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Dear Friends,
I hope you all had a wonderful day last Sunday celebrating the gift of mothers and families. Below are a few special moments we had together on Friday acknowledging this.
Welcome to week 4, which began with NAPLAN for our Year 3 and 5 students and will end tomorrow with our Athletics carnival at the Woden Park. This week we also farewell and thank Mrs Melanie Punyer (2 White) who will begin maternity leave next week. We wait in eager anticipation for news in June of her special addition to the family! 2 White and our Holy Trinity community welcomes Anne Hitchings (teaching Monday to Wednesday) and Stephanie Leemhuis (Thursday and Friday).
Catholic Education (CECGG) has recently announced changes to the service model of the 8 Archdiocesan ELC's. These changes have been presented in the last two school newsletter and at our recent Open Days and Evening.
In responsiveness to our family and staff feedback on the proposed changes to Holy Trinity ELC, CECG has worked with us to enable the ELC to continue operating in its current model. This will offer flexibility for children to attend part-time or full-time, long and short days (or a combination of both) and opt in to school holiday care as needed. We are also able to continue offering Before and After School Care and Holiday Program to children in Kindergarten and Year 1.
The ELC will offer the following for 2022:
Preschool (9am-3pm)
Preschool Plus (7.45am-5.45pm)
Before School Care (7.45am-8.55am) Primary aged children
After School Care (3pm-5.45pm) Primary aged children
I would like to sincerely and proudly acknowledge the efforts of Cushla Sheehan in advocating for us to continue our current model at the Holy Trinity ELC. In addition to this, families also have the added choice of Preschool Plus as stated above.
Another exciting project about to go to tender, is the refurbishment of the outdoor area of the ELC into our new Adventure Garden! This project will extend the outdoor area into the land behind the church, and enable more space for grass, an extended bike track and many other new adventure equipment. We have been blessed with the services of Catherine Everett (mother of Jubal and Georgia) who has spent a considerable amount of time researching and creating some detailed plans for this. Catherine's passion, expertise and ideas align with our ELC and school philosophy on nature play and developing skills of resilience, risk and curiosity.
Our Annex refurbishment is also close to tender, after considerable time has been spent developing a stage two proposal to add to the current building plans, thus requiring adjustments. This will enable us to have the three top classrooms and bottom area (old clothing Pool) refurbished, and the possibility of an additional open art area and fourth classroom extended on the top.
Dear Friends,
There were a number of important matters discussed at last week’s Board Meeting, the most significant of which are outlined below. In addition to these matters, and at a high level, it is clear to the Board that Holy Trinity continues to perform well in all regards (including educationally, spiritually and financially) and that significant progress continues to be made.
Parent Co-educational Night
Thank you to everyone who attended the Parent Co-educational Night on 21 April. It was great to connect with so many families, and to have an opportunity to hear from former students and staff about the opportunities that exist at Holy Trinity for those who continue through to Year 6 at our school. Thank you to all parents who engaged in the frank and candid conversations around the various schooling options available (in Years 5 and 6, in particular). Everyone who I spoke to on the night seemed to be pleased that they had attended and had an opportunity to delve into the various issues which arose.
For those of you not able to attend this evening, you can access a recording of this evening in last week's newsletter. It is well worth a viewing.
St Bede’s community consultation
As you may be aware from recent reports in the media, St Bede’s School in Red Hill has been advised that its long term sustainability has been jeopardised because of changes to the funding model (based on the median income of parents) and the relatively low numbers of students enrolled at the school. At this stage, Catholic Education (Canberra Goulburn Archdiocese) has committed to keeping St Bede’s open until the end of 2023, subject to several conditions.
St Bede’s is working through the issues with Catholic Education and has also sought the support of the broader Catholic school community for support. Senior Holy Trinity school staff, including our Principal, Philippa, are in close contact with St Bede’s, and our School Board will also offer our support going forward, including a letter of support.
Please note that the changes in school funding will also affect Holy Trinity, and this is something that the School Executive and School Board will continue to monitor carefully. However, given our enrolments at Holy Trinity are currently strong, there is no immediate viability or financial concern for our school community.
