Dear Families

On Tuesday after school we gathered in our church to celebrate our Opening School Prayer Service.  In this service we acknowledged our Mini Vinnies Team for 2024. 

Mini Vinnies Team

I would like to congratulate  the team pictured below.  Back row from left, Kaylem, Remy, John, Tahlia and Scarlett.  Front row from left, Summer, Aleyah, Harry, Beau, Chaise and Lorelei. This team will work together to fundraise money for people who are less fortunate than us.  Last year the Mini Vinnies team raised over $3000 and the team supported many charities including local flood victims, Andrews House, Traf CFA, Baw Baw Food Relief, Mary MacKillop Foundation, Backpac for Homeless, West Gippsland Hospital and St Vincent de Paul Trafalgar. We are very proud of the work of this group in our school.

Sacrament of Reconciliation

One of the most important things that we do in a school year, is to prepare students for the Sacraments.  There are seven Sacraments in our church (Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist, Confirmation, Marriage, Holy Orders and Annointing of the Sick).  At school, we prepare students for Reconciliation in Gr 3, Eucharist (First Holy Communion) in Gr 4 and Confirmation in Gr 5 or 6.  This year we have 5 students who are preparing for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  The parents have already attended a parent education evening in Warragul and the families have attended the Commitment Mass in our church last Saturday, where Fr Bernard welcomed them as part of the parish family. 

We pray especially for Isabella, Billy, Evie, Lola and Lachie as they prepare for this Sacrament. They will celebrate their First Reconciliation in our church  on Thursday March 14th at 5.30pm.  All families are welcome to celebrate with us.

Lent

Ash Wednesday started the church season of LENT.  During Lent we reflect on our lives and try to change the things we need to change in order to lead more meaningful and purposeful lives. This prayer is taken from The Australian Children's Prayer Book and it is simple and meaningful.  You might like to share it with your family.  I find reading a simple, short prayer before a special meal can be really positive. 

LENT PRAYER

Loving God, as we begin this season of Lent
we pray that over these 40 days,
we will open our minds and hearts
to recognise and respond to the needs of others. 

Help us to be kind to those around us,
especially friends and family. 

Through prayer, fasting and giving to those in need,
may we be ready to enter more fully
into the days of Holy Week.  Amen

School Fees

Catholic schools do not receive the same amount of Government funding as department schools, this is why we need to charge school fees, so we can continue to offer the same level of great service.   School Fees have been sent out electronically to families.  The school's preferred method of payment is direct debit, you can organise with Lucy a regular payment plan. 

Working With Children Checks (WWCC)

We warmly invite parents to help at school, if you would like to help in any way then you need to get a WWCC. If you need more information on obtaining a WWCC then please talk to Lucy in the office.

A Few Reminders

Icy-poles are available on Fridays in Terms 1 & 4   $1 each

Also we wear hats in Term 1 & 4.

May God continue to guide and bless us in our learning together

Trish Mulqueen
Principal