Term 2 Week 2 of 11

Friday, 2nd May 2025

Message from the Principal

Today we celebrated Resurrection Day which is our school feast day. As a community we went to Mass, did some learning about the Resurrection and shared a picnic lunch.  It was wonderful to gather for this special occasion.

Resurrection Day reminds us to focus on what it means to be people of the Resurrection and people that belong to Resurrection Parish and School.

At one level the Resurrection is such a comfort, a sign that life continues in some transfigured form after death, and that death is not the end of our stories, but there’s so much more to the story of the resurrection of Jesus. The resurrection story isn’t only a comfort, it’s a mission statement and a call to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, who died for us on the cross. To be a person of the Resurrection is to live in the now, to be people that believe in the dignity of each person, and to be courageous and stand up for what you know is right, even in our darkest moments just as Jesus did. 

Resurrection Parish and school proudly live by the motto “We Care”. We are all inspired to show this through our beliefs and our actions. This notion of caring is at the very heart of the gospel messages of God’s amazing love for us and our call to show this love to others. As a proud Catholic community, may we continue to be inspired by the legacy left by Pope Francis and his passion for justice, equity and love for all and continue to serve our community of Resurrection. 

I would also like to Congratulate Joss Coaley on his employment as the Learning Diversity Leader at Holy Trinity in Sunbury. I thank Joss for all his hard work at Resurrection and wish him every success in his new role, which I know he is excited to be taking on. I’m currently working out his starting date for the new role and his replacement and will inform parents of that in the coming weeks.

Best wishes,

Deputy Principal: Learning & Organisation

Unlocking the Power of Your Child’s Brain: How Learning Happens

Have you ever wondered what’s going on inside your child’s head while they’re learning to read, solve math problems, or explore the world around them? It’s truly amazing! Every time your child learns something new; their brain is making powerful connections that help them grow and succeed.

The Brain: A Learning Machine

The brain is made up of billions of tiny cells called neurons. When your child learns a new skill—like tying their shoes or spelling a tricky word—these neurons send messages to each other, building new pathways. The more your child practises a skill, the stronger those pathways become. It’s like building a bridge: the more times you walk across it, the sturdier it gets!

Mistakes Help Brains Grow

It might surprise you, but making mistakes is actually good for the brain! When children struggle with a problem and keep trying, their brain works even harder to find a solution. This strengthens those important brain pathways even more. So, if your child says, “This is too hard!”—encourage them to keep going. Every effort helps their brain grow stronger.

The Importance of Practice and Sleep

Practising little and often helps new skills stick. Whether it’s reading a few pages before bed or practising times tables at breakfast, short, regular sessions are powerful. And don’t forget sleep! During sleep, your child’s brain organises everything they've learned during the day, making it easier to remember and use the next time.

Encouragement Matters

When you praise your child for their effort (“You worked so hard on that!”) rather than only the result (“You’re so smart!”), you help them develop a positive attitude toward learning. This mindset teaches them that with effort and perseverance, they can tackle anything.

In a Nutshell:

• Learning builds brain connections.

• Mistakes make the brain stronger.

• Practice and sleep are essential.

• Effort-based praise encourages resilience.

By understanding how learning works in the brain, we can better support our children in becoming confident, curious learners—ready to take on the world!

2025 Whole School Photo Day

Thursday 15th May

We are excited to announce that school photos are now available for ordering.  Below are the ordering instructions and all orders must be completed online via the Elite School Photography website : https://eliteschoolphotography.com.au/ prior to the photo day Thursday 15th May using the login code ESP202515. To ensure that there is a consistency across all photos regarding the wearing of the school uniform and that our formal school photos represent both your child and the school as best as we possibly can, we have asked that all students are in the school’s Winter Uniform. Junior school students are asked to wear their full school winter uniform instead of their sports uniform.   

