Dear Parents and Carers,

As I sat down to write the final newsletter for this term, I found myself once again drawn to the unfolding weather events that are impacting so many. It is a powerful reminder that there are many things in life, like the weather, that we simply cannot control. Yet, what we can control is how we choose to respond.

This reflection brought to mind the Gospel of Mathew 8:23-27, the story of Jesus calming the storm. As disciples found themselves a boat amidst a violent storm, fear overtook them. Jesus, seeing their distress, asked, “Why are you so frightened, you who have so little faith?”  He then stood and calmed the storm with is presence.

This passage reminds us that even in the midst of life’s storms, our faith in Jesus offers us a steady foundation. When things feel uncertain or overwhelming, we are invited to place our trust in Him, knowing that He is with us and will guide us through.

As we approach the end of the term, may be carry this message of hope and reassurance with us, and continue to support one another with compassion and faith.

Semester 1 Reports

Cooking with Mrs Hunt

Congratulations to Samantha, Jesse, Sharmaine, and Bentley, who all chose cooking with Mrs Hunt for their PB4L reward. They made a collection of delicious treats for their class to eat.

ICAS

Next term students from Year 2 to 6 have the opportunity to participate in the ICAS assessments. If you are interested in your child participating in these assessments, you can access the Parent Portal to sign up to your chosen subject areas using the link and code below.

Registration for all subject areas closes on Monday 28 July at 11:59pm.

Sign Up Here	shop.icasassessments.com/pages/pps
Access Code	CTY446

This year, our students can elect to sit the following assessments:

Subject	Sitting Date	Cost (AU$)
Digital Technologies	4-8 Aug	$20.95
Writing	4-8 Aug	$24.95
English	11-15 Aug	$20.95
Science	18-22 Aug	$20.95
Spelling Bee	18-22 Aug	$20.95
Mathematics	25-29 Aug	$20.95

Cultural Dance Group

Earlier this week our Aboriginal Cultural Dance Group were invited to Wingham District Pre-School to share in a cultural experience. It is wonderful that our students can share their culture and learning so proudly with younger children. Thank you to Aunty Kylie, Mrs Fraser, and Mrs Downie for supporting this valuable learning experience.

SPECIAL REPORT: Celebrating NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC week celebrates the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It is celebrated by all Australians and is a great opportunity to recognise and learn more about the history and culture of Indigenous communities.

NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. Its origins can be traced back to the Aboriginal rights movement, when on Australia Day 1938, protestors marched through the streets of Sydney to highlight the status and treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. Today, it is a week-long celebration held in July that consists of range of traditional and contemporary activities.

NAIDOC Week is an important event that helps build positive relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. It enables a deeper understanding of our differences and similarities and is a great opportunity for all Australians to eliminate bias and discrimination by reflecting and reconciling the wrongs of the past to facilitate hope and build a fairer future. Families are encouraged to join in and support young people in learning the significance of NAIDOC Week.

This Special Report offers suggestions on how families can celebrate NAIDOC Week together. We hope you take a moment to reflect on the information offered, and as always, we welcome your feedback. If this raises any concerns for you, a loved one or the wellbeing of your child, please seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to your Special Report https://wingham.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-celebrating-naidoc-week

As we move into the mid year break, I pray that you and your family enjoy the next few weeks and are able ro recharge ready for a big Term 3.

Lord,

As the school term ends and the holidays begin.  We thank you for the gift of rest and renewal.  Thank you for the learning and growth we have experienced during the term.  Keep our school community safe over the next few weeks, and allow us to return to school with hearts and minds open to new learning.

Amen

God Bless