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In last Sunday's Gospel, Luke (15:1-3, 11-32), we encountered the powerful parable of the Prodigal Son—a timeless story of reconciliation, forgiveness, and unyielding hope. As we continue our journey through the Lenten season, this parable resonates deeply with the themes of repentance and God's boundless mercy.
The prodigal son's journey reminds us that, despite our shortcomings and wanderings, God eagerly awaits our return with open arms, ready to forgive and embrace us. This message is particularly relevant as we navigate the Year of Hope, a time for reflection, renewal, and strengthening our faith in God's unwavering love for each of us.
During Lent, we are called to follow the example of the prodigal son by seeking reconciliation and forgiveness in our relationships—with God, with others, and with ourselves. It is a season of contemplation, prayer, and acts of kindness, where we strive to emulate the mercy and compassion shown to us by our Heavenly Father.
As a school community, let us embody the spirit of hope and reconciliation portrayed in this Gospel. Let us support one another in our Lenten journey, fostering a sense of unity and compassion that reflects the love of God. Together, may we deepen our understanding of forgiveness and embrace the transformative power of God's grace in our lives.
As we approach the end of Term 1, I would also like to take a moment to reflect on the term and express my gratitude to all of you for your focus and dedicated commitment to our school community. We have had a successful term, filled with academic achievements, extra-curricular activities, and a strong sense of community spirit. Our students should be proud of their engagement in learning and achieving individual success. I would also like to acknowledge our staff for their ongoing efforts in supporting our students' faith, learning and well-being and their professionalism and dedication to planning high-quality learning experiences.
Easter is a great reminder that Christ died and rose again for each one of us. His death and resurrection can transform our lives. Lives that have a love for our neighbour, respect for all creation and lives that restore hope and mercy. This Easter, we invite you to participate in the Easter celebrations in our Parish.
May the Lord's blessing accompany us on our journey towards the light of Easter.
Yours in partnership,
Marg Foldes
Principal
Lockdown Drill
St Clares Catholic Primary School will be completing a scheduled Lockdown Drill on Wednesday 9 April. This drill will build on the feedback that has been gathered by recent practices.
Personalised Planning Meetings - Parent Consultations
We are in the final stages of developing Personalised Plans for some of our students to support their success and growth in areas such as social-emotional learning, access to learning, and challenge. At the start of Term 2, we will share more details about the process and invite parents to participate in a phone or face-to-face meeting to collaborate on these personalised plans.
School Photo Catch-Up Date
Due to a number of clashes with sporting events and extra-curricular activities, the scheduled catch-up day has been changed to Tuesday 8 April. Any student who requires their photo re-taken or was absent on Friday 26 March will have an opportunity to take a photo on this day.
Note: Year 5 and 6 students who may be wearing sport uniform are asked to attend school in their full summer uniform. They will be provided with an opportunity to change after their photo has been taken.
Mr Joel Jarrett
Assistant Principal
From the Parish Bulletin
Confirmation Program
Early notice is given that our Confirmation Programme for 2025 will commence on the weekend of Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 April. Families will be invited to submit their child’s name and collect a timeline at all Masses. Children who are in Year 6 or higher and who have made their Sacraments of Penance and First Holy Communion are able to be enrolled. As in past years a major part of the programme will be attendance at Mass. If your family has weekend commitments or has an inability to attend Mass over the 10 weeks that make up the full programme it would be better for you to wait until next year. Further information will be made available over the next few weeks through our Weekly Message.
Holy Week
Palm Sunday: Masses as usual at Oakdale, The Oaks and Camden
Please note, however, that at Camden at 10:00 AM, Mass begins outside the church with the Blessing of Palms
Ceremony Church Time Celebrant Music
Holy Thursday The Oaks 7:00 PM Fr Michael Nicole
Holy Thursday Camden 7:00 PM Fr James Craig
Good Friday Stations Oakdale 9:00 AM Fr Michael
Good Friday Stations Camden 10:00 AM Fr James Tasha & Ilona
Good Friday Passion Camden 3:00 PM Fr James Choir
Saturday Easter Vigil Camden 5:00 PM Fr M & Fr J Choir and Darko
Sunday Easter Morning Camden 7:30 AM Fr Michael Ilona and Bill
Oakdale 8:00 AM Fr James Jo
Camden 9:00 AM Fr Michael Craig, Brian, Colin
The Oaks 9:30 AM Fr James Nicole
Camden 10:30 AM Fr Michael Darko and Eva
Sunday Easter Evening Camden 5:00 PM Fr James Tony and family
St Clare's School - Stations of the Cross
Caring for Our Common Home – A Call to Action
On Thursday, 20 March, four Year 6 Environmental Committee students, along with Miss Carter, attended the Wollongong Environmental Network (WEN) Day at St Brigid’s Catholic Primary, Gwynneville. This event provided a valuable opportunity for students to collaborate with peers from across the Wollongong Diocese, sharing environmental initiatives and deepening their awareness of ecological challenges and the ways we can respond as a community of faith. It was a day of inspiration, learning, and action, reinforcing the call for ongoing engagement in environmental stewardship.
