Dear Parents, Guardians and Carers,

Catholic Education Week

Each year, Catholic Education Week offers a valuable opportunity to recognise and celebrate the important role Catholic education plays in our schools, parishes, and the broader community.

At St Angela of the Cross, we are proud to be part of this tradition—one that is inspired by faith, guided by values, and committed to excellence. Catholic education supports not only the academic success of our students but also their spiritual and moral development.

This year’s theme, Pilgrims of Hope, invites us to reflect on the mission of Catholic schools: to nurture compassionate and responsible individuals who lead with love and hope, serve with generosity, and act with integrity. These values are brought to life each day through prayer, Catholic Social Teaching projects led by our CHAT Team students, liturgical celebrations, and strong partnerships with our wider community.

On Saturday evening, we were honoured to showcase our school community at the 7 pm Parish Mass. Chad and Zoe (both Grade 5), along with Sadie (Grade 3), led the congregation beautifully in the readings. Lily (Grade 2) and Joey (Foundation) participated reverently in the offertory procession.

It was truly heartwarming to see the light and energy of our students shine so brightly. Their presence was a powerful reminder of the hope and vitality our young people bring—not only to our school, but to the life of the Church. Their talents, confidence, and faith beautifully embodied this year’s theme, Pilgrims of Hope.

During the Mass, we also shared a special video created by our students, capturing what they love most about our Catholic school. If you haven’t yet seen it, you can view the video here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AkDdvVGJxKZBFwVa4xIBnEgrEPzvP4-n/view?usp=drive_web

Commissioning of Our Religious Education Leader

Earlier today, Cecily Van Aswegen was officially commissioned as our Religious Education Leader during the Catholic Education Week Leadership Eucharist, presided over by the Bishop. This commissioning recognises Cecily’s dedication to fostering a faith-filled school community and supporting the Catholic identity of our school.

Cecily teaches Foundation four days a week and dedicates Fridays to planning and implementing key initiatives that enrich our religious education and school culture. Her leadership is instrumental in helping us live out the mission of Catholic education - to raise students who are hopeful, generous, and morally grounded.

We are sincerely grateful for Cecily’s commitment and the time she devotes to this important role, often going above and beyond through weekend and after-hours responsibilities. Well done, Cecily!

Warm Regards,
Stephen Pitt | Principal

Love IS all there is!!

Mahatma Ghandi said, “If more Christians were like your Christ, there would be more Christians.” 2000 years after Christ, only 30% of the world’s population are Christians (over half of those are Catholics). Considering the astounding “Good News” we should be spreading and Jesus’ instruction to “baptise all nations in the name of the Father, Son and Spirit”, not overly impressive.

Do others see us as Christ-like disciples? Jesus tells us that it is “by this love you have for one another that everyone will know that you are my disciples.” (John  3:31-35). “All that matters is love, a love that is expressed most purely when we sacrifice ourselves for the well-being of others. When we love in this way, we show that we are disciples of Jesus who laid down his life for us”. (St Paul’s Sunday Missal). Do we love like Him? Otherwise, we’ll never spread the Good News.

Can others see in us a love, not merely of the “worthy” or those who love us, but the love Jesus showed for the least (even haters)? Love for young people off the rails, street people and addicts, homeless, rough sleepers, sufferers of domestic violence, trafficked humans, migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, prisoners, dysfunctional families, those grieving at loss and dislocation, many indigenous people, disabled and ill brothers and sisters.

All humanity, especially the poor, ragged and disadvantaged are precious to Jesus, as well as the misguided, ignorant, and plain sinful. He loves them all and calls us to do no less. Catholics today enjoy infinite opportunity for self-sacrificing love and plenty of ways for “sleeves rolled up” engagement.

Others should witness Jesus’ disciples faithfully self-sacrificing in our daily lives when we work with one or two of the many Catholic social service organisations. Don’t just think about it – do it!

Deacon Mark Kelly

National Sorry Day is held on May 26 each year,
to remember and acknowledge the Stolen Generations
and the history of forcible removals and its ongoing impacts.

The colour purple is often associated with Sorry Day.
This is the colour of the Native Hibiscus flower used by Stolen Generations
survivors to recognise the scattering of the Stolen Generations and their strength and resilience. The flower survives in harsh conditions and the purple colour has been adopted as a symbol of compassion and healing. 

God, Mother of Mercy, stir within us compassion and a
deep desire for reconciliation. On this National Sorry Day
may this compassion and reconciliation be strong and true
so that justice flows, action flourishes, a difference is made
and peace is accomplished. 

Amen

Stay Connected with Your Child’s Learning Through SeeSaw

At our school, we use the SeeSaw app as a key platform to keep you informed about what’s happening in your child’s classroom and their learning progress throughout the term. This approach, known as progressive reporting, allows us to share timely and meaningful updates with you.

