Diocesan Assembly

On Friday February 14 and Saturday February 15 I had the privilege of attending our Diocesan Assembly with delegates from all the other Catholic parishes and schools in our diocese. Bishop Greg Bennett invited the delegates to this two day consultation process with the aim to:

1. to acknowledge and affirm the strengths and best practices of our Diocese that we wish to continue to build on.
2. to identify the significant challenges we face in our Diocese as missionary disciples of Jesus Christ.
3. to gain a clear picture of which pastoral goals and actions need to be given priority over the next five years, for our Diocese to develop towards becoming more Christ-centred, synodal and missionary.

Brother Tony Clarke facilitated the event in continuation of his work over the past year consulting with parishes and communities, in a process of prayer, reflection, and spiritual conversations centred on three key questions around our diocese’s strengths, challenges and pastoral priorities. We looked at the feedback which was compiled, exploring the common themes that emerged and worked to identify goals and actions to be prioritised. It was a very ambitious undertaking and a testament to Bishop Greg’s leadership to directly listen to  the people of the church and respond. It was a great experience and I look forward to working on initiatives identified to build and strengthen our diocese. 

Project Compassion Launch

Bishop Greg Bennet will launch Project Compassion for 2025 at Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College, Leongatha, on Tuesday 4 March 2025. The launch precedes Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of the period of Lent. The theme for the 2025 Project Compassion campaign is “Unite Against Poverty”. The launch will commence at 11.30 am and conclude by 1.00pm. Two of our School Captains: Bille de Menech and Patrick O’Dwyer are attending along with myself and Mrs Trish Martin.  

Project Compassion is Caritas Australia’s main annual fundraising campaign. It mobilises Australians to raise much-needed funds to help alleviate poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity in the most vulnerable and marginalised communities in the world.

Held during Lent, the six-week period before Easter, Catholic schools, Parishes, and the wider Australian public participate in a diverse range of fundraising activities and events to support Caritas Australia’s programs both overseas and here with our First Australian partners.

Project Compassion is an extraordinary demonstration of the faith, empathy and generosity of our supporters. 

Project Compassion and the work of CARITAS is a strong focus of our Religious Education Curriculum, particularly during the Lenten period. Teachers share with students stories of children across the world in adverse circumstances that CARITAS endeavours to assist through fundraising. Each student will bring home a Project Compassion box, which can be handed back in to school at the end of term, to encourage financial donations. Alternately, you may wish to donate directly through the CARITAS website.  Our support of their work enacts the Catholic Social Teachings that help us live our faith:  Preferential Option for the Poor, Human dignity, Care for Our Common Home, Subsidiarity and Participation, the Common Good and Solidarity. 

Andrew Chinn concert

This Thursday we are fortunate to be having an Andrew Chinn concert. Andrew has written and recorded many faith based songs that help students engage with Catholic values, beliefs and traditions. Andrew is an energetic and enthusiastic performer who involves the students in his concerts. We are very much looking forward to this event!  

NAPLAN 

NAPLAN: the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy, assesses literacy and numeracy skills of students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. The students participate in the annual NAPLAN tests in reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy. This year NAPLAN will occur from March 12-24 and will be conducted online with the exception of the Year 3 Writing test. 

Please click on this link to access further information or see this attached document. 

NAPLAN Information for Parents 2025

School Uniform

A huge thank you to all parents and caregivers who ensure their children are wearing the correct uniform every school day! It is much appreciated!

A reminder that our school’s whole uniform and school bag is to be purchased from Totally Workwear in Wonthaggi with the exception of the school shoes, which must be all black in colour. If students are not in uniform for any reason, parents are asked to write a note/ message/email to their class teacher.  

Please see our Uniform policy for more information.

Uniform Policy

Thank you for your continued support!

Joanne Coldebella

Principal