Welcome to our first newsletter for Term 3. 

I have stepped into the role of Principal for three weeks while David Austin is on leave. We wish him a wonderful and relaxing break - so much so that he is not reading this newsletter!

It has been delightful to hear joyful recounts of holiday adventures, with stories ranging from visiting farms and reading books at home to escaping to warmer climates. My own break was blessed to be filled by a pilgrimage to Siena, Florence and Rome  accompanied by a group of 26 Catholic Education staff and Archbishop Christopher Prowse. Our days were filled with christian meditation, daily mass, and visits to significant sites of our Catholic heritage which included many spectacular Basilicas and intimate chapels. Of course, we also ate plenty of delicious Italian food, explored the streets of Rome, and had many wonderful conversations and much laughter.  

A highlight was praying for our community as I walked through the Holy Doors of St Peters (open for the Jubilee year) and celebrating mass in one of the tiny chapels below the main floor of St Peter’s Basilica. It was my first pilgrimage of this kind and I gained far more from the experience than I could have hoped. I am humbled by the faith of those who have gone before us, feeling a sense of healing and direction from prioritising God in my life, along with the joy of sharing this experience with a fabulous group of like-minded pilgrims. 

Our archdiocese is offering opportunities for pilgrimage, both near and far, during this Jubilee year. I encourage you to read the parish bulletin or Catholic Voice to see if an event is open for you and even the family.

On the last day of term, our staff celebrated a spirituality day centred on the Jubilee theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope’. After a morning of prayer and reflection led by Laura Stumbles (REC) and Fr Emil, we then made a pilgrimage to the ‘near’ St Christopher’s Cathedral in Manuka. Fr Richard gave us a tour, and we spent time in reflection in the crypt beneath the cathedral, where many of our Archbishops are buried. It was a heart-warming day enjoyed by all and a beautiful way to finish a very busy term together. 

Grandparents’ Day

We look forward to hosting our annual Grandparents’ day next Friday. It is a wonderful opportunity for extended family to visit our school, celebrate a mass together and visit classrooms. The children are always very excited to show their special visitors around. 

Yours in working together

Kerry Wode