This week, we recognize and celebrate several important events:

• St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) and St. Joseph’s Day (March 19) – Honoring the values of faith and service.
• The conclusion of Harmony Week – A celebration of cultural diversity and inclusion.
• Neurodiversity Celebration Week – A time to embrace and appreciate the many ways individuals think, learn, and experience the world.

Each of these occasions reflects the importance of unity, understanding, and respect for all. At our school, we strive to foster a strong sense of belonging among students, staff, and families. True belonging comes with a responsibility to be inclusive, acknowledging and valuing everyone within our community.

Staff Prayer

Our staff prayer this week, prepared by Ms. Jones, beautifully captured the essence of Neurodiversity Celebration Week:

"This week is Neurodiversity Celebration Week, a time to recognise and embrace the many different ways people think, learn, and experience the world. Neurodiversity includes autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other unique ways of being that bring strengths and diverse perspectives. This is a topic close to my heart. This is a topic close to my heart, as many of my own family members are neurodiverse including my two beautiful kiddos. I've seen how essential understanding and support are in helping individuals thrive."

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
 Loving God,
 As we gather this morning, we give thanks for the gift of each person in our school community, unique and beloved in Your sight.
 We ask for Your grace to guide us in our work, that we may embrace the diversity of every mind, heart, and soul with compassion, understanding, and respect.
 During this special week of reflection on neurodiversity, we remember the words of St. Mary MacKillop: “Never see a need without doing something about it.”
 May we, like her, respond to the needs of all our students, recognizing that each individual is made in Your image and called to flourish.
 Grant us the wisdom to celebrate the gifts that neurodiversity brings to our community, to see the strengths in each student, and the patience to create a space where all can learn, grow, and thrive.
 May our hearts be open, our actions intentional, and our spirit always guided by the love of Christ.
 We ask this through Christ our Lord.
 St. Joseph, St. Mary of the Cross MacKillop, pray for us.
 Amen.

Cross Country Event

Congratulations to all students who participated in last week’s Cross Country event – it was a fantastic day! A special mention to:

Keira – winners of the chant competition.

Macquarie and Kembla – joint winners for best-dressed.

A huge thank you to our staff for their efforts in organizing the event, especially Ms. Power and the PDHPE team for their coordination and dedication.

Year 11 & 12 Catholic Studies – Clean Up Australia Day

We are incredibly proud of our Year 11 and 12 Catholic Studies students for their outstanding volunteer efforts on Clean Up Australia Day. It was a big day, but their commitment to caring for the environment was truly commendable.

Thank you to Mr. Fenech and Mrs. Burns for their guidance and support in making this initiative a success.

Uniform Reminder

As we transition into the winter months, please ensure that students have the correct winter uniform:

• Blazers are required for all students.
• Boys must wear long pants and a tie for Terms 2 and 3.

Please allow sufficient time for uniform orders if needed.

Thank you for your continued support in maintaining our school’s standards and fostering a strong sense of community.