Emmaus Catholic Primary School

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we step into the most sacred time of the liturgical year, Holy Week, I am filled with both reverence and gratitude for the opportunity to journey together as a faith-filled community. This week marks the culmination of Lent, a period of reflection, repentance, and preparation, leading us to the pinnacle of our Christian faith – the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Holy Week is a time of profound significance for Catholics around the world, and it is our privilege to guide our students through the rich tapestry of events that unfolded over two thousand years ago, events that continue to shape our beliefs and inspire our lives today.

Here is a brief outline of the key events that we observe during Holy Week:

1. Palm Sunday: We commemorate Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where He was welcomed with palm branches by crowds proclaiming, "Hosanna!" This day marks the beginning of Holy Week and invites us to reflect on the humility and majesty of Christ.

2. Holy Thursday: On this day, we remember the Last Supper, where Jesus shared the Passover meal with His disciples, instituting the sacrament of the Eucharist and washing the feet of His followers as a profound act of love and service.

3. Good Friday: Good Friday is a solemn day of remembrance, as we recall the crucifixion and death of Jesus on the Cross. It is a day of fasting, prayer, and contemplation as we meditate on the immense sacrifice made for our redemption.

4. Holy Saturday: This day invites us into a period of quiet anticipation as we await the resurrection of Jesus. It is a time of reflection on the mystery of death and the hope of new life that awaits us.

5. Easter Sunday: The pinnacle of the liturgical year, Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, triumphing over sin and death. It is a day of great joy and hope, as we rejoice in the promise of eternal life.

Over this week and Friday of last week we were fortunate to have our Year 3, 4 and 5/6 classes carry out various re-enactments of Holy Week. The children were very reverent with their presentations as were the whole school community looking on. Many thanks to our teachers for preparing the students and relaying the message to our school community.

I would also like to thank the many parents who attended these re-enactments in good numbers to support our students.

As a school community, let us support one another on this journey, extending grace, compassion, and love to all. May this Holy Week be a time of spiritual renewal and awakening for each of us, as we embrace the abundant blessings of God's grace.

NEW STAFF MEMBER

Some of you may be aware that Mrs Turner will be on maternity leave from Week 3 of Term 2. Obviously, we will say goodbye to Mrs Turner next Term.

I am glad to share with you that Miss Alessia Fraser will be our new Year 2 teacher from Week 3, Term 2. Alessia is currently teaching at St Peter’s Primary School, Inglewood. We wish Alessia a rewarding and happy time at our great school.

STUDENT SCHOOL INSURANCE UPDATE

You may be aware that Catholic Church Insurance (CCI) ceased operating on 31st December 2023. During the course of last year, CEWA finalised the appointment of a new Insurance Broker, Aon, to take CCI’s place from 1st January 2024.

As a result of the insurance market, insurers have increased their premiums and reduced the extent on their cover and/or increased the amount of their deductible. This directly impacts students, caregivers and parents in relation to the Student Accident Policy.

The previous policy provided full coverage worldwide, 24/7. However, the new policy has some specific requirements for a claim to be lodged, including but not limited to:

• The event that triggered the event must be school-related.
• The student will only be covered outside of Australia if it is a school-endorsed activity, eg an overseas school tour.
• Specific high-risk activities are no longer covered.

An Aon Parent Fact Sheet is available for parents who wish for more information. The first point of contact regarding a new insurance claim is still the school.

We have had an ASTRONOMICAL response to our Project Compassion Lenten activity of raising money for the vulnerable in third world countries. The classroom money boxes have been over-flowing!

On top of this, our Year 5/6 class had an amazing idea to hold a school 'Water Walk'. Classes heard the Caritas story of Leaia in Samoa, who, due to no access to clean water in their home, needed to walk kilometers to collect water in buckets for her family. The picture book, 'The Water Princess' was also shared with classes to convey the idea that many in the world do not have access to basic needs as we do in our lucky country.

Thank you to all families and friends who have supported our children in donating to these causes over Lent. We are delighted to inform that you have all raised $3475.40 for Caritas Australia. Wow! Please enjoy a few photos of our Water Walk event.

With many students in Year 3 receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation next term, the Reconciliation Parent / Child Workshops will be held in the first week back next term. Hannah Wager (Sacrament Coordinator) will be making contact in regard to the sessions to attend. One parent is expected to attend with the child. Please take note of details:

• Reconciliation Workshop - Thursday 18th May at 4pm OR 6pm.
• Location: Emmaus Catholic Primary School Hall

Commencing next term, students in Years 1 to 6 transition to their formal winter uniform. Please see the requirements below:

GIRLS

• School jumper / cardigan
• White short sleeve shirt
• School tie
• Girls winter culotte OR winter trousers
• Socks - white unisex socks OR navy blue opaque tights (no leggings)
• Black strapped closed shoes / black lace-up shoes (not sneakers)

BOYS

• School jumper / cardigan
• White short sleeve shirt
• School tie
• Winter trousers OR Summer shorts (formal)
• Socks - navy boys socks
• Black strapped closed shoes / black lace-up shoes (not sneakers)

Please note that there may be a delay in winter stock arriving at JFE Uniforms. There is a two-week transition allowance at Emmaus and therefore winter uniforms do not need to be worn until Week 3. Children can still be fitted at the uniform shop and items ordered to be delivered to school. The next pop-up Uniform Shop at the school will be Mon 29th April from 2:30pm - 3:30pm.

