Cardijn Connect - a source of news and information for the Cardijn community. The blog will be published every Thursday during the school term with past editions always accessible from the menu.

Shrove Tuesday is an important day in the Christian tradition, celebrated worldwide. It marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and prayer leading up to Easter. Known as 'Pancake Day', it became a time to use up rich ingredients like eggs, milk, and sugar before the Lenten fast, turning pancakes into a beloved tradition that symbolises a final feast before the season of reflection.

All three campuses came together to celebrate, sharing delicious pancakes and embracing this meaningful tradition.

Last Friday, our staff and students gathered at SA Athletic Stadium for another unforgettable Sports Day.

For the first time in Cardijn history, Faulkner was crowned the Sports Day Champions!

Well done, Faulkner, for "Bringing the Fire", and a special mention to Kolbe for winning the Spirit Trophy.

OVERALL RESULTS:

1. Faulkner: 2502
2. Lombard: 2450
3. Kolbe: 1992
4. Galmar: 1944
5. MacKillop: 1915
6. Romero: 1909
7. Mitchell: 1857
8. Chavoin: 1790
9. Chisholm: 1682

• Engineering – Mr Thomas Beltrame
• Law – Assistant Professor Kris Wilson
• Creative Industries – Dr Peter Beaglehole
• Sport, Business and Tourism – Assistant Lecturer Alicia Mitton and Dr Eliza Kitchen
• Nursing – Ms Bec Rose
• Health – Assistant Lecturer Brad Luxton and Assistant Lecturer Ashlyn Wingrove

Student reflections:

• "Having Flinders come to Cardijn was a huge help in getting some questions answered about courses I was already looking at. Having them visit early in Term 1 also gave me the chance to build a better understanding of what I could go into and explore different courses I was interested in." — Sienna
  
  
• "I really enjoyed listening to the engineer who came in from Flinders, as the concept he is developing was brilliant and innovative. His career pathway was inspiring and showed how passion and study can lead to meaningful opportunities. I also thought the sport and business presentation was excellent, as it clearly explained how the two industries connect and opened my eyes to different career possibilities." — Alex
  
  
• "I really enjoyed both sessions, especially the law session. It was very interesting and gave me a great insight into what it would be like to study law." — Cooper
  
  
• "We found the Allied Health and Nursing Spotlight Session really engaging and informative. It gave us a clear understanding of the opportunities within these fields and what the career pathways can look like. The speakers shared practical advice that encouraged us to think more deeply about health careers we might want to pursue." — Eliza and Marley
  
  
• "When I attended the Spotlight Sessions, I thought I was only interested in law, but I discovered that I really liked nursing." — Andile
  
  
• "It was a refresher on the endless opportunities out there. I have had my mind set on psychology for so long, but after having an open mindset, I saw the interesting opportunities in creative arts and am now reconsidering what I want to do." — Om

Students today have extremely busy schedules, with ever increasing responsibilities at school and at home. Many kids, especially adolescents, are going to bed later and later and are at risk of sleep deprivation. This affects three areas of a child’s development: psychological, physiological and psychosocial. All three are essential to a child's growth, learning ability and overall wellbeing. Sleep is vital to a child’s overall development and is as important as diet and exercise.

Sleep also strengthens a child’s immune systems and supports their ability to function properly on a daily basis. Children who do not get enough sleep show increased levels of aggressive behaviour, are less attentive and are much less active. Trying to catch up on sleep on weekends is not the answer and can still lead to severe sleep deprivation.

In this edition of SchoolTV, parents will learn about the importance of sleep and how sleep deprivation can have adverse effects on a child’s health and wellbeing.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to the Sleep edition of SchoolTV
https://cardijn.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/sleep

As part of their Certificate II in Electrotechnology, all students undertook CPR training during this week.

This important component of their qualification equips students with essential first aid skills and ensures they are prepared to respond confidently in emergency situations.

The training contributes to their competency requirements while supporting their development as safe and capable learners entering the electrotechnology field.

A message from Year 11 students Belle, Charlotte, and Ruby, whose goal is to raise awareness and funds for Project Compassion.

Project Compassion is Caritas Australia’s major annual Lent fundraising and awareness campaign that has ran for over 60 years, raising more than $290 million to fight against poverty, oppression and to promote justice.

On Wednesday this week, our College community gathered in a spirit of reflection and prayer to mark the beginning of Lent with Ash Wednesday liturgies or masses at each campus. This important day signals the start of the six-week journey leading up to Easter — a meaningful season in the Church year that invites us to pause, reflect, and grow in faith. Through prayer, quiet moments of thought, and simple acts of kindness, students were encouraged to consider their choices and how they can continue becoming the best versions of themselves.

Lent is also a time to recognise the many blessings in our lives while remembering those who experience hardship each day. It calls us to develop empathy, gratitude, and a deeper sense of responsibility for one another. During the liturgy, students received a small cross of ashes on their foreheads as a visible symbol of renewal and commitment.

In a recent reflection, Archbishop Patrick O’Regan reminded us of the powerful greeting of Jesus to his disciples: “Peace be with you.” He explained that these words are not just a wish, but an invitation to encounter Christ’s peace in our own lives, especially during times of fear or uncertainty. This message beautifully connects with the spirit of Lent, encouraging our community to carry Christ’s peace into everyday life through kindness, compassion, and thoughtful actions toward others.

Thank you.

Kate Bawden
Deputy Principal