Newsletter Week 4, Term 1 2025

Principal's Messages

Thank you to everyone who was able to join us for the Parent Information Evening last night. It was wonderful to welcome parents into the classrooms, meet the teachers, and showcase our updated classroom and window refurbishments.  

We will be publishing term overviews to Compass in the coming days, and Parent-Teacher-Student goal-setting meeting times will be made available tomorrow for appointments between the 3rd and 7th of March. We encourage all Year 1–6 families to book a time to meet with their child’s teacher to discuss goals for 2025.

It was wonderful to hold our first assembly in the hall this afternoon! This project has been a long time coming, and it’s fantastic to now have our updated facilities.  

On a personal note, it was also very special for me to attend a formal assembly again. Between maternity leave and part-time work, I have truly missed the opportunity to gather with our community and celebrate our achievements together.

Canteen Update

Sadly, our canteen operator, Mel, has had to resign due to health reasons. We have been incredibly fortunate to have Mel with us since May 2024—she has worked hard to keep our canteen running and has collaborated closely with our community volunteers. Mel’s last day will be Friday, February 28.

We have commenced recruitment for a new canteen operator, and information is available on the CSO website. In the meantime, we are reviewing our volunteer support for canteen operations. Unfortunately, there will be a gap between Mel’s departure and the commencement of a new operator. If we are unable to staff the canteen with enough volunteers during this period, it will not be able to operate.

If you are available to help, please contact the school office. Your support would be greatly appreciated!

Looking forward to a great fortnight ahead,

Katie

Faith In Focus

Yesterday, as we gathered in Mass to induct our Year 6 student leaders, we were reminded of the call to servant leadership—following the example of Jesus, who led with humility, compassion, and love. 

Jesus showed us that true leadership is not about power or status but about serving others with love and humility. He cared for the poor, welcomed the outcast, and always acted with kindness and fairness. At Corpus Christi, we teach our students that leadership is about following in His footsteps—putting others first, standing up for what is right, and leading with truth and love. 

We pray that our Year 6 leaders serve with open hearts, always listening with respect and acting with justice and kindness. 

Religious Education and Spirituality

Opening School Mass and Year 6 Student Leaders Commissioning

Corpus Christi gathered as a community to celebrate the Eucharist and give thanks for the new year of learning ahead. The Diocesan 2025 theme of "One Call, One Mission, Pilgrims of Hope" was at the centre of our celebration. We reflected on and renewed our Mission to join together through 2025 as one community in prayer, forgiveness, mercy and in the joy of the living Christ each day.

A special commissioning service was held during mass for all of our Year 6 students. At Corpus Christi we consider all Year 6 students leaders and role models for their school community. Even though we are only a few weeks into the year, Year 6 have certainly been impressive in their leadership so far, showing patience, care and confidence in supporting their Kinder buddies settle into primary school.

Opening School Mass

Mini Vinnies Is Underway for 2025

In 2025, our Mini Vinnies initiative will have a slightly different look. Due to overwhelming high membership numbers (which is an amazing problem to have), each primary grade will take a term each in the Mini Vinnies program. This way students can have a more meaningful experience in supporting our local and global community.

We are very pleased to have these Year 5 students on board for Term 1. They will be driving awareness and fundraising initiatives this term. We acknowledge Ruby, Verity, Emily, Sofija, MJ, Harlan, Miah, Freddie, Shiloh, Nate, Evie, Eli and Ava.

Our Year 6 Service Leaders; Connor and Ruby will be supporting and leading all Mini Vinnies members throughout the year.

Mini Vinnies

Kinder  Family/Parish Welcome Mass 

Pope Francis calls 2025 Year of Jubillee 

In 2025, Pope Francis has proclaimed a Year of Jubilee. A Jubilee is a special time of grace, typically lasting approximately one year. A jubilee year is a time for the Church to come closer to God with joy, enthusiasm and hope.  This message of 'walking with Jesus' everyday is something we aim to nurture and grow at Corpus Christi.

Invitation to the Diocese Launch of 2025 Jubillee 

All families across the Diocese are invited to a Sunday morning of family, fun, free food trucks and ice cream, amusements, entertainment, and an obstacle course taking over the Cathedral Precinct on March 2nd. It all begins with a walk from Foreshore Park all the way to Sacred Heart Cathedral (4km) at 8am with Bishop Michael – our chance to be Pilgrims of Hope! Walk side by side with families and staff from our parishes, schools, agencies and ministries and then join us for Mass at 10am before the Festival of Hope kicks off at 11am

Pancake Day for Project Compassion

We invite families to give to our annual Project Compassion Fundraiser through our SHROVE TUESDAY-PANCAKE DAY. As a fun way to fundraise, students will have a Pancake treat on Shrove Tuesday 4th March.

Shrove Tuesday is traditionally the day before Lent begins and is marked by having a pancake treat.

Donation: $3 per student for x 2 plain pancakes. Pancakes will be made fresh in our canteen thanks to a group of parent volunteers. If your child has any specific dietary needs, please email or call our office.

How to donate: All money can be paid via the QKR App

All donations go directly to Project Compassion to end poverty and uphold dignity.

Positive Behaviour for Learning - PB4L

This fortnights PBL focus has been "BE SAFE: I will respond to the bell". This is a great focus for the start of the year as students get back into the swing of school routines. Teachers have been unpacking what it means to respond to the bell safely and respectfully so that students can transition from the classroom to the playground, or vice versa, successfully. 

Staff review our PBL data each week to look at how we can support students and how to maintain consistency in expectations. Students  across all grades have positively displayed safe lining up and organisational routines at bells time. We are off to a great start CCW !