Throughout the day, students reflected on how ecological and social justice actions connect with prayer and worship, broadening their understanding of faith in the context of community. Developed strategies to lead environmental initiatives within our school. Students also explored the issue of fast fashion, repurposing old t-shirts into reusable carry bags to promote sustainable living.
Students also had the opportunity to listen to guest speaker Robert Servine from Green Connect, who shared insights into sustainable practices, waste reduction, and ethical employment. His presentation inspired students to consider the impact of their choices and empowered them to take meaningful action in caring for our common home.
This term, our Mini Vinnies team will be hosting an Easter Raffle to support Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion appeal. All proceeds from the raffle will contribute to this important cause, helping those in need.
We kindly seek donations of Easter eggs, Easter books, and Easter-themed toys. The more donations we receive, the greater the number of prizes we can offer! Mini Vinnies representatives will be stationed outside the school office each morning to collect easter donations. As a token of appreciation, every student who donates an item will have their name placed on a raffle ticket for a chance to win.
Raffle Ticket Sales:
Tickets will be available for purchase from next Monday outside the canteen during Break 1 in Weeks 10, 11 and Week 1 of Term 2.
Ticket prices: $1 each or 3 tickets for $2.
The raffle will be drawn after the school holidays on Friday 2 May 2025
Kind regards,
Miss Ally Carter
Catholic Life & Mission
Each fortnight we focus on a particular area of our school expectations. Students and staff collaborate on ways to support each other in meeting these expectations. Thank you for supporting us in helping our students to be the best they can be. Our fortnightly focus for Term 1 - Weeks 9, 10 & 11 is ' I am a person of Compassion.'
To begin the start of Term 2, Week 1 & 2 Fortnightly Focus is "I know and follow school behaviour expectations & routines.'
Please take some time to view the table below so that as parents, you have a full understanding of what is expected of students, teachers and parents this fortnight. When we all work together, we achieve great things.
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2025 |
Any additional dates will be updated on the Compass parent calendar and future newsletters |
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April |
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Tuesday 1 - Thursdsay 7 May |
Selling of raffle tickets for Caritas Project Compassion (at break 1) and collection of Easter donations |
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Friday 4 |
Principal’s awards in the hall at 1.45 p.m. |
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Sunday 6 |
Daylight Saving ends |
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Tuesday 8 |
School photographs back up morning (note change of date) |
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Wednesday 9 |
School Lockdown drill |
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Friday 11 |
Stations of the Cross 9 a.m. with Fr Michael Enrolment applications for Kindergartern 2026 close Last day of term 1 |
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Thursday 17 |
Appin Massacre Memorial |
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Friday 18 |
Good Friday |
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Saturday 19 Sunday 20 |
Easter Saturday/Easter Sunday |
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Friday 25 |
Anzac Day March in Camden |
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Monday 28 |
Staff Development Day - Berry Street Program (no school for students) |
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Tuesday 29 |
Term 2 commences |
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May |
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Friday 2 |
Easter raffle drawn Flame Awards K, 1 & 2 in the hall at 8.30 a.m. |
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Tuesday 6 |
Primary Diocesan Cross Country Carnival Nowra |
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Friday 9 |
Flame Awards Years 3 - 6 in the hall at 8.30 a.m. Mother's Day Breakfast following the assembly |
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Friday 16 |
Flame Awards K, 1 & 2 in the hall at 8.30 a.m. National Walk Safely to School Day |
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Wednesday 21 |
National Simultaneous Story Time |
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Friday 23 |
Flame Awards Years 3 - 6 in the hall at 8.30 a.m. |
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Monday 26 |
National Sorry Day |
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Tuesday 27 |
Australia's Biggest Morning Tea for Cancer Council 10.15 a.m. |
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Tuesday 27 - 3 June |
Reconciliation Week |
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Friday 30 |
Flame Awards K, 1 & 2 in the hall at 8.30 a.m. Principal's Awards 1.45 p.m. in the school hall |
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June |
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Tuesday 3 |
Mabo Day |
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Thursday 5 |
World Environment Day |
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Friday 6 |
Flame Awards Years 3 - 6 in the hall at 8.30 a.m. |
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Monday 9 |
King's Birthday Public Holiday |
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Tuesday 10 |
Staff Development Day - no school for students |
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Friday 13 |
Flame Awards K, 1 & 2 in the hall at 8.30 a.m. |
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Friday 20 |
Athletics Carnival at Narellan Athletics Hub Flame awards to be confirmed |
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Tuesday 24 |
Athletics Carnival back up day |
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Thursday 26 & Friday 27 |
Year 6 Canberra excursion |
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Friday 4 |
Principal's Awards 1.45 p.m. in the hall Last day of Term 2 |
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Monday 21 |
Staff Development Day (no school for students) |
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Tuesday 22 |
Term 3 begins |
Congratulations to the following students who were awarded a Flame Award, presented to them by Ms Foldes on Friday 21 March. These students were able to submit 5 Spark Awards.
