Dear Parents and Carers.

“When Jesus selected leaders, he ignored every popular idea of his day (and ours) about what kind of person could fit the role. Jesus’ band of disciples started out untrained and without influence – a motely group for world change…He saw in them something no one else did…”

Joyce Rupp, The Cup of our Life

Joyce Rupp’s words provide solace and balm for us all. Whether we are in formal leadership positions or not, we can often carry around external markers of success about how we are travelling. This mentality can creep into our lives as parents and spouses or partners. Jesus reminds us, as we travel through the season of Lent, that we are good enough as we are. Our only ‘job’, as it were, is to be open to being in relationship with Jesus, with God, with the Spirit who moves through our days and our lives and finds us where we least expect it to happen.

NAPLAN

Last week, our students in Years 3 & 5 sat their NAPLAN tests, which is compulsory for all Years 3 & 5 students across Australia, short of those students who have permission to be exempt. The tests are earlier this year in comparison to other years. Normally, NAPLAN tests take place in the second week of Term 2. The earlier tests mean that schools and parents will receive the data earlier in the year, in comparison to other years. For schools, this will enable us to better plan and meet any general areas that need attention, with a significant amount of time left in the teaching year. I am proud of all our Years 3 & 5 students for sitting the tests, and my thanks to our Years 3 & 5 teachers, for their support of our students. I would also like to thank Anna Williams and Paul Jenkins, for their organisation and coordination of the tests.

Harmony Day

Yesterday, like many schools, we celebrated Harmony Day. Harmony Day reminds us of the inherent dignity of all people, whatever their creed, nationality, political views, or any other defining feature of their identity. Harmony Day asks us to respect our own sense of self, while simultaneously going beyond our own borders and finding common ground with others. We celebrated Harmony Day with a liturgy, at 12pm. I would like to thank our Year 1 teachers and students for leading us in our Harmony Day reflections.

Reconciliation Retreat Day

This Friday, our Year 3 students are having their Retreat Day, centered on the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Our students are sharing the day with staff and students from Holy Trinity, Curtin, who are also going through the program. It will be an excellent day for the children. I would like to thank our Year 3 teachers, Sarah Walsh, Gayle Hunt and Paul Jenkins, for their great support and help and our REC, Veronica Hall, for her leadership and organisation.

Cross Country Carnival

A reminder that next Friday, March 31^st, we are holding our annual Cross Country Carnival, at Eddison Park. All grades will be involved. My thanks to Sarah Walsh and Luke Gubler for organising the carnival. Parents are most welcome to attend, and we are always looking for more volunteers. If you are able to volunteer some time, please contact Sarah or Luke via their emails (sarah.walsh@cg.catholic.edu.au and luke.gubler@cg.catholic.edu.au), or via the front office.

Have a wonderful week with your families.

Best wishes

Cameron Johns

Principal