Dear Parents and Carers

“No one learns to hope alone.”

• Pope Francis

This simple but profound quote from Pope Francis makes its point with direct simplicity: that community is essential for us all. In this particular example, the virtue of hope cannot thrive without community and without relationships. These are difficult and trying times, and in such times, hope can be among the first casualties. Our challenge as a community is to find hope and to share it with others. On the days where hope seems to be in a little shorter supply, let us have the courage and vulnerability to lean on each other. Hope is contagious and another person’s hope can sustain us during a period of trial. Community is essential for us all.

Assemblies

Whole school assemblies are ways of building and sustaining community. In this period of lockdown, we are trying to find new ways of connecting and having events, in an online forum. Last Monday we held our first morning assembly, which appeared to work well. This will be repeated again this Monday. This Thursday, and the Thursday after, we are holding an Awards Assembly, and we are working with our Year 6 leaders to lead us in our assembly online. It will be another excellent opportunity for the whole school to connect. I will email a link to the parent body, in the same way that a link to last Friday’s whole school parent meeting was emailed to all parents.

Archbishop’s Message and Catholic Social Justice Statement

The Archbishop has recently written a message about Euthanasia and the attempted passing of a bill through the ACT Legislative Assembly. The Archbishop is presenting a perspective that draws from an understanding that all life is gifted to us from God and that all persons are made in God’s image. The Archbishop’s message is attached to this newsletter. Again, drawing on the understanding that all life is infinitely precious, the Australian Bishops have released their Social Justice Statement. In a paragraph from the online homepage from the statement, it says, “The Social Justice Statement 2021-22 provides theological foundations to ground and inspire efforts to care for creation while responding to the needs of the disadvantaged and excluded. The Statement reflects on creation in and through the Trinity; the sacramentality of all created things; the wonder and beauty available to the contemplative eye; and the need for conversion and change of life.” This pandemic affects the vulnerable in our community the most; in such a time as this, the Statement speaks to our condition in a way that is striking. A link to the document can be found here https://socialjustice.catholic.org.au/2021/06/24/social-justice-statement-2021-22/

Remote Learning

We are now halfway through the first week of what we are calling our ‘long lockdown’, that is, two weeks or more, of a lockdown. The teachers are working tirelessly to make learning as effective and accessible as possible. I would like to publically acknowledge and thank them for their great labours for the children. Similarly, I know that for parents this new way of learning adds (for many) a layer of stress to what is already a stressful situation. Please be assured that we are readily and easily contactable. If something is not working the way it is intended, please contact me, or your child’s teachers, for assistance. We are also learning as we go and making adjustments accordingly. I am very proud of the whole school community – the school staff, the parents and of course, the children – for the way they have embraced remote learning, and the way they are making it work.

Have a wonderful week with your families.

Best wishes

Cameron Johns

Principal