SCHOOL RESUMES FOR TERM 2 ON TUESDAY 26 APRIL

Despite the last-minute changes required to hold the modified competitive Cross Country trial at very short notice, yesterday was a wonderful example of what ispossible when we work together. A huge ‘thank you’ to Ms Beckman and Mr Astill for the hard work involved in planning and organising several versions of the Cross Country Carnival. Thank you to all the members of our school support team who acted as course marshals during the school day. Congratulations to the students who nominated to be part of the trial to select the school team for the scheduled Diocesan Cross Country Carnival. The Mary Immaculate Team has now been confirmed and will compete at the Diocesan Carnival scheduled in Term 2.

Today we had the opportunity to commemorate the holiest week in the Church’s liturgical year. Andrew Chinn’s workshops with our students culminated this afternoon in a beautiful and moving liturgy that allowed our students to become our teachers as they helped us to follow Jesus footsteps through the events of Holy Week. 

In recognition of the events of Holy Week and the great celebration of Easter, I offer you the reflection below.

Courage. Honour. Integrity. Fear. Abandonment. Persecution. Victory.

One man, determined to change the world, stood with honour and integrity as others humiliated and insulted him. He chose non-violence while others beat and tortured him. With his last breath, he forgave others instead of cursing them.

As we prepare to walk with this man during the events of Holy Week, we remember how on Thursday he knelt and washed feet to show us what he meant by service.

Think about where you can serve others in his name.

On Friday he will stand with dignity against the forces of violence and oppression. 

Think about his sacrifice and ask for his strength to stand peacefully but forcefully for all those who are crucified by rejection, poverty, or oppression in our schools, cities, and world. 

On Saturday we will listen to the readings that told of God’s repeated attempts, since the beginning of time, to save us.

How can you recommit your life you can help save God’s world?

On Sunday, the holiest of weeks will culminate with a renewed understanding of life, as Jesus defeated death through resurrection. 

All we need to know and understand about God, is reflected in and through the unfolding life of this one man who decided two thousand years ago to change the world.

How can you continue to build this kingdom? 

For our Mary Immaculate community, Easter is a time when the Christian story is an opportunity for us to reflect with hope for a positive future and a new beginning in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In the readings that will follow the feast of Easter we will hear how Jesus reconnected with his disciples through the breaking of bread. During the upcoming holiday period may our eyes be open to transform our hopes and expectations, so that we see him drawing near and walking with us in our daily lives … in a friend’s caring shoulder, in a stranger’s unexpected kindness, in an acquaintance’s perfect timing, in our spouse’s faithful love, and in our child’s unpretentious joy.

We would like to wish you all a safe, happy and meaningful Easter break and we look forward to working together in Term 2 where we will strive to continue to live out Christ’s Easter messages of faith, hope and love!

Tina Murray

P&F UPDATES

I am very pleased to confirm that the following P&F Executive positions have been filled.

President – Lorraine Brown

Vice-President – Kerry Watson

Secretary – Rebecca Whitburn

Treasurer – Chris Thomas (continuing in this position until another volunteer can be found)

The P&F is seeking to create a list of volunteers for upcoming events, such as the Mothers’ Day Stall.

If you are willing to be contacted in preparation for upcoming events please add your details via the online form accessed via the following link.

https://forms.gle/v4X9FTvzP7V1dQZLA

Volunteering to assist the P&F is a practical way to enact the commitment made during the enrolment process.

Wednesday 4 May 2022

All gift packs are $8.00. The order form with more details is available via Compass.  Hard copies were sent out with all students today and are also available in the parent and student foyer.

OFFICIAL DATE FOR CHANGE-OVER TO WINTER UNIFORMS IS

MONDAY MAY 9.

Due to the unpredictable weather, there will be a grace period during Week 1 and 2 of Term 2 where students are able to choose the most appropriate uniform for the weather conditions.

All students will officially commence wearing their Full Winter Uniform on

Monday May 9 - Week 3.

Supporting your child’s safe online social networking

The holiday period may provide increased opportunities for online activity. The following messages are provided to support parent knowledge related to cybersafety. 

Social networking is an extension of offline friendships, and we should treat people the same way as we do in real life. Chatting to friends using instant messaging apps, chat or social networking is a great way to stay in touch and make new friends. However, your child should always keep in mind that there are some risks meeting people online—especially if they don’t know them in real life.

Parents are encouraged to discuss the following aspects with your child to help them safely enjoy social networking.

• Limit your friend list. Do you know your online friends in the real world? If not, consider changing your settings to limit interaction with them or remove them.
• Protect personal information. Restrict information that people can use to access your finances, and to identify where you live, work or go out.
• Check on your images. Does everything about your life really need to be online?
  How might this affect you and your reputation in the future?
• Stay respectful. Are your posts respectful to friends and others?
  This is real life; being online is no excuse for bad behaviour.
• Think twice before meeting offline. If you want to meet someone offline be safe – take an adult with you, meet in the daytime and in a public place. Don’t share information too early.

It is important to note that there are age restrictions that apply to your child joining a social network. Many popular social networks are restricted to users only above 13 years of age.

Children can manage cyberbullying with parental support by taking the following action:

• Blocking the person cyberbullying and changing privacy settings. Retaliating or responding to the bully only gives them the attention and power they want.
• Reporting the bullying. Most websites have online help centres and reporting facilities, and online abuse is in violation of the Terms Of Use of most social networking sites.
• Collecting the evidence. Keeping mobile phone messages and printing emails or instant message conversations.
• Talking to someone they trust like parents or a teacher.
• Visiting the e-Safety Commissioner Support Service to chat with an experienced counsellor or to access other counselling services. https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/counselling-support-services

Mrs Murray

Principal