Term Two Week Five – Commencing Monday 18th May 2026

Dear Families, 

This week, parents and carers of children who are celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation in 2026 will be joining the school for Reconciliation Workshops with children from the Parish. 

Therefore, it is timely for us as a community to stop and think about the word reconciliation, what it means, and why we should focus on this in our lives. 

Reconciliation is vital for us as adults to model to our children. It calls us to be vulnerable to admit that we haven’t been perfect, or that we may have acted in a way that is not in alignment with our best selves. It also calls us to forgive and to act like Jesus did when others do wrong by us. As human beings, this is hard. 

At our school, staff are consistently called to help children when they make mistakes, as all children do, while at the same time helping children see the importance of forgiving and moving on. Children, like adults, often see the world from their perspective first and foremost. This is human nature, and it takes many years of guidance and formation for human beings to shift their focus to see the world from the perspective of others.  

Often, when we are working through friendship fires at school, or when someone is deliberately mean on purpose, our children want to feel a sense of justice for what has happened to them. This is natural. At St Emilie’s, inspired by the person of Saint Emilie de Vialar, we are all called to be people of reconciliation. This means, we strive to be vulnerable when we are not our best, while at the same time forgiving and being gentle with others when they make mistakes.  

The beauty of reconciling with others is clear to all to see when relationships are restored. The children appear visibly lighter and full of hope when they are able to accept their mistakes, or forgive someone who has wronged them. 

In this way, the Sacrament of Reconciliation remains a lived experience for all in our community. 

Reconciliation Workshops
On Wednesday, the 20th of May, preparation for children and families around the Sacrament of Reconciliation commences, with Reconciliation Workshops being offered at 4:00pm and again at 5:15pm. Information on how to book the workshops was sent home via email by Mr Munro earlier in the term. If your child is making their First Reconciliation this year and you have not booked a session, you are asked to please do so by contacting the School Administration Office. 

I would ask that all in our community please keep the children, families, staff and catechists from our parish in their thoughts and prayers as they prepare to celebrate First Reconciliation. 

Mazenod Feast Day 
This Thursday, the 21st of May, our school celebrates the Mazenod Feast Day. For those of you who are not aware, the Mazenod Feast Day is the day when we honour Saint Eugene de Mazenod, a great friend and supporter of Saint Emilie de Vialar. 

Information for those children in Mazenod House has already been sent home. 

For further information on Saint Eugene de Mazenod, please click here.

Mid Year Reports Parent Information Session Wednesday the 10th of June
As was shared in last week’s Weekly Reminders, this year, there will be a slight change to how reports are offered at St Emilie’s at the end of Term Two and at the end of Term Four. At the heart of this change will be the fact that children will receive an overall grade for their child in a Learning Area, and will no longer receive a grade for each of the Strands or Modes. 

For example, in English, children will receive an overall grade for the English learning Area, but will no longer receive a grade for Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking individually. 

To assist parents with understanding the Mid Year Reports, a parent session will be offered on Wednesday, the 10th of June @ 5:00pm, and we strongly urge all parents and carers to come and join us to learn more about reports. 

Catholic School Advisory Chair & Deputy Chair Person Elected 
Last week, our School Advisory Council met for the first time with our new members present. In really great news for the community, the positions of Chair and Deputy Chair have now been filled. 

On behalf of the community, I would like to thank and congratulate Mr Christopher Day on being elected into the position of School Advisory Council Chair, and Mr Beau Jose on his election into the position of Deputy Chairperson. 

We are very blessed to have such amazingly talented and committed community members on our Catholic School Advisory Council. 

Fruits of the Holy Spirit & Laudato Si Week Pin Up Boards 
The next time that you are on the school grounds, I would encourage you to take the time to make your way to the undercover area to view the new Fruits of the Holy Spirit pin up board, complete with some beautiful artwork from the amazingly talented Ms Mel McNess, who is a staff member at our school. 

I would also encourage you to stop outside the Year Six Block to view the pin up board that is dedicated to the work in Laudato Si (Caring for Our Common Home), as well as in Science and in First Nations perspectives. 

Parent Circle
Parent Circle will once again be on offer for parents in our community who wish to connect on a regular basis. Parents and friends are more than welcome to come to all sessions, or just to come to those that they can make.  

The dates for Parent Circle in Term Two are as below: 

Thursday 21st of May – Cooking Demonstration  

Thursday 4th of June – Doughnut Decorating 

Thursday 2nd of July – Staff Presentation 

The Parent Circle catch ups will take place in the Small Hall directly after drop off. It would be great to see some new faces come along for a cuppa and some morning tea. 

Kindy Enrolment 2027
It is that time of year when we are starting to call for Kindy enrolments for 2027. If you have a child who is due to attend Kindy next year, or you know someone who has a child that age, please encourage them to submit an application as soon as possible. Our Kindy program has proved to be extremely popular over the last few years, and it is advised that parents and carers submit an application sooner rather than later. 

Three Year Old Kindy 2027
I am pleased to share that once again in 2027, our school will be offering a Three Year Old Kindy Program for children who turn three in 2027. Further information will be shared with school families about how you can enrol your child in this program. 

School Tours
On Thursday, May 28th, St. Emilie’s Catholic Primary School warmly welcomes prospective parents to an exclusive tour of our school. Should you know anyone who is new to our community and would like to join us for a tour, please share the flyer and information below.

Pupil Free Day – Friday the 29th of May 
A reminder that on Friday, the 29th of May, children will have a Pupil Free Day while staff engage in some professional learning. 

Are your child’s Emergency Contacts up to date? 
It is important that you keep your records up to date for our Administration Office staff. Please ensure that as your circumstances change, you are letting the school know, including up to date contact details. Are your details and the details of your emergency contacts up to date?