We are aware that there are several families that will be away on extended holidays. Therefore, we have arranged for a photo catch up day just in case you're not back by Thursday 15th May. The photo catch up day has been booked for Thursday 22nd May with only siblings (family and individual photos are taken. 

Wellbeing, Child Safety & Community Leader  

Celebrating Mother’s Day

We are delighted to invite you to a special Mother’s Day Celebration at Resurrection on Friday 9th May. 

Join us as we come together to honor and appreciate the incredible mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures in our lives.

Schedule for the Day: ✨ 9:00 AM – Mother’s Day Mass ✨ Classroom Visits – A chance to see the wonderful work our students have been doing ✨ Morning Tea held in the hall at approximately 10.30am to 11am – A time to connect and celebrate with one another

We would love for you to share in this joyous occasion, filled with gratitude, warmth, and community spirit.

Looking forward to celebrating with you!

Second Hand Uniforms 

If your child has outgrown their uniform and it’s in good condition, we would love your donations!

All uniform donations to Marie or the office.

Sacramental Faith Formation 

What an inspiring evening we had, hearing from Matt Kennedy of the Western Bulldogs! Matt shared his incredible football journey, reflecting on the challenges he faced and the unwavering faith that carried him through the toughest moments.

One of his key messages "Preparation Prevents Poor Performance" reminded us of the importance of discipline, resilience, and staying grounded in faith, whether on the field or in everyday life.

Thank you, Matt, for your honesty, wisdom, and encouragement. It was a privilege to witness how faith and football intersect in such a powerful way.

Learning Diversity

A friendly reminder to please return the signed copy of your child’s Personalised Learning Plan (PLP) to school as soon as possible.

Thank you to the families who have already returned theirs — we appreciate your prompt response and support.

If you have any questions or need another copy, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher.

Several parent meetings are scheduled for Thursday and Friday next week. I look forward to meeting with those parents and caregivers during that time. The School Wellbeing Coordinator (Marie) and/or Speech Therapist (Imogen) may be present during these meetings to provide additional insight with your child’s class teacher. I also note that there will be additional PSGS held in week 8. 

Thank you for your ongoing partnership in your child’s learning journey!

SUNDAY GOSPEL

This Sunday’s reading is from the Holy Gospel according to John 21:1-14

Jesus stepped forward, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish.

Jesus showed himself again to the disciples. It was by the Sea of Tiberias, and it happened like this: Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee and two more of his disciples were together. Simon Peter said, ‘I’m going fishing.’ They replied, ‘We’ll come with you.’ They went out and got into the boat but caught nothing that night.

It was light by now and there stood Jesus on the shore, though the disciples did not realise that it was Jesus. Jesus called out, ‘Have you caught anything, friends?’ And when they answered, ‘No’, he said, ‘Throw the net out to starboard and you’ll find something.’ So they dropped the net, and there were so many fish that they could not haul it in. The disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, ‘It is the Lord.’ At these words ‘It is the Lord,’ Simon Peter, who had practically nothing on, wrapped his cloak round him and jumped into the water. The other disciples came on in the boat, towing the net and the fish; they were only about a hundred yards from land.

As soon as they came ashore they saw that there was some bread there, and a charcoal fire with fish cooking on it. Jesus said, ‘Bring some of the fish you have just caught.’ Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net to the shore, full of big fish, one hundred and fifty-three of them; and in spite of there being so many the net was not broken. Jesus said to them, ‘Come and have breakfast.’ None of the disciples was bold enough to ask, ‘Who are you?’; they knew quite well it was the Lord. Jesus then stepped forward, took the bread and gave it to them, and the same with the fish. This was the third time that Jesus showed himself to the disciples after rising from the dead.

