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.  

Oz Tag 

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

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

WHOLE SCHOOL FOCUS

 

​"As the Father sent me, so I send you. Receive the Holy Spirit."

Something to Think About

If you go to church this weekend, you will notice that the liturgical colour has changed from gold to red.  Does the colour red remind you of anything?

The Story

On the day of Pentecost, the disciples had locked themselves in a room because they were afraid. Jesus appeared amongst them and showed them his hands and his side. The disciples were so happy to see Jesus alive. Then he gave the disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit and sent them out to forgive people’s sins.

Video https://youtu.be/IqG_lvZhU-A

Confirmation 2023

Our Confirmation ceremonies last week were very prayerful, and spirit filled.  Thank you to all the families and sponsors who came to support the candidates on the night. 

We would appreciate your feedback on the Confirmation preparation and ceremony by completing a short, 7 question survey.  It’s always very valuable to have your suggestions and comments as we review our processes.  Please follow this link to access the survey:

https://forms.gle/jzrTpFvZQpdrb2U5A

or scan this QR Code:

Scholastic Book Club

The Issue 4 catalogue is now available. The cut-off date for orders is on Saturday 10^th June.

Parents can order online via the LOOP parent portal on the Scholastic website, no orders or cash will be accepted by the school. Late orders are charged a flat rate for home postage.

Books will be delivered to children in their classroom once they arrive at the school. Parents concerned about missing, misplaced or damaged orders are advised to wait until the catalogue is closed and use the home postage option. MTS Community Council parent volunteers will be running the Book Club, so please ensure any inquiries are directed to them via the office email.

Active travel program evaluation

Transport Canberra and City Services (TCCS) is undertaking an evaluation of the school active travel programs, including the Ride or Walk to School, Active Streets for Schools and School Crossing Supervisor programs.

As part of the evaluation, TCCS is requesting school communities to complete a short online survey about their travel habits to and from school. The survey can be accessed through this link or via the QR code below.

TCCS has engaged First Person Consulting (FPC) – a Melbourne-based evaluation consultancy – to manage the evaluation and the surveys. FPC will not be collecting any identifiable information from anyone completing the survey, and all responses will be kept confidential and anonymous.

TCCS appreciates your support to evaluate these programs to continue to enhance the program offerings to schools.

Apply now for the Future of Education Equity Fund 2023.

Apply now for the Future of Education Equity Fund for the 2023 school year.

Eligible low-income ACT families can receive one-off payments for financial assistance to help cover the costs of their children’s educational expenses such as sport equipment and activities, music lessons, school uniforms and excursions.

The Fund is open to eligible students enrolled in preschools (attached to a school)
through to Year 12 in the ACT.

Further information and the online application form is available here.