News from our Parish schools Mar 1, 2024

Third Sunday of Lent

Siena Catholic Primary School

The Resilience Project

Siena Primary is partnering with The Resilience Project to support student wellbeing and mental health this year.

The Resilience Project delivers emotionally engaging programs to schools, sports clubs and businesses, providing practical, evidence-based mental health strategies to build resilience and happiness. Through presentations, school curriculum and proven strategies the Project will instill the qualities of Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness, and easy ways to practice these in everyday life. It also incorporates Emotional Literacy to support children, to know, and use language that supports their wellbeing.

We call it our GEMs – and try to be Grateful, show Empathy and practice Mindfulness.

Some of the practices include students, sharing at the end of the day, one thing they are grateful for. Practicing being grateful each day forms a habit to look for the positives in life and be thankful for those gifts.

Here is year 3P Gratitude tree. On the leaves are things, people, and experiences that they are grateful to have in their lives.

The title for the tree is: Within the feeling of GRATITUDE is the seed of kindness!

Stella Maris Primary School

Our Year 6 students were part of the decision-making process this year, to determine which student ministry groups would most support our school needs. Those selected include: Liturgy and Outreach;

Media; Wellbeing; Sport; Performing Arts; and Sustainability. The students were able to choose whether or not they wanted to commit to a ministry and also whether they wanted to commit to more than one. After time to reflect (on their options and interests, as well as their prior commitments) and discuss their thoughts with their families, the students put in their nominations. We were so impressed with their readiness and enthusiasm to step up to serve their community (and others).

Already, we have had our Liturgy and Outreach Ministry students promoting Project Compassion, preparing care packs to be shared at the Parish BBQ and planning Holy Week services. We’ve had members of the Wellbeing Ministry providing playground support to students across the school and teaching students how to play handball the Stella friendly way. Our Media Ministry students have been leading assemblies and planning how to communicate key messages across the school. We can’t wait to see what else lies ahead.

Siena Catholic College

We have officially passed the half-way mark of term and none of us are slowing down! Tuesday was the second of our Caritas fundraisers, with Catherine House selling the renowned Kenilworth doughnuts in support of this worthy cause. Our talented musicians provided the entertainment for those waiting to purchase their sugary treats. Well done to all involved in this sell-out event!

Wednesday was our Assembly, in which we had the opportunity to pause in prayer, to congratulate students for their achievement, and to let the community know of our many upcoming events. On Wednesday night, a number of parents gathered to socialise, but also to meet our new Principal and to hear of the College’s plans for the year ahead.

On Thursday and Friday, our Year 12 Geography class travelled to Fraser Island for an excursion – and what a great opportunity it was to explore the features of our local area. On Friday afternoon, a large group of students participated in the Clean-up Siena initiative, working hard to ensure our school spaces are being kept clean and tidy. To round off a busy week, today (Sunday) families interested in enrolling their children at Siena are gathering for an Open Day and a chance to hear about the College and to tour its facilities.