“There is an ancient belief, repeated in many religions and folklores, that to learn someone’s name is a way of getting power over them, or of gaining access to their power. We are familiar with a contemporary, internet equivalent: identity theft. In today’s extraordinary encounter with Moses in the Book of Exodus, God refuses to be tied down: ‘I am who I am.’”

Mark McKenna, Bishop of Bathurst

In the reflection above, which is based on last weekend’s Mass readings, Mark McKenna offers a reflection concerned with Moses’ encounter with God in the form of a burning bush. Moses experienced this encounter as a complete disruption to his daily expectations and his daily life. He experienced it as a call to be in a relationship with God and a call to serve. Our own encounters with God are similar: we experience them often in a way that is unexpected. They disrupt the status quo. Often they cannot be fully named: ‘I am who I am’. We know these moments are authentic when they lead to a larger vision of life and a more expansive and generous way of living and of seeing the world around us. In this season of Lent, let us take the time to live the unnameable.

First Reconciliation Presentation Mass

Last weekend, students in Year 3 who are making their First Reconciliation attended one of the Presentation Masses at the Parish of the Transfiguration, Curtin. The masses were a celebration of the step of faith that all sacraments entail. They were also celebrations of the fact that we are part of something bigger than ourselves, namely, our Parish, and through it, the wider Church. My thanks to our 3/4 teachers and our Religious Education Coordinator, Steph Burns, for coordinating our involvement in the Masses. This Friday, all of our Year 3 students will take part in the Reconciliation Retreat Day, which will be run by Steph, our teachers – Paul Jenkins, Sarah Walsh and Josh Gereis - and Maddie Greenwood, our Youth Ministry Coordinator.

NAPLAN Practice Day

On Thursday of next week, March 31^st, we are holding a NAPLAN practice day for all students in Years 3 and 5. This year, NAPLAN will be largely held online (with writing being the exception). NAPLAN itself will be in early Term 2.

School Photos

On Monday of Week 10, we are having our annual school photos. I am aware that we have had significant numbers of students away lately, due to health reasons and family needs around isolation. Given that there is a good chance that the photo day may well see similar numbers of students away, the school is currently investigating the possibility of having a second, make-up day for any students who may not be present on the Monday of the school photos. Parents will be kept updated on any further dates.

COVID Procedures Update

For the remainder of the term, the procedures we have in the school (for example, the wearing of masks, the grade cohorting of the students, etc.) will continue. I am hopeful that these restrictions may ease next term, as they have in other areas of life in Canberra. On the other hand, we are all aware too of the daily infection count across Canberra, and the impact the virus is having on many schools. It is difficult to say, at this stage, what Term 2 might look like. All principals have a weekly meeting with CE around COVID and its attendant issues and I will communicate with the parent body as soon as possible any changes that may be in place for next term.

Have a wonderful week with your families.

Best wishes

Cameron Johns

Principal