2025 - Term 2, Week 3

Dear Families,

What a beautiful start to Term 2 we’ve had! The energy around the school is buzzing—with classrooms full of engaged learners, new programs underway, and exciting community events bringing us all together. One of the standout moments of the year took place just last Friday—Sports Day—and we’re still glowing from the joy and spirit shared by all!

Sports Day Magic

Last Friday truly was one of the best days of the year for many of our students. The sun shone, the cheers echoed, and the smiles were contagious. Sportsmanship was on full display as every child gave their best effort, not just for the thrill of winning, but to achieve personal goals and celebrate being part of a team.

Our senior students, for whom this was their final Sports Day at Emmaus, led with pride and heart. Their leadership, encouragement and enthusiasm set the tone for a fantastic day, and we couldn’t be prouder of them.

A heartfelt thanks to all staff who helped make the day possible, especially our dedicated Sports Day committee—Aureen Daly, Mirta Groeschel, Cez Konarski—under the expert guidance of our exceptional PE teachers, Josh Neiderer and Michelle Beecham. Their planning and teamwork ensured everything ran smoothly. Thank you also to all teachers for preparing students and supporting events throughout the day.

We’re grateful to our Board Chair, Dale Sutton, for attending and presenting the coveted Spirit Award, and to our Parents and Friends for generously organising donuts and coffee for families. The combination of good sport, good weather, and great community made it a day to remember. Thank you all for making it so special!

And finally, congratulations to Marin for taking out the Cup AND the Shield!
Your determination, energy, and team spirit lit up the whole oval. You’ve done yourself and your House proud – what a fantastic achievement!

Living the Emmaus Way – Together

At Emmaus Catholic School, we often speak to our students about The Emmaus Way – being Respectful, Safe, and Ready to Learn. These simple yet powerful principles guide the way we learn, play, and interact with one another. It is always inspiring to see our students striving to live by these values each day, whether it’s including a classmate in a game, listening carefully to their teacher, or helping a peer who is finding something tricky.

As the adults in their lives – parents, carers, and educators – we are their most powerful role models. The way we speak to one another, especially in moments of tension or disagreement, sends a strong message. A gentle reminder: when we interact with staff, just as we expect children to do, let us do so with kindness, calm, and mutual respect. This creates a culture that not only supports positive relationships but also shows our children what respectful communication looks like in action.

As the saying goes: "Children learn more from what you are than what you teach." If we want our children to grow up kind, compassionate, and respectful, they need to see us being those things – even when it’s difficult. Our words and actions set the tone, and we thank you for the many ways you show your support for this culture in our school.

Let’s continue walking this journey together, encouraging one another and lifting each other up – the Emmaus Way

Please click on the link to learn more about the following policies

•           Student Wellbeing and Positive Behaviour Support Policy 2025

•           Emmaus Positive Resolution Flowchart for Parents/Carers 2025

•           Positive Resolution Policy for Parents and Carers 2025

The Resilience Project Webinar

On Tuesday night, we were proud to facilitate a very special Resilience Project webinar, which many families were able to link in to and watch from home. It was a wonderful webinar filled with practical ideas and heartfelt insights to help us raise resilient, emotionally aware children. A huge thank you to Kate Thompson and our Resilience Team comprising of Georgia Richardson, Kathleen Wyatt, Kristy McKay, and Emily Simunsen, for creating this community event. We’re excited to share that another special TRP event will be coming later this year – so stay tuned!

Little Learners

This term, we warmly welcome 25 new children into our Little Learners transition program as they prepare to begin school in Term 3. Under the expert guidance of Wendy Moulder, the program is rich, engaging, and deeply respectful of each child’s individual development. Grounded in the Being, Becoming, and Belonging Early Years Framework, Little Learners celebrates the joy and wonder of early childhood.

We cannot wait to see these little ones making Emmaus their home!

ECHO Early Childhood Organisation

We are delighted that Emmaus Catholic School has been selected to be part of the ECHO (Early Childhood Organisation) initiative. As part of this recognition, we will host a group of early childhood professionals visiting on Saturday, May 17 to tour our spaces and learn about our approach to early learning. Wendy Moulder and I will proudly share the story of our programs and the philosophy that guides our work. It’s a true honour to be recognised for the care and quality of our early year’s environment.

Parents and Friends Committee

A heartfelt thank you to our amazing P&F Committee for all the work involved in organising the Mother’s Day stalls. Your efforts ensured that our students had the opportunity to choose a beautiful and meaningful gift for their mum or a significant woman in their life. The mums I’ve spoken to all commented on the thoughtful and lovely gifts they received, which is a true credit to your care and planning. We are so grateful for the time, creativity and dedication you put into making this a special experience for students.

I’d also like to extend a special thanks to the P&F Committee for adding an extra layer of fun and community spirit to our recent Sports Day. The coffee van was a much-appreciated treat for parents and staff alike – providing a perfect way to catch up and connect between events. The house-coloured donuts were a hit with students, adding a fun and festive splash of colour and team pride to the day. These thoughtful touches brought smiles all around and helped make the day even more memorable.

