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Dear Parents and Carers,
I write this from Adelaide where I am connecting with Principals from around Australia at the national APPA (Australian Primary Principal Association) Conference. It would be true to say that whilst the professional learning and engagement here is very good, I am indeed missing St Pat’s and my daily connections with our students and teachers and the joys of learning that I get to share in on a daily basis!
Last Friday I was at the Key Personnel Day in Canberra – a day for Parish Priests, Principals and Religious Education Coordinators in our diocese. The purpose of the gathering each year is to meet and listen to each other, to hear from Archbishop Christopher Prowse, and to discuss many issues related to our identity as Catholic schools and about Religious Education in our schools. We also spent time looking at the sacramental programs in the Archdiocese.
I would like to share this week something that comes from a speaker at last week’s meeting in Canberra and has resonated in some themes on principal, staff and student wellbeing, learning and growth from the key note speakers at this APPA conference. It is about Justice and Mercy. And, specifically the justice and mercy people seek depending on their part in any interaction that hasn’t gone well. I wonder if we each, as adults, can name a recent time when we sought justice for ourselves, or indeed mercy. I wonder if we can recall the last time we sought justice or mercy for our child.
Consider this: Another child hurts your child with words or actions. What do you seek for the child that caused the hurt to your child? Justice or Mercy.
Now consider this: Your child hurts someone else with their words or actions. What do you seek for your child who caused the hurt to another? Justice or Mercy.
It is interesting to ponder. I think it would be true for most of us as parents that the answer to these questions may be different.
It struck me deeply as at primary school our focus is young children – we meet the children when they are 5 years old and journey with them until they are 12 years old. Our focus is on our students, your children. As children they are continuing to learn about themselves, learn about belonging to (a class and school) Community, learning to grow through making mistakes and making wiser choices with their words and actions into the future. As parents and teachers we coach, guide, counsel, support, teach, reteach and continue to have high expectations that through childhood our children learn how to productively, actively and supportively participate in Community. I would like to offer my thanks to all of our parents and carers for all you do each day to support the growth and development of your child and for working in partnership with us at school, and recognise the place of justice and mercy in the journey.
The Holy Father (Pope Francis) explains that justice and mercy "are not two contradictory realities, but two dimensions of a single reality that unfolds progressively until it culminates in the fullness of love”. The Catholic Care Report.
I look forward to being back at St Pat’s for (most of) next week!
Blessings,
Jo
Yesterday was THANKYOU THURSDAY, on behalf of the staff thank you for;
- Supporting the transition to our new Community Council.
- Safely picking up your children from school.
- Approaching teachers when the need to communicate a concern or celebration arises.
- Packing fruit in your child’s lunch box.
- Sending your children to school in full school uniform.
- Reading with your children of an evening.
- Supporting our school canteen.
- Supporting the Father’s Day stall.
- Attending the Father’s Day breakfast.
- Filling in the school survey.
This weekend we will gather as a community for our CONNECT MASS. This is an opportunity to gather in celebration and prayer. Please join us on Sunday at 5pm in the school hall for activities lead by students from Lumen Christi followed by Mass.
Next week Alleta, the dance teacher will be here to begin preparations for the 2019 dance concert-TO THE 90s and BEYOND. Each class are performing to a song crafted between now and the 1990s. The excitement of costumes will begin next week, if you are willing to support your classroom teacher throughout this endeavour please let them know.
Last week we had a visit from Martin Chatterton a successful author and illustrator. He has written dozens of children's books, mainly for upper primary. Three of our students, Kirra Seenan, Edward Tomlinson and Jake Smith were lucky enough to be Martin’s subject as he demonstrated his talent for storytelling and cartooning. These three art works will be framed and displayed in the library.
Enjoy family time over the weekend.
Book Week Celebrations:
Many thanks to all those who participated in the Book Week Parade. There were many varied costumes from a range of genre, good to see some Non-Fiction showing up. Especially great to is so many families
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The Theme of this year was READING IS MY SECRET POWER. –a truly lasting statement—Keep reading together, they are the special times.
Last week students had the opportunity to take home a Book Club Order Form. Please ensure you pick the books with your children.
Keep munching on those books together- they open up a whole new world. Enjoy.Please return orders by Thurs 12th Sept. 2019
Pat Platts
Teacher Librarian.
Uniform shop now has second hand items available on QKR!
These items can be viewed by selecting the 'Second Hand' tab on the uniform shop screen. We have very limited stock so if you have any items you would like to donate please send them in. 100 percent of proceeds go towards Community Council Fundraising. We kindly request that all donated items are cleaned and in good condition. Items with holes and stains cannot be accepted.
The canteen requires a volunteer, urgently, for Monday the 16th September. If you are able to help please contact the school office, 6492 5500