From The APRIM
Dear families
The year has commenced with a strong focus on faith, community, and Catholic identity at the School of the Nativity. We began the school year by gathering as a whole school community for a celebration Mass led by last year’s St Joseph Award recipients. This was a meaningful way to highlight student leadership, service, and our shared commitment to living the Gospel values.
During Week 4, the school will take part in Swimming Week, which coincides with Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday. To mark Shrove Tuesday, students will participate in pancake eating in the afternoon, providing a way to explore the tradition of preparation for Lent. On Ash Wednesday, the Student Leadership Team will host a whole school Mass at 2:00pm, with all students receiving ashes and those who have made their First Holy Communion also participating in the Eucharist. This will also mark the start of families collecting for Project Compassion with collection boxes being sent home. This will be an important moment of reflection and giving to those less fortunate than ourselves as we enter the Lenten season together.
On Wednesday 19 March, we will celebrate St Joseph’s Day with a whole school Mass. In addition, students will take part in a fundraiser in support of Project Compassion, with fun activities such as face painting and games organised across the school. This day will highlight the connection between prayer, service, and action for justice.
The school will also participate in Dialogue Week during Week 5 of this term, where we will ask our student about their ideas for the Church and its future. This will assist the Archdiocese in preparing for the upcoming 2026 SYNOD.
What is it?
• It is a Synod — a gathering of representatives from across the Archdiocese, called by the Archbishop to walk together in faith, listen to one another, and discern how the Church can better live out its mission locally.
• The word synodality comes from the Greek meaning “walking together”, and this process emphasises shared leadership and listening deeply to people’s experiences, hopes and concerns as part of the Church’s life.
Our Year 6 students will attend their annual Retreat at the Hub Community Centre, guided by this year’s school theme, “Understanding is the Key to Justice.” The retreat will focus on empathy, compassion, Catholic Social Teaching, and practical ways students can live out justice in their everyday lives.
In Week 10, Holy Week Presentations will be held, with students sharing their learning through age-appropriate dramatizations and reflections:
• Year 1/2: Palm Sunday
• Year 3/4: Washing of the Feet, The Last Supper, and the Garden of Gethsemane
• Year 5/6: Stations of the Cross
Following Easter, our Reception students will present Joy Day – The Resurrection of Our Lord, celebrating the hope and new life of the Easter message. I will let all families know the deatils closer to the time.
We are also currently in discussions with the Mary MacKillop Precinct regarding hosting our Year 2 and Year 5 students during Week 11 for our annual excursion. This experience supports students to deepen their understanding of our Josephite heritage, St Mary MacKillop, and the values that underpin our school identity.
Overall, Term 1 continues to reflect a rich integration of liturgy, learning, service, and student leadership, strengthening the faith life of our school community.
In all things love,
Rachel Baulderstone
APRIM