APRE
News from the APRE
Student Council
The Student Council has been meeting to discuss school issues. They have some great ideas for school improvements and fundraising, and they are very passionate about what they have to say. They have decided that this term the money we raise with fundraisers will be donated to the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS). And next term the money we raise will be donated to Cape Animal Protection Shelter (CAPS). The thinking behind this is that in Term 1 and Term 4 we raise money for global charities, Caritas and Project Compassion (Term 1) and Catholic Missions (Term 4). So in Terms 2 and 3 we can raise money for charities that support our local community.
Events to reflect on from the beginning of this term...
Pope News
With the passing of our wonderful Pope Francis at Easter came a somber time for the Church. We reflected on the many great things he did, not only for our Church but for the world, and the amazing human being he was. We were consoled by the fact that he was now with his God, that he had worked so tirelessly for. Then we had a time of waiting, waiting to learn who our new pope would be. It was interesting to discuss the process of how a new pope is elected and the many traditions that go along with this. We didn’t have to wait too long and were pleased to learn that our next pope would be Pope Leo XIV. We look forward to learning more about our new pope and how he will lead our Church.
On the 15th-17th May The Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice Foundation commemorated its 2025 General Assembly and International Conference. At this conference, Pope Leo XIV challenged the Foundation members to help each other in the mission he spoke of the night he was elected: “Build bridges—through dialogue, through encounter—uniting all people to be one people, always in peace.” He reminded them that this is not something spontaneous or improvised. Rather, it requires a combination of both grace and freedom. Pope Leo XIV reminded the Foundation members that what matters more than the problems of this world is how people respond to them—“using ethical principles, sound criteria for evaluation, and openness to God’s grace.”
So on hearing these latest words from Pope Leo XIV, I think it is safe to say our Church is in safe hands once again with another great pope.
ANZAC Day
We commemorated this day of remembrance as a whole school with an ANZAC Day Liturgy on Thursday 24th April. It was wonderful to have Lt. Steve Kennet, who has served in the RAF & RAAF, join us and share his memories and words of wisdom. Thank you also to the Year 4 students who read at the liturgy so beautifully. Then on Friday 25th April, ANZAC Day, we had a large number of our students and their families wake up very early to represent our school in the March & Dawn Service. Thank you for your commitment to keeping this special day of remembrance an important tradition.
St Joseph the Worker Feast Day
We honored our Patron Saint, St. Joseph the Worker, with a liturgy in our Church on Monday 28th April. Traditionally, the St Joseph the Worker Feast Day is celebrated on 1st May each year, however we celebrated it a few days earlier while Fr. Dariusz was here to enjoy it with us. During this special morning, we awarded one student from each class with a Spirit of St. Joseph award. This award is given to a student who embodies our school values of Justice, Compassion and Humility consistently. Then, in true feast style, following the liturgy we shared some yummy cupcakes. We spent the afternoon playing lots of fun games outside with our friends and buddies, because what is a Feast Day without some fun!
The feast of St. Joseph the Worker honors St. Joseph's role as a worker and a model of humility, labour, and dedication. This feast emphasises the dignity of labour and the importance of work in the Christian faith. It encourages reflection on the value of work, the rights of workers, and the need for fair and just labour practices. It is particularly significant for those who find meaning and purpose in their work, as it underscores the idea that all honest work, regardless of its nature, has dignity and worth.
May – The Month of Mary
The month of May is the month which the faithful have dedicated to Our Blessed Lady, and it is the occasion for a moving tribute of faith and love which Catholics in every part of the world pay to the Queen of Heaven. During this month Christians, offer up to Mary from their hearts especially loving prayers. In this month, too, the benefits of God's mercy come down to us from her throne in greater abundance. Please spend some time with your families praying to Mary this month and saying the ‘Hail Mary’.
Mother’s Day
We celebrated our wonderful mothers and all mother figures, on Friday 9th May, with a liturgy, picnic lunch and games at school. Unfortunately, this year our Mother’s Day stall gifts that we ordered didn’t arrive in time, but the students made special gifts for their mothers in class instead. And thanks to our amazing tuckshop lady, Miss Jess, our mothers were treated to some sweet & savory finger foods and a refreshing punch. The students loved having their mums and loved ones with them at play time and it was great to see them all eating, chatting and playing with each other.
Do it for Dolly Day
On Friday 9th May we wore blue and brought in a gold coin donation for Do it for Dolly Day. As a school community we raised $194 for Dolly’s Dream Foundation! We also discussed the issue of bullying and ways to be kind to one another.
Quote of the month... In a world where you can be anything, be kind.
Reminder...
We love welcoming new additions and celebrating the success of our students. Please let us know of any accomplishments your child or your family have, as we would love to acknowledge these with our St Joey’s Community.
Enjoy the rest of Term 2!
Mrs Julie Dore
Assistant Principal Religious Education (APRE) - Acting