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Pope Francis (born Jorge Mario Bergoglio; 17 December 1936 – 21 April 2025)
As a Catholic community, we are saddened to hear the news that Pope Francis has passed away. He was a kind and caring leader who brought hope and love to many people all around the world. Pope Francis became the head of the Catholic Church on March 13th, 2013 and served with great love and kindness until he died on Easter Monday, 21st April.
As Pope, he showed great kindness to those who needed help the most — including people who were poor, sick, in prison, or without a safe place to live. He treated everyone with respect and reminded us all how important it is to care for others, no matter who they are or where they come from.
Even in the last week of his life, Pope Francis continued to show his deep care for others by visiting people in prison. He always stood up for fairness and tried to make the world a better place for everyone, including Indigenous people and others whose voices often go unheard.
We remember Pope Francis with love and gratitude. We hope to keep his spirit alive by continuing his work of love, kindness, and helping others.
We offer our prayers and sympathy to everyone who is feeling this loss. Please join us in keeping Pope Francis in your thoughts and prayers during this special time. May he rest in peace.
Happy Easter to our St Catherine’s families
On Tuesday, 1st April we gathered as a school community to pray for Pope Francis and celebrate the season of Easter. Thank you to our Year 6 Learning and Earth & Spirit Leaders for leading us in prayer, reflection and celebration. We finished Term one with a Stations of the Cross Prayer Service where we remembered and reflected on the journey Jesus undertook in the lead up to his crucifixion on Good Friday. Now we celebrate Easter and Jesus rising from the dead. God sent his son Jesus to give his life for us and show us that we need to open the doors of our hearts to love others as God loves us.
Thank you to families for their generosity in raising $200 for Caritas during Lent. Thank you to Joshua, Medina and Lily (Year 6 Earth & Spirit Leaders) for helping to organise and MC the Easter Hat & Crazy Hair parade during the last week of term. Thank you to the P&F for organising another successful Easter Raffle to raise funds for our school community.
Year 6 Family Sacramental Workshop 6-7pm Wednesday, 30th April
Venue- St Catherine’s Learning Hub
We invite families to attend the Confirmation Workshop with their child. This is the initial information session in preparation for receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation in Term 3. It’s important to attend as important information will be discussed and families will have opportunities to ask questions.
Sunday 18th May- 10.30am Confirmation Presentation Mass (St Catherine’ Church)
Thursday 24th July- Confirmation Reflection Day & Meet Bishop Tony Ireland (St Peter’s School)
Sunday 27th July- 2.00pm Confirmation (St Patrick’s Cathedral- Melbourne)
Wednesday 23rd July- 6.00pm Eucharist Family Workshop (Learning Hub)
Sunday 3rd August- 10.30am Eucharist Presentation Mass (St Catherine’ Church)
Wednesday 6th August- Eucharist Reflection Day (At school)
Sunday 24th August- 10.30am First Eucharist (St Catherine’ Church)
2025 Student Shout Outs!
Please email me if your child has achieved an amazing milestone either individually or with their team. We will showcase them in our newsletter. Please include a photo of your child showing off their award/trophy/certificate etc. Please note we cannot add team photos to the newsletter as we don't have photo permission for the team members.
Shout out to Liam, who participated in the Chelsea Cup before Easter with his team Sandringham U9 Raiders and they won the cup defeating 5 teams.
Liams scored 3 goals during the tournament. Well done!!!
ANZAC DAY COMMEMORATION
ANZAC Day – A Time to Remember
ANZAC Day is a very special day in Australia and New Zealand. On this day, we remember the brave soldiers who landed at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915, during the First World War. We also think about and honour all the men and women who have served our country in wars, peacekeeping missions, and other important roles.
ANZAC Day is a time for us to reflect on the courage, strength, and mateship shown by the Anzacs (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps), and how their spirit still lives on today.
At school, we teach our students the importance of showing respect, being grateful for our freedom, and understanding the value of peace. Lest we forget.
Thank you to Mrs Harvey and the 5/6AH students for preparing and leading the ANZAC Day commemoration with grace and respect last Thursday afternoon. Thank you to our parents for making time to join us.
Changes to our morning and afternoon routines in Term 2
Morning routine
To eliminate the congestion in the courtyard before school, a new morning routine has begun
- Morning supervision starts at 8:40 a.m. (as always).