JFE UNIFORM SHOP

Open during school holidays (exc public holidays)

Mon - Thursday 8:00am - 4:00pm

Friday 8:00am - 1:00pm

Unit 1 / 85 Guthrie Street, OSBORNE PARK WA 6017

Telephone: 9204 1701

www.jfe.net.au

(School code - 9641)

The Catholic Performing Arts Festival is held in term three every year. Our Emmaus CPS choir will be part of the festival once again in 2024. For those children who have instrumental and vocal tuition through Focus Music, you will be contacted shortly by Focus Music Administration in regards to your interest in having your child perform as an individual entry. It would be wonderful to have a strong Emmaus representation!

Our students across the grades have engaged in the re-enactments that tell the story of Jesus' last week before his death. Our Year 3, 4 and 5/6 classes have prepared and performed dramatisations for our school audience and Mr Coniglio has led some powerful reflections that have encouraged our students to think about the significance of each of the events of Holy Week: Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter.

As we come to the end of Holy Week and look towards Jesus' resurrection at Easter, we encourage families to continue conversations around the significance of Easter and God's promise of eternal life.

Next term is Cross Country season! In the first half of the term, Mrs Bol will be preparing students for our Cross Country Carnival, leading to the interschool event in Week 6. In preparation, some additional running practice will be offered before school on Fridays. Should your child be interested, meet Mrs Bol at 8:00am on these Fridays of Term 2:

• Week 1 - Friday 19th April
• Week 2 - Friday 26th April
• Week 3 - Friday 3rd May

Our Emmaus ANZAC Day service next term will be held on Wednesday 24th April, commencing after recess at 11:20am. We invite parents, friends and relatives to join as we also welcome representatives from the Bassendean RSL. This year, our P&F will be assisting in organising wreaths for our students to make and use as part of the service. Further information will be given early next term.

Our P&F have worked wonders yet again and recruited a super crew to feed the crowds at Bunnings Ellenbrook, last Saturday. The counting of monies has been finalised as $1,846.55 which will be going towards our school resources. Thank you EVERYONE who came down to support and enjoy a tasty hot dog!

The P&F's next Sausage Sizzle at Bunnings will be on ANZAC Day, once again at Bunnings Ellenbrook. Please head down between 12pm and 4pm to support.

A big THANK YOU to all who donated Easter Eggs for Foodbank and to those who purchased raffle tickets for our GIANT Easter Raffle which was drawn at this morning's assembly. Congratulations to all winners!

Parents, please take note of upcoming P&F events and reminders for next term:

• Grill'd Burgers Community Fundraising. Emmaus will have a jar at Grill'd Midland from 1st April. Buy a burger and pop your token in the Emmaus jar.
• Mother's Day Stall - Wednesday 8th May for 4K and Thursday 9th May for Pre-Primary to Year 6
• Mother's Day Raffle - Friday 10th May at 9am Assembly
• Pyjama Day - Wednesday 5th June for 4K and Friday 7th June for Pre-Primary to Year 6 (please note change of date to previously advertised)
• School Disco - Thursday 27th June

THANK YOU P&F FOR ORGANISING THIS MORNING'S COFFEE VAN AND YUMMY HOT CROSS BUNS!

A BIG "thank you" to all Emmaus families who generously donated Easter Eggs. Food Bank appreciatively accepted our school's donation today.

Parents, there have been some concerns raised by people in our community in regard to Emmaus students riding home independently, but being at near-misses with other users of the footpath and vehicles. Please talk to your children about being vigilant and attentive to cars at the intersections, and pedestrians on paths.

The Term 2 Parent Calendar is attached. Parents, please note that some dates are subject to change, so please check the fortnightly newsletters for updates.

Please click on the attachment below to access Easter services at St Helena of the Holy Cross Parish.

Caversham Suns Junior Football Club registration for the 2024 season is open. Whether you have played AFL before or not, your registration is welcome at Caversham! They will be moving to the Dayton District Open Space in June so they will be very close to school.

See the attachment below for specific information and fee costs.

• Tuesday 16 April: 4KG and 4KB Bunnings Incursion
• Wednesday 17 April: Year 4 and Year 5/6 Feeder School Visit to Holy Cross College
• Thursday 18 April: Reconciliation Workshops 4pm and 6pm
• Friday 19 April: Running Club 8:00am -8:30am
• Friday 19 April: Year 5/6 Assembly 9am
• Monday 22 April: 4KG and 4KB Speech Screening commences
• Monday 22 April: 4KG and 4KB West Oz Incursion
• Tuesday 23 April: Memory Cafe (ANZAC Day) and Morning Tea - Year 5/6
• Wednesday 24 April: ANZAC wreath making and ANZAC Day service 11:20am
• Thursday 25 April: ANZAC Day - No school
• Friday 26 April: Running Club 8:00 - 8:30am
• Friday 26 April: Year 3,4 and 5/6 Scitech Excursion
• Friday 26 April: Term overviews sent to parents

The next newsletter and first for Term 2 will be distributed on Friday 26 April.

Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed Holy Week filled with the peace and joy of Christ's presence at Easter.

God bless.

Sandro Coniglio

Principal