NOT FROM  THE PRINCIPAL!

This week I had the opportunity to travel with our Year 10 Students to their weekly Faith in Action sessions. While I work with our Year 10’s every day at school, this wonderful program, facilitated by our REC Patrece Maxwell, provides our students with incredible opportunities to shine and gave me a clear reminder of the importance of contributing to our community and making a difference. 

Each week a group of our students spend time helping out at the community gardens, planting, weeding and mulching, watering and harvesting crops that will be available to the community. More spend time with the students at Elouera, showing empathy and assisting students who are not as fortunate as they are with their health and their abilities, the joy on the faces of the Elouera students is priceless. Other students attend the local nursing home, bringing light and noise, conversation and games to the elderly residents who each week look forward to the opportunity to be reminded of what it was to be young. Yet another group participates in service for the school and parish, giving back to our immediate community.

It was wonderful to see the commitment and dedication of our students as they engage in these Faith in Action sessions, making a tangible impact on both the community and their own personal development. While the benefits of this program to others is readily clear, what do our students get out of the experience.

Empathy and Compassion:

The experiences our students gain through their involvement in Faith in Action sessions go beyond the act of giving back. They learn essential life skills such as empathy and compassion. By spending time with Elouera students and elderly residents at the local nursing home, our students not only provide valuable assistance but also create meaningful connections. These interactions offer a unique perspective, allowing our students to appreciate their own blessings while fostering a deep sense of empathy for others. They learn to look beyond themselves and understand the world from different points of view.

Personal Growth:

Engaging in community service activities also promotes personal growth among our students. It challenges them to step out of their comfort zones, develop leadership skills, and cultivate a sense of responsibility. Through the act of service, they gain a stronger sense of self-worth and purpose. These experiences become invaluable life lessons that extend far beyond the classroom, preparing them to become compassionate, well-rounded individuals who are not only academically capable but also socially responsible.

Building a Stronger Community:

When our students actively contribute to their community, they play a vital role in building a stronger, more connected society. The relationships formed with Elouera students, elderly residents, and other community members are the building blocks of a harmonious and supportive community. The benefits of their contributions extend beyond the immediate recipients, fostering a sense of unity and solidarity that enriches the lives of everyone involved.

Inspiring Others:

Our students' involvement in community service is not just about the impact they make in the present but also about the lasting legacy they leave. Their dedication and enthusiasm for service can serve as an inspiration to their peers and families. They set an example for others to follow, encouraging more students to get involved and create a ripple effect of positive change within our school and the broader community. By nurturing values like empathy, compassion, personal growth, and community building, we are helping shape the future leaders and citizens who will contribute positively to society. 

Faith in Action sessions undertaken by our Year 10 students are not just a weekly activity; they are a crucial part of their education that fosters values, skills, and experiences that will stay with them for a lifetime. We should celebrate their efforts and continue to promote community involvement and service as a fundamental aspect of our school's ethos. But we are also reminded that there are many ways that all of us can contribute to improving the lives of others and few of them are time consuming. This week, take some time to think about what you can do to make like better for someone else.

Ms Erryn Marsay

Secondary Coorindator

Soctober

Stripes, spots, feathers and fur adorned the legs of our students on Wednesday as they donned on their craziest socks for Soctober.  This important event raised awareness for Catholic Mission’s projects in Timor-Leste.  Funds raised during our uniform-free day in Week 5 will go towards these projects.

Upcoming Faith Formation Events

Friday 3^rd November - Year 9 Leadership Day

Thursday 16^th November - Yr 5 Leadership Day

Friday 24^th November - Yr 6 Thanksgiving Mass

Friday 8^th December - Yr 10 Farewell Mass

Thursday 14^th December - Advent Liturgy

~The Roman Emperors of Sacred Heart~

Primary

Boorowa Touch Netball Carnival

Thank you to everyone who assisted last week at Boorowa, students had a great time. Showing respect and sportsmanship. 

Swimming Programs

Our K-6 swimming intensive program will be held in week 8-9. Further information will soon be available through compass. Years 3-6 students may participate in this program if they require further consolidation of skills and water safety. It is not necessarily squad practice. Please contact me if you wish for further information about this program if you are in 3-6.

Primary swimming will start in week 6 and run every Thursday until week 9. It will be $12.00 for the 4 weeks. If you have a valid season pass please let us know and we will adjust accordingly. Students are reminded that they will need to bring their swimmers including a rashie, towel, hat and goggles. Information will go out on compass soon.  

2024 Canberra/ Goulburn trials

Nominations are now open for students who wish to trail for the Canberra Goulburn 2024 sports. Touch, Cricket, Tennis and Basketball trails for 2024 are all run in term 4. If your child is interested in trialling for these events registration is through the CSNSW Sport Website; https://csnsw.sport/help/help-guide-for-parents 

Cricket 3rd November, Queenbeyan

Touch 24th November, ACT

Tennis 30th November, ACT 

Basketball 1st December, ACT 

Regards,

Wendy Van Kerk Oerle

Primary Sports Coordinator

Secondary Sport 

Cootamundra Invitational Secondary Schools Touch Carnival - Friday 10th November

Save the date for the 10th November. After a few years being unable to run this event the Touch Carnival is scheduled for Friday the 10th November at Nicholson Park, Fisher Park and Clarke Oval. We normally have up to 60 teams in attendance, and we therefore need many referees. If you are a Year 12 student or an adult we are able to pay you for your time. 

Secondary Sport Dates

Events Term 4

If you have any questions, concerns or would like to volunteer to help run teams, please contact me on 0269422612 or at megan.withers@cg.catholic.edu.au. 

Regards,

Megan Withers

Secondary Sports Coordinator