Orana Catholic Primary School

RESPECT GENEROSITY EXCELLENCE

Generosity is giving and sharing. It is giving freely.

It is seeing a chance to give what you have and then giving just for the joy of giving.

A Mother’s love is something that no one can explain,

It is made of deep devotion and of sacrifice and pain,

It is endless and unselfish and enduring come what may,

For nothing can destroy it or take that love away,

It is patient and forgiving when all others are forsaking,

And it never fails or falters even though the heart is breaking,

It believes beyond believing when the world around condemns,

And it glows with all the beauty of the rarest, brightest gems,

It is far beyond defining, it defies all explanation,

And it still remains a secret like the mysteries of creation,

A many splendored miracle man cannot understand

And another wondrous evidence

of God’s tender guiding hand.

Dear Parents and Carers,

This Sunday is a special one! It's the time of year when we stop to acknowledge the wonderful role that all Mothers (and grandmas) play in our lives. Every one of us will have a different reason as to why our mums play such an important role in our lives. Whatever the reason, this is the perfect opportunity to thank her for all she does.

As a State, we have worked together to see 0 number of new cases of COVID-19 in the last 8 days and whilst there are bound to be little bumps, the numbers are pleasing to see. There has been a significant financial and emotional cost to this pandemic, however, as our confidence increases and the number of restrictions reduce, we will return to a more 'normal' way of life. As I write this newsletter, I have been thinking about the things I have really missed. The connection between family and friends is #1 on the list, all the other things I enjoyed when time permitted, were just icing on the cake. We have adapted to the current conditions and technology certainly has played a big role in helping people maintain connection.

At school, we continue to implement routines to ensure the ongoing safety of our students. Your support in following the new drop and pick up routines has been greatly appreciated. Staff have introduced a number of different practises to do their best to keep students safe. Parents and Carers are reminded that it is essential for students to bring water bottles with them each day as the water fountains are for refilling purposes only. Staff have been calling students at home to touch base with them just to chat and see how they are going. They certainly enjoy hearing their voices and are looking forward to their return in the not too distant future we hope.

The number of students attending school continues to grow and I believe that a return to face to face teaching won't be too far off. CEWA will meet shortly to discuss the next step for schools. If you are returning next week, please take the time to familiarise yourself with the new routines that have been implemented for the ongoing health and welfare of students and staff. A reminder also that sick children will be sent home, so please keep your child/children at home if they are unwell.

MOTHERS DAY GIFTS

A BIG thank you to all the mums who worked behind the scenes to have the Mother's Day gifts beautifully presented and ready for collection last Wednesday. I know your efforts will be appreciated and I thank you all for your generosity of time and the P & F for purchasing gifts for students.

On behalf of the staff of Orana, I wish all our Mums and Nans a fabulous day on Sunday. We hope your day is filled with much love and great joy.

May God bless your weekend.

As COVID-19 continues to impact everyday life, parents/carers may have noticed that children are experiencing big emotions. Read more here about how to help children at this time.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, all places of worship have ceased operations from mid-day 23 Mar 2020. If you need to speak to a priest, please leave a message on the parish telephone number 93325992. God bless.