Term 3 - Week 9 Principal's Weekly Update

Principal's Weekly Update

Dear Families

Father's Day

Father's Day brings us an opportunity to reflect on the importance of Dads and honour the significant role they play in our lives. Throughout scriptures and history, we find profound examples of fatherhood that serve as a testament to the immense impact fathers have on their families, communities, and the growth of their children. We celebrate and encourage fathers, recognizing their vital role in shaping and moulding the lives of their children, and express our thanks for their sacrifice, love, strength, and support.

We pray especially for the children and families whose fathers aren’t able to be with us all of the time or are no longer with us.

"As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him." ~ Psalm 103:13

With Christ We Live, Love and Learn

James Roberts

Principal

Highlights of the Week

Acoustic Learning Tree

A huge thank you to the JCC for funding the addition of our new Acoustic Learning Tree in the library. Our goal was to increase utilisation of the library while calming the space with some noise reducing features and the learning tree was a stand-out choice. Some of the notable benefits include:

• Increases warmth and natural atmosphere in learning spaces to help children feel more inclusive.
• Promotes collaboration and togetherness and provides a ‘Go to place’ for those needing support.
• Encourages a greater sense of wellness and calm amidst an overstimulated environment.
• Reduces harsh noises from reverberating around large open spaces, ideal for quiet zones, ILE areas, libraries, and collaboration areas.

Father's Day Celebration

On Friday morning, we celebrated all the Father's and Father figures in our community with a heart felt message from our year 2 classes. 

Thank you to the JCC for providing breaky rolls for all Dad's in attendance, your time and effort was greatly appreciated.

Fete Preparations

Over the past few months, the JCC has spent countless hours planning and coordinating our annual school fete. We'd like to thank everyone who has donated their time and money to make this event happen.

Gates open at 5PM tonight (Friday 30 August) and we'd love to see you all there!

Upcoming Events

Year 3 - 5 Sacramental Program Enrolments Open

Parents of children in Grades 4,5,6 (in 2025) who have been baptised in the Catholic Church and who have not yet received the Sacraments of Penance (Reconciliation), Confirmation and Eucharist (First Holy Communion) are invited to enrol their child/children in the Parish Sacramental Program 2025.

If you wish your child to receive these sacraments for the first time, please send an expression of interest by email to:
sacramentsppparish@cairns.catholic.org.au requesting an Enrolment Form and providing a copy of your child’s Baptism Certificate (scan/email).

Enrolments need to be completed by 6 December, 2024.

Sacrament preparation sessions will commence at the start of Term 1, 2025.

OSHC Enrolment Update

Re-enrolments for current children (and any new siblings) closed on 23rd August. 

Centre leadership will start processing these re-enrolments and enrolments  this week. 

Parents should expect communications regarding their re-enrolment/enrolment from 2nd September onwards.

New enrolments will open this week.  I have attached a QR code to the OSHC Enrolment Form

National Child Protection Week

Cairns World Festival of Magic

If you are interested in attending the World Festival of Magic at All Saints Theatre, please send your enquiries to secretary.parramatta@cns.catholic.edu.au by Friday 13 September (Friday, week 10).

Upcoming Sporting Opportunities

Cairns Libraries - September School holiday Program

Greetings from Cairns Libraries,

Check out our exciting new September School holiday program where families will enjoy activities and events with a Musical Mayhem twist!

With a mix of musical games, interactive workshops, and hands-on fun, it's the perfect way to spark creativity and keep kids entertained these holidays.

Best of all, all events are free!

Program Highlights:

• Special Event: Fun Palace on 27 September, 9:30 am - 3 pm—a day of interactive, community-led activities celebrating arts, science, and creativity.
• Japanese Drumming: Smithfield Library on 18 September, 10.30am – 11.30am
• Ukulele workshop: Edmonton Library on 20 September, 2pm – 3pm
• Song writing workshop: Manunda Library on 25 September, 2pm – 3pm
• Hawaiian Hula & Craft event: Stratford Library on 26 September, 10.30am – 11.30am