If you would like to learn more about joining this warm and welcoming committee, please speak to Kate Thompson, who guides and supports our parents with such generosity and grace.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in the life of our vibrant school community. We can’t wait to share more joy, growth, and learning with you throughout the term ahead.

Warm regards,

Suzanne Budd

Principal

We have a new pope!

The Catholic Church has a new leader—Pope Leo XIV!

He was born Robert Francis Prevost and is the first Pope from the United States. His family has Spanish and Franco-Italian roots, and he is a member of the Augustinian order.

Pope Leo has spent many years helping others, especially in South America, where he became a Peruvian citizen. In 2023, he was chosen by Pope Francis to help guide important decisions about new bishops around the world.

He’s known for being wise, kind, and having a great sense of humour. He has also worked closely with people in need and supported greater roles for women in Church leadership.

By choosing the name Leo, he reminds us of Pope Leo XIII, who wrote a famous letter in 1891 about justice, fairness, and caring for workers and the poor. Pope Leo XIV may continue to focus on these important values.

His very first words as Pope were: “Peace be with you all!”

National Reconciliation Week 2025: Bridging Now to Next

This year’s National Reconciliation Week theme, Bridging Now to Next, reminds us of the importance of learning from the past as we work together for a better future. At Emmaus, students will take part in activities that reflect on our shared history and celebrate the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Reconciliation is a journey for all Australians—and together, we can help build a more respectful and united nation.

So We Pray…

Almighty and loving God, you who created all people in your image,

Lead us to seek your compassion as we listen to the stories of our past.

You gave your only Son, Jesus, who died and rose again so that sins would be forgiven.

We place before you the pain and anguish of dispossession of land, language, lore, culture, and family kinship that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have experienced.

We live in faith that all people will rise from the depths of despair and hopelessness.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families have endured the pain and loss of loved ones through the separation of children from their families.

We are sorry and ask your forgiveness.

Touch the hearts of the broken, homeless, and afflicted, and heal their spirits.

In your mercy and compassion, walk with us as we continue our journey of healing to create a future that is just and equitable.

Lord, you are our hope.

Amen.

Justine Raponi

Assistant Principal Religious Identity and Mission

Are you looking for a rewarding way to give back to the community? We’re currently seeking enthusiastic volunteers to support charitable work at our school. While this role does not involve working directly with children, appropriate checks are required.

Some of the tasks may include:

• Assisting with online record keeping and ordering
• Light manual handling tasks

Time commitment: Just one day per fortnight, for approximately 2 hours.

Your support will play a valuable role in helping us serve others and uphold our school’s mission of compassion and community.

If you’re interested or would like to know more, please contact Emily Simunsen at: esimunsen@emmaus.catholic.edu.au

We’d love to have you on board!

Volunteers play a vital role in our school community, and we welcome your support! To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our students, all volunteers must have:

•  A current Working With Children’s Check
•  A current Catholic Clearance
•  A current Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse, and Neglect in Education and Care (RRHAN-EC) Certificate
•  Completion of the volunteer induction

⚠ Reminder: The RRHAN-EC certificate expired last year, so please check that yours is up to date with an expiry of 31 December 2027 to ensure you are compliant.

For more information or to get started, please download your volunteer pack here. Thank you for making a difference!

A reminder to OSHC families that fees are due to be paid in full at the end of each fortnight. 

OSHC statements are generated fortnightly and notifications are emailed to families with a link to your Fullybooked accounts where you can view your latest statement. If you do not receive a notification, it is still your responsibility to check your account to view your latest statement.

Please ensure you stay on top of your OSHC payments as accounts not paid in full may be suspended and OSHC bookings may be cancelled.

Payment can be made via QKR! or via direct deposit BSB 066-782 A/C 100002617.

We thank you for your ongoing support in keeping our OSHC service running.

Ensuring the safety and well-being of our students is a top priority here at Emmaus. As such, we would like to remind all parents and guardians of the multiple avenues available to report student absences or late arrivals.

To report your child's absence or late arrival, please use one of the following methods:

Reply Text to 0417 038 063. Please note that direct messages to this number will not be received.

Phone (08) 83227211: Speak to our friendly staff or leave a message on our answering machine if calling before 8:30am.

Email: Send an email to absent@emmaus.catholic.edu.au or information@emmaus.catholic.edu.au.

We kindly ask that you contact the front office for any absenteeism notifications. Due to the morning activities in classrooms, it may not always be possible for teachers to relay messages to the office before 9 am.

For extended leave requests of 5 days or more, please complete the absenteeism form at the front office.

Late Arrivals and Early Departures:

If your child arrives late to school or needs to leave early, they must be signed in/out via the iPad at the front office by a parent or guardian.

