Dear Parents and Carers

“His final winter recalled King Lear reflecting on what matters most in governing: human beings, each of equal high value, whom rulers serve, and particularly those most hidden and most in need. Attending to the value of each human being dispels fear and builds solidarity…”

Andrew Hamilton SJ, ‘The Winter of our Discontents’

In a very recent article for ‘Eureka Street’, the Jesuit priest Andrew Hamilton writes of the season of winter, which we have just entered, as being a metaphor for struggles and disappointments. He suggests that at times, such disappointments can spill over to our view of our leaders, both political and otherwise. He also suggests that such views ultimately do not help the common good. He concludes with a reference to King Lear, with a reflection on what leadership can and should accomplish. The link to the article can be found here: The content of our winter (eurekastreet.com.au)

Reconciliation Week

This week we celebrate Reconciliation Week. Katie McGregor has provided all teachers with reference materials to assist in the teaching of themes related to Reconciliation Week. Many of our Indigenous brothers and sisters could fit into the category described by Andrew Hamilton, in the quote above: “…hidden and most in need.” In 1994, I began my teaching career in a Kimberley Indigenous Community named Kurrurungku (Wallaby) in Walmajarri, the local language. My experience there, which was profoundly formative, left me in no doubt that there is more than one story we can tell, about almost any aspect of the narrative of this country. Reconciliation Week honours those stories that are most hidden and in need of telling. Please see here for a link to the ACARA Australian Curriculum, with reference to Indigenous perspectives. https://v9.australiancurriculum.edu.au/teacher-resources/understand-this-cross-curriculum-priority/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-histories-and-cultures

Student Social and Emotional Wellbeing

Last week, we were fortunate to have Laura Lamerton, our School Counsellor, present a talk to parents on social and emotional needs of students, with specific reference to wellbeing post COVID. Attached to this newsletter is a copy of the PowerPoint which Laura used. I have also included the electronic referral form, should you wish your son or daughter to undertake a counselling session or sessions, with Laura. https://catholiccare.force.com/housing/s/school-referral-form

Student Achievement

At the recent PSSA Swimming Championships, several our students did very well, and were equally supportive of each other. Congratulations to Stella Holm, Ava and Zoe Tran, Lucas Sloan, and Will Salter, all of whom swam personal bests, with Lucas coming second in his 50m backstroke event and Will Salter coming first in his event. Congratulations Stella, Ava, Zoe, Lucas and Will: I am very proud of you all.

PSSA Cross Country and Athletics Carnival

Still on the theme of sport, the South Canberra PSSA for Cross Country, was due to take place today. It has been postponed until next Wednesday, June 8. Cathy Shepherd and I will also attend and look after our competitors. Thursday next week sees our annual Athletics Carnival take place. My thanks to Sarah Kennelly, for all her work in coordinating these events.

Confirmation Presentation Masses

Presentation Masses are taking place this weekend for all our Year 6 students who are receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation this year. The students and their families may attend one of the parish Masses at Curtin this weekend and be presented to, and prayed for by members of the parish. My thanks to our REC Steph Burns; Sarah Kennelly and Luke Gubler, our Year 6 teachers; and Monsignor John Woods, for their great support and help.

Have a wonderful week with your families.

Best wishes

Cameron Johns

Principal