I hope this communication finds you well.
A summary of key points:
- Virtue of the Week
- Student Achievement
- Bishop Bernard Tissier de Mallerais’s Visit
- Book Week
- Parent Consent
- Community Support
- Fathers Day Stall
This week the students and staff explore the virtue of Meekness which is ensuring serenity of spirit while focusing on the needs of others.
In my readings over the weekend, I came across the following quote from Archbishop Lefebvre and passed it on to the staff as a reminder of the work that we do, with the children and young people of the College:
We are made above all to live with God, to live as children of God. It little matters whether we live in poverty or wealth here below; what counts is the love we have for God. How will we have spent the few years which God has given us, with respect to Himself, with respect to the realities of Heaven? How will we have passed on to our children this hope of Heaven, these eternal realities? That is what God is going to ask us on the day we stand before Him.
Congratulations to:
- The College Choir, who placed 6th at the Monash Youth Eisteddfod.
- The Year 5 students that were confirmed on Wednesday evening.
- The College Athletics Team for their participation at the School Sports Victoria Athletics Carnival. The following students have progressed through to the next round – Bethany Verleg, Poppy Taveira, Madeleine Hovens, Joanna Verleg, Josephine MacDonald, Daniel Nivet, Anthony Freriks, Mark Obrador, Jacob Smit, Joachim Hayward, Deffy Wangkaew, Laurence Ockerse and Daniel Freriks.
On Wednesday the College was blessed to have Bishop Bernard Tissier de Mallerais visit the College. As we walked around the Bishop commented on the peaceful atmosphere of the College and learning that was being undertaken by the students.
It was wonderful to see the participation of the Primary school students in the Book Parade on Friday 18th August. Research on the importance of wider reading is very clear – it develops crucial cognitive skills, expands vocabulary and develops general knowledge.
In the early years of schooling your child has access to bring home books. The reading practice they get by reading their take home books every night is invaluable to reading progress. When reading the books with your child, also take the time to talk about the book. Discuss the cover, talk about the pictures, and predict with your child what might happen next.
Along with reading with your child, it is also good practice to read to your child. Bedtime stories where a book or part of a book is read each night is a way to encourage children to engage with books and build vocabulary and language skills. Talking about the stories also develops meaningful interactions between parent and child.
A reminder that the College must obtain consent from parents or carers for their child to attend any extracurricular activity. Please ensure that you have read my communication regarding parent approval. Furthermore, please ensure that you are following the correct process for notifying the College of your child’s absence, late arrival or early departure. If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact the College.
On behalf of the College, I would like to thank the Parents and Friends for securing a $500 grant from the Bunyip Community Op Shop. The grant will go towards the College Bus Fund. Please make sure that you support the fantastic work the Bunyip Op Shop does for the local community by making a donation.
Thank you to the Garfield Butchers, Warragul Woolworths and Nicks Bakehouse in Drouin for their support of the BBQ last Sunday at the St Philomenas/St Thomas Aquinas Sports Fixture. The BBQ raised $435.00 that will go towards the College Bus Fund.
Next Friday, 1st September, students will be able to purchase a gift when the Parents and Friends hold their Annual Fathers Day Stall. The Mothers Day stall was a great success earlier in the year. The stall will be held in the Multi Purpose Hall Foyer.
God Bless,
Mr Kieran O’Dwyer
Principal.