Dear Parents and Carers

“Gratitude is one of the most difficult virtues. Generosity’s actually easier…gratitude’s well, a debt, imposed by a kindness emanating from outside ourselves: someone pitching in with the dishes when we’re all alone at the sink, someone showing up at the hospital bedside when we thought suffering alone was more noble, someone bestowing existence on us when we didn’t exist and could do nothing to have deserved such an invitation.”

William O’Malley, S.J.

We have come to the end of a school term and I’m sure it will be unsurprising to parents to read that for the school community, it has not been the easiest of school terms, or even of semesters. This statement includes, as well, the parent body. I know that for many parents the extra stresses that COVID-19 has put on family life have been draining and difficult. Therefore I would like to record my thanks and deep gratitude to the many people who have made the term such a good term: the staff who have worked tirelessly; the parent body for their unwavering support; and the students for their good humour, grace and diligence in their work. Thank you all for your hard work and support. Every person’s contribution has mattered a great deal.

Sts Peter and Paul Feast Day

On Monday we celebrated our feast day. It is always a good day to stop and reflect upon the leadership of two men whose lives took them in directions they would not have dreamed of, as a result of their encounter with Jesus. So it is with us, whenever we experience a great love. Our lives are usually transformed by such an encounter, always in such a way that we see things anew and nothing quite looks the same again. The greater the love, the greater the transformation. Peter and Paul were two people who would have faded into history were it not for their encounter with Jesus. On Monday, the children had a grade or stage prayer liturgy in the morning and then after recess, they were divided across the school in mixed vertical age groupings, almost always with a teacher different from their normal class teacher. The children also received a small present. The staff enjoyed a special lunch and also each received a small gift. My thanks to all staff for their great support of the day, and especially to our excellent REC, Stephanie Burns, for organising and coordinating such a good day.

Parent/Teacher Interviews

Last week we held our Parent/Teacher interviews. It was encouraging to see so many parents book a time. A survey will come home early next term seeking your thoughts about the way we held the interviews (using zoom), and whether this might be a regular way of conducting the interviews. The staff will also be surveyed. The general feedback I have had has been very positive but I will be seeking a more detailed response, so I welcome your thoughts.

Reports

Your child’s report will be coming home today. A reminder that only 4 subjects have received an A – E mark: Maths, English, Religious Education and one other subject. This reflects the learning interruptions brought on by COVID-19. There are also no comments. The ‘Work Habits’ has been broadened to include learning habits. These changes are common to all A.C.T. Catholic primary schools and reflect a system-wide change. Semester Two’s report will see all grades receive an A – E result.

Term 3

A reminder that Term 3 begins on Monday July 20 and in that week we are having soccer clinics for the children, which they will no doubt enjoy.

I hope the holiday period offers all parents and families a chance to have a break and rejuvenate, and spend some time together doing things you enjoy. Thank you all again for your great support and I look forward to seeing all families again next term.

Best wishes

Cameron Johns

Principal