Principal's Update
Dear Parents and Carers,
This week I came across an article by Vinita Hampton Wright. She shares a reflection on hope and what it means to us in this the season of Advent;
A driving dynamic of Advent is hope. If we had nothing to hope for, there would be no point to this season. The original hope was for a child to be born who would bring justice and peace to the world and who would heal the rift between humanity and God. But that larger hope is filled with smaller ones—daily hopes that can shape us as people.
Some hopes will shape our relationships. The Christ Child grew to be a man who embodied forgiveness and generosity. A life of hope sees the good in others, is patient with their shortcomings, and tenaciously envisions them at their best.
Some hopes will shape our life work. The promised Messiah proclaimed God’s realm of justice and mercy. No matter what jobs we do or work positions we hold, as hopeful people we maintain fairness and integrity as short-term and long-term goals. We make our work matter for the common good.
Some hopes will shape our character. Jesus exemplified hope that cultivates true interior freedom. A hopeful person cannot continue in anxiety, grasping need for control, and habitual anger.
How is hope visible in your life? Where has it faded?
Farewell and Thank You
As we welcome new students and families in 2023, we sadly say farewell to some of our staff who are moving on. On behalf of the school community I would like to acknowledge the wonderful contributions of Andre DeLorenzo, Penny Knight, Amy-Ruth Morris and Keri Steel. We thank them immensely and wish them all the very best for the next chapter of their lives.
Goodbye & Thank you from Penny
As you are aware, Penny has been absent from school for the past few weeks due to an injury suffered from a fall. We will ask Penny to return at some stage early next year to give her a proper farewell, but she has asked that the following message be put on this week’s newsletter;
Over the past 15 years I have had the privilege of being a parent and teacher in the St. Mary’s School community. I have had the good fortune to meet, work with and care for so many amazing professionals, staff members, families and children. I take away with me a wealth of knowledge and many happy memories.
Thank you to Mick, Father Michael, and the wonderful staff members - past & present - for the guidance, support and love that has been given to me. Thank you to all the students and their families who I have had the very good fortune to learn and grow with. I feel extremely grateful for all the opportunities I have been given and for the relationships I have made.
I am so disappointed that my accident has meant that I have not been able to be at school for the last few weeks to finish up and say my goodbyes in person. Whilst I look forward to new beginnings at St.Therese Primary School in Torquay, I know that St. Mary’s is truly a special community that I will miss deeply.
Thank you to everybody who has impacted my life - in some way you all have.
See you & God bless. Penny x
Deepest Sympathy
Our deepest sympathy goes out to Mathew and Bec Dent (Isabelle Gr 6 Jodie/Deb and Hamish Gr 3 Maegen) on the passing of Bec’s father, Doug Swanson, last week. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Liturgy / End Of Year Picnic
Our end of year graduation liturgy was held last night and was a beautiful occasion as we bid farewell to our Grade 6 students. Unfortunately, we had to cancel the picnic following the liturgy due to inclement weather. However, I believe many families did their own special thing to celebrate the evening. Thank you to all who attended the liturgy and made the night such a memorable occasion for the children.
Pupil Free Day
A reminder to everyone that the children’s first day next year will be Tuesday 31st January. Teachers will be participating in professional development on the Monday. This is a different start date to all other Colac schools, so please make sure you put it in the diary.
Merry Christmas
This is the final newsletter for this year, so I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and merry Christmas. Take the time to relax and enjoy this special time of the year with your loved ones.
I would also like to thank everybody in the school community for their overwhelming support this year, in what has been a particularly difficult time for me personally with the passing of my dear mother, Lorraine. I couldn’t have got through the rest of the year without the amazing support I have had from the whole school community.
I look forward to seeing you all return safe and ready for a great 2023!
Enjoy the rest of your week and happy holidays!
Enjoy the rest of your week.
Michael Mahoney
(Principal)