Dear Parents and Caregivers
As the days grow shorter and colder, with months of winter still ahead, we can find ourselves struggling with challenges that seem daunting with limited daylight. This Thursday marks the Winter Solstice, 'Solstice' derives from the Latin word 'solstitium' which means 'sun-stopping'. On the solstice, the sun does not rise precisely in the east, but rises to the north of east and sets to the north of west, meaning it's visible in the sky for a longer period of time in the Northern Hemisphere resulting in a darker day in the Southern Hemisphere.
Nativity of John the Baptist
This Sunday is the Feast Day of John the Baptist. John and his brother James, another disciple of Jesus, were fishermen on the Sea of Galilee when Jesus called them to follow him. They later became part of Christ's inner circle, along with the Apostle Peter.
John was especially loyal to Jesus, He was the only one of the 12 apostles present at the cross. John experienced the unconditional love of Jesus firsthand, he preached that love in his gospel and letters. At times, John did not understand Jesus' message of forgiveness, as seen when he asked to call fire down upon unbelievers. He also asked for a favoured position in Jesus' kingdom.
John's Gospel is strikingly different from Matthew, Mark and Luke, which are seen from the same viewpoint. John continually emphasises that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God, sent by the Father to take away the sins of the world.
Year 7s at the Association of Josephite Affiliated Secondary Schools National Conference
Last week our Year 7 students presented a lovely opening prayer and reflection on the work and life of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, re-enacting the story ‘The Governor’s grandson’ at the Association of Josephite Affiliated Secondary Schools three day conference at the Cathedral Hall. There were many Josephite Sisters and Josephite School Leaders from around Australia in attendance and we are proud of the manner in which the Year 7s conducted themselves.
Reports
Our Semester One reports are an important part of our reporting to families. The reports provide a comprehensive overview of how your child is progressing half way through the year. Reports will be sent home on Friday 29th June, Week 9. These reports are part of a year-long reporting process to parents.
Other opportunities to report on student learning occur later in the year. These include our Term 3 Learning Conversations, a Learning Journey on Monday 10 September (more information to come), and Semester Two reports. Please make sure that you have booked your Learning Conversation on School Interviews portal at https://www.schoolinterviews.com.au/book/step1?z=5EoNbA, enter the event code nesdv.
Along with reporting, each class uses a communication book, diary or similar. Please make use of these structures to communicate with your child’s teacher when necessary.
Parents are always welcome to request a meeting with individual teachers at any time throughout the year to discuss learning or any other matter.
Catholic Music Schools Festival Choir (CSMF)
Congratulations to the Catholic Schools Music Festival Choir (CSMF) singers who travelled to St Pius X this week for their assessment. From Ms Radman’s account our choir singers where given great praise for their outstanding singing by the CSMF Coordinator.
Sport
Best wishes to our to our students who are representing the school at the SACPSSA Athletics Carnival this Thursday. Through magnificent wins and some losses I have been very proud to hear the reports from coaches and teachers on the way in which our students conduct themselves when representing the school at sporting carnivals and weekly games. Congratulations to Luca in Year 7 who represented the East Adelaide District in the SAPSASA Cross Country Championships at Oakbank. Luca placed 6th out of approximately 140+ runners across the state. He has now qualified to try out for Nationals on the 23rd of June. Luca also won gold for the East Adelaide District as a team effort alongside two other boys for the U13s boys division.
Volunteers
I’d like to extend our thanks to everyone who has generously volunteered their time in some way, shape or form across the course of the semester. Parental support, involvement and participation in school life is something that we actively encourage and need, assisting us to undertake the many memorable events, games, trainings, excursions and ensuring the day to day necessities such as the uniform shop and special lunches continue to be available.
God Bless
Brady Stallard