St Kieran Newsletter Term 3, Week 4 - 8th August 2024

Principal's Message

St Mary of the Cross 

God of the prophets you gifted Mary MacKillop with vision and courage. 
In her we see one who was not afraid to speak fearlessly your gospel of love. 
We pray for the sensitivity and imagination to read the signs of our times,  
and to articulate new possibilities for our own day.  
Like Mary, may we learn to confront all that is oppressive and unjust,  
and empower others towards true freedom and integrity.  
Spirit of wisdom, be with us as we face new horizons.  

Amen 

Mary Helen MacKillop, now formally known as Saint Mary of the Cross, is the first and only Australian to be recognised as a Saint.  She was a Catholic nun, born in Melbourne on 15 January 1842 to Catholic Scottish parents. Together, with Father Julian Woods, they founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart and a number of schools and welfare institutions throughout Australasia with an emphasis on education for the poor.    

Mary trusted in God's will and providence in the face of many challenges until she died on 8 August 1909 at the Josephine convent in North Sydney were she is buried.  Mary was beatified on 19 January 1995 by Pope John Paul II.  On 17 July 2008, Pope Benedict XVI came to Sydney for the World Youth Day and prayed at her tomb.  Later, on 19 December 2009, he approved the recognition of a second miracle attributed to her intercession and on 17 October 2010 she was canonised during a public ceremony in St Peter's Square at the Vatican.  On that Day Pope Benedict XVI said these words: "Despite many challenges, her prayers to St Joseph and her unflagging devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, to whom she dedicated her new congregation, gave this holy woman the graces needed to remain faithful to God and to the Church. Through her intercession, may her followers today continue to serve God and the Church with faith and humility!"  

Through all her trial and tribulations St Mary of the Cross never lost faith and encourages others to follow God.  May our belief in Mary MacKillop remain strong and that all of us follow her example.   

Have a great week and look after everyone. 
Best wishes and take care. 

Mr Daine Burnett 
Principal 
daine.burnett@cewa.edu.au 

School Calendar

Term 3 will see the school closed on Friday the 23rd August (Catholic Day) and Term 3 conclude for students on Thursday 19th September (Friday 20th September is a Staff Development Day). 

Contact Details - Parents

It is imperative that parents and families update the school when your personal details change during the year. If you change your email address or mobile phone please ensure that the school administration is contacted so we can update these details for communication purposes. 

Australian Girls Choir Workshop

On the 29th of August at 12:30pm in the Music Room, the Australian Girls Choir will be running an assessment workshop. This will be opened to girls from pre-primary to year 6 and will feature singing and movement activities. Participants will receive personalized assessment report and further information about 2025 classes. A form will be coming home next week (week 3) for those interested in joining! 

Community Masses

St Kieran Catholic Primary School and St Kieran Parish have a longstanding, collaborative relationship. To sustain this, we will facilitate Community Masses with the Parish while remaining committed to our School Improvement goals. 

To enhance students' understanding of their Faction Patrons and foster community spirit, we encourage students to wear faction colours at the Mass. The dates for this year’s Community Masses (Saturday 6:30pm) evening Mass at St Kieran Parish) are:

• 27 July - Francis Faction (Anniversary of Francis being Canonised 16/7) 
• 10 August - MacKillop Faction (Anniversary of the death of Mary MacKillop 8/8) 
• 14 September - Frayne Faction (Mercy Day 24/9) 
• 9 November - Mercy Faction (Passing of Catherine McAuley 11/11) 

We would encourage families to set aside the dates for your child's Faction Mass and join the Parish for this wonderful celebration. 

Afterschool Protocols on School Grounds

We please ask that after you have collected your child at the end of the day to leave the school grounds promptly. All playground equipment is out of bounds and we encourage you to take your children to Grenville oval if you would like to catch up with other parents for a chat while your children have a play. 

Book Week Parade

On Friday 9th August we will celebrate the end of Book Week with a Dress-Up Parade. Students are encouraged to come to school dressed as their favourite book character or something that suits the book week theme of "Reading is Magic". There will be prizes for the best 'homemade' costume for each year level.  

The parade will be held for all students (Kindy-6) in the undercover area starting at 9am. If students do not want to dress up, they are welcome to come to school in their usual school uniform for a Friday.  

Tuesday August 6 - The Transfiguration

Celebrating the Transfiguration 

The Transfiguration of Jesus is a significant event that reminds us of the divine light within us all. This special day encourages us to reflect on our school values: 

• Excellence: Just as Jesus revealed His divine glory, we strive to shine in our studies and activities. 
• Responsibility: The disciples’ experience on the mountain teaches us to be responsible stewards of our gifts and talents. 
• Justice: The Transfiguration calls us to seek justice and fairness in our interactions with others. 
• Compassion: Witnessing Jesus’ transformation inspires us to show compassion and kindness to everyone. 
• Respect: The reverence shown by the disciples reminds us to respect the dignity of all individuals. 
• Belonging: The unity of Jesus with His disciples on the mountain encourages us to foster a sense of belonging within our school community. 

Let’s celebrate the Transfiguration by embodying these values in our daily lives! 

Thursday August 15 - The Feast of the Assumption

The Feast of the Assumption, celebrated on August 15th, commemorates the belief that the Virgin Mary was taken up to heaven, body and soul. This day is a significant event in the Christian calendar, highlighting Mary’s special role and her journey to eternal life.  

Mass will be celebrated at St Kieran Church for the students on Thursday at 1:40pm. 

Year 1 Assembly

On Friday 2nd August, the Year One students got to showcase their performance at the assembly. Year One's Commotion in the Ocean Tour was full of amazing similes, adjectives and dazzling sights.

Sustainability Drawing and Slogan Competition

Let’s Keep Our St Kieran School Clean Slogan Competition & St Kieran’s Sustainability Drawing Competition.

Over the next fortnight, during Science Week and Sustainability Week, the school will be running two competitions commencing on Monday 12th August 2024 and concluding Thursday 22nd August 2024. Please click on the following to view the details.

Children are welcome to enter either or both competitions.

Please see below flyers for more information.