Dear Parents,

What a way to finish a term - surrounded by crazy socks! Everyone certainly got into the spirit and were very excited to wear many different designs of socks!  Gold coin donations will all go to St. Vincent de Paul who help support families in our community.

Over the week classes have been visiting “prayer spaces” around the school that are based on some of the Stations of the Cross.(See photos below). Classes have done an extraordinary job of presenting their reflections of the different stations…and today we came together for a Whole School Stations of the Cross Service; an opportunity to  reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made for us. 

We all know that Zeeta Andrew in her role as Religious Education leader encourages and guides all of us: staff, students and parents to work together to create a school where our Catholic Identity is strong and visible. This week as a staff we reflected on the following: 

Jesus said "My Father goes on working, and so do I"

“Few people have the privilege of choosing a job that really suits them – one that doesn’t feel like work because they love doing it. For many, work is a means to an end – to put bread on the table, to fill the days, to provide opportunities. Jesus talked about his work as doing the will of God”  He spoke of our work as bringing life to others as he did. Just as God is always working to create, to save, to inspire, we are called into that dimension of life. Work can give dignity and nobility, and connect us with those we serve. At Mass we celebrate the bread, the ‘work of human hands’ that God transforms into the body of Christ. We need the work of each other” 

I would like to thank our wonderful staff, who have worked tirelessly over the term to provide effective learning environments and experiences for our students. Thankyou for your work and support, especially in the last couple of weeks while Mr Dwyer has been away on leave. This to me, is God’s work happening around us. I feel blessed, like many of my colleagues, to have a job I Iove. 

Next term, Paul is back and it will be my turn to take Long Service Leave for four weeks. During that time our Middle school students will be going to Camp, we will have our annual Mother’s Day breakfast and stall and Cross Country is on May 20. 

Lastly, term 2 sees a change to our Winter Uniform. We will have a two week period to transition from summer to winter for the first two weeks of Term 2.  

I wish everyone a relaxing and safe holiday Happy Easter. . 

Irene 

Irene Stewart
Acting Principal 

Congratulations to Charlie's Poppa on Receiving an Order of Australia.

Charlie's Poppa, Roger Blythman was one of 457 Australians to receive awards in the Order of Australia (OAM) General Divisions. Roger received his award for services to the Community and to the Church. Charlie attended Government House on Tuesday and watched his Poppa being presented with his award from the Governor of Victoria. Charlie enjoyed hearing his Poppa reminisce about his time residing in Government House in his capacity as Aide-De-Camp to the Victorian Governer in the 1980s. 

Please See Operoo sent on April 1 for an update on how parents notify absences.

Thank you to families who are already using the nForma App to submit Absences.

School Notifications

Throughout Term 2, we will begin using the nForma App to receive school notifications such as newsletter notifications and other reminders  (we are currently using the Audiri App). 

Parents will need to download the nForma App and have notifications allowed to receive notifications.

Absence Communication

Throughout Term 2, we will begin using the nForma App for Absence communications also (currently Audiri).

This guide explains how to access your child's report and also how to mark your child's attendance.

We plan to discontinue using the Audiri App by Week 4 of Term 2 (May 12).

If you have any issues downloading or using the nForma app, please contact the school office office@sjcarrumdowns.catholic.edu.au

Stations of the Cross: A Journey of Reflection and Hope

Today, our school participated in a meaningful Stations of the Cross service, reflecting on the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Students from all grade levels shared their thoughtful reflections and insights on the key moments of Holy Week. Additionally, our Mini Vinnies members enthusiastically took part in the service, contributing to its deep significance.

Attached are the slide presentations for you to view and reflect on this core holy event. We encourage you to take some time with your family to consider the lessons of the Stations of the Cross and the important messages of love, sacrifice, and hope that resonate throughout Holy Week.

May this time of reflection bring you closer to the spirit of Easter and the love of Christ.

Happy Easter:

We wish all our families a joyful and blessed Easter as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday, the foundation of our Christian faith. May the next two weeks bring a time of renewal and special moments with loved ones. The students at St Joachim's have had a fantastic term of learning and are excited for the upcoming holidays, as are the teachers and staff! We pray that everyone remains healthy and safe, and we look forward to welcoming you back in Term 2. A big thank you to our parents for their continued support of our school community. God bless!

Please start collecting washed bottle top lids in a variety of sizes and colours. 

The lids can be from milk containers, laundry detergents, medicine lids... the more shapes, sizes and colour the better!

They can be dropped off at the ART HUB on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. 

Thanks in advance for your help !

Seniors' Li9htning Premiership

March 28