Term 1 , Week 9, Issue #29 2025

Dear Families and friends of CMS, 

As we rapidly head towards the end of Term 1, we reflect on the many meaningful moments and achievements that have marked the past few weeks. It has been a busy and rewarding few weeks, and we are grateful for the role you play in supporting our school community. 

In Week 6, we proudly celebrated the Student Leadership Assembly, where we acknowledged and encouraged the next generation of leaders within our school. It was inspiring to see our students step into their leadership roles with confidence and a commitment to serving their peers and community. These leaders have already started making a positive impact on our school. 

Our journey through Term 1 the past few weeks has also included opportunities to nurture our spirituality and faith as a school. Class Mass visits to St. Ann’s Church has provided moments of reflection and connection, while the start of Lent was marked with important traditions. 

We were delighted to begin our School Ready Program on Fridays with Mrs Toloza and Ms Philip, welcoming young learners and their families into our school community. It has been heartwarming to see the enthusiasm of these little ones as they embark on their educational journey, and we look forward to supporting them every step of the way.
  

Weeks 7 and 8 also saw the successful completion of NAPLAN, where our Year 3 and Year 5 students demonstrated focus, resilience, and determination. We appreciate the support you provided at home to help your children prepare for this important milestone. Harmony Week was another highlight in Week 8, as we came together to celebrate the rich diversity of our community with vibrant activities and meaningful conversations about inclusion and belonging. 

Moving forward into Week 10, we would like to remind families to book in to speak with your child’s teacher for 3-Way Conversations, celebrating their achievements and successes in Term 1 so far. You can find the link to book in, HERE. We sincerely look forward to sharing your child’s 2025 learning journey so far, along with strengthening the important ongoing family-child-teacher relationship that is critical in their personal growth and wellbeing.  

Thank you, as ever, for your unwavering support and shared values that help drive our community to our collective achievements. We look forward to the next few weeks of thriving and inspiring learning and growth.

Yours in Faith, Growth & Unity

The Leadership Team
Marc, Krystina, Maria, Rebecca and Lisa-Marie

Blessings All,

As we walk together through this sacred Lenten Journey in preparation of the Resurrection of our Saviour Jesus Christ, it is important to remember, to take the time to pause, reflect, and appreciate what we have. Life can go by so quickly through the business of our daily routines, that we can forget to stop and appreciate the beauty in front of us, the beauty of our children/grandchildren. This is the reason we get up each day, for our family and friends. Remembering this helps us to be grateful, content, and fulfilled, not seeking more. Gratitude is so powerful and that is why we should use it daily, as it can turn to happiness. 

Mercy Leaders 

As we move through the term, it’s truly amazing to stop and reflect on all that has been achieved. The learning happening in the classrooms, alongside the extra activities and opportunities provided to students, is inspiring.

The Mercy Leaders have been busy creating Lenten Crosses for the prayer tables in the classrooms and offices. Not only are they strengthening their own faith through this meaningful work, but the delivery of these crosses to the classrooms also provides a powerful moment for both children and teachers to reflect and connect.

The Mercy Leaders are preparing a heartfelt reenactment of the Stations of the Cross for our school community. You are all warmly invited to attend this special event on Friday, 11th April at 11:30 am, as part of our Term 1 Concluding Assembly. We would love for you to join us.

Project compassion and recycled Bins

A reminder to please give what you can for Project Compassion – this year’s theme is Unite Against Poverty. Each classroom has a Project Compassion donation box, and your child has also brought home a box to collect donations.

In addition, we have our recycling bins available for your contributions. Please bring in any recycled bottles, cans, and cartons, and the proceeds will go towards supporting Project Compassion.

Thank you for your generosity!

Sacramental program

(Option for Baptism Program available through the Parish) 

There is still time to sign up for the Sacramental Program. Please contact the school before the end of this term, as our first gathering, an Information Evening, will be held on Friday, 4th April (Week 10).

If you are not baptised but wish to be, please get in touch with me, as Fr Santosh runs programs for Initiation into the Catholic Church.

Parish Visits

The Class Mass visits to St Ann’s Church are warmly welcomed by everyone – the children, staff, parents, parishioners, and Fr Santosh. The feedback has been incredibly positive, and most importantly, our children truly enjoy attending.

