holy spirit school newsletter Term 2, Week 2, 7th May 2025

Principal's Message

During our holiday break, the global Catholic community lost a remarkable leader, Pope Francis, who will leave a remarkable legacy. His unwavering commitment to compassion, justice and the transformative power of education has inspired countless lives across the globe. With humility and love, he called upon each of us - students, educators, parents and leaders alike, to walk gently with one another and with God.

Pope Francis reminded us that education is not only about knowledge, but about forming hearts capable of understanding peace and empathy. His messages to young people were always filled with hope and encouragement, urging them to be builders of bridges, not walls.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, broke historic ground by being the first Jesuit pope, the first from Latin America, and the first non-European pope in over 1,200 years. His election in 2013 marked a significant shift in the global reach and face of Catholic leadership.

From day one, Francis emphasised humility. He chose not to live in the Apostolic Palace, opting for a modest guesthouse. He famously washed the feet of prisoners, including Muslims and women, during Holy Thursday services—breaking precedent and symbolising service and inclusiveness.

Pope Francis consistently championed the needs of the poor and outcast. He coined the term “a poor Church for the poor,” criticising consumerism and economic inequality. His encyclicals and speeches often called for social justice and mercy over strict doctrinal enforcement.

His 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’ made a global impact by framing climate change as a moral and spiritual crisis. It was groundbreaking for a religious leader to engage so thoroughly with ecological concerns and to call for urgent, global environmental action.

His life was a living testimony of service and simplicity, a true shepherd who carried the concerns of the poor and the marginalised in his heart. As a Catholic community, we are blessed to have been guided by his wisdom and his deep love for humanity.

“If we can develop a truly humble attitude, we can change the world.” (Pope Francis)

DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP & SOCIAL MEDIA USE

Our students well being is incredibly important, currently more than ever before. Technology on so many different levels can play a large part in this. It is an issue that none of us had when we were the same age. Whilst we are doing our best to support the students, we first and foremost wish the classroom to be a place of learning. It is essential that we have the support of parents to manage this from home.

As advertised last term, we are holding a Digital Citizenship and Social Media family session this term (date to be advised). In order to best meet the needs of our families we are asking if you could take 5-10 min to complete a survey about Digital and Social Media Use at home. Your support is greatly appreciated. Access to the survey is via this LINK or the QR code below.

ANZAC DAY

On Friday 25th April, we proudly marched in honour of the Anzac Spirit, showing our respect, remembrance and gratitude for those who have served and continue to serve our country. I would like to congratulate our students for the maturity, respect and pride they showed while representing Holy Spirit School during the ANZAC March. Their conduct was a true reflection of our school values, and we are incredibly proud of them. A heartfelt thank you to all the students and families who joined us - your presence helps keep the ANZAC legacy alive in our community.

MOTHERS DAY BREAKFAST

We’re excited to host a special Mother's Day breakfast this Friday, 9th May.

• Breakfast is served between 7:30am-8:30am
• Assembly at 9am, led by Year 4
• Coffee Van onsite to purchase a hot drink

We look forward to sharing this lovely morning with you and the students. The children will be thrilled to have you there to celebrate this special occasion!

CASUAL CLOTHES DAY FUNDRAISER

We are hosting a Casual Clothes Day this Friday, 9th May to support Alex Castles who is participating in the Border Dance for Cancer. Come dressed in casual clothes and bring a gold coin donation and help support a worthy cause!

UNIFORM

Students are required to wear their full winter uniforms by Monday 12th May. Please refer to the School Uniform Policy for any clarification here.

If for any reason your child is not in the correct uniform, a note must be presented to their teacher. This includes the sports uniform which should only be worn on PE days and each Friday.

We ask that students wear their hats at school all year round except in the Winter months (June, July & August) as the UV index can still be 3 or above. Alternatively, in the cooler months, school beanies and hats are available to purchase. Students are not to wear hats/beanies/scarves that are not part of the school uniform.

Matt Kean

Principal

Religious Education

Saturday Mass

Thank you to the students who helped at the last school Mass on 12th April. Alexis K, Tony P, Lily K, Fletcher R, Carter B, Jasper T, Liam S, Lavie P, Fintan O, Theo Reid, Alana C and Everly C.

The next school Mass is this Saturday - 10th May.

Term 1 Fundraising for Caritas

What a term we had fundraising for Caritas! With donations for pancake day, project compassion boxes and the wonderful Easter raffle, we raised a total of $1255.88.

Congratulations to everyone who bought tickets, donated money or easter eggs, or cooked close to 340 pancakes for such a fantastic achievement.

Year 6 Confirmation

Confirmation is on Saturday 31st May. Please make sure you return all notes as soon as possible. Weekly Confirmation lessons with Father Byrnes have begun.

Pope Francis

• Born - 17 December 1936, Flores, Buenos Aires, Argentina
• His name was - Jorge Mario Bergoglio
• He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1969.
• On 21 February 2001, Pope John Paul II made Archbishop Bergoglio a cardinal.
• Pope Benedict XVI resigned on 28 February 2013, and a papal conclave elected Bergoglio as his successor on 13 March.
• He chose Francis as his papal name in honour of Saint Francis of Assisi.
• Pope Francis died on April 21st 2025.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,

and let perpetual light shine upon him.

May he rest in peace. Amen.

The New Pope - What happens next?

• During the offcial nine days of mourning, all the cardinals from across the world travel to the Vatican City. During these nine days, the funeral is held.
• A Papal conclave is a meeting of cardinals.
• After a special mass, the cardinals enter the Sistine Chapel and swear an oath that they will never reveal the details of the meetings.
• The conclave must start between 15 and 20 days after the death or resignation of a pope.
• One of them will leave as the new pope.
• The cardinals will vote to select a new pope once on the first day, and twice on each following day if no decision is reached.
• A two-thirds majority is needed for a new pope to be elected.
• Only cardinals under the age of 80 are allowed to vote.
• About 130 cardinals get to vote for the next pope in a conclave.
• Australia has just one cardinal, 45-year-old Melbourne Bishop Mykola Bychock, who became the youngest member of the College of Cardinals in 2024

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

• Casual Clothes Day Fundraiser: Friday 9th May (Gold Coin Donation)
• 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
• Diocesan Rugby Union: Tuesday 20th May
• MacKillop Football/Soccer: Friday 30th May
• Confirmation: Saturday 31st May, 6pm
• Student Free Day: Friday 6th June (Students do not attend school on this day)
• MacKillop Cross Country: Wednesday 11th June
• Deanery Athletics: Friday 13th June
• Hot Bake Pie Orders due: Monday 16th June

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.

National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS)

National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS)- Is a celebration where over 1 million Australian students share the same book on the same day.

NSS for 2025 will take place on Wednesday 21st May at Holy Spirit. All classes are involved in sharing this beautiful book on the quadrangles with their teachers and buddies. This year's book is The Truck Cat (Deborah Frenkel & Danny Snell). It’s a heartwarming story about cats and humans, immigration and identity, and homes lost and found.

On this day, we invite parents/grandparents to stay for the morning reading session in classrooms, from 9-9:30 am. All classes will meet later that morning on the quads from 10:30-10:55 am to share the text.