Thank you
On behalf of the School Board, I would like to extend our since thanks and gratitude to all members of our community who continue to volunteer and contribute to our school. In addition to those who continue to make a contribution on a regular basis, I would also like to recognise those parents who have volunteered to serve in the Tuckshop, everyone who supported the recent P&F raffle, those who coordinated Mother’s Day, the parents who assisted at the School Open Evening on 5 May, and those who have taken on the role of class coordinators.
If you would like to contact me at any point or would like to raise any matters with the Board, please feel free to email me at sbpearsall@gmail.com.
Wishing you all the very best for the rest of this term.
Scott
.
Scott Pearsall
Email: sbpearsall@gmail.com
Sacrament of Confirmation
Important dates
| Event | Date | Location |
| Stole Night | Thursday 27th May - 5pm | Holy Trinity Hall |
| Confirmation Retreat | Thursday 3rd June | Holy Trinity |
| Presentation Mass | Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th June | Holy Trinity Church |
| Sacrament of Confirmation |
Tuesday 15th June Wednesday 16th June 6pm |
Holy Trinity Church |
GSP Fundraisers
Crazy Hair Day next FRIDAY - 21st June. Don't forget your gold coin.
| Week | Date | Event |
| 5 | Friday 21st May | Crazy Hair Day |
| 6 |
Friday 28th May
|
Crazy Sock Day |
| 8 | Friday 11th June | Coin Heart |
| 10 | ALL WEEK | Lolly Jar Guessing Competition |
Upcoming Dates
- Monday 17th May - 2:30pm: 1G Class Assembly
- Friday 21st May - Crazy Hair Day Fundraiser for Global School Partners (Gold Coin)
- Wednesday 26th May - 9:30am: Reconciliation Week Prayer Celebration led by 3/4B
- Friday 28th May - Trinity Sunday Celebration
- Friday 28th May - Crazy Sock Day Fundraiser for Global School Partners (Gold Coin)
- Thursday 3rd June: Confirmation Retreat
- Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th June: Confirmation Presentation Mass
- Monday 7th June - 2:30pm: KG Class Assembly
- Friday 11th June - Coin Heart Fundraiser for Global School Partners (Gold Coin)
- Tuesday 15th & Wednesday 16th - 6pm: Sacrament of Confirmation
- Monday 21st June - 2:30pm: 2R Class Assembly
- All week: Lolly Jar Guessing Competition Fundraiser for Global School Partners
Why family rituals really matter
Family rituals strengthen the sense of warm connectedness in families. This makes sense, given that the number one biological need for every human is the hunger to belong, and to be accepted, valued and loved.
The disruption of life in 2020 saw many families unable to go about their normal activities, and for many, family rituals reclaimed their valuable position. For some, it was simply going for walks together, riding bikes together, baking, or watching movies together complete with home-made popcorn.
So how can families create and maintain small rituals that make such a difference?
Turn routines into rituals
Bedtime routines that include such things as reading to your children, singing special bedtime songs or even just lying beside your child do far more than help them to fall asleep. When these routines are repeated, they create neural pathways which enhance loving connection. As a nanny to several precious little ones, I absolutely love being a part of their bedtime rituals.
Reign in the chaos
Family rituals bring a degree of predictability and certainty into our sometimes chaotic lives. They are important for teenagers as they provide a sense of control at a time of change and challenge. Families who are struggling with any uncertainty and stress should regularly connect with a much-loved board game or family movie and dive into it with enthusiasm. Leave work and worry behind and spend a couple of hours with those you love the most.
Create greeting rituals
Greeting and goodbye rituals within families are also important. How you welcome and reconnect to children after a day away shows them that you have missed them and still love them. With little ones, some parents leave a kiss on their child’s palm. For others there are special handshakes. I can still remember my dad saying goodbye to us with the oldie but goodie “See you later alligator!” To which we naturally replied, “in a while, crocodile!” This is a ritual that happens now with my grandchildren.
As an authorised celebrant, I have conducted many funerals and one of the things that brings joy to broken hearts are the shared memories of family rituals. The repeated nature of ritual helps to anchor memories deeply in our minds. I remember a beautiful funeral for a man where everyone wore a beanie and a scarf, including his youngest grandchild. This simple act was a nod to the fact that whenever this grandfather watched football on TV, he always wore a beanie and a scarf and so did anyone else who was watching with him. A simple but powerful act.
