God of all creation,

As we journey together in this Great Southern Land,

We pray for healing, forgiveness and unity,

Creating a path of good will, with justice and compassion.

Jesus, through the power of your love,

You have given us the courage, wisdom and strength to share our gifts and talents in humility.

In peace and understanding we reconcile with each other.

Creator Spirit, we come together in prayer and thanksgiving for the many blessings we have received.

Allow your Spirit to wash over us and give us strength to walk together as one.

Amen

Note: This Reconciliation Church prayer was written by a small group of Aboriginal Elder women and Reconciliation Church staff members.

(National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council.)

Dear Parents and Carers,

Catholic Identity Pillar

First Holy Communion

Please prayer for our Year 4 students who are continuing to prepare to receive the Sacrament of First Holy Communion. Next week these students will have their retreat day, rehearsal and celebrate Reconciliation.

Welcome Father John Daly

Our new parish priest Father John Daly, will arrive next week. Father John has come from Sacred Heart Parish in Mundaring and prior to that, was at St Anthony's Parish in Wanneroo. Father Thai and Father John studied together and have travelled together to work in India. Father John will be visiting the students to chat with them before the weekend of the Sacramental Masses.

LifeLink Launch

Next week, two of our Year 6 leaders - Summer and James, will represent Orana at the LifeLink Launch. Archbishop Timothy Costello's message to all is "to reach out with love and compassion to help those in need, in the footsteps of the Good Shepherd". This message links directly with our motto, "To give is to receive." Funds raised for LifeLink support the Catholic caring agencies. Later this term, on Orana Day, we will have our annual fundraiser for LifeLink.

Education Pillar

Swimming Lessons

The Swimming Programme concludes today. Consecutive lessons have provided opportunities for students to build and consolidate their swimming skills. Students have capably navigated the challenges of the swimming experience by growing in independence. The behaviour of students as they represent Orana at the leisure centre has been of a high standard throughout the programme. Well done to the students and the staff.

V.A.N.S. Carnival

The winter carnival this week was certainly a winter experience. Students in Year 5 and 6 participated in Volleyball, AFL, Netball and Soccer (V.A.N.S.). Well done to all involved. Students had a great day, participated with enthusiasm and displayed a spirit of positive sporting attitude. Thank-you to Mr Ellis for coordinating and all the staff and parents that coached and assisted the teams. These carnivals cannot run without the contributions of our parents and staff.

Community Pillar

Reconciliation Week

This week is National Reconciliation Week. Students have completed class based activities and there has been a child-focus learning area set up in the quad with resources for students.

The theme for 2024, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will —and must —continue.

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) started as the Week of Prayer for Reconciliation in 1993 (the International Year of the World’s Indigenous Peoples) and was supported by Australia’s major faith communities. Today, National Reconciliation Week is celebrated in workplaces, schools and early learning services, community organisations and groups, and by individuals Australia-wide.

The dates for National Reconciliation Week remain the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.

Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We all have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, and in playing our part we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, and futures.

https://www.reconciliation.org.au/our-work/national-reconciliation-week/

Stewardship Pillar

Staffing News

At this end of this term Bonnie Lynch, Year 6 Blue teacher, will commence parental leave. We wish her and her family all the very best. Next term, we will welcome back Tayla Lake from parental leave. Tayla will work in 6 Blue each Monday and Wednesday. We are also happy to announce that Will Ellis will continue the role of Health and Physical Education Teacher for the rest of the year.

2025 and 2026 Kindy and Pre-Kindy Enrolment

Enrolments are open for 2025, 2026 and beyond. Places are filling, so ensure that if you have a younger child, or you know someone wanting to attend Orana, that the enrolment expression of interest is completed as soon as possible.

Pupil Free Day - Tuesday 4th June

The Orana staff will join a cluster of three other Catholic schools (Queen of Apostles, St Pius X and St Patrick's) on Tuesday for a professional development day on the Berry Street Education Model. This is the first of four days that we will complete over the this year and next year.

We hope you all enjoy the long weekend with your families.

Best wishes and God bless you.

Dee Johnton

Principal

Important Dates for First Communion Preparation - Year Four

• Student Retreat at Saints John and Paul Parish - 8.30-2.30pm 6th June
• Rehearsal at Saints John and Paul Parish - 5.30-6.15pm OR 6.15-7pm 6th June
• First Communion Mass at Saints John and Paul Parish - 5.30pm 15th June OR 10.30am 16th June
• Thanksgiving Mass and Celebration at Saints John and Paul Parish - 5.30pm 22nd June OR 10.30am 23rd June

Life Link Day - 25th Year

This coming Wednesday is the 25th anniversary of LifeLink Day for schools.

LifeLink Day provides a wonderful opportunity for students attending Catholic schools within the Archdiocese of Perth to join together to show their support for the Church’s social service agencies – agencies which on behalf of us all, reach out to provide practical care and direct assistance to thousands of people in need each year. Many thousands of Western Australian families and individuals each year depend on our LifeLink agencies being there for them at their time of need.

Two of our students from the social justice team will join Mrs Johnston and Mrs Alp at Newman College together with many other schools from our archdiocese.

We will raise money for Life Link on the last day of term when we celebrate Orana Day.

As part of our Orana Generosity Project, 3W and Kindy W went to Herald Avenue Senior Centre for a friendly visit. We ventured in the fresh air to arrive at the centre. When we arrived, we sang two classic Australian songs – Kookaburra Sits in the Old Gumtree and Home Among the Gum Trees. Some of the residents joined in singing with us.

