Dear Parents,
Yesterday we celebrated Ash Wednesday- the start of the season of Lent as we journey with Christ to the Easter Celebration whereby we celebrate his passion and resurrection. Pope Francis describes Lent as a "joyful season when we prepare to celebrate the paschal mystery with mind and heart renewed…as we recall the great events that gave us new life in Christ." During this Lenten journey we are encouraged stay focused on the Easter story and the prospect of salvation and resurrection at journey’s end so as not to let greed and self-interest govern our lives. The Holy Father reminds us that "the path to Easter demands that we renew our faces and hearts as Christians through repentance, conversion and forgiveness, so as to live fully the abundant grace of the paschal mystery," The fasting, praying and alms giving undertaken during Lent is a sacramental sign of this conversion, becoming "children of God," as it draws us away from the selfish obsessions of life. Let us all strive to stand beside our brothers and sisters in need, sharing our spiritual and material goods with them making a difference in their lives.
Thank you to our parents who attended the parent zoom information nights this week. A special thanks to the teachers who prepared their presentations. I trust the sessions proved useful information allowing you to gain a better understanding of what is happening in your child’s grade in regards to the learning agenda, behaviour expectations and the general protocols and procedures for the year ahead. If you were unable to attend the sessions please contact your child’s classroom teachers if you have any questions or require any clarification on any issue. A recorded version and power-point notes of the presentation are available for those who missed the sessions to access .
Each year parents and students in Year 3 - 6 are required to complete the Responsible Use of Technology Acknowledgement form. This form sets out the responsibilities of both the student and the school with regards to technology in the school. We ask that parents complete the form WITH THEIR CHILD so that you and they are aware of the expectations at school. It also provides an excellent opportunity for you to open the discussion about internet use and safety in your home. It is imperative that you read through the agreement prior to you and your child signing it so they understand what is in the agreement. You will find excellent resources on internet safety from the eSafety website.
Catholic School’s Week will be celebrated at Christ the King in Week 7 [8th –12th March]. Due to the ongoing COVID -19 restrictions the events celebrated during the week will need to be confirmed closer to the date.
We are currently accepting Kindergarten enrolments for 2022, conducting school tours for new families in the March and celebrating catholic education in our community. School tours for new families this year will need to be conducted differently because of the restrictions. I will be conducting private tours for news families during March. Please encourage new families to contact us so an expression of interest and enrolment package can be issued and a tour organised. We look forward to celebrating Catholic Education at CTK throughout that week though it may be different due to the COVID-19 restrictions.
Kindergarten enrolments for 2022 are looking healthy with 34 siblings already tendering expressions of interest for next year. Can I impress upon our current families, that if you are considering starting your children in Kindergarten next year please enrol your child. If you determine later on in the year to hold your child back to the following year you can withdraw them without any problems. Once I determine how many siblings from current families are enrolling in kindergarten in 2022, I can offer new families placements for their children. I would like to be able to offer placements for new families in the next few weeks. Thank you for your understanding in this matter.
Please note that registration for this year’s Christ the King First Eucharist programme will close today Friday, 19 February at 5pm. Children in Year Four and Year Five (who missed out last year) are eligible for the Sacrament providing they have made their First Reconciliation. For further details contact Claudine the Parish Secretary at the parish office.
Today our CTK zone swimming team represented our school at the Hills Zone swimming carnival. Throughout the day many of our swimmers swam personal best times.. Thank you to all the parents who attended the carnival as a spectators. A special thanks to Mr Aaron Debrincat who organised and supervised our team throughout the day convened the whole carnival and prepared our squad in the lead up to the carnival.
Just a reminder that supervision of students does not start till 8:15am in the morning. If you need to drop your child off to school early you need to enrol them in COHSC [CTK Before and After School Care] In recent weeks, students have been dropped off as earlier as 7:30am. Children who are dropped off early to school will be sent to COHSC and you will be charged for the morning session. This is a student wellbeing concern that needs to be adhered to by all families. Your co-operation in this matter will be greatly appreciated and expected.
Please insure all your children’s clothing hats and lunch boxes are clearly labelled with your child’s name and grade. At this time of the year many c items that are not labelled have already found their way into lost property. Please encourage your children to go to lost property outside Kindergarten if they have lost any items in the first few weeks of school.
Have a great week
Tony Hughes
Principal
