82 Fairfield Road,
Elizabeth Grove SA 5112

Newsletter, Week 7, Term 1, 2026

As we pass the half way point of Term 1 we acknowledge that we are in a particularly busy part of our school term…

We have had students in and around our local community participating in various school events such as swimming trials and choir rehearsals and we have also been doing our bit of the environment by participating in Clean Up Australia Day. As the term rolls on there are still many events to look forward to. Please keep an eye out for EdSmart Broadcast and other various modes of communication so you are across all the exciting things that are planned.

Sad News

We offer our prayers, support and strength to both Mrs Bennett and Mrs Tullio who have recently lost some very special family members. Both Belinda and Aimee are pillars of strength in our school community and the first people to offer support to those in need. We hold both Belinda and Amiee in our thoughts and prayers during this challenging time.

NAPLAN

During Week 7 and 8 our Year 3 and Year 5 students will participate in NAPLAN. Families with children in Year 3 and 5 were sent information a couple of weeks ago about NAPLAN, which is four assessments held over a ten-day window over the next fortnight. There is nothing families need to do in preparation for the NAPLAN assessments, and all assessments are conducted during school time. If you have any concerns or questions about NAPLAN please contact our Leader of Learning, Michelle Menadue.

Sports Day!

For forward planning please be aware that our Sports Day is Friday 27th March (Week 9). Please mark this date on your calendar. This is always a busy day but also a great community event. Over the next few weeks our students will be busy getting prepared for this actioned packed day. We can’t wait to see our school buzzing with families. More information coming soon.

Classroom Pulse Check In

Each term, students participate in the Classroom Pulse Check In, a short online survey used across Catholic schools in South Australia. This check-in allows students to share how they are feeling about their school experience, including their sense of belonging, safety, identity and friendships. The survey was conducted in classrooms last week and now provides teachers with timely insights that help them support students effectively. Where concerns are identified, appropriate follow-up occurs and families are contacted as needed. This initiative supports our commitment to student wellbeing and helps ensure every child feels known, valued and supported at school.

Attendance is important

It is crucial that students attend school each day. While we understand that sometimes family events and illness occur, we do need to remind you that we are obligated to record and report on student attendance. At times, you may receive a message from your child’s teacher or Leadership about days absent. This may also come in the form of a letter when a certain number of absent days has been reached. Please understand that these messages are coming from a place of care. All our staff are open to conversation about how we can help your child come to school when things get a little tricky.

AGM

Our College Board Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday 17 March in our Admin Building. During the evening, various reports are shared that reflect the work and governance of the Board. Parents and caregivers are welcome to attend and support the valuable role the Board plays in guiding the life and direction of our great school. The AGM is an opportunity to remain informed and continue working together in partnership for the benefit of our school community.

Harmony Day

In these uncertain times across the world, it is more important that ever to show care and kindness to one another. Harmony Day provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate the theme that “Everyone Belongs” and the importance of mutual respect. We will celebrate Harmony Day on Friday March 20. Students are invited to come to school dressed in cultural dress or the colour orange in celebration of this day. Students are invited into St. Mary’s building on the Friday morning to complete a Harmony Day artwork that will be used to create a whole school display.

Shaping our future together,
Belinda and Gareth

News from Acting APRIM, Ms Tullio

Gospel Reflection summary for Parents and Families: John 9:1–41

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus meets a man who has been blind since birth. Instead of walking past him, Jesus stops, shows compassion, and heals him. The man can suddenly see the world for the very first time! But not everyone is happy about the miracle. Some people complain and argue. They focus on rules, not on the kindness Jesus has shown.
The healed man, however, is joyful and brave—he tells everyone that it was Jesus who opened his eyes.

This story reminds us that Jesus brings light wherever he goes. He helps us see with our hearts—helping us notice kindness, goodness, and the people around us who need our help. We are invited to be like Jesus by bringing light to others through our actions, our words, and our care.

Wondering Questions

  • I wonder what it felt like for the man to see light and colour for the very first time?
  • I wonder how we can help bring Jesus’ light to someone who might be feeling sad or lonely this week?
  • I wonder what helps ussee the goodness in others, even when it’s not obvious at first?