You are always welcome to join us. Below are the remaining dates for when your child/children will be attending:

Term 1 
Week 10 Friday - 3M    

Term 2 
Week 4 Friday - 6E and 1E
Week 6 Friday - 3E
Week 7 Friday - 2E
Week 8 Friday - 5E and RE 

Term 3 
Week 2 Friday - 5R and 1C
Week 3 Friday - 4M and RR
Week 6 Friday - 2M
Week 8 Friday - 3R

Term 4 
Week 1 Friday - 4E and RC
Week 2 Friday - 3C
Week 4 Friday - 2R

My dear friends, I would like to conclude with the following grateful payer for our precious cargo, your children.

Dear Heavenly Father, 

We come before You with hearts full of gratitude for the precious gift of children. You have entrusted us with the care and guidance of these little ones.

Lord, we ask for Your protection over them each day. Keep them safe from harm, danger, and any forces that seek to harm them. Surround them with Your angels and fill their hearts with peace and joy. Guide their steps and lead them on the path of righteousness.

Bless their minds, Father, that they may grow in wisdom, understanding, and love. May they always feel Your presence, knowing that they are never alone, and may they grow strong in faith and in character.

We pray that You would bless their families, that together we may create a loving, nurturing environment where our children can thrive and become the people You’ve created them to be.

In Your precious name, we pray.

Amen.

Blessings,

Maria Girolamo-Corbo
Assistant Principal in Religious Identity and Mission

As part of the Elizabeth Catholic Parish, we invite you to join us for Mass and upcoming events in our community. Please find the Mass times and notable Lenten activities below:

Mass Times:

St Thomas More’s Church
(19 Laverstock Road, Elizabeth North)

• Monday: 9:15am – Liturgy of the Word with Holy Communion

• Tuesday & Wednesday: 9:15am – Mass

• Sunday: 10:00am – Mass

St Ann’s Church
(30 Midway Road, Elizabeth East)

• Thursday & Friday: 9:15am – Mass

• Saturday: 6:00pm – Vigil Mass

• Sunday: 8:30am – Mass

Upcoming Lenten Activities Leading to Easter:

• Stations of the Cross
  Every Friday after 9:15am Mass at St Ann’s Church and at 2:00pm in St Thomas More Church.

• 28th March – Anointing of the Sick Mass
  9:15am at St Ann’s Church.

• 29th March – Half Day of Retreat
  9:30am to 1:00pm at St Thomas More Church.

• 13th April – Palm Sunday

  • Blessing of the Palms & Procession before Mass.

  • Saturday (6:00pm) – Vigil Mass at St Thomas More Church.

  • Sunday (8:30am) – Mass at St Ann’s Church.

  • Sunday (10:00am) – Mass at St Thomas More Church.

• 17th April – Holy Thursday

  • Mass at 7:00pm followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament until 11:00pm at St Ann’s Church.

• 18th April – Good Friday

  • Stations of the Cross outside the Church at 10:00am at St Thomas More Church.

  • Stations of the Cross inside the Church at 11:00am at St Ann’s Church.

  • Passion of the Lord at 3:00pm at St Ann’s Church.

• 19th April – Easter Vigil Mass
  7:00pm at St Ann’s Church.

• 20th April – Easter Sunday Masses

  • 8:30am Mass at St Ann’s Church.

  • 10:00am Mass at St Thomas More Church.

Hello! Kumusta, Nei Hou, Halo, Namaste, Mhoro, Kudual, Sat Sri Akal, Annyeong, Xin Chao, Ciao, Salut, Hola, Maingalarpar! These are some of the greetings for hello that some of our families speak at home.

Harmony Week was kicked off by students and families adding their greetings to the Bricks of Harmony Wall. These greetings were collated and used as alternative hellos when teachers took the roll each morning. On Tuesday buddy classes met up and created ‘beaded buddy bracelets’. Each classroom was filled with exciting conversations and enthusiastic sharing of favourite colours and favourite beads. On Wednesday classes learnt more about the purpose of flags and the symbolism that flags represent. Students worked to create their own personal flags and then collaborated to create a class flag. These flags will be proudly displayed in each classroom. Staff also shared a morning tea where special family recipes were tried and shared and many stories were swapped about the origin of each dish. Mrs Holland and our First Nations students put on a spectacular performance of Tiddalik the Frog. Friday saw us wearing a sea of orange, funky socks or cultural dress, a colourful way to end a busy and fun week.

