Berwick Campus – 27 February 2020

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday derives its name from the placing of repentance ashes on the foreheads of participants to either the words “Repent, and believe in the Gospel” or the dictum “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

People generally wear the ashes — which symbolize penance, mourning and mortality — throughout the day to publicly express their faith and penance. This day is also of special significance as it heralds the beginning of the season of Lent in the liturgical calendar.

As such, the Berwick Campus celebrated the blessing and receiving of ashes as a campus in the hall on Wednesday. The concepts of sacrifice and giving were also explored during the ceremony.

Year 7 Camp

Welcome back to all staff and students that attended our Year 7 camps to Campaspe Downs, Kyneton. The camp itself is strategically positioned as an integral component of the Year 7 transition program. Students spend time in House-based activity groups to get to know one another and develop skills in the areas of independence, resilience, organisation and teamwork.

Students also gathered together to attend a special liturgy on the Thursday evening. It was pleasing to see the way that students were interacting with staff during the week. This lays a solid foundation of trust and respect that enhances our positive learning partnerships back in class to set students up to succeed with their learning.

Special thanks to our Camp Coordinator, Mr Brenden Small for his efforts in coordinating the away from home experience for both campuses and to Ms Sharon Kosta for her time and effort in overseeing and staffing the week’s activities.

Bushfire Relief Fundraiser – Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund

Thanks to our Student Representative Council who have worked with local agency Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund (GERF) to design a fundraiser to support relief for bushfire affected families. That was realised last Friday when all students at the Berwick Campus were invited to wear casual clothes in the colours of Australia (Green, Gold, Black, Red, Yellow, White or Blue) Icy poles were also sold on the day to help put the freeze on bushfire damage. Collectively, the Berwick Campus was able to raise $1,700. A fantastic effort for such a worthy cause.