Gospel Reflection

Scholars suggest that the 21st chapter of the Gospel of John is a later addition to the gospel, especially given the finality of the language at the end of chapter 20. The style of chapter 21 is much more church-oriented than the earlier chapters. The barbeque breakfast on the beach takes on a Eucharistic feel and the passage is at pains to portray Peter as the leader of the disciples and the one chosen by Jesus to provide leadership into the future. We must remember that the Gospel of John was written almost 70 years after the death of Jesus and if this final chapter is indeed an addition then it is likely written some time in the 2nd century. It was only in the late 1st and early 2nd centuries that the church began to adopt a structure of bishops as leaders of communities, and it was important to clearly establish the authority of Peter as the first leader of the Church and the authority of his successors. Obviously, a scriptural reference to Jesus’ choice of Peter would have cemented the case and so this later addition to the Gospel of John may have been constructed to serve this purpose.

Regardless of its original intended purpose, this passage provides a wonderful account of the appearance of the resurrected Jesus to his disciples. Like other post-resurrection accounts, the disciples do not at first recognise Jesus and it is not until the miraculous catch of fish that the beloved disciple declares, ‘It is the Lord’. In a beautifully everyday touch, the risen Jesus prepares breakfast on the beach for the disciples and blesses the simple food in the same way as he did the bread and wine at their last supper.

Gospel Focus - Do you love me?

Three times Jesus asks Peter, ‘Do you love me?’ and three times Peter answers, ‘You know I do’. Some writers suggest that the three-fold question by Jesus and the three-fold reply by Peter is intended to balance out the triple denial of Jesus by Peter at the time of the arrest and trial of Jesus. Where once Peter denied even knowing Jesus, he now declares his love for Jesus in no uncertain terms. It is a reminder to all of us that there is no act that we can perform that cannot be forgiven by God and from which we cannot come back.

Historical Context - Feed my Sheep

When Jesus asks Peter, ‘Do you love me?’ and Peter repeatedly assures Jesus that he does, Jesus instructs Peter to ‘Feed my sheep’. This image of feeding sheep is used to describe the caring leadership Peter is to take over the other disciples and the other followers of Jesus. The image of a shepherd has carried through the years and finds expression in the stylised shepherd’s crook (crosier) that is carried as a symbol of office by bishops. The people of the church are often referred to as the bishop’s flock – further carrying on the image of a shepherd and his sheep.

Catholic Care

CatholicCare Victoria is dedicated to supporting individuals and families facing challenges, offering vital services such as crisis support, family counselling, mental health programs, housing assistance, and multicultural support for refugees and asylum seekers. Their work strengthens communities, providing hope and practical help to those in need.

This weekend, a special presenter from CatholicCare will be speaking at the 9am and 10.30am Mass to share insights into their mission and how we can all contribute to their compassionate work. We will learn more about the ways CatholicCare makes a difference in our community. There will be a leaving collection after Mass.

Pope Francis wrote this in the Hospital......

“The walls of hospitals have heard more honest prayers than churches… They have witnessed far more sincere kisses than those in airports… It is in hospitals that you see a homophobe being saved by a gay doctor. A privileged doctor saving the life of a beggar… In intensive care, you see a Jew taking care of a racist… A police officer and a prisoner in the same room receiving the same care… A wealthy patient waiting for a liver transplant, ready to receive the organ from a poor donor...

It is in these moments, when the hospital touches the wounds of people, that different worlds intersect according to a divine design. And in this communion of destinies, we realize that alone, we are nothing. The absolute truth of people, most of the time, only reveals itself in moments of pain or in the real threat of an irreversible loss. A hospital is a place where human beings remove their masks and show themselves as they truly are, in their purest essence.

This life will pass quickly, so do not waste it fighting with people.

Do not criticize your body too much.

Do not complain excessively.

Do not lose sleep over bills.

Make sure to hug your loved ones.

Do not worry too much about keeping the house spotless.

Material goods must be earned by each person—do not dedicate yourself to accumulating an inheritance. You are waiting for too much: Christmas, Friday, next year, when you have money, when love arrives, when everything is perfect...

Listen, perfection does not exist.

A human being cannot attain it because we are simply not made to be fulfilled here.

