Emmaus Catholic Primary School

Dear God

We pray dear Lord, that,

purifying us by the sacred practice of penance,

you may lead us in sincerity of heart

to attain the holy things to come.

Amen.

Good afternoon parents and caregivers,

Last Wednesday marked the beginning of the Lenten season, one of the most sacred and reflective times in our Liturgical calendar. Lent is a forty-day journey that invites us to pause, pray and prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter. Grounded in prayer, fasting and almsgiving, this season calls us to grow closer to God and to one another through acts of kindness, sacrifice and service. Our Year Six students, together with staff, led a beautiful Ash Wednesday Liturgy, where students from Year One to Year Six received ashes in the shape of a cross, a powerful reminder to turn back to God and begin Lent with open and humble hearts.

Our leadership team also visited our Kindy and Pre-Primary classes to share in this special tradition with our early years, students. We were so impressed by our Kindy students, who eagerly shared everything they know about Ash Wednesday and the journey to Easter. For such little people, they certainly knew a lot, well done, Kindy Kids! A big thank you to Mrs Plint who played the organ for us at the liturgy, it was a beautiful celebration.

On Wednesday night, this week, we held our Parent Information Evening. I must say that I along with our teachers were a little disappointed at the attendance shown in each classroom.

Parent Information Nights provide valuable insight into your child’s learning journey. During the session, teachers explain curriculum expectations, classroom routines, assessment processes, and key events for the term and year ahead. This information helps you better understand what your child is learning, how progress is measured, and how you can support them effectively at home. When children see their families engaged in their education, it reinforces the message that learning is important and valued.

We held two sessions and sincerely thank those who were able to come along and take time out of their busy schedules to engage with the information shared.

I acknowledge the considerable time and care teachers invest in preparing for these evenings. Staff spend many hours organising presentations, gathering resources, outlining curriculum information, and preparing the classroom environment to ensure families receive clear, meaningful, and practical information. This preparation reflects their commitment to transparency, communication, and providing the very best educational experience for your child.

We value parent partnership highly and will review our process for next year to ensure we maximise opportunities for engagement and attendance. Digital copies of the handouts will be sent to parents via Seesaw and email. We truly appreciate your ongoing support and partnership.

Today we say a heartfelt farewell to a truly valued member of our school community as he begins his well-earned retirement.

As a founding member of staff, Derek Gair, our groundsman has been part of this school’s story from the very beginning. His dedication, pride, and tireless work have helped shape not only our grounds, but the welcoming and cared-for environment that our students and families enjoy each day. Long before the first students arrived each morning, he was here ensuring everything was safe, tidy, and ready for learning.

On behalf of our entire community, thank you for your years of service, loyalty, and contribution. We wish you every happiness, good health, and many relaxing days ahead in your retirement.

I ask you to please keep members of our school community in your prayers at this time. Some of our families are currently facing challenges and difficult circumstances, and your quiet support through prayer can bring comfort, strength, and hope.

I firmly believe in the power of prayer!

As a faith-filled community, we are called to care for one another with compassion and kindness. Your prayers for healing, guidance, and peace are a powerful way to stand alongside those who may be struggling.

Thank you for keeping our community in your thoughts and prayers.

God bless

Sandro Coniglio

Principal

School Start and Finish Times

Pre-Kindy (Thurs and Fri) 9:00 am (doors open) - 3:00 pm

Kindy (Mon - Wed) 8:45 am (doors open) - 3:00 pm

Pre-Primary - Year 6 (Mon - Fri) 8:30 am (doors open) - 3:00 pm

Administration 8:15am - 4:00pm

Dear Parents and Guardians

It has been an exceptionally positive start to the term, and the weeks are already flying by. Our classrooms are calm and settled, and we are so proud of the way students have embraced the year with such maturity and enthusiasm. Their behaviour has been outstanding, and they have transitioned smoothly into routines and expectations. A wonderful way to begin the year!

