From the APRIM
Dear Families,
It has been a very busy and exciting start to Term 2 at the School of the Nativity!
Earlier this week, our Year 6 students spent the day at the Aberfoyle Park Community Centre for their annual retreat day, focusing on this year’s school theme, “Understanding is the Key to Justice.” Throughout the day, students participated in a number of engaging sessions exploring social justice, racism, fairness, and the preferential option for the poor and vulnerable. The students demonstrated wonderful maturity and compassion in their discussions and activities, and it was inspiring to hear the thoughtful and creative ideas they shared about how we can build a more just and understanding world. We are incredibly proud of the way they represented our school and embraced the day with enthusiasm and openness.
This week also saw our students participate in the Statewide Netball Carnival. Despite the cold and wet weather, both our boys’ and girls’ teams showed incredible determination, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout the day. The boys progressed all the way through to the grand final, where they were narrowly defeated in a fantastic effort. Congratulations to all students who participated and represented Nativity so proudly. A special congratulations goes to Tanya, Matilda, and Mila, who have been invited to trial for the Southern Heights Representative Team, a wonderful achievement!
A huge thank you must also go to our parent volunteers and coaches who made the day possible. Thank you to Becci Broad for coaching the boys’ team and to Bianca and Dave for coaching the girls’ team. Events like these simply could not happen without the generous support of our families and community.
During this month of May, which we celebrate as Mary’s month, our Year 1/2 students have also been very fortunate to spend time with Bianca, who has been teaching them about the Rosary and showing them how to pray it. The students have thoroughly enjoyed learning more about Mary and the importance of prayer in our Catholic tradition. It has been lovely to see their reverence, curiosity, and enthusiasm as they explore this special form of prayer together.
As the colder weather approaches, we will once again begin supporting those most in need within our local community. Over the coming weeks, we will be calling on families to donate soup vegetables for the Moore Street Homeless Shelter, along with trackpants and warm clothing items for the Hutt Street Centre. Later this term, students in Years 3–6 will also hear from a volunteer from the Hutt Street Centre who will speak about homelessness and the importance of compassion, dignity, and community support. More information regarding these initiatives will be sent home soon.
Finally, as we approach Mother’s Day, we would like to wish all of the wonderful mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures within our community a very happy and blessed Mother’s Day. Thank you for the love, care, sacrifice, and support you show your families each and every day. We hope your day is filled with joy, laughter, special moments with loved ones, and hopefully very few chores!
A Prayer for Mothers
Loving God,
We thank You for the gift of mothers and grandmothers,
for their love, patience, guidance, and care.
Bless all mothers in our community today.
Fill their hearts with peace, joy, and strength.
May they know how deeply they are loved and appreciated.
We pray especially for mothers who may find this day difficult,
those who are unwell, grieving, or far from their families.
Surround them with Your comfort and love.
May Mary, the mother of Jesus, continue to inspire all mothers
through her faith, courage, and gentle love.
Amen.
In all things love,
Rachel Baulderstone