- Students will put their bags on their class line when they arrive at school (like on Monday mornings for our Walking Club).
- The gate to the courtyard will be opened at 8:40 a.m. for students to put their bikes/scooters in the bike shed.
- All children will remain on the asphalt area until the music plays at 8:55 a.m. at which point teachers will collect their students and walk them into class.
- If raining/wet on arrival at school- students will be directed straight to their classrooms.
* If you need to drop your child/children to school earlier than 8:40 a.m., please book them into Before School Care.
** Parents are welcome to walk their children into the classroom if necessary. However, we kindly ask that you please leave promptly when the bell rings at 9:00 a.m, so that teachers can begin roll call and lessons on time.
Afternoon routine
Children will line up at the end of the school day to ensure a safe, organised, and efficient dismissal process. The dismissal bell will ring at 3:20 p.m. (as usual).
- We kindly ask that parents come to the teacher to collect their child. For safety reasons, students will only be dismissed once a parent or guardian has checked in with the teacher
- Students who are leaving independently should inform their teacher before leaving.
- Students who bring bikes or scooters will remain in line until the bell rings, at which point they will make their way to the bike shed. Parents of younger children are kindly asked to come to the teacher to collect their child.
Playground Upgrades
A very exciting thing has occurred over the school holidays in the courtyard gardens. A Dinosaur and Fairy Land have appeared. Thank you to Kath Barca, Sandra Renehan and Paula Hamilton for making this magic happen. The children have had lots of fun exploring these new play spaces.
Staffing updates
Marissa Joseph
Marissa is currently volunteering at St Catherine’s. She is working across the school supporting students. She will be with us for a few weeks.
Angela Murphy
Angela has been employed (Educational Support) to cover staff Long Service leave as well as to give additional support to students. She will initially be working in 1/2HB and 5/6JD. Angela starts this Wednesday and has a contract until the end of October.
Message from Angela
Hello, my name is Angela, and I'm really excited to join the team at St. Catherine's! I'm originally from South Africa, and I'm in Melbourne studying a Master of Teaching. I spent two years in South Korea teaching English and fell in love with teaching! I'm really passionate about education, and I'm so grateful to be able to learn more while contributing to the learning of the children at the school!
ADVANCE NOTICE
Remaining 2025 School Closure days
Term 2
Week 7 Friday 6th June
Term 3
Week 9 Friday 19th September
Term 4
Week 5 Monday 3rd November (Day before Melbourne Cup Day)
Week 7 Friday 21st November
Last day of school for 2025
Week 11 - Yr 6 Monday 15th December @ 3:20 p.m.
Week 11 - Foundation - Year 5 & Staff 16th December @ 3:20 p.m.
Term 2 Dates
Week 2
Monday 28th April - Walking club @ 8:40 a.m.
Monday 28th April - School choir @ 1:45 p.m.
Tuesday 29th April - Playgroup 9-11
Tuesday 29th April - Chess club @ 1:45 p.m.
Wednesday 30th April - Beginning of term mass (Families welcome) @ 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday 30th April- Confirmation Family Workshop @ 6:00 p.m.
Thursday 2nd May- HOLT Cross Country (Select Yr 3-6 students) @ Bald Hill Park, Clarinda, time tbc
Thursday 2nd May - Playgroup 9-11
Friday 3rd May- HOLT Interschool Sport (Yr 5/6 students & select Yr 4 students) @ St Mary’s, East St Kilda, 1:00 p.m. start (netball St Mary’s, football St Mary’s college oval, Alma Park)
Week 3
Monday 5th May - Walking club @ 8:40 a.m.
Monday 5th May - School choir @ 1:45 p.m.
Monday 5th May - Student voice @ 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday 6th May - Playgroup 9-11
Tuesday 6th May - Chess club @ 1:45 p.m.
Tuesday 6th May - After hours school tour @ 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Tuesday 6th May - P&F meeting at school @ 7:30 p.m.
Thursday 8th May - Running club @ 8:15 a.m.
Thursday 8th May - Playgroup 9-11
Thursday 8th May- Mother’s day Stall (Hall)@ 2:15 p.m.
