PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Dear Parents and Carers
“I fully believe that goodness and life and creativity of the spirit exists between people, not within people.”
- Pastor Jon Owen
Last week, I referenced JRR Tolkien, author of The Lord of the Rings, and I made mention of other writers who have drawn from him lessons on how to live life, stay happy and be healthy. This week, I have drawn from Pastor Jon Owens, who runs the Wayside Chapel in Sydney, and his remarkable recipe for living a good life and staying mentally healthy. The quote above speaks to the very relational perspective that Jon brings to life and to his work, which involves working with the destitute in inner-Sydney. His attitude of hope was not lightly earned, for he himself has dealt with numerous setbacks and difficulties. The ABC article below both speaks to his journey and the wisdom he has gained, with his 6 rules that he lives by. My hope is that all families might find something of value and worth in his life story, or perhaps it might even be of benefit for someone you love.
Reports and Parent Teacher Interviews
The second half of Term 2 sees the teachers working particularly hard to gather and draw together assessments and data, in order to weave together the information required to informatively report on your child’s learning over Semester 1. Reports will be published via Compass Monday Week 10 (July 1st). Parent teacher interviews will take place in Week 9.
Bookings for Parents Teacher Interviews in Week 9 will open at 3:30pm on Friday (14th June) and will close at 3pm on Friday 21st of June. Teachers will be available on Monday 24th of June, Tuesday 25th June and Wednesday 26th June. Teachers will make themselves available until 6:30pm on the Tuesday evening. Reports will be issued on Monday of Week 10 following the interviews.
Student Achievement
Recent days has seen a number of students achieve considerable success and contribute to their broader community. Last Friday, Katie McGregor (Year 6 teacher) and I attended a presentation at the John Curtin Medical Research Centre, at the A.N.U., to see Indie G in Year 6 be recognised with her friend Zara for raising over $16 000 for brain cancer research. Indie and her friend achieved this by making, and selling, many jewellery items, including many earrings. It is by any measure a remarkable achievement, and I congratulate Indie for her selfless work and tireless dedication. I am very proud of her. Congratulations, Indie!
This Friday, two extraordinary athletes are representing the Woden regions at the A.C.T. Cross Country finals. Isabel W and Eve R, in the Under 12s and Under 8s respectively, will put their talents and abilities to good use, and compete for an opportunity to represent the A.C.T. at the National Trials. Again, I am very proud of the girls, and I wish them the very best this Friday.
Retreat Day and Confirmation
This Friday, all Year 6 students are participating in the Confirmation Retreat Day at Holy Trinity Church, Curtin. This is in conjunction with students from Holy Trinity. This day affords the students the opportunity to reflect upon their journey thus far, and to consider how their own gifts can be used for the betterment of the world around them. Our students who are receiving the Sacrament are doing so over one of two nights next week: either Tuesday June 18th or Wednesday June 19th. My thanks to Katie McGregor, Amanda Basedow, Fr John and the parish team, the staff here and at Holy Trinity and all parents, for their great support of our students.
Working Bee
A reminder that we are holding a Working Bee this Sunday at 9am at the school. I invite all parents to come along and contribute to the beautifying of our school. If you can make it, please email Samantha Mance at Samantha.mance@cg.catholic.edu.au
Have a wonderful week with your families.
Best wishes
Cameron Johns
Principal