Here, we are given an opportunity to learn.

So, make the most of this trial of life—and do it now.

Respect yourself, respect others. Walk your own path and let go of the path others have chosen for you. Respect: do not comment, do not judge, do not interfere.

Love more, forgive more, embrace more, live more intensely!

And leave the rest in the hands of the Creator.”

—Pope Francis

Student of the Week Awards 

Week 2

Five C

Lavina Stewart

Lana H - For showing resilience when completing all learning activities independently and openly communicating her ideas when asked. It’s been amazing seeing your confidence grow Lana, keep it up!

Six A

Katherine Salloum

Chloe P - For seamlessly settling into the Resurrection community at the end of last term and continuing to do so in Term 2.  You are a valued member of 6A!

Six B

Jane Huang

Marcus T - For being a resilient learner by asking for help to further his understanding when challenged by a task.  

Martin P - For being a responsible learner by being disciplined in his learning and ensuring he is remaining focussed on class tasks.

Six C

Rosie Nojdek

Kiara D - For producing a comprehensive Mars report and creative presentation.  

Selena H - For producing a comprehensive Mars report and creative presentation. 

Japanese: 

Yumiko Aiki

Naomi L (5B) - For being an effective learner by confidently presenting her Japanese self-introduction appropriately. Great effort - keep it up!

Performing Arts: 

Jody Banks

Lana H (5C) - For showing resilience when completing all learning activities independently and openly communicating her ideas when asked. It’s been amazing seeing your confidence grow Lana, keep it up!

Visual Arts: 

Emma Lyons-Pell & Tosh Kaan

Kai N (3C) - For enthusiastically using the art elements of line, shape and colour successfully to create a Keith Haring inspired 'dancer'. Well done Kai!

S T E M: 

Joanne Abos-Padilla

Dylan N (5A) - For showing great interest and knowledge on the topic of Earth and Space during our STEM. Well done sharing your knowledge with the rest of the class.

P.E: 

Nathan Koprek

Andre V (5A) - For consistently demonstrating strong effort during sport and offering to provide demonstrations to the class. Your initiative reflects a high level of resilience. Well done.

Three A

Claudette Petruccelli

Michaela M - For being proactive and taking the initiative to independently edit and improve your writing. Keep up the amazing work Michaela!

Three B

Enza La Rosa

Akaje G - For being a risk-taker and an enthusiastic learner in Literacy, by correctly identifying the appositives within a sentence. Well done, Akaje!

Three C

Joss Coaley

David G - For showing your best self as a student and always wanting to learn more! For example, researching that the middle line in a fraction is known as a vinculum.

Four A

Lena Aloi

Alex P - For being a respectful and responsible student and showing resilience from the moment you started at our school.

Athieng M - For being a responsible learner and asking for help in your work when you need it. Well done!

Four B

Ella Nowak

Ram - For always demonstrating a great motivation to learn in the classroom. Keep it up!

Chloe V - For being a respectful and responsible student in all areas of her learning.

Four C

Georgia Tankey

Elijah C - For demonstrating a very sophisticated level of detail when writing his holiday recount. Great work Elijah!

Linda D - For displaying a great level of focus and knowledge during maths, completing all of her work on tenths as decimals independently. Well done!

Five A

Jake Moloney

Elizabeth B - For collaborating well with her partner to create an informative presentation on conflict resolution. Well done, Elizabeth!

Five B

Malae Suaesi

Taylor M - For being a knowledgeable learner during Literacy by expanding and adding detail in her sentences. Amazing learning Taylor!

