News from the APRE - Toni Foley
Dear Parents and Carers,
Well, who can believe that we’re already coming to the end of Term 1. The year is passing by so quickly. As we approach the end of the term, we take a moment to reflect on the journey we have shared as a school community. The season of Lent has guided us in preparation for the joy of Easter, reminding us of the importance of faith, renewal, and hope.
Harmony Day
Our Harmony Day assembly and Project Compassion Fundraiser was a wonderful celebration of diversity, inclusion, and unity within our school community. Students showcased a range of languages, cultural dress and performances, along with heartfelt cultural reflections, that highlighted the importance of respecting our differences and celebrating belonging to communities. It was inspiring to see our students embrace and appreciate the diverse cultures, and for students to proudly show off their language and culture. Thank you to our staff, students, and families for making this assembly such a meaningful and enjoyable occasion. 
Project Compassion
Our Project Compassion campaign was launched with the Social Justice & Action Mercy Workers ‘Harmony Day’ dress up and has raised $ 444.80. Over the next two week, each year level will have their own fundraisers to help us to try to raise our $1500 target for Caritas. The upcoming Fundraisers are:
|
Week |
Fundraiser |
|
Nine |
Year 3 – Guess how Many Lollies in the Jar? |
|
Ten |
Prep – Crazy Sock - Friday 4th April |
Third Week of Lent
(Week beginning Monday 24th March)
Lam is 27 years old from a small village in rural Vietnam who faced significant challenges due to his short stature. Growing up, Lam often felt isolated due to limited job opportunities and difficulty moving around his community. While his friends started jobs after high school, Lam stayed home with his parents, unsure if he could ever achieve his dream of becoming a graphic designer.
Everything changed when Lam joined the I-SHINE program, supported by Caritas Australia. Through this initiative, Lam completed a six-month course developing his graphic design skills. Along the way, he built confidence, made friends and gained a sense of connection.
Today, Lam runs a successful freelance graphic design business from home, serving clients worldwide and earning a steady income. Lam hopes his story will encourage other young people with disabilities to overcome obstacles and pursue their dreams.
Lam’s journey shows how your support of Project Compassion empowers individuals to break barriers and transform their lives.
Will you walk alongside people like Lam this Lent?
Thank you for standing with us, as we Unite Against Poverty this Lent.
Social Action and Justice in Our Catholic School Community
Our Catholic schools derive their understanding of social action and justice from
scripture and Church social teaching. Christians understand that a just society establishes right relationships marked by love, compassion and peace.
At Our Lady Help of Christians, our Catholic faith calls us to be people of justice, compassion, and service. Social action and justice are not just optional extras in a Catholic school—they are essential to who we are. Inspired by the teachings of Jesus, we are called to stand up for the dignity of every person, care for those in need, and work towards a fair and just world.
There are key ways we can promote justice in our school community:
- Justice in the School Community – Justice begins with how we treat one another. By fostering a culture of respect, love, mercy and community, we ensure that every student, staff member and parent feels valued and heard. This can be as simple as speaking kindly, including others, caring for our environment, praying for justice, and ensuring that school expectations promote dignity and equity.
- Action for Justice – Our faith calls us to move beyond words and take meaningful action. Supporting charities, engaging in social justice projects, and advocating for those in need are practical ways we can live out the Gospel. Whether it’s fundraising for Caritas or Catholic Mission, caring for the environment, or helping a fellow student, every act of justice makes a difference.
- Reflection on Action for Justice – As a Catholic community, we are encouraged not just to act, but to reflect on our actions. Through prayer, discussion, and learning, we can understand the deeper reasons behind our call to justice and how we can continue making a positive impact in our world. Reflection allows us to connect our faith with our actions and grow in our commitment to justice.
Through living by the Gospel values, we help create a school where faith is put into action. Let us continue to walk together as a community of justice, inspired by the example of Jesus and the Social teachings of the Church, always seeking to make the world a more just and compassionate place.
2025 Parish Sacramental Program
The Sacramental Program is Parish-based and school supported where your child has the opportunity to prepare for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and Eucharist. The Sacrament of Reconciliation Parent Information Night will be held on 29th April. The program is offered to all Catholics students in Year 4. If your child is in Year 5 or 6 and would like to join the program, please contact Fr Nathan. Nathan.Mckay@cairns.catholic.org.au
We have our Journey to Easter Reflection at 9 am on Friday 4th April in the Hall to prepare for the Easter Triduum which will be at the end of the school break. All are welcome to join us and I’m looking forward to seeing all who can come along.
As we enter this important time in the Liturgical year, may we carry forward the lessons of compassion, kindness, and gratitude into the holidays and the term ahead. I extend my heartfelt thanks to our students, staff, and families for their engagement and support throughout the term, and I wish you all a blessed and joyful Easter.
Blessings for the coming weeks and Easter break.
Toni Foley
Assistant Principal - Religious Education