| Archie E 1B | Ivy C 1B | Rocco T 1B | Stella B 1B |
| Aala F 1R | Dominik G 1W | Emmanuel N 1W | Layla O'R 1W |
| Nixon D 1W | Elsie O'R 2B | Logan H 2B | Mia C 2B |
| Sophie V S 2B | Audrey W 2G | Charli B 2G | Harriett F 2G (x2) |
| Finley C 2W | Harrison C 2W (x3) | James P-S 2W | Brodie W 2W |
| Evelyn M 3B | Natalia S 3B | Emelia P 3G | Gregory L 3G |
| Miles H 3G (x2) | Rose J 3G (x2) | Ava G 3W | Beau H 3W |
| Evie C 3W | Grace J 3W | Sophie H 3W | Mae B 3W |
| Alex P 4B | Joshua P 4B | Harrison C 4G (x3) | James H 4G (x2) |
| Madeline H 4G | Mikayla A 4W | Zac T 4W (x2) | Alexander L 4W |
| Ana G 5G | David D 5G | Sofia N 5W | Zanthe H 6B |
| Isaac P 6B | Hayley G 6G | Mia A 6G (x5) | Sienna H 6G |
| Amira A 6G (x2) | Hugo M 6G (x4) | Alexander C 6W | Leila H 6W (x2) |
| Braxton L 6W (x4) | Jaxson T 6W (x2) | Mona-Marie B 6W | Brooklyn W 6W (x2) |
| Carter S KB | Rachel Z KG | Sebastian L KR | 6 Green |
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ANZAC DAY MARCH -Friday 25 April
Once again our school will be participating in the Anzac Day March in Camden. Please be aware that this day is in the holidays. Details can be found below:
The Camden RSL Sub-branch ANZAC Day March will commence from Elizabeth Street, Camden at 10.30am sharp. The March will make its way down Argyle Street and conclude on Cawdor Road to the Camden Bicentennial Equestrian Park.
At the conclusion of the March, parents/carers of participating children are advised a pickup zone will be at Onslow Park. No parents/carers will be able to collect their children from Cawdor Road. If your child would like to partipate in the March, and you haven't already responded, can you please email the office on info@scnvdow.catholic.edu.au to register their attendance. The details for the March are as follows:
ARRIVAL TIME 9.30am
MARCH MARSHALLING AREA Elizabeth Street, Camden
On arrival to the marshalling area please register your attendance with Marshalls in the HiVis vests. Group positions in the marshalling area will be identified by signage in alphabetical order, please find your location and marshal until the commencement or the March. Please note your school must have already RSVPd to attend the March via email by 4th April 2025 via email to anzacday@camdensb.com.au
MARCH INFORMATION
The Camden RSL Sub-branch ANZAC Day March will commence from Elizabeth Street, Camden at 10.30am sharp. The March will make its way down Argyle Street and conclude on Cawdor Road to the Camden Bicentennial Equestrian Park. At the conclusion of the March, parents/carers of participating children are advised a pickup zone will be at Onslow Park. No parents/carers will be able to collect their children from Cawdor Road.
DURING THE MARCH
• To reduce the risk of personal injury please do not throw objects into crowds of spectators. • Do not spray water or other liquids on March participants or spectators.
