Mother Teresa School Harrison eNewsletter

Principal's Message Term 2 Week 5 - 2023

Dear Parents

As a Catholic learning community,

all at Mother Teresa School are called

to care, to dream, to innovate, to inspire!

Reconciliation Week

Today 26 May is National Sorry Day - one day in the year when we are encouraged to recognise and reflect upon the mistreatment of Australia's First Nations peoples. This day flows into National Reconciliation Week. This year the National Reconciliation Week theme, “Be a voice for generations” calls on all Australians to act today to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation.

Generations of Australians have fought hard for meaningful change, but more effort is needed to create a just, equitable and reconciled Australia. Reconciliation is all about building a better nation. A more united Australia that respects and takes pride in 65,000 years of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, stories and achievements. An Australia that believes in the right of First Nations peoples to make decisions about their lives and their communities. An Australia that stands opposed to racism, inequity and injustice.

To be a voice for reconciliation today means the start of real change tomorrow. It means amplifying the calls of past generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples that have fought hard and paved the way. And it means using your power, your words and your vote to create a better, more just Australia for all of us.

The Big Sing!

What a beautiful event to host at Mother Teresa during the week. We are so blessed to have Mrs Susan Curbishley on staff to share her amazing musical talents. The Big Sing, coordinated by Susan, is a combination of several school choirs who come together to share their musical talents. The concert at the end of the day was just fabulous! Our children thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

A Special Mary Mass

On Tuesday 23 May we celebrated a beautiful School Mass honouring Mary. All the children participated leading the various readings and processions and as always sang beautifully. Thank you to Fr Eden who celebrated the Mass with us.

May is the month of Mary. There are many special Marian devotions held in the Catholic Church during the month of May honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary referred to as "The Queen of May".

Without Mary giving birth to Jesus, all the events that followed: Jesus' life, death, and resurrection wouldn't have happened.

Mary was close to Jesus, not simply as his mother but also as a follower throughout Jesus’ ministry. With Mary as our model, we are encouraged to respond to the challenge of God’s message and Jesus’ action of love to help the poor and oppressed.

On May 24th we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady Help of Christians who is the patron saint of Australia. Additionally, the Easter season ends with the feasts of the Ascension and Pentecost.

A Magical Year 3 Narnia Day

There was lots of excitement in Year 3 this week as they celebrated the end of their class novel. So many of the characters from Narnia took over the classrooms. It was definitely a funfilled day for the children and teachers.

Cross Country

Congratulations to the following students who have made it through to the North/Gungahlin Cross Country Carnival. Do not forget to register via QKR to be able to attend.

AGE	BOYS	GIRLS	AGE	BOYS	GIRLS
12 Years	Brody P	Olivia J	11 Years	Luke J	Luciana R
	Nikos V	Piyushi B		Patrick M	Amy H
	Michael H	Charlotte P		Luca D	Addison M
	Mason H	Naomi C		Max A	Lily H
	Tyler R	Ruby S		Noah F	Anessa C
10 Years	Dash M	Ruby M	9 Years	Lachlan R	Zara F
	Kai P	Maria M		William M	Grace P
	Will G	Olivia H		Bailey M	Mia B
	Hamish M	Georgia L		Lachlan P	Siena K
	Colin A	Isabelle O		Zane P	Lacey P
8 Years	Harry A	Charlotte S
	Romeo I	Elsie S
	Harry J	Mackenzie B
	Neil K	Dejashya A
	Arlo P	Leno S

Oz Tag

Teams have been finalised for Oz Tag and Mr Kieran Russell has sent all families involved an email confirming involvement and required payment of $10 via Qkr. Unfortunately, late entries cannot be included.

Sullivan Shield

While I know this will be disappointing news for the children we have had to withdraw from the Sullivan Shield competition next week - Tuesday 30 May. Unfortunately, we have had to prioritise our participation in events next week due to the high level of staff who will be away, the availability of relief staff, and parent support for this event. I trust you will understand this decision as we need to minimise class disruption and ensure our school programs are maintained.

Are You Leaving MTS

We are receiving lots of enquiries for enrolment in all grades across the school. If you are aware of a possible move, please advise as soon as possible. This will help with our planning for Semester two 2023 and beyond.

Enrolment Time

The Catholic Schools official enrolment period concluded on 26 May. All families with siblings attending our ELC need to also enrol by the end of May to secure a place.

Please encourage friends and family to complete the enrolment form, available on our website.

Enrolment time for all Systemic Catholic schools occurs from Monday 1 May until Friday 26 May. This includes our Systemic Schools of St John Paul II College, Merici College and St Francis Xavier College, and the Holy Spirit and Mother Teresa Early Learning Centres (ELCs) for our pre-schoolers.

Please spread the word!

ELC Open Days

ELC refurbishment and car park arrangements

With the plans of the ELC refurbishment approved it is expected that construction will commence soon. Due to delays with several building approvals required the commencement date has been pushed back. Once the project commences the access driveway in front of the ELC will be blocked off. This will mean that ELC parents will need to park in the car park and school afternoon pick-up for everyone will be at the back of the school near the covered walkway.

Uniform Shop Opening 2023

Our uniform shop volunteers have advised that they will be open Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 8.30am - 9:00am. Access to the uniform shop is from the side sliding door (car park side) of the Hall. The current stock is very low.

God bless and have a lovely three day weekend

Carmel Maguire

Principal

A fun MTS community night

Last chance to get your tickets. Bookings close midday Sunday 28th May.

MTS Mum’s join your friends and be guided step by step to create a beautiful Canberra Landscape while enjoying exactly what you like with BYO drinks and snacks. On Saturday the 3rd June. Arrive from 5.30pm for a 6pm start.

For this amazing paint and sip event to go ahead we need a minimum number of 25 participants.

So if you’re keen to be part of the night don’t delay, please book now!

Book your tickets here