Dear Parents

Our second St Kieran’s Playgroup was a great success this morning with several new and existing families visiting. The children played with toys, tried their hand at craft, read a story and even had a visit from a few of the potential Buddies from Year 5. Thank you once again to the parents who organised the morning and those who assisted in gathering again as a school community. 


 
Holy Week 
This Sunday is Palm Sunday and marks the beginning of the Holy Week journey, beginning with Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem through to his Resurrection on Easter Sunday. Next week we will be remembering His journey through the various Holy Week events. Hopefully you will be able to come along to be part of your child’s class liturgy. 
 
Parents and Friends Committee 
I am extremely grateful to the parents who have so willingly offered to work as a committee and lead the Parents and Friends Association over the next year or so. Rather than take on specific roles, they will work as a team covering various positions. For legal reasons, there will be a treasurer, however other roles will be shared. Many thanks to the following parents who have offered to be part of the P&F: 
 
Alicia Unkovic, Gemma Wall, Bec Mirabito, Tammy Brichta, Conor Foley (Treasurer), Rebecca Tomas (Social) and Cath Curran (Social). 
 
The committee will meet for the first-time next week.  
 
Year 5 or Year 7? 
About this time each year, many parents are thinking about high school choices for their child. One choice is whether to begin high school in Year 5 or Year 7. For example, Loretto Kirribilli and St Augustine’s Brookvale both have the option of starting prior to Year 7. This week I had a conversation with Jonathan Byrne, principal of St Augustine’s, on his policy of enrolment for St Kieran’s students. It was reassuring to hear that St Kieran’s boys have a definite option of starting in Year 7, once their enrolment has been accepted. There are many benefits to this option. I will be holding an information session on Thursday 6 May to explore the benefits of transitioning to a new school after Year 6 and answering questions parents may have.  
 
Enrolments 
Interviews for Kindergarten 2022 have begun. If you have a child due to start school next year, I encourage you to submit your enrolment forms as soon as possible so that a meeting can be arranged. 
 
New Furniture 
Over the holiday period, the school will be taking delivery of contemporary furniture for classrooms in Years 1, 3 and 4. If you are interested in a used school desk for your home, contact the office before the end of next week
 

Please note that dates may be subject to change.  Remember to check your Compass App for any updates.

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Term 1:  Wednesday 27 January to Thursday 1 April (Good Friday 2 April)
Term 2:  Monday 19 April to Friday 25 June
Term 3:  Monday 12 July to Friday 17 September
Term 4:  Tuesday 5 October to Friday 17 December

If you have a child starting in 2022 please forward their application to the school as soon as possible.  Applications are available from the school website.

Congratulations to the following students who received Merit awards this week:

KB: Greta C and Sebastian O
KW: Hattie G and Dexter G
1B:  Ava P and Patrick M
2B:  Oliver C and Ruby H
2W: Ryan W and Vitoria L
3B:  Freddy W, Grace P and Oscar M
3W: Christian G, Tom S and Sarah C
4B:  Benjamin P and Scarlett M
4W: Alexis P, Jasmine L and Kalan M
5B:  Matthew C and Eli W
5/6:  Ivy V and Abbey M
6B:  Tahlia M and Joel J
PE:  Amelie A and Nicholas H
Italian: Poppy E, Madison B, Andrew G, Olivia R, Sophie M, Hayley O & Lachlan W

Our students are busily preparing their Holy Week liturgies. The liturgies are based on the student’s learning and Scripture. Parents are welcome to attend their child’s liturgy. These are scheduled at the beginning or end of the day. Year 5 are presenting the Journey of the Cross to each class in the form of a journey or pilgrimage around the playground. Catholics have traditionally celebrated pilgrimages or prayer journeys of self-discovery and reflection, one of the most famous being Camino de Santiago.

Holy Week Liturgies

• Monday 29 March:  2.15pm Kinder - Palm Sunday in the assembly area
• Tuesday 30 March: 2.15pm Year 1 - Last Supper in the assembly area
• Wednesday 31 March: 9am Year 4 - Washing of the Feet in the assembly area
• Thursday 1 April:  9am Year 2 - Garden of Gethsemane in the assembly area facing the deck area
• Thursday 1 April: 11.30am Year 5 - Stations of the Cross (selected) in the playground.  Classes called at different intervals to journey the Way of the Cross.  In the hall if raining
• Monday 19 April (Term 2):  2.30pm Year 6 - Resurrection in the assembly area 

Thank you to the many students who have been doing extra jobs around the home to earn money for the Social Justice programs run by CARITAS.  Donations to CARITAS go to support villages and people around the world by working with communities to develop sustainable projects that diminish poverty. Project Compassion boxes may be returned to the Parish Office in the Parish Centre or returned to the school over the next few weeks.

Yours in Religious Education,
     Mrs Kerrie Wetzlar