It's important to note that if a student is late to class and the arrival hasn't been reported to the front office, they will be marked as absent, and a text will be sent to parents from 0417 038 063.

Thank you for your cooperation and support in ensuring the safety and well-being of all our students.

We kindly remind all families that the Emmaus Staff Carpark is designated for staff parking only and should not be used for OSHC (Outside School Hours Care) drop-offs or pick-ups.

To ensure the safety of our students, staff, and families, we ask that parents and caregivers use the appropriate visitor carpark and designated kiss and drop zone when dropping off or collecting children from school (including OSHC). Using the staff carpark for this purpose can create congestion, limit staff access, and pose potential safety risks.

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding in keeping our school community safe and ensuring that staff have access to their designated parking spaces. Thank you for your ongoing support!

The Kiss and Drop zone is the yellow marked area as you enter the carpark from Todd Street, that enables you to drop off and pick up your children safely and quickly.

The intention is that drivers do not wait in these zones and that you stay in the vehicle to ensure traffic is streamlined and traffic queues are minimized.

In reality, it only takes one or two inconsiderate drivers to overstay in the zone and the system breaks down, leading to frustration and delays.

Please familiarise yourself with our Kiss and Drop guidelines:

• Kiss and Drop zone is a NO PARKING zone. If your child is not ready and waiting for you, please continue to lap the carpark. Alternatively, park your vehicle in a carpark and wait. Please do not park in the kiss and drop zone to wait for your child as this builds up traffic on Todd Street where accidents have occurred. The aim of Kiss and Drop is for free flowing traffic.
• It is an expectation that drivers continue to the end of the kiss and drop zone, to allow room for others.
• For safety, it is recommended that students exit and enter the vehicle kerbside only. Children should have their schoolbags on their lap to ensure the driver does not need to exit the vehicle.
• Do not get out of your car.
• If you are required to get out of your vehicle to assist your child with their bag or seatbelt, please do not use Kiss and Drop. Park your vehicle so you can assist your child safely. 
• Staff will be on Kiss and Drop duty to assist with free flow of traffic and child safety from 8.30am - 8.45am and 3.05pm - 3.25pm. Please ensure your child is collected by 3.25pm.
• Please use the pedestrian crossing when walking between the carpark and the Kiss and drop area.
• Please ensure you remain under the speed limit of 10km/h at all times.

Staff have been advised to remind all families to use the crossing correctly. If you choose not to use the crossing, you will be redirected by staff on duty. Please do not take this personally; it is their job to keep everyone safe.

Woodcroft Library have the following upcoming community events. 

All events below are being hosted at Woodcroft Library, located at 175 Bains Road, Morphett Vale. Bookings can be made on the links below or by call 8384 0050.

Important to Me Art Exhibition & Family Fun Afternoon

Sunday 18 May, 1-4pm

https://ArtExhibition2025.eventbrite.com.au

Join us for a fun, free family event! Featuring a collection of artwork and children's voices plus lots of fun, free activities! For all ages, no bookings required- Just come along!

Vote for your favourite piece of art for their chance to feature in the state-wide Communities for Children "Creative Kids Family Calendar".

Build a Backyard Habitat with Native Plants

Thursday 22 May, 1-2:30pm

https://HabitatGardening.eventbrite.com.au

Learn how to help the local wildlife in your own backyard with Hannah from Wattle and Wonder! Get tips on how to use native plants to create a lively, eco-friendly garden, attract and help native wildlife, save resources, attract pollinators, and improve soil health. Get inspired to transform your garden, create a thriving habitat, and boost biodiversity!

This is a Green Hub information session brought to you by Onkaparinga Libraries and Sustainable Onkaparinga.

Cost: $5, payable at the time of booking.

Autism in Children: All you want to know

Sunday 25 May, 2-3:30pm

https://AutismInChildrenWoodcroftLib.eventbrite.com.au

Join Dr. Solanki from Access Paediatric Clinic for this free talk to learn about ASD diagnosis, its variations, impacts, and available support, plus have your questions answered. Ideal for parents, caregivers, or educators.

The Buzz on Native Bees

Thursday 19 June, 1-2:30pm

https://NativeBeesWoodcroft.eventbrite.com.au

Join Hannah from Wattle + Wonder to learn all about native bees! Find out how to identify different species, understand their behaviour and nesting needs, attract them to your garden, and create an effective bee hotel.

This is a Green Hub information session brought to you by Onkaparinga Libraries, Sustainable Onkaparinga and the Woodcroft-Morphett Vale Neighbourhood Centre

Cost: $5, payable at the time of booking

Dreaming Soldiers with Catherine Bauer 

Tuesday 24 June 4-5pm

https://DreamimgSoldiersCatherineBauer.eventbrite.com.au

Join us for a wonderful afternoon with Catherine as she discussed her beautiful children's book 'Dreaming Soldiers'.

Additional events can be found here: https://www.onkaparingacity.com/Community-facilities-support/Libraries/Library-locations/Woodcroft-Library