This week we commenced the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal, with each class collecting donations of canned foods such as baked beans, spaghetti and soups. These items will be collected in classrooms until the end of the term when we will give these to the volunteers at St Vincent de Paul to be shared among the homeless and vulnerable during these cold winter months. It was shocking to read the number of homeless people in Australia is currently in excess of 116,000 and of those, around 28,000 are under the age of 18. It has been wonderful to see the desire in students to want to do what they can to help those less fortunate than themselves. If you have any spare or unused blankets at home, we will also be collecting and donating those to the blanket drive. These can be sent in to school any time before the end of term. We thank you for your generosity and for helping to build this giving attitude in your children.

Stage 3 Mass
On Thursday last week, Year 5 and 6 students attended Mass with Fr Rex Curry. It was great to be able to return to the church for a class Mass with the students and we thank Fr Rex for taking the time to celebrate Mass for us. He involved the students in the readings and interacted with them, making comparisons during his Homily between the pieces of a soccer ball and the different phases of their lives. It made for a very positive and uplifting experience for the children.

Year 6 Confirmation Retreat Day
Last Friday the Year 6 students travelled to Carroll College to take part in a Faith Formation Retreat with Year 6 students from St Bernard’s. We enjoyed a wonderful day of spirituality and activities, led by the very capable Year 10 Youth Ministry students. The boys and girls painted banners, created prayer rocks and learned all about the modern day saint Carlo Acutis. Deacon Eden joined us throughout the day and prayed a special blessing over the boys and girls. Students were treated to a hot dog and ice block for lunch and one of the highlights of the day was definitely the Carroll College canteen! We thank Mrs Barling, Mrs Lyttle and all of the Year 10 Youth Ministry students for a wonderful day of learning and fun. 

Sacrament of Confirmation
Many of the students in Year 6 will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation on Sunday 24th July at 10am. All our families and friends are warmly invited to attend this Mass in support of these students as they take this very special step in their faith journey.