Social and Emotional Learning - Highway Heroes

                                                 BUMPS, HAZARDS and HEROES

Our school social and emotional skills initiative, Highway Heroes helps children to identify the little and big adversities that we all encounter along the "Highway of Life". When children are aware of the challenges, road blocks and difficulties they may experience, it helps them to know how manage their feelings, their thinking and their responses to life's challenges. 

Some adversities are smaller and we call these 'bumps' along the highway, but some adversities are bigger or persistent challenges called 'hazards'.

Children at Corpus Christi have spent time in Highway Heroes lessons unpacking scenarios they may encounter that are bumps and hazards and are gradually building their toolkit to be a Highway Hero, who are capable of overcoming any challenge. 

Our Pastoral Care Worker

Throughout the year, we aim to connect our community with the staff members and services you may not always see or know about.

We have a Pastoral Care Worker - Mrs Deanne March on staff two days a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays). Here Deanne shares a bit about her role and how she can support students and parents at Corpus Christi. Here is some information from Deanne:

 I have been working as a Pastoral Care Worker for just over six years, including almost two and a half years here at Corpus Christi. The role of a Pastoral Care Worker varies between schools, depending on the needs of each community. At Corpus Christi, I have the privilege of supporting students, staff, and families in a variety of ways, including: 

• Facilitating small group programs focused on friendships, building resilience, and developing social skills. 

• Facilitating “Calm Club” at recess, providing a quiet space for students who prefer a break from the playground. We engage in activities such as meditation and mindfulness coloring.  

• Assisting with Sacramental Programs and Social Justice initiatives, including nursing home and early education centre visits and fundraising. 

• Supporting teachers and students in the classroom during busy days when extra assistance is needed, particularly for students experiencing stress, anxiety, or low confidence. 

• Supporting Kindergarten transition to school running playgroup for our incoming class, drawing on my background as an early childhood educator.  

• Supporting families during challenging times, whether by connecting them with professional services, offering parenting advice (as a registered facilitator of 1-2-3 Magic, Engaging Adolescents, Circle of Security, and No Scaredy Cats), or simply providing a listening ear and a safe space to talk. Sometimes, I reach out to parents, and other times, they contact me. 

• Conducting scheduled or impromptu student check-ins, offering advice and strategies on self-regulation, friendships, family illness, or other personal concerns. 

• Facilitating “Seasons for Growth,” one of my most cherished programs. 

Seasons for Growth: Supporting Students Through Change 

As an accredited Seasons for Growth facilitator (or "Companion"), I run small, age-appropriate groups to support students who have experienced grief or loss. This might be due to the passing of a loved one, a severe illness in the family, relocation, or parental separation. 

The 10-week course allows students to explore the different stages of grief using the metaphor of the changing seasons: 

• Autumn represents the initial changes and losses in their lives. 

• Winter is the most difficult stage, when emotions can feel overwhelming. 

• Spring brings signs of healing and renewal, as students begin to adjust. 

• Summer symbolizes a return to stability and a sense of normalcy. 

Through this journey, students gain a deeper understanding of their emotions, develop healthy ways to express themselves, and learn valuable tools and strategies to navigate future challenges. I am always moved by the way students naturally support and care for one another in a safe and nurturing environment. 

If you believe Seasons for Growth may be beneficial for your child, please reach out to me at deanne.march@mn.catholic.edu.au or contact Katie Kingsford. I will be starting new groups soon. 

For any other pastoral care support, please feel free to contact me on Tuesdays or Thursdays. I look forward to connecting with more families throughout the year.

Deanne March

deanne.march@mn.catholic.edu.au

Sports Update

Congratulations to Denzel, who competed in the Diocesan Basketball team at the Polding Selections last week in Tamworth! This is a fantastic achievement, as reaching Diocesan selection is no small feat—competition was incredibly strong. The team played three games in Tamworth, showcasing great skill and determination. Well done, Denzel!

Regional Swimming Carnival

Last Wednesday, 27 of our students competed at the North Regional Swimming Carnival, taking part in almost every event on the program. A huge congratulations to the nine students who have progressed to the Diocesan Swimming Carnival on Wednesday, February 26! A special shout-out to our junior girls' and boys' relay teams, who have also qualified for the Diocesan carnival. Well done to all our swimmers!

Regional Winter Sport Trials

This week, our students had the opportunity to trial for regional netball and soccer. Congratulations to Arlo, Evan, Hudson, Billy, and Lewis for proudly representing CCW in soccer, and to Indi and Isabelle for their efforts in netball. Well done to all!

Facilities Update

Hall Refurbishment Update

Our long-awaited hall refurbishment is in its final stages, and we’re hopeful it will be ready this week – and we were able to host our assembly in the hall today.

This has been a major project led by the Diocesan Facilities and Special Projects team, made possible through funding avenues like the building levy on parent fees.

What’s New?

• Structural repairs
• New entrance doors and disability access
• Stage upgrades – new stairs, curtains, lighting, and sound system
• 400 brand-new chairs on storage rollers
• Fresh paint and flooring throughout
• Music Room transformation with acoustic paneling, carpet, and tech upgrades

Final touches are happening this week, including the installation of the lighting desk and visor shade over the music room windows on Thursday.

We’re also hoping Mrs. Tantos can can hold classes in the Music Room from Friday.

Playground Update

The Play Equipment and project are still under review with the Diocesan Facilities Team and Assistant Head of Schools. Following a meeting last week, I hope to have some news on developments soon. Thank you for your patience and support.

Dates and Reminders