PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Dear Parents and Carers
“Transform jealousy, anger, bitterness and hatred rather than give them back in kind.”
Ronald Rolheiser, Sacred Fire
Continuing our theme of Rolheiser’s ‘10 Commandments for the Long Haul’, his third commandment is quoted above. He goes on to write, “Any pain or tension that we do not transform we will transmit.” We know this intuitively to be true. We can see it play out in the pattern of some of our own actions and no doubt in the actions of others. We have all met angry, bitter people and wondered what it was in their life that left them that way. Perhaps we have had moments of reflection where we fear we are heading the same way. I marvel at the many people I have met who seem to defy conventional wisdom and not seek to repay hurt with hurt; or anger with greater anger; or who can forgive when our broader culture encourages revenge. The Australian philosopher Raimond Gaita touches on a similar theme when he writes of love and mercy offending reason. And yet it is love and mercy that provides space so that we change and grow, as difficult as that can be.
Sport
Despite the fact that COVID-19 has put restrictions on a great deal of life, fortunately some things are still able to go ahead. I have written of netball and soccer happening, courtesy of the good will and time of many parents. Coming up in two weeks, we have two teams from Sts Peter and Paul attending a touch football gala day. This is a great opportunity for the children to be involved in some sport at the level of competition and it will be good for the children to have an ‘extra-curricular’ activity. My thanks to Mary de Smet for organising the day and for Luke Gubler and Sarah Walsh for attending on the day and coaching and supporting the teams. We are also looking forward to holding our own modified Cross Country carnival later this term – details to follow. In one piece of unfortunate news, the Boorowa Touch Football and Netball carnival has been cancelled due to COVID-19.
Mental Health
You have probably been aware of news reports from Victoria concerning alarming spikes in mental health. These health concerns are not limited to Victoria of course, and although Canberra has been both prudent and lucky in its dealing with COVID-19, mental health can be a fragile thing and it is something we cannot take for granted. I encourage all families and parents, if I may, to remain aware and vigilant for any signs of mental ill-health. Isolation can lead to feelings of desperation and despair and if we are not careful, they can become habits of thought. Staying positive and keeping an eye on others requires, at times, a conscious effort, when the times are so trying.
https://www.lifelinecanberra.org.au/get-help/
https://www.wcs.org.au/services/mental-health
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
https://catholiccare.cg.org.au/
Please let me or school staff know if we can do anything to support you or your family.
Peer Mentoring
This term, all teachers are involved in a Peer Mentoring program. All teachers (including me) have been paired with a colleague, and each teacher sees the other teach a lesson and provides some feedback. Due to the busy nature of the profession, it can be difficult sometimes for teachers to see each other teach. Consequently, it can be hard to get feedback about our approach and, like all professions, teachers thrive on feedback. Teachers have a choice about the lesson they teach and when they teach the subject.
Have a wonderful week with your families.
Best wishes
Cameron Johns
Principal