Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome back to Term 2 and Easter Season Blessings to all.  

St. Rita’s Pride is shining!  Thank you parents for supporting our school events in person or on Facebook.  We are immensely proud of our students performance of the Easter Story.  Again, thank you to Year 5/6 families who donated prizes to our Easter Raffle.  On a sporting note, what a sensational game of netball held on the final day of term with Students Vs Teachers/ Parents!  A draw, and being the Umpire, I did not let the teachers/parents get away with any stepping, obstruction or contact.  Great sport vibes, which we carry into Term 2.

Our vision here at St. Rita’s is to offer our students a world class education enriched by their lived encounter with the Catholic Faith.  Make sure to check out articles in the newsletter, great read!

I say again, our focus is to provide quality education for our students and enrich their human qualities consistent with the key points of difference of a Catholic school.  As our students progress and complete their education they will be:

• Discerning your people, formed in the values of a Catholic faith community.
• Effective and respectful communicators.
• Creative and critical thinkers who solve problems and make responsible decisions with an informed moral conscience for the common good.
• Self-directed, responsible, lifelong learners.
• Collaborative contributors who find meaning, dignity and purpose in work and life and who respect the rights of all and who contribute to the common good.

See you at the ANZAC Day March at Innisfail RSL tomorrow, Friday 25th April, mustering from 9:00am for a 9:30am march off. All students attending to wear Day Uniform, all black shoes and school hats.  ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.  ANZAC Day is a time to reflect on the contribution made by past and present service personnel - Navy, Army, Air Force, who have displayed great courage, discipline and self-sacrifice in choosing a life of service to their country and community.  In 2025, we commemorate the 110-year anniversary for the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps at Gallipoli, Turkey.

The Ode

‘They shall grow not old; as we, that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn;

At the going down of the sun; and in the morning;

We will remember them.

We will remember them.

Forward to a Better World, Mrs Bryan.

Dear Parents and Carers, 

Welcome back to Term 2. I hope everyone had a relaxing and enjoyable break.

Easter Reflection for Our School Community
Inspired by Bishop Joseph Caddy's Easter Message

At Easter, we celebrate the most important time in our Church’s calendar, when we remember the love, sacrifice, and hope that Jesus brings to us all.

It begins on Holy Thursday, when Jesus shared a special meal with his friends and showed them how to love and serve one another by washing their feet. On Good Friday, we remember that Jesus gave his life for us on the cross. Even though it was a very sad day, we remember that he did this out of deep love for the world. And then, on Easter Sunday, we rejoice! Jesus rose from the dead, showing us that love is stronger than hate, and life is stronger than death.

Even when the world feels unfair or full of sadness, Easter reminds us that God’s love is greater than anything we face. Jesus' resurrection gives us hope – hope that goodness will always shine through, even in the darkest times.

So this Easter season, we remember that God’s love is always with us. Let’s share that love with others through kindness, forgiveness, and care for the world around us.

Easter Art Competition 

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all our talented Year 3, 4, 5, and 6 students who participated in the Easter Card Art Competition. The children were given the meaningful task of creating Easter cards that reflect the profound Catholic significance of this holy celebration. Each student crafted insightful, reverent, and meaningful images and phrases, beautifully capturing the essence of Easter. We are immensely proud of all the participants for their exceptional work. Well done, everyone!

Our three finalists are pictured with their designs, Marianne, Valentina and Henry.

Prayer for the Eternal Rest of Pope Francis

Pope Francis, known as the People’s Pope, died 88 years on Easter Sunday, may he rest in peace. He chose the name of Francis after St Francis of Assisi who is the Patron Saint of ecology, animals, and the poor. Pope Francis was an activist, and often stated, “Who am I to judge?”  He adored his followers and they adored him.

Eternal rest grant unto Francis, O’Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.  May he now rest in Your peace. 

Amen.

Looking forward to a wonderful Term 2. 

Best wishes,

Ms Heaney

This term, we are looking forward to the upcoming athletics events, which promise to be action-packed and full of excitement. Don't forget, one of the most important days of the sporting year, Fitzy Palmy Day, is just around the corner! It's a day filled with fun activities, competitions, and community spirit.

Term 1 Shout Outs showing St. Rita’s Pride!

Congratulations to Dominic who played a tough game against the rival zones!  Southern Zone (Tully) V Northern Zone (Innisfail) in Rugby League. You did us proud Dom being selected in the Northern Zone Rugby League Team.  Mrs Bryan & Cleaning Service Staff Ms Di & Mr Kiwi were shouting from the sidelines but we went down to Tully by a try. 

Congratulations to Kade who represented the Cassowary Coast Region at the Peninsula AFL Trials.  Competing up an age group, Kade did exceptionally well.  He played mainly in the ruck and defence, and laid some big tackles and saw plenty of the ball.  Kade showed great grit, spirit and sportsmanship! 

The recent Students vs. Staff/Parents netball match ended in an exciting tie. Both teams displayed incredible skill and determination, making it a memorable game for all the spectators. The students, staff/parents showed great sportsmanship and teamwork throughout the match. The staff are already preparing for the next Students vs. Staff/Parents.

Upcoming Events-

District Cross Country - Fri 2 May at Warrina Lakes in Innisfail.

Touch Football District Trials - Wed 7 May at Innisfail State College 3:30pm-5:30pm. 

Soccer District Carnival - Fri 16 May at Castor Park

Yours in sport,

Mr Herrmann