News from our Parish schools May 17, 2024

Pentecost Sunday

Siena Catholic Primary School

Last Friday morning, the school celebrated Mother’s Day with the dads organising preparing and serving a delicious breakfast for our mums, grandmas, and the special women in our lives. The aroma of sizzling bacon, freshly baked croissants and brewed coffee wafted through the air, drawing mums in from all corners. All commented on how beautiful the morning was with the company, food, and laughter en masse. The highlight I think was the dads doing the cooking. The fathers had created more than a breakfast; they had woven a tapestry of memories, celebrating the tireless love of mothers.

Following the breakfast, our prep mums and children celebrated a beautiful liturgy of singing, reading and prayers to thank God for our mothers and the preppies asked for God’s blessing on all mother’s who are with us and those who are in our hearts in heaven. We hope all mums had a beautiful love-filled Mother’s Day.

Stella Maris Primary School

Last week, it was all about our mums, with all sorts of activities and initiatives happening across our community. Excitement levels were high all week as children shopped at the Mother’s Day Stall; Prep students pampered and performed for their mums and a special breakfast was held. These events certainly don’t happen by themselves, but they leave a lasting legacy in wonderful memories. It was a great opportunity to ponder the profound impact that mothers and mother figures have on our lives. We are certainly blessed at Stella Maris, to have fabulous diversity in the ‘mother’ role models around us, demonstrating the 5Cs every day in their work, their interactions, their dedication and their love. Their love is a testament to God’s presence in our lives.

We also had reason to celebrate all Stella Maris athletes who competed in the Nambour District Cross Country trials held at Bli Bli State School. Not only did we have a champion take first place in his race; we also had some others make it through to the next level of competition. Great work, super stars!

Siena Catholic College

With the end of Week Five, we have passed the halfway point of Term Two and our staff and students continue to get involved in many wonderful activities.
Monday and Tuesday saw our Year 8 students participating in a whole day excursion to Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve to explore the landforms of the region, walk through the area’s rainforest, and discover the local First Nations’ community’s connection to Country.
On Wednesday afternoon, our Year 12 cohort were privileged to listen to a presentation by two Missionaries of Charity sisters. They shared with us the story of St Teresa of Calcutta’s ministry and how this continues in the work of
the congregation in Brisbane. Thanks to Ms Chetcuti for providing our Staff and Senior students with regular opportunities to volunteer at their Fortitude Valley Soup Kitchen.
Our Year 9s headed off on their two-day retreat/camp experience on Thursday. This was a great opportunity for the students to build connections by engaging in outdoor challenges and to take time for reflection and team building.