Dialogue Week

During Dialogue Week, students from Reception to Year 2 eagerly shared what they enjoy about praying together at school, speaking about the sense of calm, togetherness, and joy it brings. They also offered thoughtful ideas about how prayer could be even more special, showing a growing awareness of their own spiritual experiences. Students in Years 3 to 6 engaged deeply with Archbishop Patrick’s question about walking in the footsteps of Jesus, reflecting on how kindness, fairness, and helping others can make the world more loving and just. Across all year levels, their openness, and willingness to think about faith in action created a rich and meaningful week of dialogue. Staff and school board members also engaged in thoughtful reflection using the time to listen deeply and dialogue together.

Project Compassion 2026 | UNITE AGAINST POVERTY

Project Compassion is Caritas Australia’s annual Lenten fundraising appeal – one of the largest in the country. For over 60 years, it has brought together schools, parishes, communities and individuals to reflect, pray and take action, helping to create a more just world for all. This Lent, you’re invited to join thousands across the country as we stand together in hope and take action for a more just world. Your support through Project Compassion helps transform lives – bringing clean water, education, healthcare and opportunities to communities facing poverty and injustice.

As we focus on supporting CARITAS Australia, we will hold a ‘Loose Change for Big Change’ challenge. We are calling on you to help us by looking around your homes, or even the car for any loose coins you can spare. Each day, your child / ren can drop the coins into the Project Compassion box on the prayer space in their classroom and watch the total grow. Together, your small contributions can help create big, positive changes for people in need.

The Season of Lent

In a Catholic school, Lent is more than a season on the Church calendar, it is a shared journey of prayer, conversion, and renewed commitment to our mission as educators. Lent began on Ash Wednesday and will last for 40 days, leading us to the celebration of Easter. It invites us into the traditional practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. In a school community, these practices take on special meaning because we are not only living them personally, but we are also modelling them for our students.

‘Be YOU’ Day

Our school will soon celebrate a special “Be You” Day, inspired by Project Compassion’s theme Unite Against Poverty. Led by our enthusiastic Year 5/6 students, the day will invite all learners from Reception to Year 6 to take part in a series of hands‑on activity rotations designed to spark creativity, teamwork, and empathy. Together, students will explore what it means to embrace their individuality while contributing to a shared mission of supporting others and making a positive difference in our world.

This launch will invite students and us as staff into an experience of what it means to ’be’ during Lent: be present, be still, be aware, be compassionate, be hopeful…and we want to take action!

Sacrament Program 2026

The Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, Confirmation and Eucharist form the Sacraments of Christian Initiation. If your child is 8 years of age (or older) and you would like them to be involved in the program for 2026, please contact Melissa Musolino or Edna Dumbrell at the Elizabeth Catholic Parish. An Information Session will be held on Friday March 20 at 6pm at St. Thomas More Church for anyone who is interested in finding out more about the program.

Please click on the link below to access the parish bulletin to find out about events happening within the Elizabeth Catholic Parish: Bulletin – Elizabeth Catholic Parish

Dad's & Kid's Games Afternoon

Dad’s, grandad’s, and male role-models really showed up for our Dad’s & Kid’s Games Afternoon.. and our student’s absolutely loved every second of it.

From bocce, to mega Jenga, the afternoon delivered big laughs, friendly conversations, and solid memories. Afternoon’s like this are about way more than just games…

  • When positive male role models show up and get involved, kids thrive!
  • Better engagement relates to better outcomes, bigger smiles.

Check out a video from the afternoon here:

 

 

Clean Up Australia

Our amazing students rolled up their sleeves in celebration on Clean Up Australia Day and headed out to make a real difference in our local community.

Armed with gloves, bags, and plenty of enthusiasm, they worked together to collect litter, protect our environment, and show what community spirit is about. We are so proud of their teamwork, and their commitment to caring for our planet. Well done to all students who took part!

Vacation Care | Bookings are open for April School Holidays

Community Notes

Important Dates

Wednesday, 25th March – ATSI Excursion – Details TBA soon

Friday, 27th March | Sports Day at St Mary Magdalene’s School

Monday, 30th March Palm Sunday Liturgy, 9.15am (1/2H, 1/2N)

Friday, 3rd April | Good Friday (No School)

Monday, 6th April | Public Holiday – Easter Monday (No School)

Tuesday 7th April Easter Sunday/Resurrection Liturgy, 2.15pm (REC and 4S)

Thursday, 9th April – Friday, 10th April | AFL Max Camp 5/6 Classes

Friday, 10th April – Years 1, 2 & 4 – Gorge Wildlife Park Excursion

Friday, 10th April | Last Day of Term 1, 3pm Finish

Monday 27th April – Term 2 Begins

Friday, 26th June – Pupil Free Day (No school)