Never underestimate the importance of family rituals in your home.
(Source: Parentingideas.com.au)
Heidi White
Email: Heidi.white@cg.catholic.edu.au
New Service Model for Holy Trinity ELC
Please refer to Phil's welcome message for updates on the new service model for ELC's.
Stay and Play
Playgroup for pre-preschoolers and their families. Wednesday mornings from 9am-10.00am in the ELC Playground (weather permitting). Parents, grandparents, carers and children are all very welcome. Please sign in using the Check in CBR app.
On Wednesday, 19th May at 11.45am, Holy Trinity will once again be participating in National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS).
This is an annual event that involves over 1 million participants from Australia, New Zealand Thailand, UK, Canada, Singapore, Vietnam and Hong Kong.
This year we will be listening to Phillip Bunting’s fabulous book – ‘Give me Space’. It will be read aloud by Phillip and then again by astronauts from the International Space Station.
We will all watch the reading together and then complete a range of activities based on the book.
Please click on the below link to view all relevant information.
Happy Days,
Kate Mertz
Email: kate.mertz@cg.catholic.edu.au
Aboriginal Catholic Ministry
The Aboriginal Catholic Ministry of the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn would like to invite you, your family and friends to Mass and St Augustine's Church, Yass on Sunday 30 May at 10.15am. To view the invitation click here
Curtin Micro-Forest (An Educational Environmental Park)
Students from our school are assisting with this exciting project on the corner of Theodore St. and Dawson St. We hope to work with others to create a cooling space, bird, bee and butterfly friendly, with greatly increased biodiversity, for all of us to appreciate and learn from. You may have noticed the new paths and tree plantings, done by City Services. The rest of the work is being done collaboratively with the local Curtin Garden Group and both Curtin primary schools.
Parents are invited to assist at community working bees on the weekends with some of the activities on Friday afternoons. In particular, we may need to move 20m3 of soil and mulch, aerate the soil, as well as planting and maintaining over 200 plants.
The first community activity is an Indigenous Consultation Workshop on 21st May, 1.50 - 3:10pm. Students from Curtin Primary and Holy Trinity and the Curtin Garden Group are invited to attend, along with parents of the students.
The workshop will deal with propagating and growing native edible plants and their place in Ngunawal culture and landscape. The community will be given guidance on soil, the plants, and how to go about setting up and maintaining the garden. Adam Ship of Yurbay will present collaboratively with Tyrone Bell of Thunderstone Aboriginal Cultural Services.
Further details are available on Facebook, or by emailing johndmowle@yahoo.com. Please let us know if you would like to attend this workshop, and/or assist this project in any way.
For further information about the school’s involvement, please contact our Rose Lee at rosemary.devereux@cg.catholic.edu.au
School Sport ACT Swimming Championships
On Wednesday 28 April, Geoffrey Russell and Grace Fogarty represented our school at the ACT Swimming Championships. It was a great opportunity for them both to compete against other athletes from within the ACT. Well done Geoffrey and Grace.
Walk Safely to School Day
National Walk Safely to School Day is this Friday. Unfortunately, due to the rescheduling of our Athletics Carnival we will not be hosting this event. The day is designed to encourage students to be active and walk, ride or scooter, part or all of their way to school. This might be something that families are keen to organise as a community. Remember to walk safely!
Athletics Carnival
Our annual athletics carnival is rescheduled for this Friday, 14th May. The Carnival is aimed at maximising participation and active involvement of all children K-6. Years Two to Six will rotate through a range of events including sprints, Long Jump and Shot Put, as well as a range of novelty activities. Kindergarten and Year One will participate in a running race and other fun activities. The students are encouraged to wear a house coloured shirt. Thank you to the lovely community members who have volunteers to assist on the day. We would also like to thank the amazing 3/4 Team who have organised this fantastic event.
Camille Gerbich
Email: Camille.gerbich@cg.catholic.edu.au
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Students celebrating their birthdays this week: Week 4: Sophie C, Rose R, William N, Enzo T, Mathilda S, Luka V, Roman G |
NOTICEBOARD