From the Principal
Dear Parents and Carers,
It is a pleasure and a privilege to be part of such a dynamic and vibrant College community and to have the chance to report on just some of the experiences the students have participated in since our last newsletter.
One of the most exciting aspects of joining the College is supporting the Secondary students as they explore their future aspirations. It is a great strength of St Anne’s College that our teachers are so passionate about giving the students a wide range of opportunities to open their minds as to what careers may be possible for them in the future. The wider Temora community is also committed to these goals, making many opportunities available.
Last week we welcomed Ruby Lucas from Work Pathways who addressed the Yr 10 and 11 students on the upcoming work placement program. It is great to know our students will be so well supported throughout this process and we look forward to their feedback on their experiences.
Last week, 4 Yr 10 and 11 students participated in the Made for a Trade program organsied by TAFE. The students spent the week at TAFE experiencing and learning skills in tiling, welding, plumbing, brick laying and welding. This was a fantastic opportunity for them to gain on the job insight into the various trades, and what may excite them as a future career prospect.
Thank you to Mrs Harper (Careers Advisor), Mr Gaynor (VET Coordinator) and all the Secondary Staff for their enthusiasm, expertise and commitment to supporting St Anne’s senior students.
Driving Simulator
Thank you to the Temora Rotary Club and the representatives from the Young branch for giving our senior students the opportunity to test their driving skills and learn about safe driving practices using the Driving Simulator last week. This was an excellent experience with life-long learnings achieved.
Clean Up Australia Day
Thanks to St Anne’s Students and teachers who were out in force on Friday 28th February cleaning up our corner of Australia! Despite the boiling hot day, everyone got into the spirit of the occasion – well done students!
Shrove Tuesday
The students enjoyed a special breakfast of pancakes on Tuesday morning. Thanks to Mrs Williams and the staff and helpers for making this possible.
Ash Wednesday
Thank you to Fr Alex and Mrs Gaynor for organizing the Ash Wednesday service this week. Ash Wednesday is a holy day that signifies the beginning of Lent. The Ash Wednesday Service was held at 10.15am with parents and carers welcomed to join the students. Ash Wednesday marks the entry into a season of spiritual preparation for Holy Week, which culminates in Easter. The day affirms that we are dust, as ashes are literally spread in a cross on our foreheads. The cross represents Jesus and how he has redeemed us. We are encouraged to seek repentance with humble hearts and prepare for his gift.
St Anne’s Community Council – Open Meeting and AGM – Tuesday 18th March
All St Anne’s Parents, Carers and Friends are invited to the St Anne’s Community Council Open Meeting and AGM. During this meeting, attendees will learn about the activities planned for the year, have the opportunity to give feedback and suggestions, and also have the chance to put their hand up to support the various activities. Also, we will share the improvement areas the College will be focusing on in 2025.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank sincerely two members of the Council who will be stepping down this year:
It is my honour to extend the gratitude of the school community to Mr Duncan McCrone who has lead the Council with great expertise, enthusiasm and commitment for three years. His term as Chair has been particularly effective and significant as the College transitioned to offer Year 11 and 12 and transitioned to a new model of governance. Thank you, Duncan, on behalf of the St Anne’s Community!
Treasurer Cassie Coddington has also been instrumental in these processes and given dedicated service for seven years to the College. Thank you to Cassie too for giving her time and expertise to the College through serving on the Community Council.
The Annual General Meeting and election of new members to the Executive Council will also take place during this meeting. If you are interested in joining this dynamic and dedicated group, please complete the attached Expression of Interest or drop by the Office and let us know. Please click below for the EOI.
NAPLAN – 2025
NAPLAN Tests will commence on Wednesday 12th March. Please see information for Parents and Carers later in this newsletter. Thank you!
School Photos
Scheduled for Tuesday 18th March, please ensure the students are dressed neatly in full school uniform. For those who may like a family photo, please make your request as indicated later in the newsletter. Thanks!
Parent and Teacher Interviews
Another important upcoming date is the first session of Parent and Teacher Interviews for 2025. Primary interviews will be scheduled Tuesday 1st and Wednesday 2nd April 3.30 – 6.00pm. Secondary interviews will be scheduled on Wednesday 2nd April 3.30 – 7.00pm. Please mark these dates on your calendars. More details and a booking form to follow via Compass.
Catholic Leaders’ Retreat
All Principals from across the Archdiocese will be attending the Catholic Leaders’ Retreat this week from Tuesday 4 – 7 March in Bowral. Mrs Geraldine Holland geraldine.holland@cg.catholic.edu.au will be Acting Principal in my absence. Please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Holland during this period.
In Conclusion
It was a great pleasure to attend the Kindy Parent Social at the Bowling Club on Friday 28th February. Parents and teachers had a great time meeting old and new friends and participating in competition and games organised by Ms Barrett. Jordan did a great job of all the organisation for the evening, thank you!
With best wishes and Lenten blessings to you all,
Mrs Louise Grant
Principal
FAST THIS LENT
In the words of Pope Francis
Fast from hurting words and say kind words.
Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.
Fast from anger and be filled with patience.
Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.
Fast from worries and have trust in God.
Fast from complaints; contemplate simplicity.
Fast from pressures and be prayerful.
Fast from bitterness; fill your hearts with joy.
Fast from selfishness and be compassionate.
Fast from grudges and be reconciled.
Fast from words; be silent and listen.