PRINCIPAL UPDATE

WISDOM UPFRONT “Faith is taking the first step even when you do not see the whole staircase” The message of Easter is one of hope. Jesus died on the cross but rose from the dead on this great day in the Church’s Liturgical Year. I hope the Risen Christ is able to live in your hearts this Easter season and throughout the year. The Easter season consists of four significant days: Holy Thursday commemorates Christ’s total giving of Himself to humanity in the sacrament of the Eucharist. Through the washing of the feet, it also recalls in a dramatic way the new commandment to love one another. The day concludes with Eucharist adoration in memory of Our Lord’s agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. On Good Friday we listen to the account of the Passion and contemplate Christ on the Cross. God gives His very self, in order to raise us up and save us. Holy Saturday is the day in which “The Church is spiritually united with Mary, praying by the tomb of the Son of God who lies at rest after completing His work of redemption.” Then, at the solemn Easter Vigil, the joyful Gloria and Easter Alleluia rise forth from the hearts of the whole Christian community because Christ is risen and has defeated death. The celebration of the death and resurrection of Christ gives us the certainty that we need, supported by this certain knowledge we can commit ourselves with greater courage and enthusiasm to creating a fairer world FAMILY HELPERS Family helpers are an important part of our school. As a school, we value the time and support given by family members to assist in a variety of ways. A brief meeting was held earlier this term for all new and existing parent helpers regarding expectations and the schools Code of Conduct Policy. CODE OF CONDUCT The purpose of Code of Conduct Policy is to establish clear expectations for appropriate behaviour by adults towards children and young people. It aims to protect children and reduce any opportunity of abuse or harm to children. This Code of Conduct also provides anyone engaged by St Peter Chanel Catholic Primary School with guidance on how best to support students and young people and how to avoid or better manage difficult situations. If you are a Family Helper or intend to support the school in some way, you are required to complete the Code of Conduct documentation available from the school administration and return it before you begin as a parent helper within the school. This requirement is effective immediately and is essential, as is a Working With Children Check. Please do not hesitate to contact the school if further clarity is required. PUNCTUALITY A reminder that students are expected to be at school no later than 8.40am. Students arriving consistently late to school are missing out on valuable learning. Students who have been present at school at this time have been settled and focused in preparation for a productive day. SCHOOL FEES AND LEVIES School fees and levies for 2018 have been finalised and all families have received a letter outlining financial expectations for this year. If you did not receive this letter, please ask for documentation from the school administration. Statements have been sent home and all amounts for term one are now due. It would be appreciated if all accounts are paid promptly to ensure that the school can meet its payments. If you are experiencing financial difficulties, please make an appointment to see me. Thank you to all parents who have finalised their fee and levy payment for 2018. Your support with this matter is appreciated. ENROLMENTS Enrolments for Prep 2019 are now open. To be eligible to commence school next year, children will need to be five years of age by 30 April, 2019. Enrolments are also being accepted for other year levels. Enrolment Packs are available from the school administration. School tours listed below: Monday, 30th April Wednesday, 25th July Wednesday, 23rd May Thursday 13th September Tuesday, 19th June Monday 22nd October All school tours commence at 9.30am SCHOOL PHOTOS School photos will be held on Thursday 26 April. All students are to wear their summer uniform. SCHOOL RESUMES A reminder to all parents that the end of term one will conclude on Thursday, 29 March at 1.00pm. The After School Program will be in operation as per normal on this day. School for term two will resume for all students on Monday, 16 April. TERM DATES FOR 2018 Term 2 Monday, 16th April to Friday, 29th June Wednesday, 25th April Public Holiday – ANZAC Day Thursday, 26th April School Photos Friday, 27th April SPC Feast Day Mass 9.30am Friday, 11th May Mother’s Day Breakfast and Mass Saturday, 19th May Sacrament of First Eucharist: 11am & 2.00pm Friday, 8th June Professional Learning (School Closure Day) Monday, 11th June Public Holiday – Queens Birthday Thursday, 14th to Friday, 15th June Year 3 Sleepover Thursday, 28th June Learning Conversations (School Closure Day) Term 3 Monday, 16th July to Friday, 21st September Friday, 3rd August School Review (School Closure Day) Wednesday, 15th to Friday, 17th August Phillip Island Adventure Resort Monday, 27th to Wednesday 29th August Year 5 Camp - Arribri Lodge Thursday, 30th August Sacrament of Reconciliation: 5.30pm Friday, 31st August Father’s Day Breakfast & Mass Thursday, 6th September Sacrament of Reconciliation: 5.30pm Term 4 Monday, 8 October to Friday, 14 December Monday, 5th November Parish Closure Day (School Closure Day) Tuesday, 6th November Melbourne Cup (School Closure Day) Thursday, 6th December Learning Conversations (School Closure Day) Mr Armando Gagliardi PRINCIPAL UPDATE

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

As we approach Holy Week we remember the life and death of Jesus. The most important events in the Church calendar are the death of Jesus on Good Friday and his rising from the dead on Easter Sunday. We were given a new life because of these days. Jesus gave his whole life for us and even died on a cross, showing us God’s ability to forgive. Easter is a time of Hope. Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, God offers hope to everyone. A hope that we will rise to a new life with him. Sacrament Of Confirmation The Year 6 children celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation on Saturday, March 17th. Bishop Mark Edwards confirmed the children. It was a very special and sacred occasion. Here are some reflections from the newly Confirmed children. ‘Confirmation means realizing that the Holy Spirit is with us everyday and seeing it in people. Seeing the fruits of the Holy Spirit like joy, kindness and goodness.’ Mark Rabino 6R ‘Confirmation for me means your full transition into the Catholic Church. It means "yes" or "I do" - that you believe in the Catholic Church and its teachings. When you receive your Confirmation, you receive the Gifts of the Holy Spirit helping you to be an overall better person.’ Ysannah Pumo 6R ‘The mental picture I took during the ceremony was when my sponsor put her hand on my shoulder. It was a nice feeling, I remember my sponsor smiling at me. She was very happy.’ Wendy Lopez 6R When thinking about Confirmation, I visualise when I was kneeling before the Bishop being Confirmed. I want to remember this moment. I found it really special because while I was kneeling on the altar, staring into the eyes of the Bishop and saying ‘Yes’ to God it showed me that I’m ready for an adventure. Not just an adventure but a great journey into the Catholic Faith. Alyssa Smith 6A Personally Confirmation to me is a very special, overwhelming, holy Catholic time. Confirmation makes me want to become even more like Jesus and the Holy Spirit. It means a LOT to be apart of the Church. Confirmation is a time to be reverent and respectful to God and the Catholic Community. Clariz Rosales 6A Sacrament Of Eucharist The Year 4 children will be celebrating the Sacrament of Eucharist on May 19th. If you have not yet booked as time, please do so by 4pm on April 6th. Go to www.schoolinterviews.com.au and key in the code 766mr. If you would like to be considered to participate in the ceremony on this day please email me or let your child’s teacher know. 2017 Sacramental Program Eucharist Information Evening: Tuesday 1st May 7.00pm The Sacrament of First Eucharist: Saturday 19th May 11am and 2.30pm The Sacrament of Reconciliation: Thursday 30th August 5.30pm Thursday 6th September 5.30pm God bless Angela Giordimaina Religious Education Leader