Dear Parents and Carers,

The past two weeks have been incredibly challenging, and the devastation our community has faced is hard to comprehend. I am truly inspired by the countless acts of kindness and support shown by our community members during these difficult times. Staff, students, and parents have come together, volunteering their time, resources and making generous donations to help those affected.

The Diocese of Maitland Newcastle has generously provided our school with substantial financial support, enabling us to assist families significantly impacted by the floods. This support has been used for groceries, gift cards, uniforms, clothing, fee assistance, and in the future, for purchasing essential household items like whitegoods.

Our staff have shown exceptional care and empathy, ensuring that students returning to school last week felt safe and supported. This spirit of support was also evident among our students, many of whom have been helping their friends who were affected.

It is important to remember that the effects of traumatic events can sometimes take time to surface, both for our children and ourselves. Our school psychologist, Cristen Challacombe, has been providing teachers with resources to support our students. If you have any concerns about your child and feel that they might need additional support, please do not hesitate to contact either myself or your child’s teacher.

Cross Country Update

Unfortunately, the weather has not been kind to the organisers of the Diocesan Cross Country. The difficult decision was made last week to cancel the cross country and select the Diocesan team from the school entries, the fastest eight times from schools across the Diocese were used to assist with selection. Congratulations to Eleanor Healy who will move onto the Polding Cross Country Trials. We wish her all the best.

National Simultaneous Story Time

Last Tuesday Ms Monkley led the school in National Simultaneous Story Time. Ms Monkley shared a video of “The Truck Cat.” Students reflected on the theme of kindness and the many ways we can show others kindness daily. It also allowed us to reflect on the importance of our trucks that help to “Keep Australia Moving.”

https://www.facebook.com/reel/674493462015216

Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week

National Reconciliation week allows us to learn about shared history, culture, and achievements and to explore how we can all contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

Last week we paused to reflect and acknowledge Sorry Day and Reconciliation week. Year 1 led us in prayer during our morning assembly on Sorry Day with the important message of how we can learn from past mistakes and walk together as one in harmony and with respect for all.

School Spelling and Maths Bee Finals

Today we held our school Spelling and Maths Bee Finals. Our class finalists did a fantastic job and demonstrated their skills in spelling and maths. Congratulations to our stage winners, who will now go on to represent our school in the Regional finals.

              Spelling                        Maths

Stage 1   Ava Galea                     Alice Raison

Stage 2   Paul Simon                   Ben Raison

Stage 3   Arlo Tuck                      Arlo Tuck

Catholic School's Week

Catholic Schools Week allows us to celebrate the impact that Catholic Education has for our students, families, and community.  We use this time to thank our teachers, schools, families and wider community and continue to move forward in hope in a faith filled environment. Last week I was able to attend the Catholic Schools Week Liturgy in Newcastle,  joining many schools in our Diocese.   The Bishop passed on his best wishes to our school community and wanted me to assure you that he is holding the Manning in his prayers.

90th Birthday Celebrations

On Friday we will celebrate 90 years of Catholic Education in Wingham. We look forward to you joining us in these celebrations.

Good Luck Mrs Naqito

Last week I advised parents in Year 4 that Mrs Naqito would be going on maternity leave. We wish Mrs Naqito all the best on the birth of her baby and look forward to meeting her new addition. Mrs Grace Fraser and Mrs Kristy Bonser will be working in a job share arrangement as the Year 4 teachers for the remainder of the year.

God Bless