From the Principal - Mrs Janelle Heffernan

Dear Families,

I would like to welcome everyone back to Term 3 and I trust that the holidays, (they seem so long ago!), were a happy and restful time to recharge the batteries. We were certainly blessed with beautiful weather and also some very frosty winter mornings!

Today is the Feast of St Mary MacKillop. Mary Mackillop is Australia's first saint. Mary MacKillop was a trail-blazer in her lifetime, leaving a culture of exemplary living for her followers to emulate. Mary paved the way for education of poor children and a variety of ministries which addressed the needs of 19th century Australia.           
                                                                                         Mary MacKillop was the founder of the inspirational group of women who continue her work today in our country and in neighbouring countries. Mary MacKillop is an example of faith put into action and words, as she followed her dream to ensure country children in small rural communities in Australia were able to receive a good education in their Catholic faith and academic skills for their future. She always went out of her way to minister to the poor, the lonely, the sick and those who were outcasts. 

Mary Mackillop's mantra;

 “To never see a need without doing something about it".

Mary MacKillop Prayer
Ever generous God,
You inspired Saint Mary MacKillop
To live her life faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and constant in bringing hope and encouragement to those who were disheartened, lonely or needy.
With confidence in your generous providence and through the
intercession of Saint Mary MacKillop
We ask that you grant our prayers.
We ask that our faith and hope be fired afresh by the Holy Spirit so
that we too, like Mary MacKillop, may live with courage, trust and
openness.
Ever generous God hear our prayer.
We ask this through Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Feast of the Assumption

On Friday 15th August, the Church celebrates the Feast Day of the Assumption of Our Lady when, according to our faith, the Holy Mother, “having completed her course of her earthly life was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory".

The Assumption signals the end of Mary's earthly life and marks her return to heaven to be reunited with Jesus. While the bodies of both Jesus and Mary are now in heaven, there is a difference between the Assumption and the Resurrection. Where Jesus arose from the tomb and ascended into heaven by his own power, Mary's body was taken up to heaven by the power of her Son.

Today's Celebrations!

Thank you to the many families who were able to join us for all, or part of our celebrations this morning. We were again overwhelmed by your continued support of your child and our school.

The morning began with our whole school Mass celebrated by our School Chaplain, Fr Phillip. Today is the Feast Day of St Mary MacKillop - Australia's first saint and Fr spoke about how we can all be the best version of ourselves by 'never seeing a need without doing something about it'.

Each year, we have recognised one student from each class with the Catholic Schools Week Award. This was a way to recognise students who consistently live out our school values. 

This year, we are proud to rename and re-launch this award as the St Carthage’s Award, in honour of our patron saint and the values that guides our school.

The St Carthage’s Award will be presented once a year to one student in each class who consistently lives out the values of St Carthage:

• Faith – showing a heart that is kind, prayerful, and close to God

• Learning – always trying their best, showing curiosity and growth

• Community – being a helper, a friend, and a positive presence to others

These students quietly and consistently let their light shine—every day.

At the conclusion of Mass we presented our very first St Carthage's awards to a worthy recipient from each class. We congratulate all of our award winners!

Following Mass our playground was a buzz with families sharing morning tea with their children. Families were then invited to visit classrooms to observe, first hand, what our children are learning.

Thank you to everyone who was able to come along and celebrate with us.

School Review and Improvement

Throughout this week we have undergone our school review and improvement process, a key part of our commitment to providing the best possible education for all students. This involved a comprehensive look at our school's performance, from learning and teaching, to student wellbeing. We received input from staff, students, and parents.

The report from this will guide our next Strategic Plan. 

Thank you to everyone who participated in this important process. We look forward to working together to make St Carthage's an even greater place!

NAIDOC Week 2025 - from Mr Condie