Lord, as we enter this second week of our Lenten journey, guide us on the path that leads to you. Fill our hearts with gratitude, patience, strength and peace. Help us to grow closer to you this Lent through the practice of prayer. In your name we pray, Amen.

Dear Friends,

With the upcoming 2024 enrolment period for Canberra's Catholic and Independent Schools on the horizon, it's a pivotal time for Holy Trinity Primary School to share and celebrate the unique and enriching educational journey we offer. As we embrace this crucial phase, our focus is on highlighting the exceptional opportunities available within our Catholic school system, showcasing our proud history, distinctive ethos, and the comprehensive achievements of our community.

At Holy Trinity, we strive to be more than just a place of learning. We see ourselves as a community for learning where every student, from our Early Learning Centre (ELC) to Year 6, is deeply valued. Our mission goes beyond academic excellence to reflect all aspects of school life, encompassing a holistic educational approach with a strong focus on leadership and well being, enriching technology, sports, and focused community engagement. Our educational philosophy is brought to life through smaller class sizes, ensuring personalised attention and a nurturing environment for each student, within a Catholic school setting. 

We are particularly proud of the variety of opportunities we offer beyond the traditional classroom. Our Year 5 and 6 Student Leadership program, evidence-based year-long inquiries, and external opportunities like Tournament of Minds, Maths Olympiad, and Da Vinci Decathlon allow our students to extend their learning, think creatively, and engage in collaborative problem-solving. These initiatives are just a brief example of our commitment to fostering a well-rounded education, cultivating leadership skills, and enhancing student well being.

We acknowledge some parents may have concerns regarding schooling options, particularly for boys around Year 4. Contrary to some misconceptions, we have observed a positive trend of boys continuing their education with us beyond Year 3, attracted by our comprehensive educational offerings and the vibrant community spirit. Moreover, we have consistently communicated that no graduate from Holy Trinity has ever missed out on enrolling in a Catholic high school for Year 7, emphasising our successful preparation for their next academic chapter.

Holy Trinity thrives on open dialogue and community engagement, ensuring parents can make well-informed decisions about their children's education. We respect each family's unique aspirations for their children and are committed to providing the necessary support and information to navigate this important decision-making process.

As we look to the future, we invite you to join the conversations that highlight the unique strengths and opportunities Holy Trinity offers. Our unwavering commitment to developing well-rounded, confident, and caring individuals is at the heart of our educational mission. If you have any questions or wish to discuss further what Holy Trinity can offer your child, please do not hesitate to reach out to me personally, either via email, or a meeting which can be booked through Nikki at the front office. I certainly have an "open door' policy and do not place any judgements on decisions made by families for their children. However, I would not like to see families make choices based on fear tactics or misinformation.  

Treasure hunt competition for families  

Catholic school families are invited to enter a treasure hunt competition being run by Catholic Schools Guide. The winner will receive $2000 worth of school fees, and runners up will receive Roblox vouchers.

Details: catholicschoolsguidecomm.au/competition   

Promotional flyer: https://drivegoogleecomm/file/d/10-K5rLdiMJreD2Y82J003Ztz76ZQJV65/viewuspp=drive_link

For most of next week, I will be attending the Archdiocesan Catholic Leaders meeting and Retreat.  I know that the school will be in capable hands with Prue and Tom -  they will also be facilitating our first Awards Assembly for the year next Friday, 8th March.

Please also keep in your prayers Emily Capper, our Religious Education Coordinator, who will be having surgery again this Friday.  Emily will be on leave for the remainder of the term while she recovers. 

I look forward to seeing our Reconciliation candidates and their families at one of the two nominated Parish Masses this weekend, where the children will be presented to the Parish community- 6 pm Mass Saturday night and 9:30 am Mass Sunday morning.

Have a wonderful weekend and a peace-filled week ahead with your beautiful families.

Philippa

Sacrament of Reconciliation

We continue to keep our Reconciliation candidates in our prayers, particularly as many of our candidates are about to begin preparations through their Reconciliation homegroups. 

Upcoming dates:

• Presentation Masses: Saturday 2nd March 6pm or Sunday 3rd March 9:30am
• Retreat Day: Friday 22nd March
• Sacramental Celebration: Tuesday 7th May 6pm

All children making their First Reconciliation and their families are encouraged to attend the Presentation Masses this weekend at the Holy Trinity Church. Children will be invited up the front with their families so that the parish can pray for their upcoming Sacrament. Weekend Mass times are Saturday at 6pm or Sunday at 9:30am. All are welcome!

Project Compassion

The theme of Project Compassion 2024 is ‘For All Future Generations’ and reminds us that the good we do today impacts the lives of generations to come. It invites us to make the world a better place by working together now and finding long-term solutions to global issues.  We encourage you to put your compassion into action this Lent through prayer, fasting and almsgiving in support of Project Compassion. Each family can send coins in to put in the class Project Compassion box, receive a Project Compassion box and/or a set of envelopes for donations at mass or you can donate online via the Caritas Australia website at: www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion

Welcome to Week 5!

What a wonderful first Stay N Play we had this week. We welcomed Laura and George; Jodie and Tom; and Liz with Archer and Franklin. The boys particularly enjoyed the mud kitchen while Archer showed his great strength by operating the water pump on his own!

As our swimming carnival, scheduled for Week 7 on Friday, March 15th, approaches swiftly, I am reaching out to inquire if any parents would be available to assist during the event. Specifically, we are seeking the support of 10 parents to serve as lane-timers. While CISAC does provide timing pads, it is helpful to have backup timers in place in the event of system malfunctions. Assistance in this capacity will be required between 9:30 am and 12:30 pm, aligning with the conclusion of our swimming program before students transition to the novelty areas.

If you are able to fulfil this important role, please contact me via email, and I will gladly provide further details.

Thank you in advance

We were fortunate at Holy Trinity this week to have the Life Education van visit our school delivering workshops for our students from Kindergarten to Year 5. The modules are aligned to the Australian Curriculum and focused on Health, Relationships, Wellbeing and Cyber Safety. The students were thrilled to meet Harold the giraffe and intrigued to know more about his home in the van.  Life Education’s mission is to empower children to make safer and healthier choices. Please ask you child questions about their visit to the van.

For more information and family resources you can visit this link

https://lifeed.org.au/families/resources-for-parents-carers/

If you would like to purchase any Life Education resources

https://life-education-australia.myshopify.com/

On Monday the 26^th of February, Holy Trinity was lucky enough to welcome some Canberra Raiders players and staff. Players spoke to students in Years 3-6 for an hour in a session called “Simply Your Best” in which students learnt all about how they can be their best self. After which they took photos with students and signed autographs. There were many happy Canberra Raiders supporters at school who were able to meet and talk to their sporting idols.

Important Dates - Linked to School Calendar

*Please note that dates can change through out the term