Principal's Message
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all members of the school community for making this first term of 2025 such a wonderful 10 weeks of learning. It has been one of the busiest terms in recent memory.
Lent A Season of Kindness and Reflection
Holy Week commences on Holy Thursday, this year celebrated on Thursday 17th April. Holy Week concludes with the resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday.
This afternoon we gathered as a school community for our Holy Week Liturgy as Holy Week and Easter are in our school holidays this year.
There are many valuable lessons we can learn from Holy Week. Holy Week invites deep reflection and the opportunity for spiritual renewal. Our school can draw inspiration from this period of self-examination and growth, encouraging each of us to reflect on our actions, values, and relationships. It’s a time for looking inward and considering how to improve as individuals and as a community.
The stories of sacrifice, such as Jesus' Passion, highlight the importance of compassion and empathy. Holy Week is a reminder of the power of caring for others, even in difficult circumstances. This can inspire students to be more understanding and supportive of one another, especially those facing challenges or hardships.
The washing of feet and other acts of humility during Holy Week symbolize the importance of serving others with humility and grace. We encourage acts of service, whether through community outreach programs, helping peers, or contributing to school improvement efforts. Emphasising service helps build a culture of mutual care and respect.
The communal nature of Holy Week, with its shared rituals and traditions, reminds us of the importance of unity within a community. It teaches the value of coming together, whether in celebration or in times of hardship, and working towards common goals. HSS fosters this sense of fellowship, encouraging teamwork, collaboration, and solidarity.
The theme of sacrifice runs deeply through Holy Week, culminating in the sacrifice of Jesus on Good Friday. This encourages students to think about the importance of making sacrifices for the greater good of the community, such as being patient, putting others’ needs first, or contributing to the collective well-being.
Easter Sunday celebrates resurrection and hope, reminding the community that even after challenges or setbacks, there is always room for growth, change, and renewal. HSS fosters a sense of optimism and resilience, teaching students that they can overcome difficulties and find new beginnings after struggles.
The events of Holy Week, especially the Last Supper and the actions of Jesus, encourage humility and gratitude. Students and staff can learn to appreciate what they have and recognise the importance of being humble, both in their achievements and their interactions with others.
By reflecting on these aspects, we can strengthen our values and create a more compassionate, united, and resilient environment for students to thrive. Enjoy the celebrations and events of Holy Week.
Anzac Day March
Our school will be taking part in the ANZAC Day Parade on Friday 25th of April, and we encourage all students to participate. ANZAC Day is in the second week of our school holidays.
All students participating in the parade will gather by 8.45am in Macauley Street on the north side of Dean Street. Primary schools will march in alphabetical order so we may be 100m up from the corner of Macauley and Dean Streets.
We will march the length of Dean Street and finish in Townsend Street. Students marching are to wear their full winter formal uniform, this includes ties (no summer uniform). A reminder that children wearing medals of family members are to wear them on the right breast. Only a veteran may wear their medals over their heart on the left breast.
Parents can collect children in Townsend Street at the completion of the march.
MOTHERS DAY BREAKFAST
For Mothers Day this year we will be offering a Breakfast (same as we do for Fathers Day) on Friday 9th of May. There will be no cost involved but we are asking for the Fathers of HSS to come and support the Mothers by cooking the Egg and Bacon rolls. We would greatly appreciate your assistance. If you are able to help, could you please complete this form: https://forms.gle/6z2zYcwRR616N74H9
Matt Kean
Principal
Religious Education
Saturday Mass
This Saturday, 12th April, is a school Mass. Please make sure all helper notes are returned by Thursday, as readings will have to go home that day.
Project Compassion boxes
Thank you to everyone who have returned project compassion boxes. Your donations will go to help the poor. If you have not handed them in, please make sure you send them in before the end of term, so they can be banked and sent to Caritas.
Easter Raffle
The Easter Raffle was drawn this afternoon. THANK YOU so much for all the donations we received. The drawing of the Easter Raffle is a day that students look forward to every year!
Stations of the Cross
On Monday this week all students from Years 1-6 visited the Church to meet with Father Byrnes and look at, learn about, and pray the Stations of the Cross. The children were very reverent as Father told the students about the final day of Jesus - Good Friday.
Easter Services
- Holy Thursday - 17th April, Mass of the Lord's supper 7pm, at Holy Spirit Church;
- Good Friday - 18th April, Stations of the Cross 11am and Veneration of the Cross 3pm at Holy Spirit Church;
- Easter Vigil - Saturday 19th April 8pm at Holy Spirit Church.