• B-Pay – details are provided on the lower portion of your Statement / Invoice
• QKR! App
• Direct payment – Cash or Card at the Front Office
• Direct Debit payments – please download the form here, complete it and return to accounts@cms.catholic.edu.au
• Direct Credit payments – please download the form here, complete it and return to accounts@cms.catholic.edu.au
• Pay on the Community Portal

On Thursday 10th April, Week 11, Catherine McAuley School will celebrate Sports Day. All children have been allocated to their team colours: John Smith (Gold), Mercy (Navy), Harley (Maroon) and John Coolock (White) will gather to contest the Sports Day Shield and Spirit Cup.

Volunteers

We’re looking for volunteers to help make our Sports Day a success! If you can spare a couple of hours on the day, we would greatly appreciate your support. Your help will ensure everything runs smoothly and our students have a fantastic experience.

Please Note: All volunteers must have completed the volunteer screening process. You can find more details about this on our website: Catherine McAuley School | Volunteer Opportunities.

Please click here to register and choose your preferred time slots.

BBQ Lunch Pre-order

Student pre-orders will be necessary for lunch. Pre-orders can be made on Qkr! app under School payments > Events. Lunch is also available for families and friends, however pre-order is not necessary - just bring cash on the day.

A big thanks to Nigel Zeunert for donating a brand new BBQ to the school!

Pricing is as follows:
- Sausage in bread $2
- Fruit Drink $1
- Zooper Dooper $1

We will also have two coffee vans on site. More information regarding housekeeping and the schedule will be provided closer to the date. 

• a feeling of being happy or comfortable as part of a group or place. 
• is key to accessing our skills and realising our full potential.
• the feeling of security and support when there is a sense of acceptance, inclusion, and identity for a member of a certain group.
• having pride in our environment, learning spaces, work, and ourselves and others. 
• by celebrating the success of others. 

• Our Sports House and A-Choice Champion Awards. 
• In our classrooms and displays around the school. 
• By having Monday Morning Prayer together and awards assemblies.
• Selecting Student Leaders who are involved in decision making and supporting student activities. 
• Encouraging and celebrating students’ work and positive impact in the classroom. 
• Having safe hands and kind words.
• Cooperating and collaborating positively during whole class, small group and partner tasks. 
• Listening and treating everyone with respect and courtesy.

Sent on behalf of Trish Jarvis, Catholic School Parents SA

Dear Parents and Carers,

Advocating for Safe and Respectful School Communities
Catholic School Parents South Australia (CSPSA) is committed to ensuring all students learn in safe, inclusive environments. While recent media coverage has highlighted concerns about bullying and harassment, it has also reminded us of the importance of appropriate parent and community conduct in fostering a respectful school environment. Such conduct is crucial for safeguarding the well-being of both students and staff.

While schools work within clear policies and legal frameworks, it is essential for families to lead by example, shaping positive behaviours both in person and online. Schools, families, and the broader community share the responsibility of promoting respectful relationships. 
Families play a key role in shaping positive behaviours to ensure all staff and students can teach and learn in safe, supportive environments.

Addressing Bullying: Collaboration and Legislative Action
CSPSA welcomes the Federal Government’s national review into bullying and will actively contribute to ensure parents’ voices are heard, advocating for thoughtful, solutions-focused approaches. We also commend the South Australian Government for signing the Memorandum of Administrative Arrangement with New South Wales, reinforcing the joint commitment to tackling bullying through shared policies, frameworks, and innovative solutions.

Strengthening Protections for Students and Staff
We fully support the Education and Children’s Services (Barring Notices and Other Protections) Amendment Bill 2024, which strengthens protections for students, staff, and families in school communities. 

While some parents may feel more should be done, school leaders must navigate legal and privacy constraints when addressing incidents. Families with concerns are encouraged to engage directly with school leadership to seek resolution.

Supporting Families and Schools
CSPSA is here to support families by providing guidance on navigating school grievance processes and advocating for constructive resolutions. Through resources, tools, and educational seminars, we aim to empower families to understand their rights and responsibilities within the school system. 

Our goal is to help families address challenges effectively and promote positive school experiences for all students.

As we work through these important issues, we remain focused on collaborating with schools, 
policymakers, and families to create safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environments. 
By encouraging open communication and offering expert support, we strive to ensure that every  student has the opportunity to thrive in a supportive and productive educational setting.

Yours sincerely

Trish Jarvis
Executive Officer Catholic School Parents SA (CSPSA)
04 March 2025

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