Each post on SeeSaw will include:

• • A sample of your child’s work
  • A description of the learning task
  • An explanation of how your child performed in the task
  • Information on how their progress aligns with the Victorian Curriculum
  • The next steps in their learning journey

This method provides a clear and ongoing picture of your child’s development
and helps you understand how they are progressing in relation to the standards
of the Victorian Curriculum.

If you haven’t yet accessed your child’s SeeSaw account, please do so at your earliest convenience.  If you're experiencing any issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to
your child’s classroom teacher for assistance.

Thank you for your continued support in your child’s education.

For more information about the SeeSaw App please click the link
https://seesaw.com/family-resources/ 

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2025 is “Bridging Now to Next”.  This theme reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future, and calls on all Australians to step forward together, to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us. 

By engaging with Reconciliation, our students will have the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, fostering empathy and respect for their perspectives. We look forward to sharing some of our students' learning about Reconciliation Week with you in the near future!

First Holy Communion
Just a reminder that our Reconciliation ceremony before receiving First Holy Communion is on tomorrow, Thursday May 22 at St Ita’s Drouin. Families can attend at either 5pm or 7pm. Families also have the option to take their child to Reconciliation on a Saturday morning at either Drouin 9.45am to 10.15am,
or Warragul at 10.30am to 11.00am.

Candidates will receive their First Holy Communion over the weekends of May 31 and June 1 and June 7 and 8. Families should have received an email confirming their Mass date and time. If any families have not received this email, could they please contact Liz on warragul.sacraments@cdsale.org.au

Sacrament of Confirmation
Our Confirmation Mass with Bishop Greg will take place on Friday August 15 at 7pm at St Ita’s Church. Parents who intend this sacrament for their child are asked to attend an Information Meeting on Thursday June 19 at 7pm in the Marian Room in Warragul. For more information contact Liz   warragul.sacraments@cdsale.org.au

This term, our Mini Vinnies team will focus on a special fundraising initiative to support people experiencing homelessness. We’ll be creating Rough Sleeper Packs filled with essential items.

If you’d like to help, please donate items from the list.

All donations can be placed in the orange collection boxes found in each class. We’ll be collecting until the end of the term — thank you for your support!

Our annual school photos, including sibling photos will be taken by Arthur Reed Photos on Monday June 2.

There is no need to return any forms or money to school; a unique image code will be issued to all students on/after photo day so families can register online to view images when they become available in the webshop.

Registration is simple, just follow the 3 simple steps on your child’s personalised flyer once you receive it and remember to add the codes for all your children  attending this school.

When images are ready to view and in the webshop, all parents who have registered will be notified by SMS and email.

Once registered, please wait for notification that 2025 images are online to view before making your purchase.

Please note that Arthur Reed will used 'preferred' names as per your child's enrolment form. Please contact the office if you do not wish for their 'preferred' name to be used.

 Game On... Safely!
Know the Ratings

Before your child hits "play," check the game’s ESRB rating to make sure it’s right for their age.
The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) provides age and content ratings to help
parents make informed decisions about the games their children play.

 Look for labels like E (Everyone), T (Teen), and M (Mature) on game boxes or digital stores

Want to learn more? Visit the ESRB website for tips on ratings, parental controls, and safe gaming at esrb.org

The ESRB Ratings Guide helps families choose video games that are appropriate for their children by clearly labelling content and age recommendations.
Ratings appear on game packaging and digital storefronts and are a quick way to understand whether a game is suitable for your child.

ESRB Ratings Overview

Full guide: ESRB Ratings Guide

Age-Appropriate Games for Kids (Ages 6–12)
Here’s a list of fun, family-friendly games rated E or E10+ that are well-suited for kids aged 6–12:

Ages 6–9 (Rated E)

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Nintendo Switch) – Racing fun with colourful graphics and simple controls.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Switch) – Life simulation game full of creativity and calm play.

Minecraft (E10+ for Fantasy Violence) – Build, explore, and survive in a blocky open world (best in Creative Mode for younger kids).

LEGO video games (LEGO City Undercover, LEGO Marvel Super Heroes) – Adventure and puzzle-solving with humour.

Super Mario Odyssey – Platforming adventure in a variety of imaginative worlds.

Ages 10–12 (Rated E10+)

Sonic Frontiers – Action-platformer with exploration and fast-paced gameplay.

Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville – Humorous strategy and action.

Spyro Reignited Trilogy – Classic dragon platformer remastered.

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet – Role-playing games focused on exploration, collecting, and strategy.

Splatoon 3 (E10+) – A colourful, team-based paint shooter that focuses on fun, not violence.

Keep Gaming Safe with Parental Controls

Did you know you can set limits on what games your child can play, how long they can play, and who they can talk to online?
Parental controls on consoles, computers, and mobile devices help you create a safe and age-appropriate gaming experience for your child.

Learn how to set them up here:  esrb.org/tools-for-parents/parental-controls