenient time.

I continue to thank you for all that you do at home to support your child’s learning. It was great to see many Reception parents taking the opportunity to hear the teachers speak about the InitiaLit program. Your support in ensuring your child reads at least 15 minutes or even 30 minutes a day is pivotal to your child’s academic achievement. The other support is to have lots of opportunities as a family to speak together.

Kind Regards

Frank Congedi

Holy Week – Community Prayers

Next week is Holy Week – the most important week in the Catholic Liturgical Calendar. This week begins with Palm Sunday – which marks the triumphant entry of Jesus in to Jerusalem, and ends on Easter Sunday where Jesus is resurrected after dying on the cross.

Every day of Holy Week we will be acknowledging the different events of Holy Week with a Year Level leading a community prayer each day. These prayers will be in the courtyard as per our usual community prayers on a Monday.

Monday – Palm Sunday – led by Reception Unit

Tuesday – Jesus cleanses the temple – Led by Year 3 unit

Wednesday – Washing of the Disciples Feet – Led by Year 2 Unit

Thursday – The Last Supper – Led by Year 1 Unit

We will also acknowledge the events of Good Friday – with the Performing Art leaders, and the Year 6 unit leading the school community in the Stations of the Cross – a prayerful liturgy depicting the last events of Jesus’ life. This will be held in the hall beginning at 2pm. Parents, grandparents and caregivers are invited to attend – please come via the front office.

Our Year 4 and Year 5 units will be leading community prayers in Week 11 to acknowledge the events of the Easter – Jesus being placed in the tomb, and then his Resurrection.

Fifth Week of Lent (Week beginning Monday 27th March)

Project Compassion brings together Australian schools, parishes and supporters to raise funds for people in vulnerable communities across the world. This year, we introduced you to the story of four inspiring people whose lives have been transformed with your generous support: Laxmi, Tereesa, Priscilla and Thu.

Today, they are creating a better world for their families, their communities and for all future generations.

Project Compassion is a demonstration of the faith, empathy and generosity of our supporters. It is the lifeblood of Caritas Australia – without it, we could not do the vital work we do.

Thank you for helping transform lives today and for all future generations. “For All Future Generations.” Please support Project Compassion: lent.caritas.org.au

Project Compassion Boxes

As we approach the end of the Lenten season, and the start of the Season of Easter –  Project Compassion boxes can start to be returned to school. Please bring your small boxes where you may have been collecting loose coins at home and place them either in the large boxes in your child’s classroom, or bring the small boxes to the office.

We ask all boxes to be returned by the end of Week 1 of Term 2 – Friday the 5th of May. Thank you for your fundraising efforts during Lent, and for supporting Caritas Australia.

Recycling Easter Egg Foil

Did you know that the foil packaging of Easters Eggs does not need to be thrown into landfill bins. This packaging can be placed in the recycling bin provided that you collect the foil and make it into a ball that is large enough for the recycling machines to capture it. To do this - as you eat your Easter chocolate, take the foil wrappers and make a large foil ball, by continuing to add foil over and over again. Once the foil ball is the size of a small fist (or larger) then place it in the recycle bin.

Term 2 Class Masses

We are currently preparing a class mass timetable for Term 2 – with all classes to attend a Parish Mass during Term 2, and we will also have one Whole School Mass in the Mary MacKillop Hall. The timetable will be published in the newsletter, and the school term calendar shortly.

Have a wonderful week,

Josh Page

APRIM

Mylor Adventure Camp in 6LP

Last week the Year 5 and 6 students packed their bags and travelled to Mylor in the Adelaide Hills for a 3-day adventure camp.

When we first arrived – we were taken for tour around the campsite, we quickly settled into our dorms and divided into our activity groups. Each activity group had a Mylor Camp instructor and a group leader (a school staff member).

The students experienced nine adventure activities over the 3 days: Archery, Giant Swing, Canoeing, Raft Making, Challenge Course, Scavenger Hunt, Low Ropes, Bridge Budling and Initiative Pursuits.

Each adventure activity involved the students to work in teams, encourage communication skills, sharing ideas, trying new things, being supportive, helping each other, problem solving and persisting through a challenge. On the first night we had a disco to celebrate our first night at camp and on the second night we chilled-out while watching a movie.

The Year 6 teachers are so amazed and proud of our Year 6 students for all the positive thinking and enthusiastic participation they displayed during camp.

The Mylor Adventure camp is exactly that... an adventure! All the activities are purposely designed to move the students out of their comfort zones and face challenges that we wouldn't be able to offer at school. We witnessed great perseverance, persistence, endurance, encouragement, problem solving, teamwork, initiatives and resilience - especially when their window of tolerance was very slim. It was amazing to watch and support.

We will never forget their efforts and attempts during these intense activities.

Here are some comments from our 6LP students:

"I loved participating in new, fun adventures" Natalia

'I enjoyed the many activities, my favourite being the giant swing.' Olivia C

‘It was amazing! The giant swing was my favourite.’ Dias 

"I mostly enjoyed going on the Giant Swing and Archery" Sahara 

‘I loved being pushed to my limits and trying new things.’ Frankie

‘I enjoyed low ropes giant swing and challenge course.’ -Lenny

‘I loved participating in all the activities like the Challenge Course which was very fun!’ Nikkita

‘I enjoyed doing all the fun activities and working as a team!’ – Yu-Chin

"I enjoyed Archery and Bridge Building!" Scarlett

Each year we have over 100 registered volunteers who help our school in so many different ways, contributing to our school and supporting children and staff.  Registered volunteers contribute to the school community in just some of the following ways:

• School Board 
• Parents & Friends events
• After School Sports (Coaches and Team Managers)
• Canteen
• Learning Assistance Program (LAP)
• Reading with children
• Assisting at excursions

All volunteers are required to obtain appropriate clearances, including a Department of Human Services (DHS) Clearance and Catholic Clearance.

Once submitted, clearances may take up to 6 weeks to process.

When you receive your clearance or card please bring this into the office for us to update to the Volunteer Register.

If you would like to volunteer, please see staff in the front office for a Volunteer Information Pack and support in registering as a volunteer.

Please see below for current volunteers wanted in our school.

Thankyou to the following volunteers assisting in Term 1, Week 10 (Mon ):

If you would like to contribute to this wonderful school community and spend some of your day making delicious food, chatting and laughing in good company, having fun and of course drinking coffee, whether you are able to assist for both recess and lunch, or just an hour, it makes a huge difference and we would love to have you join us.

• Monday - Friday
• Times: all day (9-1:30pm), recess (10:50-11:30am), lunch (12:50-1:30pm) or just an hour wherever you can!
• Tasks include: Making popcorns, jellies, sandwiches, assembling burgers, serving at the counter, packing lunches and stacking the chip rack.

Tasks are given in very easy, manageable steps so everyone can comfortably learn as you go.  No experience necessary!

If you would like to volunteer some time in the Canteen or would like to ask questions about what is involved, please contact Iris at the Canteen before school.

Iris Mori

Canteen Manager

We acknowledge and pay our respect to the Kaurna people as the traditional owners of the land of Mikawomma on which Whitefriars Catholic School is located.  We come with open hearts and minds to listen and learn from Elders - past, present and emerging.