Dear Parents,

We were fortunate to receive many nominations from parents who were keen to join our School Advisory Committee and we thank them all for their willingness to further support our school community. Voting has now closed for these positions, and we would like to announce our committee for the 2024 school year. All committee members understand the important role they play in being the voice of the broader population of parents as well as being able to be respectful, confidential and supportive of all school decisions.

Our 2024 Advisory Committee;

Chairman: Justin Greenwood
Secretary: Rachael Williams
Parish Priest: Fr Brendan Hogan
Parent Representatives: Amie De Battista, Kelly Bonacci, Stephanie Clements, Graeme Hill & Simon Baxter

Sacrament of Reconciliation

I am pleased to announce that ten of our students received the sacrament of reconciliation for the first time last Thursday night at St Ita’s Catholic Church. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate these students and to thank our senior teachers, Mrs Meg Cribbes, Miss Bree Alger, and Mrs Emily Moschitz, for their hard work in educating and preparing our students to participate in this sacrament.

A reminder that tomorrow, Thursday 28th of March is the last day of term 1 with school ending at our normal time of 3:20pm. As we move into the holiday period, I would like to remind everyone about some important dates and information for the beginning of term 2.

Term 2 Commences| Tuesday 16 th April

Monday is a closure day for students to allow for staff professional development. We look forward to welcoming students back to school on Tuesday.

Winter Uniform| Term 2 & 3

A reminder that students are to wear winter uniform during term 2 and term 3. Could all families please ensure that all items of clothing are clearly labelled with your childs name.

Thursday 25th April| Anzac Day Public Holiday

Friday 26th April| School Closure Day

Friday 3rd May| School Cross Country

Holy Week

Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the significance of Holy Week and the upcoming Easter celebrations. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week for Catholics around the world. This is a time for us to reflect on the life and teachings of Jesus, and to be grateful for the most loving act known to humans. I hope that everyone has a safe and wonderful Easter and enjoys this time with their loved ones.

Thank you for your ongoing support and we look forward to seeing you all when school resumes.

Sibling Enrolments 2025

A reminder to complete and return enrolment forms for siblings joining us in 2025. If you haven't received your form, please inform us and we'll arrange to send one home to you.

Please ensure that these signs are visably displayed whenever you are utilising the carline service for efficienct and safe collection of your children. 

Should your family require additional signs please don't hesitate to approach the administrative staff. 

A special thank you to our parent helpers, Emily Tangusso & Belinda Thompson who assisted us in completing these Foundation & New Families signs. 

A huge thank you to our Parents & Friends Committee & volunteers that have assisted with our term 1 Fundraisers.

Our School has managed to raise an amazing $12,365 that will go towards much needed resources for our school as we expand. 

Congratulations and welcome to: Nicole McCormack, Alison Cole and Benjamin Clover, our candidates who will be welcomed into the Church at the Easter Vigil on Saturday 30 th March 7.30pm at St. Joseph’s Church Warragul and our baptised Catholics Daniel Cranitch, Michael De Battista and Connor Hopley who will be Confirmed. All parishioners are welcome and invited to come into the Marian Room after Mass to celebrate with them. Could you please bring a plate of supper to share.

If you are interested and would like more information about the Catholic faith you can
contact Joan Robertson or Fr. Brendan, Fr. Antony at the Parish Office: 56231642, or
Deacon Mark Kelly: 0427748646.

Easter Church 

Famously, Catholic Churches employ all the senses in our glorification and worship of God. Numerous ancient cathedrals and churches in Europe use design, stained glass, and statuary to evoke awe and elevation of the eyes to God. 

Recently I have delighted in two modern cathedrals which emphasize gathering around the Eucharist table. Bright swathes of yellow, blue and red light (symbolizing the Trinity) bathe the sanctuary of the amazing Liverpool Catholic Cathedral while the people congregate all-round the altar. Parramatta Cathedral likewise has a central altar imparting a sense of gathering at the table. Ambience is enough to heighten our awareness that we are part of something special happening here. 

Our liturgical actions too, our “bells and smells”, tell simple and profound truths. We take our whole body to prayer, using more than words.  Standing, sitting, kneeling, bell ringing, the waft of incense, the touch of holy water, use of oils, vestment colours and altar dressing, candles and fire, the cross, crucifix and ritual actions all have meaning and say something about our faith.

The Triduum services from the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, Jesus’ death on Good Friday and resurrection at Easter best illustrate this. The Easter Vigil Mass on Saturday evening is the pinnacle of the Church’s year including a sequence of scripture readings from Isaiah, Ezekiel and others yearning for the Messiah and culminating in the Gospel (Mark 16:1-8). Our hearing engages with the Word of God, enhanced by timeless chant and bell ringing, but also our own voices soaring with beautiful hymns; our eyes behold the burgeoning new light of Easter, we smell incense lifting our prayers to heaven and we are blessed with holy water. Candidates and catechumens are anointed with holy oils and garbed with white garments and the minds and hearts of all are lifted to the divine, celebrating the manifestation of God among us. 

Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed!

Deacon Mark Kelly