The Coracle - Term 1, Week 11

JUNIOR SCHOOL

During Week 10, our College celebrated the most significant series of events in the church calendar. In the Anglican and Catholic tradition, this is called ‘Holy Week’, and is a time when the events leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ are remembered.

The whole College celebrated ‘Palm Sunday’ on Monday, 3 April with an R-12 Liturgy in the Gymnasium, which recalled Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem.

On Wednesday, 5 April, the Junior School celebrated ‘Maundy Thursday or ‘Holy Thursday’ to commemorate Jesus last meal with his friends, the disciples. At this Liturgy, students re-enacted the sharing of bread and wine at the Last Supper. This has become, for Christians, a celebration of the Eucharist or Holy Communion. It was also the time Jesus washed the feet of the disciples as a sign of servant leadership, exhorting them to be servants to others. At our Liturgy, twelve staff displayed this message by washing the feet of twelve students.

On Thursday, 6 April, Junior School students again led a Liturgy to commemorate ‘Good Friday’ before the joyous celebration of Resurrection Sunday. The Easter season will continue for 50 days until Pentecost when we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit.

Our Year 5 students were a wonderful aid throughout all of these special Easter events, and all students conducted themselves with dignity and reverence, setting the tone of the different moods and themes of each of the Liturgies. We are very proud of them.

Mrs Jane Bailey |  Director of Spirituality R-5

MIDDLE & SENIOR SCHOOL

Year 8 Reflection Day

On Thursday, 23 March, the Year 8 students were involved in a Reflection Day, which is part of the ‘Connect - Inspire - Celebrate’ program at the College. The theme of the day was ‘Relating and Belonging’. Through a range of activities and group discussions, the students explored what it means to be a team member and how we are all part of the ‘body of Christ’—each with our own unique skills and talents.

Holy Week Celebrations

The lead-up to Easter is a time when we recall the life and death of Jesus Christ. We began Holy Week on Monday, 3 April with an R-12 Palm Sunday Liturgy in the Gymnasium, remembering Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, where he was welcomed like a king. At the Middle and Senior School Easter Liturgy on Thursday, 6 April, we heard the story of Jesus’ death. It was presented to us by Mr Barbaro’s Year 7 Drama class through images of the different events leading up to the crucifixion. During Week 11, we celebrated the resurrection of Jesus and victory over death—the most important season in the life of the Church.

Jesus is Risen. Alleluia, alleluia!

Miss Eugenia Stopyra | Director of Spirituality 6-12 

Term 1 has most definitely been an exciting and busy time for our Junior School students. We are thankful for the many wonderful learning opportunities, including the Sports Carnival, the Harmony Day Picnic, the Performing Arts Lunchtime Concert, and Holy Week Celebrations.

The Junior School Sports Carnival was held on Friday, 17 March. It was fantastic to see students giving their personal best and supporting each other as a team. We extend our congratulations to Short House, who were winners of both the House Cup and Spirit Cup this year!

The Junior School students joined the whole College at the Harmony Day Picnic on Friday, 24 March. It was an opportunity for us to come together and celebrate our diverse cultural backgrounds while promoting unity and inclusivity. Another special event during the term was the Performing Arts Lunchtime Concert on Monday, 3 April. This was an enjoyable musical showcase of xylophone playing, singing and dancing. 

During Week 10, we celebrated Holy Week—a sacred time in our Anglican and Catholic Liturgical Calendar. Thank you to Mrs Jane Bailey, Director of Spirituality, for co-ordinating these special events. Our Year 5 students retold the Easter story through Liturgical prayer, which captivated our whole Junior School. 

Staff in the Junior School have been busy awarding Gold Slips throughout Term 1. These slips are given to students as a recognition and reward for positive behaviour, effort and attitude. I am so pleased to announce that our current Junior School Gold Slips tally is 3232! This speaks volumes about the positive interactions and values that our students are displaying in their classrooms, out in the yard, through their learning, and when they are on excursions representing the College. The top 10% of students who received a Gold Slip enjoyed a celebration lunch on Wednesday, 12 April, as a reward for their effort and commitment to displaying 'A choices’ while at school. Congratulations to these students! Mrs Pfeiffer has set the challenge to all students to see if they can achieve 4000 Gold slips next term!

Over the last couple of weeks, our Junior School teachers have held Learning Progress Meetings. These important conversations create an opportunity for you to build strong relationships between your family and your child’s educators. It has been wonderful to hear that parents have really valued these meetings to learn more about their child’s progress. If you have not had an opportunity to attend a Learning Progress Meeting this term, I encourage you to get in contact with your child’s classroom teacher.

Thank you for your ongoing support of the College, our staff, and your children throughout this busy term. The positive partnership we have between home and school, and the faith that you place in us to care for your child’s academic, spiritual, physical, and emotional wellbeing cannot be underestimated. We are grateful for your support. May these holidays bring many joyful moments for your family and provide opportunities to rest and recharge.

Mrs Michelle Arthur |  Acting Head of Junior School