• Children participating in the March must always be under the direct supervision of a responsible adult.
• March participants are responsible for children participating in their group until they are collected by a parent or guardian. No child is to be left unattended.
• In the event of an emergency, please stop and wait for instructions from Council staff and Security.
• Please follow all instructions of the March organisers, Camden RSL Sub-Branch and the ANZAC March Committee PARKING Road closures will commence from 3am on Friday 25 April 2025. Ample parking will be available in the surrounding streets of Camden. Roads will reopen by approximately 2pm or when deemed safe to do so.
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The accompanying link can be used to order uniforms, online, at Yeronga School Uniforms:
https://www.yerongauniforms.com/product-category/schools/st-clares-narellan-vale/
Updated Price List
For extended absences (of more than 5 school days) due to travel, parents must submit the Notification of Extended Absence form along with relevant travel documentation. This documentation should include: Dates, locations of travel, purpose and reasons for travel outside school holidays.
What's New?
We are pleased to announce the launch of a new online Notification of Extended Absence form. This user-friendly form simplifies the process for parents, eliminating the need for printing or downloading documents. Now, parents can conveniently complete the application entirely online.
Parents can also notify multiple schools simultaneously with a single upload of supporting documents. Parents are also required to notify your school if their student has siblings attending other CEDoW schools.
How This Benefits Parents
Accessing the application form is now easier than ever with the form working on both mobile and desktop platforms. Parents can complete the application electronically and can also send the application for multiple students across CEDoW schools.
If you wish to apply for an extended absence, please email the office on info@scnvdow.catholic.edulau and a link will be sent to you or if you add the absence in notes on Compass and it is over 5 days - it will automatically direct you to the link.
Access to the New Form
If parents attempt to enter an absence note exceeding five days in your school's Compass portal, they will be directed to the parent attendance information document that has a link to the online form.
Alternatively, if you send the communication from Compass they may access it through the link provided in the "Communication - Notification of Extended Absence" template.
Your school may also provide a direct URL for parent access to the form via your website, newsletter, or other communication channels. The URL for the new online form is https://forms.dow.catholic.edu.au/to/yVv9DA.
Acknowledgement of Extended Absence
After considering the explanation for the extended absence the school will issue an Acknowledgement of Extended Absence to the parent, regardless of whether the
explanation for the absence is accepted or not accepted by the Principal. The acknowledgment may include agreed matters relating to the student’s learning and well-being. Accepted extended absences will be recorded as explained and unaccepted absences will be recorded as unjustified.
Extended absence fact sheet
• Communicating Attendance Concerns: Informing the school of any concerns they
have regarding their child’s attendance pattern.
• Partnering with the School: Collaborating with the school to develop and implement
strategies that support their child’s regular attendance.
• Explaining Absences: Providing an explanation to the school for any absence
within seven calendar days of the first day of the absence. The primary method by
which a parent may provide an explanation is through Compass. Emails and hand written letters are also accepted.
• Notifying Extended Absences: Giving the school reasonable advance notice of any
planned extended absence.
• Requesting Exemptions: Providing the school with reasonable advance notice
when requesting an exemption from enrolment or attendance.
• Providing Documentation: Promptly supplying any documentation requested
by the school related to their child’s attendance or enrolment.
CENTRALISATION OF PRIMARY SCHOOL FEE MANAGEMENT - ADVICE TO FAMILIES
From the commencement of the 2025 school year, the management of certain aspects relating to school fee accounts in Primary Schools has been transferred to the School Fees Liaison Office at the Catholic Education in Wollongong.
What does this mean for families:
- Your school’s administration office is your first place for enquiry regarding school fees. School staff will provide information regarding instalments, methods of payment, giving access to an Application for Fee Concession and attend to other general enquiries.
- If you are experiencing financial difficulty or need to make an arrangement for payment of your school fee account, please email sflo@dow.catholic.edu.au with your name and the school in which your children are enrolled. The School Fees Liaison Office will then contact you directly to offer assistance.
- Please note that each school has a dedicated School Fees Liaison Officer to provide a personalised service to individual families. This Officer will also have a close relationship with your school. Our school fee officer is Kyeen McPherson.
If you require further information about this initiative, please do not hesitate to contact your school’s administration office.
UPDATED MEDICAL PLANS
Please note that if your child has a healthcare plan (medical plan) e.g. Asthma, Anaphylaxis, Allergy, Emergency Medical these need to be updated annually. If you have an updated healthcare plan, can you please send a copy in to school so we can update our records as soon as possible. If your child requires medication at school e.g. Ventolin, you will automatically receive a notification via Compass when it has reached its expiry date.
