Term 1, Week 10 2025

From the Principal

End of Term 1 Easter Message

As we approach the final weeks of this school term, it’s a good time to reflect on the messages of hope that we find in both the story of the Prodigal Son from this weeks Gospel story and the Easter narrative. In the Parable of the Prodigal Son, we are reminded of the power of forgiveness and the joy that comes from returning home. Despite his mistakes and waywardness, the son is welcomed back with open arms by his father, symbolizing the unconditional love and grace that is always available to us. Just as the son found hope in his return, we too can find comfort in the idea that no matter what challenges or setbacks we face, there is always an opportunity to begin anew and be embraced with love and understanding.

This message of hope is echoed in the Easter story, where Jesus’ resurrection offers the ultimate reminder that even in the darkest of times, new life and transformation are possible. Easter is a celebration of renewal and second chances, reminding us that every day is an opportunity to move forward, to grow, and to embrace the future with confidence. As we head into the final weeks of the term and towards Easter, let us carry with us the hope that we can all overcome struggles, learn from our experiences, and celebrate the promise of new beginnings. May this season inspire us all to embrace the spirit of hope, renewal, and grace in every aspect of our lives.

Playground Area

We would like to kindly remind all families that the playground is not available for play before school hours between 8.20 and 8.45am. It is important to ensure a safe and monitored environment for all students as they enter school each day and a member of the Leadership team is on duty in the Quad each morning. Cones will be placed across the walkway from the end of the building to the cubby house to help make this a visual reminder for everyone.

While we wholeheartedly encourage family connection and community engagement, we ask that families please be mindful that the playground is used by our Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) program starting at 3:30 pm. In order to allow OSHC staff to effectively monitor and support the children in their care, we would greatly appreciate it if families could move from the playground area by 3:30 pm, when the back gate closes. This will help ensure a smooth transition and safety for all children involved. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

New Lunch Option Trial for Term 2

During Term 2 we will be trialing an extra lunch order optionon Fridays from a company called Juicy Sweet, located in Glenelg. They already provide a lunch menu to St Mary’s Memorial, OLOG and McAuley Schools. The options include items such as Fried Rice, Pad Thai, Spring Rolls, Chicken Curry, Dumplings, Sushi and Stir Fry as well as usual options of Hot Dogs, Sausage Rolls and Drinks. This will be available on the Qkr app beginning Week 1 and the cut off to order is Friday at 8.45am.

PUPIL FREE DAY Reminder 11th April

Please ensure you have marked this in your calendar and arranged care if you require it on this day. Camp Australia is available for bookings if families require care.

Term 2 Staffing Update

Teresa Pascoe will be taking well-deserved long service leave for Term 2. During this time, we are fortunate to have some of our skilled and familiar staff step into key roles to ensure a smooth and successful term for our students.

Annette Denton will be stepping into the role of Acting REC (Religious Education Coordinator) for one day a week throughout the term.
Alina Choy will be joining Year 6 to cover Annette’s teaching duties, ensuring continuity and support for the students.
Bec Wood will be taking on the teaching responsibilities for Science over two days each week, in place of Digital Technologies, further strengthening our curriculum offering.

We are deeply grateful to Annette, Alina, and Bec for their willingness to take on these additional responsibilities, and we have full confidence in their ability to support and enrich the learning experience for all of our students during Term 2.

Warm regards,

Jo Livingstone
Acting Principal

From the APRIM

As we move towards the end of the term Easter begins to become more than a date but a physical presence in our lives. In classes we are learning about the events of Holy Week and the reason for Easter- Jesus’ Resurrection.

Holy Week occurs in 2025 during the first week of the school holidays. At school we will commemorate the events with prayer each day in Week 11.

Palm Sunday we commemorate Jesus going into Jerusalem on a donkey for the celebration of Passover.

Holy Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday We hear the recount of Jesus’s final instructions to his apostles and the clearing of the temple.

Holy Thursday marks the Last Supper, where Jesus ate with his disciples often called the Last Supper. It also commemorates a lesson Jesus taught that we should be humble and ready to wash each other’s feet as a sign that we are all equal. Some churches celebrate with a foot-washing ceremony.

Good Friday is the day on which Jesus was put to death on the cross. Christians believe that he sacrificed his own life so that everyone could be forgiven for their sins. Catholic Easter week services are held on Good Friday, although some people mark the day by fasting. It is a day of sorrow, so traditionally, church bells don’t ring, and altars are left undecorated.

Holy Saturday is the day on which Lent traditionally ends. It marks the final day of Jesus’ death, which he spent resting in his tomb.