TERM TWO DATES 2025

Week 4

Monday - 12/5

Years 3-6 Assembly at 2:30pm

Tuesday - 13/5

Formation Session at 7pm - 8pm

Wednesday - 14/5

Fr Gerard visiting Senior  School classes at 10am School Advisory Council (SAC) at 7pm

Thursday - 15/5

2025 School Photos

Friday - 16/5

Senior School Year Level Mass 9am

Saturday - 17/5

Sunday - 18/5

Third Sunday of Easter 

Week 6

Monday - 26/5

Years 3-6 Assembly at 2:30pm

Tuesday - 27/5

Wednesday -28/5

Thursday - 29/5

Fr Gerard visiting Middle School classes at 10am

Friday - 30/5

Middle School Year Level Mass 9am

Deputy Principal network

Saturday - 31/5

Sunday - 1/6

Seventh Sunday of Easter 

Week 8

Monday - 09/6

School Closure: King’s Birthday Public Holiday

Tuesday - 10/6

Parent support group meetings (PSGs)

Wednesday -11/6

Parent support group meetings (PSGs)

Fr Gerard visiting Junior School classes at 10am

Thursday - 12/6

Parent support group meetings (PSGs)

Friday - 13/6

Junior School Year Level Mass 9am

Deputy Principal network

Saturday - 14/6

Sacrament of Eucharist 6pm

Sunday - 15/6

The solemnity of the Holy Trinity

Sacrament of Eucharist (9am & 10:30am)

Week 10

Monday - 23/6

Years 3-6 Assembly at 2:30pm

Tuesday - 24/6

Wednesday -25/6

Reports returned to teachers

Thursday - 26/6

Friday - 27/6

Year 5 Dance Battle (Prep to Year 4 audience)

Saturday - 28/6

Sacrament of Eucharist 6pm

Sunday - 29/6

The Solemnity of Saints Peter & Paul, Apostles

Week 3

Monday - 5/5

Mother’s Day Stall all day in the hall

Prep - Year 2 Assembly at 2:30pm

Tuesday - 06/5

Wednesday - 07/5

School Improvement Network - leadership team (off-site)

Thursday - 08/5

Friday - 09/5

Mother’s Day Mass & Morning Tea: Open classrooms till 10:30am

Saturday - 10/5

Sunday - 11/5

Fourth Sunday of Easter Mother’s Day

Week 5

Monday - 19/5

SCHOOL CLOSURE: All staff professional learning - Resurrection Way

Tuesday - 20/5

Wednesday - 21/5

National Simultaneous Storytime at 12pm Executive Team Leadership Huddle 3 of 6 School Advisory Council (SAC) at 7pm

Thursday - 22/5

Friday - 23/5

Saturday - 24/5

Sunday - 25/5

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Parish and Middle School Family Mass at 10:30am (First communion focus)

Week 7

Monday - 02/6

Prep - Year Assembly at 2:30pm

Semper Dental Van onsite

Tuesday - 03/6

Semper Dental Van onsite

Wednesday - 04/6

Semper Dental Van onsite

Thursday - 05/6

Friday - 06/6

Saturday - 07/6

Sacrament of Eucharist 6pm

Sunday - 08/6

Pentecost Sunday

Sacrament of Eucharist (9am & 10:30am)

Week 9

Monday - 16/6

Prep - Year 2 Assembly at 2:30pm

Dynamic Youth Citizens Excursion (Ms Marie & four student leaders)

Tuesday - 17/6

Wednesday -18/6

Reports due to leadership

Thursday - 19/6

Fr Gerard visiting Prep classes at 10am

Year Prep (Buddy) Year Level Mass 9am

Friday - 20/6

2026 Prep applications close today!

Saturday - 21/6

Sacrament of Eucharist 6pm

Sunday - 22/6

The Solemnity of the most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

Sacrament of Eucharist (9am & 10:30am)

Week 11

Monday - 30/6

Prep - Year 2 Assembly at 2:30pm

Tuesday - 01/7

Wednesday - 02/7

Thursday - 03/7

Friday - 04/7

Year 5 Dance Battle (Prep to Year 4 audience)

Saturday - 28/6

Last Day of Term 2

Whole School Mass at 9am

Semester 1 student reports sent home Dismissal Time 3.15pm

Sunday - 29/6

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time