Dear Parents and Carers

“The hobbits’ ability to remain cheerful and unbowed in face of hardship and suffering is one of their most endearing qualities…Many religious philosophers, like St Augustine, urge us to rejoice and be glad, because life is short, suffering is temporary and our true home is in heaven, where our reward will be great.”

“Tolkien’s Six Keys to Happiness” – Gregory Bassham

I am currently working with some students in the Year 6 Reading Extension Program. We are reading Part 1 of J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic, The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien was a Catholic and many of his writings have Christian themes woven through them. One question we have been wrestling with is, ‘Why was the most powerful object in Middle Earth entrusted to one the least powerful characters?’ The students have also read an essay by Gregory Bassham, titled ‘Tolkien’s Six Keys to Happiness’. It is a wonderful essay. The second key is called, ‘Make Light of your Troubles’. The quote above addresses that very idea. We know that life carries with it demands that at times can feel heavy. Tolkien, through the characters of the hobbits, urges us to make light of our troubles and keep them in perspective, knowing that they are passing. What remain are faith, hope and love, and the gifts we make of them in the lives of others.

Book Fair

Last week, we held our annual Book Fair in the library. It was, as always, a very popular event for our community. We had many families visit the library and many children were excited about the varieties of books that were available to purchase. My thanks to Amanda Basedow for her excellent work, and to the many staff who assisted with staffing the fair.

Athletics Carnival

My very great gratitude continues, and I would like to express my thanks to our Sports Coordinator, Luke Gubler, for organizing an excellent carnival last Thursday. We were blessed with the weather and the children had a very enjoyable day. My thanks too to the many parent volunteers we had – we couldn’t have done it without you – and to the staff for their excellent support. My great thanks too to the senior students at St Mary MacKillop College, who provided great assistance.

Student Achievement

Continuing the themes of sport, yesterday we had 50 students participate in the PSSA Cross Country Carnival. One of our students has progressed to the A.C.T. Finals: Isabel W, 6W. My congratulations to Isabel, who came first in her race. A wonderful acheivement! 

Indie G has also used her gifts in a way that deserves particular mention. On Friday, Indie is being recognized at a ceremony at the John Curtin Medical Research Centre, A.N.U., for raising a substantial amount of funds for brain cancer research. Indie and her friend raised the funds by creating and selling their own jewelry. Congratulations to Indie for a wonderful achievement and a great recognition of your generosity and gifts.

Confirmation Stole Night & PJ Day

A reminder that this Thursday afternoon, at 5.30, parents and students in Year 6, who are receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation this year, are gathering with other students in the hall at Holy Trinity, Curtin, to make stoles for the sacramental night. My thanks to Amanda Basedow for coordinating the evening. On Friday, a reminder we are holding our Vinnies Winter Appeal, and students are encouraged to wear PJs for the day, and bring in a donation of warm clothing or toiletries. Again, my thanks to Amanda Basedow for coordinating the day.

School Reports and Parent Teacher Interviews

As we enter the second half of the school term, teachers are very busy preparing the Semester 1 reports. Reports will be published via Compass on the afternoon of Monday in Week 10 (July 1^st). Parent/Teacher interviews will take place in Week 9. Online booking forms will be made available to parents in the coming days.

Have a wonderful week with your families.

Best wishes

Cameron Johns

Principal