Friday 9th May- HOLT Interschool Sport (Yr 5/6 students & select Yr 4 students) @ St Catherine’s v St James, 1:00 p.m. start (netball St Catherine’s, football Rowan’s Rd footy oval)
Friday 9th May- School Disco @ 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Sunday 11th May- Mother’s Day ❤️
Week 4: National Families Week Australia
Monday 12th May - Walking club @ 8:40 a.m.
Monday 12th May - Family Week Activity @ 9:00-10:30 a.m.
Monday 12th May - School choir @ 1:45 p.m.
Tuesday 13th May - Playgroup 9-11
Tuesday 13th May - Chess club @ 1:45 p.m.
Tuesday 13th May - School Open Day @ 9:30-11:00
Thursday 15th May - Running club @ 8:15 a.m.
Thursday 15th May - Playgroup 9-11
Friday 16th May- HOLT Interschool Sport (Yr 5/6 students & select Yr 4 students) @ St Agnes, Highett, 1:00 p.m. start (netball St Agnes, football Peterson Street oval)
Sunday 18th May- Confirmation Presentation Mass (Year 6 confirmation students) @ 10:30 a.m.
Week 5:
Monday 19th May - Walking club @ 8:40 a.m.
Monday 19th May - School choir @ 1:45 p.m.
Monday 19th May - Student voice @ 3:00 p.m.
Monday 19th May - SAC Meeting at school @ 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Tuesday 20th May - Playgroup 9-11
Tuesday 20th May - Chess club @ 1:45 p.m.
Wednesday 21st May - Year 1/2 and Year 5 parish mass (Families welcome) @10:00
Wednesday 21st May - Simultaneous Storytime @ 12 noon - The Truck Cat
Thursday 22nd May - Running club @ 8:15 a.m.
Thursday 22nd May - Playgroup 9-11
Friday 23rd May- HOLT Soccer (Selected Yr 3-6 students) @ Caulfield Park, corner of Balaclava and Hawthorn Road - time tbc
Week 6: Reconciliation Week
Monday 26th May - Walking club @ 8:40 a.m.
Monday 26th May - Sorry Day prayer service (Families welcome) @ 10:40 a.m.
Monday 26th May - School choir @ 1:45 p.m.
Tuesday 27th May - Playgroup 9-11
Tuesday 27th May - Chess club @ 1:45 p.m.
Wednesday 28th May- Yr 5/6 Camp- ‘The Ranch’ Mornington
Thursday 29th May- Yr 5/6 Camp- ‘The Ranch’ Mornington
Thursday 29th May - Playgroup 9-11
Friday 30th May- Yr 5/6 Camp- ‘The Ranch’ Mornington
Week 7
Monday 2nd June - Walking club @ 8:40 a.m.
Monday 2nd June - School choir @ 1:45 p.m.
Monday 2nd June - Student voice @ 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday 3rd June - Playgroup 9-11
Tuesday 3rd June - Chess club @ 1:45 p.m.
Wednesday 4th June - Foundation / Year 6 parish mass (Families welcome) @ 10:00
Thursday 5th June - Running club @ 8:15 a.m.
Thursday 5th June - Playgroup 9-11
Friday 6th June- School Closure Day
Week 8
Monday 9th June - King’s birthday public holiday
Tuesday 10h June - Playgroup 9-11
Tuesday 10th June - Chess club @ 1:45 p.m.
Tuesday 10th June - P&F meeting at school @ 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Thursday 8th June - Playgroup 9-11
Thursday 8th June- HOLT Netball Lightning Premiership (Year 5/6) @ time and venue tbc
Week 9
Monday 16th June - Walking club @ 8:40 a.m.
Monday 16th June - School choir @ 1:45 p.m.
Monday 16th June - Student voice @ 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday 17th June - Playgroup 9-11
Tuesday 17th June - Chess club @ 1:45 p.m.
Wednesday 18th June - Year 3/4 parish mass (Families welcome) @ 10:00 a.m.
Thursday 19th June - Running club @ 8:15 a.m.
Thursday 19th June - Playgroup 9-11
Thursday 19th June - 5/6 Learning assembly
Week 10
Monday 23rd June - Walking club @ 8:40 a.m.
Monday 23rd June - School choir @ 1:45 p.m.
Tuesday 24th June - Playgroup 9-11
Tuesday 24th June - Chess club @ 1:45 p.m.
Thursday 26th June - Running club @ 8:15 a.m.