After singing the songs, we shared some special handmade bookmarks with the members of the centre. Time was also spent introducing ourselves, sharing stories, jokes and having a laugh together. We left the residents laughing and smiling. This special excursion showed us how important it is to be kind and generous. We are excited to visit the centre again at Christmas time.

Year 3W and Kindy W

The Year Six Social Justice Team are planning a fundraiser to raise money for Wheelchairs For Kids.

The money raised will enable volunteers to manufacture an adjustable All Terrain Wheelchair which can provide a safer future of mobility for a child who otherwise may not have access to a wheelchair.

There will be a free dress day on Friday 14th June. Students are asked to bring in a gold coin donation. While this is free dress, we ask that clothing be suitable for normal class and playground activities and for safety reasons, shoes/sandals with flat heels and a strap must be worn.

Thank you for supporting this worthy cause.

Social Justice Team

On Tuesday the 28th, Year 6 and select Year 5 students represented Orana at the CAPSS Lightning Carnival in Volleyball, AFL, Netball, and Soccer (VANS). It was a proper winter's day with rain and wind. However, once the weather cleared, we enjoyed beautiful conditions for the various competitions. The day was a rollercoaster filled with excitement, joy, and the challenges typical of sporting matches.

I want to thank all the students who competed and represented our school so well. All the coaches and volunteers commented on how well you competed and behaved on the day. Some students played their sport for the first time, which is a very brave act. All your hard work, training, and practise paid off. Thank you to all the competitors from the other schools as well; there would be no competition without you. Congratulations to St. Joseph’s Northam and Hammond Park for their two wins each!

Thank you to the coaches and volunteers who helped us on the day. We really appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedules to assist us. Your efforts model Orana’s motto, “To give is to receive.”

Now for Orana’s results:

• Volleyball - Fourth

• AFL - Sixth

• Netball - Sixth

• Soccer - Third

Thank you once again to everyone involved for making this day a success!

We are thrilled to announce that we are starting a book club at Orana in Week 2 Term 3! This initiative aims to encourage a love for reading and provide our students with a fun and engaging way to explore new books, share their thoughts, and build a sense of community.

The book club will be open to students in Years 3 to 6, and meetings will be held every Tuesday morning at 8 am in the school library. During these sessions, students will have time to silently read and then discuss books.

We believe that a book club can offer numerous benefits, including enhancing reading skills, fostering critical thinking, and creating lasting friendships. It is a wonderful opportunity for students to connect over shared stories and learn from one another.

The numbers are limited, if you are interested in having your child participate, please complete the form below by Tuesday 16 July.

Dear Orana P and F Community,

Our school P & F still require the following positions to be filled:

P & F Chair

Coordinator of Classroom Reps

Please consider how you can assist your child's school through the P & F. It is by filling these positions, that community events can take place. You can also join the committee as a general member. If you have any queries, please contact the P & F - oranapandf@gmail.com

Thank-you all

Orana P and F

Track tops and parts are now available at Uniform Concepts. Socks are in limited supply in some sizes, so please wear plain white socks until the new socks arrive, if the required size is unavailable. We have some old uniform stock for sale. Look out on Seesaw for a list of available items.

Here is a preview of our new house shirts.

Will you take up the Challenge? What does it feel like to be Homeless?

When Sunday 2nd June, 6pm - Monday, 3rd June, 7am

Where Saints John and Paul Catholic Church

What to Bring Sleeping Bag, Pillow/or Blanket, Comfortable and warm sleeping attire, own cardboard to lie on and you with fun and enthusiasm

Soup will be provided on the night as dinner. Various guest speakers from homeless agencies will be there.

All money raised from sponsoring sleepers go towards our parishes - St Vincent de Paul Sleep Out.

for further information talk to Fr CJ Millen ap@willettoncatholicparish.org.au or Fr Thai Vu pp@willettoncatholicparish.org.au

Wedding Anniversary Mass - Sunday 4th August at 10.30am

Calling all couples celebrating significant wedding anniversaries this year - 1, 10, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 years or more! Register in the church's foyer no later than 26th May. Hand in your wedding photo by 31st May.

Term 2 - Monday 15th April - Friday 28th June

Term 3 - Monday 15th July - Friday 20th September

Term 4 - Monday 7th October - Thursday 12th December

WA Day - 3rd June

Pupil Free Day - 4 June

Pupil Free Day - 15th July

Pupil Free Day (Catholic Day) - 26th August

Pupil Free Day - 7 October

2024 - Term 2 - Week 8 and 9

• Thursday 13th June - Kindy Liturgy and PP Liturgy
• Friday 14th June - Year 5 Mass
• Friday 14th June - Social Justice Team Fundraiser - Free Dress
• Friday 14th June - Junior Assembly - 2.30pm
• Saturday 15th June - First Communion Mass - 5.30pm
• Saturday 15th June - First Communion Mass - 10.30am

The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2024, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will —and must —continue.

There have been many moments in Australia’s reconciliation journey that make us want to turn away. But when things are divisive, the worst thing we can do is disengage or disconnect.

Now more than ever, we need to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation. We know that the 6.2 million Australians who voted YES are committed to better outcomes for First Nations people, and are with us.

https://shorturl.at/g56lr

Kind regards

Kath Warburton.

Social Worker