Last week we celebrated Catholic Education Week. Each school in Catholic Education SA (there are 102) uses this week to celebrate the contribution our schools make to the South Australian community. We all aim to develop children holistically through the underpinnings of the Catholic faith, to be capable learners, thriving people contributing in a positive way to the world in which they belong. We want them to do this in a manner that God desires, being leaders and learners.
On Monday 3rd June, we celebrated the 25 years of All Saints Catholic Primary School developing and supporting learners. We commenced our celebrations with a Mass and morning tea and were joined by Amanda Rishworth MP member for Kingston, Chris Picton MP state member for Kaurna, former principals, Staff and families.
We were delighted to welcome back the foundation principal, Kevin Clancy, and former principal, Bruno Vieceli, now Assistant Director of Catholic Education SA. Bruno made a short speech acknowledging Kevin Clancy as the first principal as well all the staff, families and community who have been involved over the 25 years. He acknowledged the ‘can do’ attitude of the community and the focus on the wellbeing and learning of each individual child. Bruno also acknowledged the wonderful behaviour and respect of the children as they celebrated mass and listened to speeches.
We were also joined by all of the principals of the Catholic schools in our Southern Vales cluster, which includes Emmaus Catholic School – Woodcroft, Antonio Catholic School – Morphett Vale, St John the Apostle School – Christies Beach, Galilee Catholic School – Aldinga and Cardijn College – Noarlunga Downs. This cluster of Catholic schools have an established formal structure as the Southern Region Alliance of Catholic Schools. As principals we meet twice a term to work on our regional strategic plan, special projects and issues ranging from transition, school governance, resources and finance to learning, teaching and pastoral care. As an alliance of schools we are committed to a Reception to Year 12+ pathway. This means that children in our alliance schools are guaranteed a pathway into Cardijn College.
On Wednesday 5th June, the children, all 509 of them, sang Happy Birthday to the school, enjoyed lunch together and then were able to enjoy some sponge cake (if they wanted!), prepared by Craig Goldfinch.
To complete the week, on the Friday we celebrated all things Italian with the children parading their masks, singing songs, and a myriad of other cultural and language-based activities, before sitting down to a shared lunch. In a feat similar to those shown on MasterChef challenges, our own MasterChef, Craig Goldfinch, and his support crew, our All Saints Community volunteers prepared and fed the children with pasta, garlic bread and gelato.
Thank you to all the staff and families who made our celebrations a wonderful occasion and provided these great experiences for all the children, certainly displaying that ‘can do’ attitude that Bruno mentioned and encouraged.
We recently announced the appointment of Nick Wright as the new Deputy Principal, commencing in Term 3, along with Martika Williams as our new Term 3 Reception teacher and David Donnelly into the Maintenance Officer role. We are sure the community will welcome and congratulate you all.
With every best wish,
Liz Keogh and staff
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