Parent Information Night

In case you have missed the email sent to parents with the link to Mr Coniglio's Welcome Address and Important Messages, you can access it here:

Mr Coniglio's Welcome Address and Key Information

To watch the slideshow, be sure to click on 'SlideShow', then 'From Beginning'. You may need to click on the arrow in the corner to activate the audio.

Discipleship Team

Congratulations to our Year Six Student Leaders and those who join their committees. We are particularly honoured to be working closely with the Discipleship Team (pictured below) who have already commenced planning for our upcoming Caritas - Project Compassion Water Walk. This event is our key fundraiser during the Lenten season and is an impactful opportunity for all our students to carry out acts of service that make a genuine difference. Last year we raised enough to bring a water tank into a Samoan school and this year we aim to improve water access to communities in Africa (like Sisilia's Tanzanian community, which all classes have learnt about). Please see the information below about the Big Water Walk on 16 March, which falls in line with our Harmony Day celebrations.

In gratitude

Loretta Hackner & Emma Fernandez

Assistant Principals

We are delighted to introduce our 2026 Student Leadership Team, a group of young role models who reflect our school values of humility, faith, hope and trust. Together, they will help guide our school with compassion, responsibility and a commitment to serving others.

2026 Student Leadership Team

School Captains: Hugo E and Isabella P

Sport Leader: Cara S

Wellbeing Leader: Hazel W

Discipleship Leader: Evan K

Sustainability Leader: Poppy S

We congratulate every student who nominated themselves for a leadership role. Their courage and willingness to serve our community is something to be proud of. While only a small number of students hold formal positions, all Year 6 students are recognised as leaders of our school and will contribute through a variety of important jobs and activities throughout the year.

• Do you have a child who is due to enter Pre-Kindergarten (3K) or Kindergarten (4K) in 2027?

• Have you lodged an Application for Admission form yet?

Interviews for 2027 places will be held during May and June so applications should be submitted before the end of April.

We have received a large number of applications already for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten for next year so late applications may potentially mean missing out on a place.

We encourage all Emmaus families to load / save these important links to access communication and information platforms:

For those wanting to join in on Friday mornings, please meet on the grass area near the hall at 8:00 am, before the group will move over to Dayton Open Space. No later comers are permitted to move to the Dayton Open Space without being accompanied by a parent. Our Cross Country is early in Term 2, so this is a great opportunity to build running stamina!

Parking on the school grounds continues to be a problem. Parents, please be vigilant with ensuring you are moving and parking safely around the school in your vehicles:

• There is no stopping along the driveway from Sunlit Avenue. Only parked cars in designated car bays are allowed in this area. Students are not allowed to be dropped off along the driveway as this poses a safety hazard and causes a bank up of traffic along the driveway.
• The Kiss and Drop at the front of the school is for morning drop off and after school pick up only, and parents must wait in the car for their child to enter / exit. Please do not park here, nor leave your vehicle to go and collect your child / drop your child off.
• The length of the parallel parking along the exit driveway in front of the Kindy classrooms have designated bays. If there are no remaining bays to park, please do no mount the curb or park in garden beds. We have already replaced broken sprinklers in these new gardens due to parents mounting the curb.
• Disabled bays at the front of Admin are for ACROD pass holders only. We ask that parents refrain from parking in these bays.

Kindly, we ask that if there are no remaining parking spots in the marked bays on the school grounds, please park in one of the many bays at Dayton Open Space.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Emmaus staff have access to interpreters for teacher meetings. Please don’t be shy about reaching out to your children’s teachers if you would appreciate interpreter assistance in your home language, during meetings.

We have teacher meetings coming up in Week 8 so get your requests in now so that Emmaus can make our interpreter bookings.

Please email your child's teacher, which Language Interpreter you require.

Emmaus Wellbeing Coordinators 2026

Ms Kate Cameron (Wellness & SEL Coordinator) & Mrs Hannah Thomas (Social Worker)

This Term's Wellbeing focus is centred on Emotional Regulation.