VOLUNTEERS IN OUR SCHOOL
The Catholic Education Office has introduced a new onboarding system for volunteers and contractors supporting our school. If you are interested in volunteering in any capacity, we encourage you to complete the new process in advance. This will ensure you are ready to help whenever needed!
For more information or to begin the onboarding process, please refer to the instructions below. Once you have completed the onboarding process you need to follow the instructions also included below.
Thank you for your willingness to contribute to our school community!
SCHOOL STUDENT TRAVEL FOR 2025
BUS COMPANY & RELEVANT TRANSPORT INFORMATION
Transit Systems phone number is 02 9123 8620 if you have any inquiries.
OPAL CARDS
If you are applying for an Opal Card you need to add Transit Systems as your bus company.
A reminder from Transit Systems
Please help us supply appropriate bus services by reminding students to tap on and tap off with their School Opal cards.
I am writing on behalf of Transit Systems NSW, the bus operator that provides your school bus services, regarding student use of the School Opal card.
It is a condition of the use of a School Opal card that students must tap on at the beginning of a trip and tap off at the end of a trip at an Opal Card Reader, when they travel to and from school. Please refer to the Transport for NSW website for further details: https://transportnsw.info/school-pass-terms
Opal data gathered by tapping on and off is used to determine demand for bus services. If students fail to tap on and tap off, services for your school may be reduced or even cancelled due to the lack of recorded patronage.
With this in mind, we ask for your assistance in reminding your students that tapping on and off at the beginning and end of each trip is one of the conditions of using a School Opal card.
CURRENT TIMETABLE INFORMATION can be found below:
MacKillop Swimming Trials -Wednesday 2 April
Congratulations to the following students who competed at the MacKillop Swimming Trials on Wednesday 2 April:
- Tyler J — 10 Years 50m Breaststroke
- Emory M — 11 Years 50m Butterfly
- Ava S — 10 Years
50m Freestyle
50m Backstroke
50m Butterfly
50m Breaststroke
- Jr Girls relay team (Ava S, Charlee C, Mae C, Mae B)
The swimmers had a hugely successful day and should be proud of their accomplishments, including a few PB’s.
Special mention goes to the Junior Girls relay team who placed third and to Ava S who placed 1st in 200m Individual Medley, 1st 50m Backstroke, 2nd 50m Butterfly and 1st 50m Freestyle.
Ava S and the Junior Girls relay team will now be progressing to the PSSA Swimming championships next week. We wish them the best of luck!
AFL Paul Kelly Cup- Thursday 27 March
Last Thursday we had 2 teams competing at the AFL Paul Kelly Cup. Both teams played exceptionally well and displayed great sportsmanship throughout their games. Congratulations to the boys team who made it to the semi finals on the day. A further congratulations to the girls team who won their grand final game and will now progress to the Regional Finals.
Congratulations
Congratulations to the following students who have been selected in the following teams.
MacKillop Hockey Team - Daniel H
West Region Soccer - Emily C, Aria V, Braxton L, Luke M, Mitchell R, Isaac C,
Luis B, Benjamin S
Wollongong Rugby League- Fletcher M, Mitchell B
Upcoming Carnival Dates
All primary sporting event information and dates can be found on the Sport Events - Primary website- https://www.dow.catholic.edu.au/student-experience/sport/primary-sport-events
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NSW Combined Mackillop and Polding Softball Trials |
30 April |
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Cross Country Championships |
6 May |
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St Clare’s Athletics Carnival |
20 June |
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander: Important dates
Our community has been invited to two important upcoming events.
Sunday April 13: Appin Massacre Memorial – see flyer
Wednesday May 21 – Sorry Day Service hosted by the Aboriginal Catholic
Ministry and Winga Myamly Reconciliation Group.
Where: Holy Trinity Church Minto
Time: 10:30am
Our school will be represented by two students and a staff member. Families are
welcome to attend.
Please contact Ann Madsen via the school email info@scnvdow.catholic.edu.au for
further details.
CLOTHING POOL
The clothing pool opening hours:
Monday: 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Thursday: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Eftpos facilities are available
CLICK & COLLECT
FRESH START CANTEENS
Fresh Start Canteens run our school canteen. Details are included below.
Please ensure you have changed your child's class to their 2025 class, in Flexi Schools.