Dear Families,

I am finalising this newsletter with joy in my heart after our wonderful annual Multicultural Supper. I am again grateful for the community spirit here at St Lawrence, the heavy rain did not stop us coming together to have an uplifting night, sharing food and catching up with one another. It was also wonderful to have one of our grade 2 students, Andre Dela Cruz perform a beautiful Filipino song for us. Thank you so much Andre!

As the sacred season of Lent progresses, we are reminded that our Lenten journey is especially meaningful as we celebrate the Jubilee Year—a time to embrace faith, love, and unity within our school and the wider community.

The theme for this Jubilee is Pilgrims of Hope, reminding us that our Lenten journey is not just a personal one but one we share together. Through prayer, acts of kindness, and generosity to those in need, we walk side by side, uplifting and supporting one another.

During this season, our students will take part in special activities that encourage them to grow in faith and compassion. I am always inspired by the generosity of our community, especially in supporting the Caritas appeal and offering prayers for those in our community and beyond. Many of our community are also practising fasting by giving up sweet treats—an act that helps them reflect on those who go without and deepens their understanding of sacrifice and charity.

I also want to take a moment to share that I will soon be embarking on a special pilgrimage, In the Footsteps of St. Paul, with 23 of the Western Zone Principals. This journey is an opportunity for deep prayer, learning, and faith enrichment as I visit the places where St. Paul preached and spread the Gospel. It will be a time of spiritual renewal for me as a faith leader, and I look forward to returning with fresh inspiration to share with our school community. I will be away from Wednesday, March 26, until the end of Term 1, and during this time, Brooke Taylor will be stepping in as Acting Principal.

I am truly grateful for your prayers as I take this journey and for the continued support you show to our incredible staff and students at St. Lawrence Primary School.

God Bless,

Trish Mulhern