Emotional regulation is a teachable skill, not an natural trait for all, requiring adults to act as co-regulators because children's brains are still developing. Key strategies include modeling calm behavior, labeling emotions, setting predictable routines, and validating feelings while maintaining safety limits and firm, high expectations and boundaries. It is a process that takes time, patience, and practice and with the strategies taught and implemented at Emmaus through our Kimochi focus, Berry Street Education Model and Health Curriculum, our staff prioritise this area in all interactions with students.

Parents wanting their Catholic child to carry out an upcoming Sacrament should now have enrolled with the Parish Sacramental Program:

First Reconciliation Enrolment (Year 3)

First Eucharist Enrolment (Year 4)

Confirmation Enrolment (Year 6)

Those receiving the above Sacraments this year must attend one of the upcoming Sacrament Commitment Masses:

• Commitment Mass - (Choose one option)

Sunday 15 March 9:30am (also the Emmaus / St Helena's School/Parish Mass)

Sunday 22 March 9:30am

There is a community morning tea to follow each of these Commitment Masses. Families are kindly requested to donate a share plate (drop off at the Parish Centre next to the Church before Mass begins).

Please let Hannah Wager (Sacrament Coordinator) know the preferred Mass for your child:

Youth@sthelenaellenbrook.com

To order from the Scholastic Book Club please use the link below!

All students received their Issue 2 Book Club flyer this week. All orders for this current issue will close on Friday 13 March Please note that only online orders are accepted (no cash sent in). All purchases contribute to bonus book products for our school.

Library classes have now commenced for all students. Borrowing of our books is only available to students with a cloth Library bag. Please note that all returns or renewals are expected each week and lost / destroyed books will result in a book replacement fee being issued to parents.

A digital copy of the most recent Term 1, 2026 Parent Calendar is included below: Please see important dates for Term 1, 2026. Please note that any revised changes to the school calendars are updated and will be posted on our online calendar and in newsletter attachments.

WEEK 5

Monday 2 March

• Labour Day (Public Holiday)

Tuesday 3 March

• Professional Development Day / Pupil Free Day (No school)

Friday 6 March

• Running Club @ Dayton Open Space 8:00 am
• Cricket Carnival - selected Year 5 and Year 6 Students (Mr Ski and Mr Sullivan)
• P&F Welcome Event - Movie Night (opens at 5:30pm)

Week 6

Tuesday 10 March

• Memory Cafe - Year 1B, 1G and Year 6

Wednesday 11 March

• Year 3 & 5 - NAPLAN (Writing)

Thursday 12 March

• Year 3 & 5 - NAPLAN (Reading)

Friday 13 March

• Running Club @ Dayton Open Space 8:00 am
• 9:00 am Assembly
• Newsletter Issued

Saturday 14 March

• Holy Cross Open Day

Sunday 15 March

• Emmaus and St Helena Community Mass & Sacrament Enrolment Mass 9:30am (St Helena of the Holy Cross Church)

Be quick! Today is the LAST DAY for Cookie Dough orders!

OSHClub are excited to have been selected as the dedicated onsite provider at Emmaus CPS!

OSHClub offers care for students before and after school, on pupil free days and school holidays.

click on the link below for more information!

🎶Discover the Joy of Music at Emmaus - 2026! 🎶

Has your child expressed an interest in learning a musical instrument? Focus Music is proud to partner with Emmaus Catholic Primary School to offer engaging, in-school instrumental lessons that complement the classroom music program. Currently offering Piano, drums, guitar and voice.

🎵 Why Choose Focus Music?

• Weekly lessons during school hours—no need to juggle after-school schedules!
• Flexible rotating times so students don’t miss the same class each week.
• Options for 1-on-1, small group, or our fun and inclusive “Music Club.”

🎼 What’s Included?

• Enrol for a term or the full year.
• Instruments and resources delivered directly to your child.
• Simple payment plans—upfront or weekly direct debit.

🌟 Learning That Shines

• AMEB syllabus with formal exam opportunities.
• Performances at school concerts and the Catholic Performing Arts Festival.
• Expert tuition from tertiary-qualified music educators.

🎤 Enrol Today and Let the Music Begin! Email hello@focusmusic.com.au