Principal's Update

Our Lady of Fatima Rosebud - 'Happy Kids, Happy Teachers, Happy Parents'

Dear Families,

 

Congratulations for enduring yet another change so early in our new year together. The unsteadiness of our world has tested even those with the strongest resolve. Again, we find ourselves in a situation that requires both resilience and togetherness and so I reiterate my earlier messages to you all today to reassure you that Our Lady of Fatima School will be ready for whatever is asked of us in the coming weeks.

 

2021 is The Year of Grace. In its biblical sense it means that for the Church in Australia, the love of God will work within and move greatly the hearts of all in our Church. Move us back to Christ, move us to opening our hearts again to receive Him and know Him, and live His love as Church. It is a type of year’s retreat for the Church. It is “God’s love moving and working within us”.

 

However the literal definition of Grace is “disposition to, or an act of kindness, courtesy and clemency.” 

 

I truly believe that we can make 2021 a better year through grace. 

 

So how can we begin? 

 

I believe we need to show grace to our children, who have truly experienced social separation, educational disruption, and challenges that none of us have ever faced in our own lives. Our children have been forced out of their learning environments, learned new ways of gaining knowledge in front of screens, and have been isolated from their peers.  At times they may have acted out and found ways to seek our attention and test our patience. In the Year of Grace our challenge is to approach them with grace and understanding. 

This week we adapted again, but at every step we will always put our children first and choose a plan that has their best interests at heart. 

 

As we navigate another period of change, OLOF is aware that changes to routine may be challenging for some students and trigger anxiety.  The following resources may be helpful:

Smiling Mind Digital Care Packs for families

Parents and carers be kind to yourself - Berry Street

Tips from education experts to parents for remote learning (ABC online)

Raising Children Network - COVID 19 Parenting Guide

10 Tips to keep your child learning - information sheet for parents (Catholicschools parents NSW

 

Should you be concerned about your child’s wellbeing during this transition we encourage you to contact your child’s teacher and discuss your concerns. This will allow the school to establish plans to support and monitor your child’s learning and wellbeing requirements and check in with them more frequently. The wellbeing team is always there to support our families. 

It's also important to remember that everyone’s growth looks different . All children learn at different paces, in their own time, and all learners require different things to help with growth and achievement. The growth can happen at a quick pace and sometimes it takes more time and care. We know that as adults, learning new skills takes time and nurturing. We give ourselves that time to learn and we need to give our little ones this same grace. We are here to support both child and family in that process.

 

As always go gently this week and please know we are here every day.  If you have any concerns or require support, please contact us at school. There will always be a warm welcome on the other end of the phone.

God Bless,

Patrika Rowley

 

PRINCIPAL