Dear Parents and Carers,

I extend a warm welcome to all as we return from the Easter break and commence what promises to be a rewarding and hope-filled Term 2. This term holds a number of significant and exciting events, including our Athletics Carnival, Cross Country, AFL-X tournament, Sacrament of Confirmation and the celebration of Mother’s Day in recognition and honour of the wonderful work they do. We also look forward to Catholic Education Week, beginning on the 16th of May, during which we will reflect on and honour this year’s Catholic Jubilee under the theme A Journey in Hope.

We have had a lot of road works being completed during the holidays, with a change to the crossing and road markings. I have been assured by the Project Engineer from Latrobe City Council that the lines on the road are “soft lines” and therefore are able to be crossed. This means that we can continue to cross these lines without concern as it is legal to do so. I have also been advised that, once the pedestrian lights have been installed on the crossing, the crossing will no longer have a supervisor manning it. This is all out of our hands and is a Vicroads initiative.

As we remember Pope Francis who passed from this life recently, I feel it is the perfect time to share with you a beautiful reflection that was written by our Deputy Principal/Religious Education Leader, Cory. This reflection was shared with our staff, and it is appropriate that I share it with you.

Merciful and loving God,

Today we lift our hearts in solemn prayer, mourning the passing of Your faithful servant, Pope Francis.

You called him to shepherd Your Church with humility, compassion, and a heart for the poor.

Through his words and actions, he reminded the world of Your mercy and love.

We thank You for the gift of his life

For his courage in the face of trials,

His tireless work for justice and peace,

And his deep commitment to building bridges in a divided world.

Now, O Lord, welcome him into the fullness of Your presence.

Grant him the eternal rest promised to those who serve You faithfully.

May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed,

Through Your boundless mercy, rest in peace.

Comfort Your Church in this time of sorrow.

Guide us with the wisdom he shared,

And help us carry forward the mission he so lovingly embraced.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

I also share with you the words of Pope Francis that I feel provide a powerful message to us about who Pope Francis was, and the impact he had on our world through his humility, kindness and love for all of mankind.

We continue to pray that the successor to Pope Francis shares his vision of a world where all peoples are valued, respected and treated with kindness and dignity.

Kind regards
Lisa