From Our Assistant Principal Mission - Mr Brendan Tickle

Congratulations to Our Newly Baptised Students

Over the past few months, seven of our students have received the Sacrament of Baptism. This is a special and joyful moment in their faith journey, as they are welcomed into the family of God and the Catholic Church.

Baptism is the beginning of a life filled with God’s love and grace. We celebrate with these students and their families as they take this important step and we continue to support them as they grow in faith.

Congratulations to each of our newly baptised students!

Sacrament of Confirmation at St Carthage’s Cathedral

On Tuesday 3rd June, our parish community gathered at St Carthage’s Cathedral for a beautiful celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation. Led by Bishop Greg, along with Fr Philip and Fr Bing, the evening was a special and faith-filled occasion.

A total of 62 young people received the gifts of the Holy Spirit—50 from St Carthage’s Primary School, 9 from the parish, and 3 from St John’s College Woodlawn. It was a joy to witness these children and teenagers take this important step in their faith journey.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mrs Winkler, Miss Wells, and Mrs Sudiro for preparing the candidates so thoughtfully. Thank you also to all the staff who attended in support, and to Mr Whitney for the beautiful music that enriched our celebration.

May the Holy Spirit continue to guide and inspire each of the newly confirmed.

All photos from the evening have been emailed to families. 

I've Got Spirit Retreat

Recently, our Year 3 students took part in the “I’ve Got Spirit” Retreat, an afternoon filled with fun, reflection, and learning based on the scripture of Pentecost. Through engaging activities, games, and prayer, students explored the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

The afternoon was a meaningful opportunity for students to grow in their understanding of faith, community, and the gifts of the Spirit.

A big thank you to the Year 3 teachers for facilitating the day and to the wonderful students from St John’s College, Woodlawn, who helped lead activities and supported our students throughout the retreat. Your energy and enthusiasm made the day even more special.

Year 6 GLOW Retreat at Xavier Catholic College

Our Year 6 students recently attended the GLOW Retreat at Xavier Catholic College—a day designed to inspire, connect, and deepen their understanding of faith and leadership.

Throughout the retreat, students from across the region came together to explore the theme of light, reflecting on how they can be a light for others in their schools and communities. The day included a mix of prayer, music, games, and small group activities, all centred around the message of hope and the presence of God in our lives.

We are proud of how our students represented St Carthage’s and thank the staff at the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools for hosting such a vibrant and meaningful experience.

Australia's Biggest Morning Tea: A Heartfelt Gathering

On Thursday, 22 May, our school community came together to participate in Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, uniting in support of the Cancer Council’s important work. This annual event is a wonderful opportunity to raise funds for cancer research, prevention, and support services—an initiative that touches many lives.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our students, staff, and families, we are proud to share that together we raised an amazing $2,755!

The morning was filled with delicious treats, warm conversations, and a strong sense of community. A special thank you to everyone who baked, donated, and helped organise the event. Your kindness and support are truly appreciated.

Attendance Matters

Thank you to all our families for making a consistent effort to ensure your children are at school each day. Regular attendance plays a vital role in learning, building friendships, and being part of our school community.

With the flu season fast approaching, we do ask that you only send your child to school if they are well. Keeping unwell children at home helps prevent the spread of illness and keeps our school safe for everyone.

We appreciate your support in balancing attendance and wellbeing.

PBS Focus: Respect in the Playground (Weeks 7–8) & Sacred Spaces (Weeks 9–10)

At St Carthage’s, our Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) program helps students understand what respectful behaviour looks like in all areas of school life.

Weeks 7–8: Playground – Be Respectful
This fortnight, we are focusing on how to show respect while playing. Students are learning to:

• Follow the rules of games

• Respect others and their personal space and belongings

• Use kind words and actions

• Keep hands and feet to themselves

• Listen to others’ ideas and opinions

• Share playground equipment fairly

• Keep our school environment clean and tidy

Weeks 9–10: Sacred Spaces – I Respect Sacred Spaces and the Right of Others to Participate, Reflect and Pray
In the final two weeks of term, we turn our attention to respectful behaviour in sacred spaces. This includes:

• Entering and leaving quietly and respectfully

• Sitting or standing still, ready to pray or reflect

• Remaining silent to help others focus

• Listening when others are speaking

• Avoiding distractions like talking, moving around or playing

By reinforcing these expectations, we continue to build a respectful and caring school environment where everyone can learn, pray, and play safely and peacefully.