Lent
During this fifth week of Lent, the gospel readings are about courage and commitment.
In this week’s scripture, we hear about Thomas, who is well known to be the doubter. After Jesus’ death and Resurrection he refused to accept that the other Apostles actually saw Jesus. But even though he is well known for his act of doubting, we should not miss the courage and resolve he had in that moment. At that moment, he was willing to go with Jesus to face His persecution and death. Thomas’ message for us is that even when we make mistakes or fail, it is important that we try again.
During the period of Lent, we are asked to support ‘Project Compassion’, with donation boxes being held in every class. All donations, big and small, will be greatly appreciated by Caritas Australia. Some classes have started filling their ‘Project Compassion’ boxes with coins, which is greatly appreciated.
Harmony Day Free Dress
This Friday 24 March, all students are invited to celebrate ‘Harmony Day’, by having a free dress day, wearing something orange, for a gold coin donation.
Winter Uniform
As we approach the end of term 1, it is time for parents to start preparing for students in Years 3 to 6 to be wearing the School Winter uniform in term 2. With school starting back next term, the first two weeks of the term will be used as a period for students in Years 3 to 6 to transition into wearing the full school winter uniform by Monday, 8 May 2023. Students in Years Kindy to 2 will continue to wear their Sports Uniform as part their uniform requirements throughout the year.
Please contact the office if you have any questions regarding the purchasing of the School Winter Uniform in readiness for term 2.
NAPLAN
Well done to all of the students in Year 3 and 5 who completed the NAPLAN assessments over the last fortnight. Results for these will be shared later in the year.
P&F Easter Egg Raffle
Thank you to all of the families who have been able to donate some Easter Eggs, in support of the P&F Easter Raffle. With 2 weeks to go, the more donations we can get for this will add to the value and excitement when winning names are drawn from the raffle, so please, keep them coming in.
Easter Raffle tickets went out to families last week, with some already being purchased and returned, which is great. Extra raffle tickets can be collected from the office, if families require more. And remember, the more tickets you purchase, the higher the chance of winning one of the fantastic Easter Raffle prizes.
Staffing Update
Beginning next term, we have 2 new Education Aids beginning in the school. We welcome Ms Stephanie Scarfe and Mrs Emma Nie (Dell) to St Damien’s and we hope they have a smooth and enjoyable transition working in the school.
MCC Parent Presentation
Mandurah Catholic College P&F Association is excited to announce that guest speaker Dr Justin Coulson will be attending the College in May 2023, offering a wonderful workshop for parents and guardians, centred around building positive relationships. To be held at 6.10pm on 10 May, the 90 minute session is titled ‘Parental Guidance – guide to successful parenting’.
Dr Coulson is a co-host and parenting expert on Channel 9’s Parental Guidance, the founder of happyfamilies.com.au, and one of Australia’s most trusted parenting experts. He has also written 6 books about raising children, has made hundreds of media appearances and starred in two viral videos that have been viewed a combined 80 million times! It’s clear that Australia is listening to what Dr Coulson is saying about parenting and now the parents and guardians of MCC have the opportunity to do so too!
Book soon to avoid disappointment! https://www.trybooking.com/CGKGA
Barefoot Bowls Night
It is the last call for all dads and male role models of the St Damien’s school community to join us for a ‘Barefoot Bowls Night’, on Friday 24 March. Please take the time to read the flyer and register your participation for this event.
Congratulations, Hamish!
Congratulations to Hamish O’Donnell, from Year 6, for being selected to represent ‘Shootzone’ at the 3×3 National Championship in Melbourne next month! He has been working super hard at a basketball development squad and as recognition of his efforts and hard work he has been rewarded. Best of luck, Hamish!
Beach Sports
This Friday 24 March, our Pre Primary and Year 6 classes will be heading to the beach for their ‘Beach Sports’ program. We hope they enjoy the experience.
Footy Tipping
The P&F’s AFL footy tipping competition got off to a flying start last week. Well done to ‘Mandurah Mazda’ for winning the first round of tips and sitting on top of the tipping ladder. I am in a solid 3rd place at the moment; it is a long season and I certainly do not want to peak too early. Good luck to all tipsters for round 2 of the season.
Carpark Update
Work has continued at a steady rate over the past week or so on the carpark project at the back of the school. The site has almost been fully cleared and drainage has been installed. More fill will come in over the next week, where hopefully the retaining walls, curbing and bitumen will begin to be laid prior to the end of term.
School Calendar
Parents are encouraged to visit the school’s term planner on a regular basis to ensure you are informed about upcoming events during the year. The term planner can be accessed by clicking on the following link: School Events Calendar
Principal Awards
Over the past week some students have been sent to my office to receive a Principal’s Award for completing some exceptional work. I congratulate Kylie Bathgate and Henry Baker from Kindy Blue, for their great work in Writing, ; Max Pusenjak, from Year 5 Gold, for his great work in Religious Education, and Arlo Caine and Darcy Earl , from Year 6 Blue, for their great work in Mathematics . Well done and keep up the great work!
God Bless,
Daniel Gooch
Principal
