Our first week was certainly a busy one and it was great to see everyone back onsite and enthusiastic in our return to school. Our opening school year mass was a great success, with the year six children and teachers organising the mass for us all. Fr Minh made everyone very welcome and I was extremely proud of the children and their participation in the liturgy. 

Sunday's Gospel gives us two powerful images of what it means to follow Jesus. Having recently chosen his first disciples and delivered the sermon on the mount, Jesus uses salt and light to describe what it means to be people of the kingdom. We use the phrase ‘salt of the earth’ today to describe a decent person, a good human being, but I think that Jesus emphasises the difference a person can make in another's life. Just like salt that flavours and preserves food, we can enhance the lives of others by being people followers of Christ.

MARONG CUP
Again, the Marong Cup race day will be held Saturday 18^th February and as an important fundraiser for the Catholic primary schools in Bendigo we are looking for volunteers. It is certainly a great opportunity to contribute to the school and at the same time meet other parents and model a sense of community to our children. As an extra bonus, Volunteers also receive FREE ENTRY to the cup on race day!
Tamara McIntosh is our representative on the committee and will coordinate our support. Please contact Tamara or the school office if you are able to provide an hour or two's help.

SWIMMING
Swimming sports will take place next Monday for our Grade 3 – 6 students. Thanks to Mr. Coates for all his work in organising this event. We welcome parents and spectators to the pool and look forward to a great day. 

BILLY TEA BUSH DANCE
The Billy Tea Bush dance duo will be at Holy Rosary on Friday 17^th February, with lots of fun activities. We will finish with a whole school dance and invitations to parents have been sent home (you might need to check the bottom of the school bag). Thanks to Mrs Teed for coordinating the day and we look forward to lots of fun.

LEARNING CONVERSATIONS
It is great to see a large percentage of families who have 'booked in' for Learning Conversations. Our staff look forward to discussing the start to the year and setting goals for your children. Our learning conversations are an integral part of the assessment and reporting program at Holy Rosary and I encourage all families to ensure they are active in the process to support the children's learning.

NAPLAN
NAPLAN tests will take place earlier this year for the Grade 3 and Grade 5 children. These tests are part of the National assessment regime and are now held online (except Grade 3 writing). This year the testing period will begin on the 17^th March for 10 days with a timetable to be developed. Parents in each of these grade levels are free to discuss this with your child's teacher. We will continue to support all children as they prepare for the testing period.

Paul Wilkinson

Principal