- Easter Sunday Masses - 20th April will be as normal.
Please note: On Saturday 19th April there will be no 6pm Vigil.
St Patrick’s Day colouring in competition
Congratulations to these students who have won best picture.
- Year 6 - Ruby B and Lola T (both 6 Red)
- Year 4 - Harper R and Rosie S (both 4 Green)
- Year 3 - Shashini A and Tarlie W (both 3 Red)
- Year 2 - Elvera G and Esther L (2 Red)
- Year 1 - Lahni G (1 Red) and Remi C (1 Green)
Deanery Student Mass - 28th March
A Jubilee is a special year of grace and conversion, involving prayer, pilgrimage and sacramental repentance, held every 25 years, or during other years as called for by the Pope. The most recent (Ordinary) Jubilee celebrated was the Great Jubilee of 2000. The most recent (Extraordinary) Jubilee Year was 2015, the Holy Year of Mercy.
Pope Francis has called 2025 the Jubilee Year of Hope. On 28th March our students from Year 3-6 were invited to Xavier Catholic College to celebrate a special Mass with Bishop Mark. It was a lovely Mass and we were lucky to celebrate it together.
Each school held a competition to design a symbol of Hope. We sent these emblems to Xavier and they chose a winner from each school. That emblem was then placed on a candle that was used in the procession during the Hope Mass.
Congratulations to Flynn C (6 Green) who won from Holy Spirit School. It looks so good! The candle is sitting in the entry of our school office.
Sacrament dates
- Year 6 - Sacrament of Confirmation - May 31st at 6pm Mass
- Year 3 - Sacrament of First Communion - 14th September at 10am Mass
- Year 2 - Sacrament of First Reconciliation - To be confirmed.
Kind regards
Jo Davies
Religious Education Coordinator
Key Dates
- Primary Athletics Carnival (Years 3-6, Alexandra Park): Thursday 10th April
- LAST DAY OF TERM 1: Thursday 10th April
- PUPIL FREE DAY: Friday 11th April. Students do not attend school on this day.
- FIRST DAY OF TERM 2: Monday 28th April
- Confirmation: Saturday 31st May, 6pm
- MacKillop Softball Trial (Blacktown): Wednesday 30th April
- Diocesan Football/Soccer (Wagga): Thursday 1st May
- Infants (K-Yr 2) Athletics Gala Morning: Friday 2nd May, 9:15am-11:15am
- Mothers Day Breakfast Celebration: Friday 9th May, 7:30am-9:30am
- MacKillop Rugby League Trials (Canberra): Friday 9th May
- Albury Netball Cup: Monday 12th May
- Paul Kelly Cup: Tuesday 13th May
CEDWW Sports for 2025
All CEDWW Sports for 2025 have been added to the School Calendar. Click here to view the School Calendar. We will notify students when they are selected to represent our school at the respective trials.
Siblings 2026 Kinder Enrolments
Enrolments close tomorrow, 10th April. Please ensure enrolment applications are submitted by 4pm tomorrow. Click here to enrol
Bingo Roster
Canteen Roster
Please contact Janelle on 0414270918 if you are able to help out for either the morning shift (9am-11:30am) or afternoon shift (11am-1:30pm) at any stage on a Thursday or Friday.
Merit Awards
Sport News
- Well done to all the students who proudly represented HSS at the Diocesan Cross Country Carnival in Griffith yesterday—we are all incredibly proud of you! A special congratulations to Reuben W (5 Red) for taking first place in his event—what an amazing achievement! 🏅🎉👏
- Well done to Chloe, Violet and Paige who trialled for netball in Wagga and Matthew who trialled for hockey in Goulburn recently (MacKillop). Further congratulations to Violet and Paige who have made it to the next level. We are extremely proud of all four of you! 👏
Am I being Bullied
Click here to view flowchart.
Centacare
Newsletter: Click here to view Centacare's latest newsletter.
Holiday Connection
Please click here to view a variety of ways to connect with your child/ren during the school holidays.
Community Events/Programs
PCYC
School Holidays are almost here! 🌟 Get ready for 9 days of non-stop fun with PCYC Albury's Autum School Holidays. From exciting Creative Arts to Active Sports, there's something for everyone. 🏀🎨 Keep your kids entertained and active this holiday season. Don’t miss out! 📞 Call us, drop in to chat with our friendly staff, or book online today! Click here to view their Holiday timetable.
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