Dear Parents,

As we enter the season of Lent it is an opportunity to take stock of how we are living our lives and reflect on what our priorities are. Where does God fit into your life? Matthew’s gospel today helps us to reflect on being authentic.

Open our eyes and ears Lord, so we may see and hear the goodness that surrounds us and the needs of your most vulnerable.

Most importantly, open our hearts, so we live more like you not only in these Lenten days but each day.

We ask these prayers through Christ our Lord,

Amen.

Loving God,

As we enter into Lent this year may we remember the words of the psalmist

‘If today you hear his voice harden not your hearts’.  Ps 94:8

Student Leadership Positions for 2022

Congratulations to all Year 6 students as they embrace their new roles with optimism, energy, generosity of spirit and courage. We look forward to a wonderful year of student leadership and student voice.

School Captains - Zoe Burgess, Darcy North  

Vice Captains -  Michela Nandan, Miles Lamanna  

Community Leaders: Josh O’Shannessey, Will Poles, Rex Trihey, Grace Healy, Cully Barnacle, Portia D’Angelo, Lily Dummet, Danielle Lee    

Social Justice Leaders:   Oliver Heggie, Raphael Contessotto, Michael Vilavi, Amelia Commerford, Mia Manakis, Nicola Schneider, Jade Pang

Arts Captains: Hannah Powell, Olivia Lentzios, Harrison Sawtell

Arts Leaders:  Amelia Beliji, Ella Craig, Nash Quinn, Tom Regos, Caleb Haile   

Sustainability Captains:  Aidan Mendoca, Elizabeth Clements

Sustainability Leaders: Julian Oddo, Gianni Di Fabrizio, Heath Livingston, Evander Macri, Raemi Brown, Karly Adler

Sports Captains

Wattle Captains: Ava North, Zac Bevacqua

Wattle Leader: Eli George

Jacaranda Captains: Grace Board, Heath Lee-Kim 

Jacaranda Leader: Ethan Lee-Kim

Eucalyptus Captains: Ruby Densley, Harrison Campbell  

Eucalyptus Leaders: Maddie Teal, Tash morgan

Waratah Captains: Jade Barrett Water, Callum Smith    

Waratah Leaders:  Lachlan Crestani, Mylie Easton 

Reminders so that we all stay safe and respectful of school protocols:

• dogs are not permitted on school grounds at any time (however assistance/guide dogs are always welcome)
• pick up zone is not for parking, do not leave your car in the pick up zone and walk to the gate to collect your children
• if pick up zone is full please drive around the block and try again
• please observe disabled parking signs to ensure they are available those community members who need these spaces

Building Progress

The Year 2 and Year 3 students are due to move into their new classrooms over the next few weeks. The students and teachers are very keen to see their beautiful new learning spaces. We are just waiting on the cabinetry, which has been delayed. 

School Advisory Council

The Term 1 meeting of the Advisory Council is scheduled for Tuesday 22 March. Members of the Council include:

Helen Skinner (Chair)

Stuart Hall

Alex Poles

Lisa Galante

Jamie Hickey

Catherine Tammesild

Michael Juliff

Freda Tahtouh

Please contact any council members if you would like items to be added to the Agenda and discussed at the meeting.

Second-Hand Uniform Shop

St Paul’s second-hand uniform shop is located onsite and will be open for business once a fortnight on a Monday morning between 8.30 - 9.00 am (starting 14 March). We have had many donations from families whose children have outgrown uniforms and have a wide variety of sizes in stock. Limited numbers will be allowed in the uniform shop at one time and masks will need to be worn.

If you are unable to attend, please email Louise in the office at office@spbentleigh.catholic.du.au with your requirements, and we will do our very best to fulfill these orders. 

School Photos

The new date for school photos is Tuesday 29 March. Students will be in full summer uniform.

Prep Enrolments 2023

Last week the Year 6 Leaders did a wonderful job of welcoming parents and friends to our Open Day, where OSHClub provided a coffee cart and hot muffins were served to the visitors. Applications are open now to existing and new families. Private tours can be arranged by emailing office@spbentleigh.catholic.edu.au.  (next available dates are March 17, 21 and 24 at 9.30am)

Parent-Teacher Interviews Term 1

This Term we will be conducting Parent Teacher Interviews in Week 10. Interviews are offered either onsite in your child’s classroom or online via a google meet. Interviews will run for 15 minutes and students in Year 4-6 are asked to attend with their parents. We are looking forward to sharing the results of recent testing and the learning goals for Semester 1. Interviews will run over two days -  29 & 30 March from 2.00 - 6.00pm. Parents are asked to collect their children at 1.30 on both days to support teachers in completing all interviews in a timely manner. We appreciate your support. **Please note that details on how to book will be communicated to you during the week.**

Year 4 Camp

Best wishes to the Year 4 students who will be attending their first overnight camp this week. The students will be traveling to Maldon by bus where they will participate in a ‘bike Ed’ adventure! 

Book Club

You should have received a Book Club catalogue last week. Orders close 5pm on Monday 21 March.

Labour Day Holiday

A reminder that Monday 14 March is a public holiday. 

I will be on leave this week. Freda Tathouh and Michael Juliff will be replacing me while I am away.

ftahtouh@spentleigh.catholic.edu.au   mjuliff@spbentleigh.catholic.edu.au

Best Wishes,

Catherine