Easter Sunday Jesus’ resurrection.

To commemorate the major event of Holy Week the Year 6 class will lead us through the Stations of the Cross. This is a powerful re-enactment and open to ALL members of the community. I invite you to attend and take the time to reflect on the season and on our lead to the joy that is Jesus’ Resurrection.

Please be in the school hall by 2.25pm Thursday 10th ready for the commencement at 2.35pm.

FAREWELL FATHER PRATHAP

Since 2023 we have been fortunate to get to know Father Prathap through his care for our students and his dedication to our community through our school masses. The archbishop restructures the placement of priests early each year and he has placed Fr. Prathap within Mount Gambier starting after Easter 2025. As a community we have thank Fr. Prathp during his last mass with us on Friday with a large card and small gift. He will continue to say Mass at St Joseph’s and St Martin de Porres for the next couple of weeks if you wish to thank him personally.

EASTER EGG RAFFLE AND SIGNIFICANCE

Here at CTK we encourage our students to see the easter egg as a symbol of the empty tomb. That means when we receive them on Easter Sunday and crack them open, we think of Jesus’s empty tomb and that means Easter Sunday is a day of great JOY and celebration.

To add to the JOY, we hold our annual and joyous Easter Egg Raffle. A heartfelt thank you all those who have contributed to the raffle by selling tickets or donating eggs.

We will gather in the courtyard on Wednesday at 2.30pm, please come along and support this P&F event.

HOLY WEEK AND EASTER MASS TIMES- ST JOSEPH’S PARISH

Palm Sunday – 12th/13th April

• Saturday Vigil Mass – 6:00 PM

• Sunday Mass – 8:30 AM & 10:00 AM

Monday of Holy Week

• Chrism Mass at St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral – 6:00 PM

Tuesday of Holy Week

• Reconciliation – 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon

• Mass – 12:00 Noon

Wednesday of Holy Week

• Reconciliation – 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon

• Mass – 6:30 PM

Holy Thursday

• Reconciliation – 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon

• Mass of the Lord’s Supper – 7:30 PM

• Vigil at the Altar of Repose follows

• Night Prayer – 9:30 PM

Good Friday

• Liturgy of the Hours – 9:30 AM

• Stations of the Cross at St. Joseph’s – 10:00 AM

• Passion of the Lord – 3:00 PM

Holy Saturday

• Easter Vigil Mass – 7:30 PM

Easter Sunday

• Mass – 8:30 AM & 10:00 AM

PROJECT COMPASSION NEWS

In each newsletter during Lent, I will highlight a story of those we are helping with our awareness and fundraising.

Irene lives in a remote village in the Kongolo Region in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Life hasn’t been easy for Irene. After losing her father in a war, Irene and her family were forced to flee their home. Life became even more challenging when her husband left, leaving Irene to raise her 2 children alone. Without finishing her education and with few job opportunities in her village, she struggled to provide even the basics for her family.

Things began to change when Irene joined the Youth Capacity Strengthening Program (YCSP), run by Caritas Kongolo with the support of Caritas Australia. Through the program, Irene learned sewing skills and was provided with a sewing machine and fabric. Irene also gained farming skills. Now, she grows enough food to feed her family and even shares her sewing knowledge by mentoring other women in her community.

“Before, women depended on men's income, but now, with our sewing skills, we can take care of ourselves,” Irene said.

Your support of Project Compassion helps women like Irene to create brighter futures for themselves and their families.

Will you stand in solidarity with people like Irene this Lent?

You can support Project Compassion 2025 through the donation boxes, envelopes or by scanning the QR code above.
Or online at: caritas.org.au/project-compassion
Or by calling: 1800 024 413

TAKING SOME LEAVE

This will be my last newsletter insert for a while. I have finally listened to the powers that be and am taking some Long Service Leave for Term 2. This is my first significant amount of leave since 2006 and my husband and I are looking forward to some travel, reconnection with family and of course making inroads into the large stack of books on my bedside cabinet.

Making my choice to take the leave has ben made easier with Annette Denton stepping into my shoes for a day a week throughout the term. Annette brings a wealth of experience and will continue with masses/prayer/sacraments and be very able to answer any questions you may have.

So, during the upcoming Easter break, whether you are greeting the sunrise from a campsite, sharing a meal with family from afar, driving a long way, digging the garden, painting a wall or hiding with a good book I wish you a joyous and restful Easter and look forward to catching up with all on my return.

Teresa Pascoe

Assistant Principal, Religious Identity and Mission