Term 2 Week 5
Principal message
Dear Parents and Carers,
Thank you for the effort you made to have the students ready to return to school; I know in many situations this was not easy and for others, at this stage, not possible. It was great to be back with the students and staff today. There was definitely a positive energy felt by students as they caught up with friends and returned to the simple things they know and do at school. Please reach out if you need assistance to get your child back to school.
We continue to pray for and reach out to our families, offering support and resources where we can so that our people know they are loved. The ripple effect in community will be felt for weeks and months ahead, and we will continue to be here for those who need us.
I have put some information below about the Recovery Centre in the Uniting Church in Taree (29-35 Albert Street) that will open tomorrow for the remainder of the week. For those families who have lost property and stock, it is very important they register at the Centre as they offer a variety of government support. St Vincent De Paul will also be onsite to provide the initial government funding support to families straight into bank accounts.
We would also like our families to register support needed via this school-based form, Impacts in our Diocesan Community, so that we can work with you to provide other support such as uniforms, school fee relief, counselling or other items you may need as you work through some of the challenges presented. Our Catholic organisations such as the School, Parish, Catholic Care, St Vincent De Paul, the Rosewood Centre and the Bishop’s Office are working together to provide for our families.
The resilience and effort of people to physically, emotionally, spiritually and financially support one another is truly inspiring. Please don’t forget that you are important, and to allow others to help you through this difficult time.
Yours sincerely,
Brooke Stephens
Flood Support
Primary Coordinator
Wellbeing
After almost a week-long closure due to severe flooding in Taree and surrounds, students are finally returning to school. The community has shown remarkable resilience, and the school staff have worked to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for the students. As they step back into their classrooms, there's a palpable sense of relief and eagerness to resume their learning and reconnect with friends. This return marks a significant step towards normalcy and recovery for everyone affected. We will be vigilant in monitoring our students’ wellbeing during this time.
PIVOT check ins
As part of implementing the PIVOT system that alerts us to what our students are feeling, we will continue to monitor the students from Years 3-6 over the next few weeks. The PIVOT platform allows us to do a really quick check in on each child. It also allows individual students to reach out to their teachers if they want to talk about an issue. This system will be vital now, given the circumstances we find ourselves in. If your child is feeling like they are struggling at the moment, you will hear from their class teacher.
PB4L
Our theme Relationships that Rock, continues this fortnight, shifting the learning focus to empathy. Students will be learning more about having empathy for others, their friends, as well as students they may not get along with. Empathy is crucial even for people who are not our friends because it fosters understanding, compassion, and cooperation throughout our lives.
Empathy helps create a sense of unity and support within communities. When we understand and share the feelings of others, we contribute to a more inclusive and caring environment. Empathy also allows us to see situations from different perspectives, which is essential for resolving conflicts peacefully. It helps us find common ground and work towards mutually beneficial solutions. Lastly, empathy can help us overcome biases and fears towards people who are different from us. By understanding their experiences and emotions, we can reduce prejudice and build bridges across diverse groups.
These extraordinary times present a unique opportunity for all of us to demonstrate empathy.
Loretta Riddiford
Primary Coordinator
Religious Education Coordinator
As our region continues to recover from recent flooding, we want to take a moment to acknowledge all those affected within our community and across the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle. The impact on homes, livelihoods, and routines has been significant. We hold all in our thoughts and prayers, guided by the prayer shared by our Diocese (see below). It has been heartening to witness the resilience of those affected and the overwhelming support from locals and those from further afield. I have a relative who travelled from Wollongong who is a flood rescue operator, and he couldn't believe the amount of local people who were lending a hand in various ways.
Sorry Day Liturgy
Our Year 3 students led the school in a reflective and reverent Sorry Day liturgy this morning. Despite limited rehearsal time due to the unexpected school closure, our students demonstrated deep respect and maturity in honouring this important day.
From a Catholic perspective, National Sorry Day is an opportunity to reflect on our collective responsibility to uphold the dignity of all people, especially First Nations Australians. It aligns with our Gospel call to truth, reconciliation, and justice. As we now enter Reconciliation Week, classes are continuing these reflections through age-appropriate learning activities focused on connection, identity, and healing.
Looking Ahead: Catholic Schools Week 2025
Next week we will celebrate Catholic Schools Week, along with all Catholic schools in the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese. It's a time to give thanks for the gift of Catholic education and to reflect on our shared mission. This year is particularly special as we launch our new Vision and Mission, and explore the theme of the MN Schools Jubilee Year theme: One Call. One Mission. Pilgrims of Hope.
Students will take part in a series of meaningful activities across the week, including a school-wide pilgrimage and classroom-based experiences. Due to the recent school closure, some adjustments are being made to the original plan. Further details and the updated schedule will be shared via Compass in the coming days.
We look forward to coming together as a community of faith, learning, and service.
Kind regards,
Anthony Hunt
Sports Coordinator
Change of Dates
Diocesan Cross Country
The Diocesan Cross-Country event, scheduled for next Tuesday 27 May, has had to be rescheduled.
The new date for the event is Friday 30 May.
At the moment, existing arrangements remain the same, except that showground parking is unavailable. Any further updated information regarding transport and scheduling will be provided next week.
Diocesan Rugby Union Trials
The Diocesan Primary Rugby Trials have also been postponed, with the new date set for Thursday, 5 June.
Diocesan Touch Trials
Our Diocesan touch trials were postponed to the 29 May. This decision will be finalised over the next few days.
St Joseph’s School Athletics Carnival
The Athletics carnival is being held this year at the Taree Rec grounds on Thursday 12 June in Week 7.
Regional Athletics Carnival
The regional athletics carnival is being held in Tuncurry on Thursday 26 June
Netball Schools Cup
This was postponed but we have not received a new date.
Yours in Sport
Tarnya Jones
Sport Coordinator
Awards