Thursday 26th June - Playgroup 9-11
Friday 27th June- Semester 1 Reports sent home
Week 11
Monday 30th June - Walking club @ 8:40 a.m.
Monday 30th June - School choir @ 1:45 p.m.
Monday 30th June - Student voice @ 3:00 p.m.
Monday 30th June - Parent / Student / Teacher meeting
Tuesday 1st July - Playgroup 9-11
Tuesday 1st July - Chess club @ 1:45 p.m.
Tuesday 1st July - Parent / Student / Teacher meeting
Thursday 3rd July - Running club @ 8:15 a.m.
Thursday 3rd July - Playgroup 9-11
Friday 4th July- Last day of Term 2 @ 3:20 p.m. (Term 3 begins Monday 21st July)
You're invited to our National Families Week school event on Monday, 12th May, from 9:00 a.m. to approximately 10:50 a.m.
During the morning, your family will collaborate on a special piece of art to be displayed in our 2025 Art Show, alongside other fun and engaging activities.
To help us organise family groupings and ensure we have enough resources, kindly let us know how many adults from your family will be attending. Please note that your child will still take part in the activity even if you're unable to attend.
On the day, please make your way to our asphalt area by 9:00 a.m. Instructions will be provided from there.
Thank you
St Catherine's staff
Welcome back from 3/4JB!
Welcome to Term 2! We've had a fantastic and meaningful start to the term in 3/4JB.
This week began with a focus on ANZAC Day, helping students understand the significance of this important day in Australian history. Through stories, discussions and creative activities, students showed great curiosity and respect as they learned about the bravery, sacrifice and legacy of the ANZACs. It was a powerful way to begin the term and connect with our shared history.
We’ve also launched our new class novel for literacy, The Iron Man by Ted Hughes.
Students are already hooked! The story begins with mystery and suspense, and we’ll be using the text to explore a range of reading strategies, vocabulary, and comprehension skills over the coming weeks. It’s a fantastic piece of literature that’s sure to spark imagination and inspire thoughtful discussions.
As part of our maths learning this week, 3/4JB explored fractions through the fun and practical process of baking! To tie in with our ANZAC Day learning, we made ANZAC biscuits, which were a delicious hit with everyone. Using measuring cups, students discovered how fractions work in real life, for example, how many ¼ cups make a whole cup. They worked collaboratively to measure, mix, and bake, applying their fraction knowledge in a meaningful and tasty way. After baking, students wrote out the recipe and a paragraph about the history of ANZAC biscuits, combining numeracy, literacy, and historical learning in one engaging experience. It was a wonderful way to bring learning to life!
Honouring Pope Francis
With the sad news of Pope Francis' passing on Easter Monday, students in 3/4JB were eager to learn more about his life, his kindness, and the impact he had on people and the world. We explored his important role in the Catholic Church, the values he stood for, and the many ways he helped others and cared for creation. Students were particularly fascinated by the voting process to elect a new Pope, learning about the role of the Cardinals and the tradition of the Sistine Chapel. To deepen their understanding, the class even took part in a mock conclave, simulating the election process themselves an eye-opening and interactive way to appreciate how intense and important this responsibility is. As a tribute, students created Thank You cards using Canva, which will be sent to Vatican City in Rome this week. It was a meaningful and reflective learning experience for all.
Hello St Catherine’s Families,
We’re excited to share that the Year 12 students from OLSH VM, together with the Year 6 leaders at St Catherine’s, are launching the Container Deposit Scheme as a fundraiser to support new playground equipment for our school. This initiative is also part of the House competition!
How does it work?
You have two easy options:
- At School – Bring in your uncrushed and rinsed cans and drop them into your house-coloured bin, located near the office entrance.
- At a Collection Point – Take your cans and bottles directly to a Container Deposit location, such as South Rd, Moorabbin or the Waves carpark.
Simply use the code, by selecting 'enter zone id' c2000057651
You can also spread the word—grandparents, neighbours, and friends are welcome to donate too! Just forward this information to them so they can help support our cause.
We’ll be sharing more details soon, but in the meantime, start collecting those eligible cans and bottles. If every student donates just 6 items a week for 10 weeks, we could raise around $500!
For more details on how to return containers, visit:
? https://cdsvic.org.au/how-to-make-a-return
Thank you for your support!
Abbey Walters
Awebster@olsh.vic.edu.au
PnF 2025
