Dear Parents and Carers

“I often think God might be too quiet for the noise of the world, just like the elm trees and my parish church. Pope Francis writes that we find God in those little things. We find him when we say thank you, please and sorry. In a world of bad manners and bad speech, those words are the “the keys that open the way to a well-lived life, to a life of peace”. In that peace we might find forgiveness, asked and given.”

Stan Grant, ‘Praying for Pope Francis’

In the weekend edition of The Saturday Paper, Stan Grant writes of the Pope’s illness and recent time in hospital. He refers to Pope Francis’ recently published biography, Hope, and uses it as a reflection on the passing of time and the changing of seasons. Pope Francis’ latest brush with illness reminds us all of the importance of relationships and what really counts in life. I would ask all our parents to keep the Pope in our prayers.

Year 5 Camp

Last week, our Year 5 students enjoyed a 3-day camp experience at Berry, N.S.W. The students had a wonderful time and enjoyed all the activities and experiences. They were joined by one of our neighboring Catholic schools, Sacred Heart at Pearce, which added to the enjoyment. My thanks to Sam Stinziani and Sarah Cunneen, and Luke Gubler and Sam Mance, for looking after our students so well.

Ash Wednesday Mass

A reminder that the season of Lent begins this Wednesday with Ash Wednesday. We will be celebrating Ash Wednesday with a Mass at 12pm in the school hall. All parents are invited. My thanks to our excellent REC, Andrea McQuirk, for organising the Mass.

P/T Interviews

Next week, our school is holding Parent/Teacher interviews, for all classes, from K – 6. Yesterday, Mrs. Mance sent home, via Compass, booking details for the interviews. I encourage all of our parents to make a time to visit their child’s teacher and touch base about his or her progress. At the interviews, parents will also be given their child’s Interim Report which details their work and behavior attitudes. Bookings close on Friday at 3pm. My thanks to all of our teachers for their support, and to Sam Mance, for coordinating the interviews.

NAPLAN

Next week, NAPLAN assessments begin for our students in Years 3 and 5. NAPLAN is an important assessment and provides a useful snapshot of both individual students and grade cohorts, and can also provide schools with useful information around the way that students are tracking over time. It is important to remember, too, that it is one piece of assessment on one day. To gain an overall and accurate picture of a student’s growth in learning, several assessment points are needed. A timetable was sent out yesterday to parents of Years 3 and 5 students. My thanks to our teachers for their support, and to Fron Garrett-Rumba, Sam Mance and Paul Jenkins, for coordinating the school’s involvement in NAPLAN.

Colour Run

A reminder that Friday Week 7 sees our inaugural Colour Run take place! All students are involved and participating. Parents may donate money if they would like. All funds raised will go towards new playground equipment for the senior students.

Principals’ Retreat

A reminder that I am away this week, from Tuesday afternoon to Friday, at the annual Principals’ Retreat, in Bowral. In my absence, Sam Mance will very capably lead the school. I look forward to seeing students, staff and parents next week, after the long weekend.

Have a wonderful week ahead, and excellent long weekend, with your families.

Best wishes

Cameron Johns

Principal