Dear Parents and Carers

“It is authenticity as a withdrawal from unauthenticity, and the withdrawal is never complete and always precarious. The greatest of saints have not only their oddities but also their defects, and it is not some but all of us that pray, not out of humility but in truth, to be forgiven our trespasses as we forgive those that trespass against us.”

Bernard Lonergan SJ, Method in Theology

The late Jesuit theologian and philosopher Bernard Lonergan writes above of ‘authenticity as a withdrawal from unauthenticity.’ Where Lonergan uses authenticity, we could also use ‘health’, ‘wellness’, ‘redeemed or redemption’, and so on. His point, challenging as it is, is that all of us are in constant need to attend to that within us that contributes to disharmony in the world, in whatever form that make take. It is a journey that is lifelong. This weekend, our Year 3 students who are receiving the sacrament of Reconciliation, are being presented at one of the parish Masses, either on Saturday night or on Sunday. It is a public witness, by the children and their families, to the human need of sacrament of Reconciliation, and an ongoing step in their own lifelong journey of authenticity.

Executive Director Appointment

On Friday, the Archdiocese received the very pleasing news that David de Carvalho has been appointed as the next Executive Director of Catholic Education, Archdiocese of Canberra/Goulburn. David has been the Chair of ACARA (Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority) and more recently has been working at Notre Dame University, Sydney. David brings a wealth of experience and insight into education and will bring many gifts to the role. Please see the announcement, in this newsletter, from Catholic Education and the Archbishop.

Carline

The beginning of the school year always brings with it a period of transition and adjustment. A reminder please that the afternoon carline is designed for the smooth pickup of children, who are waiting in the carline. I would ask all parents please to refrain from parking in the carline and leaving their cars to collect their child from some prearranged part of the school. Again, for safety reasons, I would ask please all parents to not park on the nature strip outside the Church, on the curb of Wisdom Street. Cars who are exiting the carpark are having difficulty seeing oncoming traffic, as their line-of-sight is impeded. For the safety and wellbeing of all road and car users, please do not park on the nature strips. Thank you for your support.

Year 5 Camp

Today, our wonderful Year 5 students traveled by bus to Berry, for a 3-day camp. Joining our campers are the Year 5 teachers – Sam Stinziani and Sarah Cunneen – as well as Samantha Mance and Luke Gubler. My thanks to all of our staff for their efforts and care of the children on camp.

Principals’ Retreat

Next week, the annual Principals’ Retreat will take place at Bowral, N.S.W. Joining all 56 principals will be senior leaders within Catholic Education, including the Interim Director, Pam Betts, and the incoming Director, David de Carvalho. The retreat’s focus is on spiritual gifts and charisms, and the way they can be used in leadership. In my absence, Samantha Mance will very capably lead the school.

PT interviews

In Week 6, on Tuesday and Wednesday, parents will have the opportunity to attend Parent/Teacher interviews. A note will be sent home next Monday, via Compass, and will provide parents to make an online booking to see their child’s or children’s teachers. I encourage all parents to make a time to see their child’s teacher. Parents will also receive an Interim Report.

Finally, no doubt all parents have heard, through the news, of the illness of Pope Francis. I would ask all parents to keep the Pope in your prayers.

Have a wonderful week with your families.

Best wishes

Cameron Johns

Principal